Chapter 1

Everyone in high society knew that the cold-hearted billionaire Jackson had given up on his childhood friend he'd waited seven years for and started dating.

More importantly, his new girlfriend was disabled, with only one eye.

When Jackson brought me to my first charity gala, everyone was startled by my purple cosmetic prosthetic eye.

But Jackson pulled me into his arms.

"She became like this to save me. If any of you say one more word, you're making an enemy of me."

I looked up at him with complete dependence while others retreated awkwardly.

Then suddenly, a gentle female voice came from behind me.

"Is that Jackson? Long time no see."

The body holding me instantly tensed up, and even his heartbeat accelerated.

I suddenly understood—this was his childhood friend, the one he loved but couldn't have.

Jackson's arms around me recoiled as if shocked, and the usually cold man actually started stuttering.

"You—you're not in Australia?"

The woman paused, then smiled.

"I missed you, so I came back."

My heart trembled and clenched tightly.

Fortunately, Jackson frowned.

"Aren't you in a relationship? What are you talking about?"

The woman laughed.

"We have twenty years of history. Fate brought us together before we were even born. Between friends, can't I miss you?"

Jackson seemed to remember something, his expression shifting slightly as he took half a step forward, creating distance between us.

"Violet, you've been gone so many years, I thought you—"

Violet tilted her head, interrupting him.

"Jackson, is this your girlfriend? Her eye—"

Jackson snapped back to attention and grabbed my arm, yanking me behind him.

Pulled by the sudden force, I lost my balance and ended up kneeling solidly behind him.

Laughter erupted around us.

Jackson didn't notice my reaction at all, only explaining on his own.

"Don't misunderstand. She's disabled. I'm only taking responsibility because her parents entrusted her to me—I pity her!"

I sat collapsed on the ground, looking up at him helplessly.

Just a responsibility?

What about the man who felt sorry for my altitude sickness on the snowy mountain and gave me his only oxygen canister despite his own pale face?

What about the man who proposed to me on one knee at sunset, who rented a luxury cruise ship on the ocean to celebrate my birthday?

What about the man who loved everything about me, who once took care of all the work for my parents and friends? Was I really just a responsibility to him?

Violet ruffled his hair like she used to.

"I understand. Our Jackson has always had the softest heart."

"The auction is about to start. I'll head over first. You bring your... girlfriend and come sit down too."

Violet, wearing a gilded gown, walked away with extraordinary grace.

Only then did Jackson remember I was still sitting on the ground. He reached out and pulled me up, full of apology.

"Amy, let me explain..."

I nodded. "Go ahead, explain."

Jackson opened and closed his mouth.

"I've known Violet for so many years. She found a boyfriend who's an heir to a multinational corporation, but I... Amy, you understand, right?"

His cautious manner was completely different from when he held me in his arms earlier, telling everyone "don't mock me."

I couldn't help wondering if coming here with him today was the right choice.

People surged around us, but I couldn't hear a word.

Jackson's mouth opened and closed, finally turning into a sigh.

Violet's voice came again.

"Jackson, the auction is starting. Come sit."

Jackson squeezed my wrist.

"Be good. She's an outsider, you're family. When we get home tonight, I'll apologize."

"I did my research before coming. I promised you that jade piece that can be used as an eye massager. You need to take care of your eye more so it doesn't atrophy."