---- Chapter 1 "Adeline, are you sure you want to join the research program?" My mentor, Erica Graham, asked. Her eyes sparkled with hope, as she feared I might refuse again. She added, "You've always said you wanted to stay here, get married, and settle down. What made you change your mind?" I took the confidentiality agreement from her hand and signed it without hesitation. I explained, " Something bad happened yesterday. It made me realize my future matters more than being with him. "And because I still have feelings for him, that's exactly why I can't marry him. Otherwise, I'd spend every day hoping he might turn around and care about me again." ---- Erica let out a soft sigh, then nodded in satisfaction as she accepted the signed document. "That's exactly the mindset you need. You're my favorite student, and it's a good thing you've woken up early." She walked me to the door and advised me softly, "If you still can't let go, at least say goodbye properly." Stratminster's winter chill was biting cold. I hunched my shoulders, nodding with a smile. "Sure." I wasn't in the best mood, so I went to my favorite bakery to get myself a strawberry shortcake as comfort. I had just finished paying when I turned around to see my fiance, Nicholas Olsen, standing there, his brow furrowed and his eyes full of reproach. "You know Maddy's birthday is today, and she loves strawberry shortcakes. Did you purposely buy the last one? Adeline, are you really that jealous of her?" His glare was hurtful, so I turned my face away to avoid his gaze. I replied calmly, "I didn't even know it's her birthday until you told me. The owner's still here, you can customize a cake to make it more ---- special." Nicholas' expression turned colder. "You don't even like strawberries. Can't you just let her have it?" I took a deep breath, trying my best to stay composed. "who said I-" "Enough!" He cut me off mid-sentence, obviously furious. "If Maddy hadn't saved your life, you wouldn't even be standing here, fighting over a cake! If I had known you'd be this ungrateful, we would've left you to die after you got hit by the car!" After saying this, he forcefully snatched the cake from my hands and warned me coldly, ''Forget about this cake-it's ours now. And don't even think about throwing a tantrum." Iclenched my fists tightly, took a deep breath, and regained my composure. "Fine. If Maddy wants it, then she can have it." Nicholas paused as he stepped outside, then turned slightly to look at me. "Drop the passive-aggressive tone. Maddy wants to see you, so get in the car." ---- I nodded and instinctively reached for the passenger side, but he stopped me. "Back seat. The front's reserved for Maddy." I understood immediately and quietly slid into the back. The entire car reeked of Maddy's favorite peach fragrance. I hated the scent so much that the moment I got out, I threw up right on the curb. When Nicholas saw this, he frowned in disgust. "How dramatic-it's just a car ride. Hurry up and get inside when you're done. Don't keep everyone waiting for you."