Chapter 2

As I fell, I landed in a tree by the roadside, followed by excruciating pain.

Lying on the ground, I felt the searing pain in my left leg, curling up and groaning nonstop.

“It hurts, it hurts so much!”

Soon, the rescue team called by the staff arrived to help the Ferris wheel passengers.

Asher, who was helped down, quickly ran to my side, checking my injuries.

“Are you okay, Nora? The rescue team is here, they’ll take you to the hospital.”

“Adeline was frightened this time. I really couldn’t leave her. Don’t worry, no matter what, I’ll take good care of you.”

“When you recover, we’ll get engaged, alright?”

Looking at his all-too-familiar face, I pushed him away with all my strength despite the pain.

“Get out!”

After five years, what am I to Asher?

Five years ago, he confessed to me, promising to cherish me forever.

Back then, I had just graduated, uncertain about my future. As a senior, he noticed my worries, tirelessly comforting me and helping me find a path.

I knew he had feelings for me, but I was insecure because I came from the countryside.

I feared our different backgrounds, feared I wasn’t good enough, and feared the pain of losing after gaining.

That New Year’s Eve, Asher took me to watch fireworks.

He shielded me from the wind, giving me my favorite pink roses.

“Nora, I love you. Can you give me a chance?”

His sincere gaze made my heart race.

At first, we were like any other loving couple, going on dates and trips, sharing everything.

But since Adeline said she was returning home, he changed.

He became indifferent, uncaring. Or rather, he stopped pretending to love me.

Pushed away, Asher looked hurt, trying to support me again.

“What did Adeline do wrong? Don’t worry, Nora, I’ll make sure the hospital takes good care of you. This isn’t serious.”

Yes, Adeline has always been the irreplaceable presence in his heart. How could she be wrong?

She was a girl his mom saved during a trip, raised in their family, and later became a goddaughter.

The family pampered her, giving her the best, even sending her abroad to study.

When Asher brought her along on a few dates, I was puzzled, but he denied any feelings.

“Adeline is just my little sister. I brought her because she was bored at home. If you don’t like it, I can ask her to leave.”

But now, he would push me off the Ferris wheel for his “little sister” Adeline.

I was too weak from blood loss to speak, letting Asher hold my hand.

“Just lie still, Nora. The rescue team will take you to the hospital soon. You see, Adeline and I were rescued too, isn’t that perfect?”

Angered by his words, a metallic taste rose in my throat, my nose stinging with frustration.

A week ago, we were discussing our engagement. I felt I was a step away from happiness.

Little did I know, I was stepping into an abyss.

Lying helplessly against him, I forced a bitter smile.

“Forget it, Asher. Let’s end this.”