Chapter 1

I was Lucas's first love, standing by his side through those difficult years.

He swore he'd love me forever, even if we were apart. He promised his love for me would never change.

Later, when I finally returned, we got together as we had always planned.

But something seemed different.

"Lucas, help me, please... please help me..." A soft, sobbing voice came through the phone, sounding like a mewling kitten.

Lucas's hand tightened on his phone. He glanced at me instinctively.

Our eyes met, and I saw a flash of panic in his.

He took a deep breath and spoke coldly into the phone, "I'm busy right now."

Then he hung up.

I watched him put down the phone and pick up his pen again, but his writing was rushed and messy.

Just like his inner turmoil at that moment.

I sighed, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing!"

Our voices rang out simultaneously.

Once again, I saw the panic in his eyes, followed by worry. I suddenly felt like laughing.

But before I could, his phone buzzed again.

It was a SnapChat message.

As he picked it up to look, I caught a glimpse of the screen.

I couldn't see clearly, but it seemed to be an arm covered in bruises.

Lucas couldn't sit still any longer. He stood up abruptly.

"Hazel, I... I have something urgent at work. Can I..."

"If it's urgent, go ahead."

I might have agreed too quickly. Lucas was visibly taken aback.

He looked at me, hesitating.

I smiled slightly, "What's wrong? Don't you have something urgent?"

"Oh, right. I'll... I'll go then."

Lucas glanced at the wedding invitations spread out on the table, bit his lip, but still turned to leave.

As the door closed, I let out a long sigh.

I felt like all the bones had been sucked out of my body. I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling utterly drained.

Everywhere I looked, there were unfinished wedding invitations.

I picked up the one he had been working on and looked at it.

Suddenly, I laughed out loud.

"We joyfully invite you to celebrate our wedding..."

At the bottom, the names —

Groom: Lucas.

Bride... Natalie.