Chapter 1 Chapter 1

He asked me to take a memory suppressant—to erase 20 years of love—just so he could become another woman's hero. And even knowing it would sever my ability to love him forever, I still played along and saw the performance through to the end. Alexander Smith set the bottle on the marble countertop, his fingers drumming nervously. "I know you don't like Sophia, and I understand you feel angry over my engagement to her. But try to understand. "You're the heir to the McKenzie family, the youngest investment director at Dominion Exchange. No one could ever force you into a political marriage. Sophia's different. Her father's a power-hungry senator. If I don't protect her, she'll be used as a political pawn. "I can't bear to watch another tragedy unfold. You understand that, don't you?" I stared at him, my gray-blue eyes devoid of emotion. I couldn't pinpoint when the man who once promised to love me for eternity began feeling sympathy for Sophia Watson. He was fully aware of how she'd ripped through everything that was mine. That she shorted my portfolio—a financial loss of 20 million dollars—during her tenure at my company. That she clawed away every opportunity of mine since business school. Internships she'd snatched, client leads rerouted, and even him—my fiance. And still, he chose to protect her. When I stayed silent, Alexander raked his fingers through his golden-brown hair in frustration. "The drug is gentle—no side effects. Seven days will go by quickly. Once Sophia's safe, we can start over. "Emma, trust me—just like you always have." However, this drug didn't erase my memory instantly. Instead, it gradually severed emotional connections until the neural pathways were irrevocably damaged. And stopping the medication wouldn't fix it—the damaged receptors wouldn't regenerate, even if I stopped taking it. I took the pill with a sip from the glass of water on the table. "If you've already bought the engagement ring from Seraphine, there's no need to keep talking. I just hope you're ready for the consequences." My calm seemed to put him at ease. A flicker of relief passed through his brown eyes. "Of course. I never act without confidence. Emma, once this is over, I'll give you the wedding we never had in our last life." But his words dissolved beneath the tidal wave of pain that hit me. I gripped the table, vision swirling in black. Alexander rushed to steady me, his handsome face immediately losing all color. "Damn it! Is this a reaction to the drug? The label stated that there would be no serious side effects. I'll call an ambulance. You're going to the hospital." Pushing him away, I took a deep breath and steadied myself. For a moment, my mind went blank. "Who are you? And why are you in my home?" Alexander froze for a few seconds before a look of joy flashed in his face. He stepped back, putting space between us. "Ms. McKenzie, I'm here to see Ms. Watson. Apologies if I've intruded. The engagement party is at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in seven days. As her business associate, we'd be honored if you attended." I blinked, trying to recall what had just happened. But the memory felt scrubbed away, like erased chalk on a blackboard. Seeing the ease on his face and the weight lifting from his shoulders, my chest tightened as though an invisible hand had gripped my heart. Still, I managed a professional smile. "Congratulations, Mr. Smith. Sophia is a very lucky woman." Right on cue, Sophia arrived, arms wrapped around him like a carefully rehearsed act. Her Sylvette heels clicked sharply across my floor, and she wore a suit identical to my custom Chantelais order—just in a different color. "Emma, what a coincidence." She stepped between us, her emerald eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "I was just about to share the good news. Alexander proposed to me on the rooftop of Imperium One. Super romantic, right? "I know you two were Richton classmates, but he chose me. I hope you'll give us your blessing." Alexander frowned. "Sophia, don't say it like that." Tears filled her eyes as her voice quivered. "I'm just so happy. Emma has always been perfect. I've never felt like I was good enough for you. But you said you love me. Didn't you?" His expression softened. He reached out and gently stroked her cheek. "Of course. Don't overthink it. Let's go. Didn't you have a gown fitting at Maison Verelle?" As I watched them, so intimate and at ease, the entire thing abruptly seemed preposterous. Perhaps Alexander didn't want me to recover my memory. It dawned on me that in his past life, his love for me might have always been tainted by guilt toward Sophia. So the first thing he did upon being reborn was protect her. If he cared for her so deeply, why inflict this on me at all? "I wish you both happiness," I said coolly. "Now please leave my apartment." Alexander gave me a long, unreadable look before leading Sophia out. She clung tightly to his side. Just before the elevator doors closed, she turned back and gave me a smug, triumphant smile. I walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and watched as he opened the Maybach door for her downstairs, gently shielding her head with tender care as she got in. In our past life, he had done the same for me. Now, everything could be replicated. "It's just a different way to live," I told my reflection in the window. "And I can make it shine on my own."

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Half an hour later, my best friend Claire Ashford burst into the apartment. She was a partner at Ashcroft & Bell, one of the top law firms in Belgrave. The moment she saw how pale I looked, her eyes welled with tears. "Emma, is Alexander out of his mind? In his past life, he defied his entire family to save you. And now he wants to marry that manipulative bitch?""There's news from the board," she added breathlessly. "Your father gave you two choices—either win Alexander back or accept a political marriage with the heir to the largest energy conglomerate in Velmora." I poured her a martini and spoke calmly. "What's there to fight for? He chose someone else. Why would I lower myself to chase after a man who doesn't want me? "I'll take the marriage. If I'm going to be forced into marriage anyway, I might as well choose the option that benefits my career." In the McKenzie family, even though I was the sole heir, the board had always believed a woman needed a powerful husband to secure her position. From what I'd heard, Mikhail Romanov, the heir to Vostmark's energy empire, had a good reputation. He was introverted, but at least he wasn't a playboy. In the previous life, Sophia married into that family and ignited one scandal after another, eventually destroying herself completely. If I took the marriage seriously, things might turn out quite differently for me. Claire stared at me in disbelief. I told her the truth about the memory suppressant. She slammed her glass down on the table, furious. "That bastard! The Food and Drug Administration blacklists that drug! "He gave you that crap for Sophia? Does he even understand it causes permanent emotional impairment? "I'd bet my license he still loves you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come up with something so convoluted. But he's too arrogant, thinking he can control everything as if it were some master plan. The day he finds out the truth, he's going to wish he were dead." I lowered my gaze, tracing the rim of my glass with my finger. Whether or not he regretted it no longer had anything to do with me. In seven days, everything about him would be wiped clean from my mind—beyond the reach of memory or emotion. The next morning, representatives from the Romanov family arrived with the documents—a thick stack of business contracts, an equity distribution plan, and a letter. I opened the envelope. Inside was a handwritten note from Mikhail, penned in neat Velric script. "Ms. McKenzie, although this is a business arrangement, I promise to treat you with the respect you deserve. I look forward to meeting you." It was short, but sincere. Sophia never received that kind of respect in her past life. Mikhail had been cold and distant toward her, or so the rumors said. Maybe this was the butterfly effect. I reviewed the itinerary. The signing ceremony was scheduled for six days later in Stravenholm—the same day as Alexander's engagement party. He would get engaged, and I would be leaving the country to marry. And that would be the end of it. Perhaps that was for the best. After organizing the files, I drove alone to Fifth Avenue. Christmas had just passed, and the shop windows still shimmered with festive decorations. I stopped in front of Elouisse and stared at the diamond rings on display. In my past life, he had custom-made a one-of-a-kind pink diamond ring for me here. He said the color reminded him of my cheeks when I blushed. To buy that ring, he sold his sports car and took the subway for three months. "Emma, this ring represents my heart. One of a kind. Just for you." The sound of the store door opening snapped me out of the memory. I held my breath. It was Alexander and Sophia. He was bent over the counter, inspecting a ring. His focused profile overlapped with the one in my memories. "This is the one," he said to the sales associate. "Pink diamond. 5.3 carats. The one I ordered last week." It felt like a blade slicing through my chest. Same brand. Same style. Same carat weight. He had sold his car for mine. Now, he would sell a yacht for hers. So much for one of a kind. In the end, it was just another mass-replicable product. "It's stunning!" Sophia squealed, her voice grating like nails on glass. "Alexander, this must've cost a fortune!" "You deserve the best," he said gently as he slipped the ring onto her finger. I turned to leave, but he caught sight of me. He rushed out and caught up with me on the sidewalk. "Emma, what are you doing here? It's not safe to be out shopping alone. You know what Veridon's like. Do you want me to drive you home?" His concern only made the situation more bitterly ironic. "Mr. Smith, where I go is none of your concern. You're about to become Sophia's fiance. Don't you think chasing after another woman is a bit inappropriate?" His expression froze. A flicker of hurt crossed his eyes. Sophia came out carrying her shopping bags, proudly flashing the ring on her hand. "Emma, you like Elouisse too? What a shame. This ring is a limited edition. There's only one in the world. Alexander even flew in a designer from Chantelais just for me. Isn't it gorgeous?" I gave it a glance and offered a bland smile. "It's lovely. He really went all out for you." Alexander kept staring at me, as if trying to read something on my face. "If you… If you like it too, I can—" "You can what?" I cut him off with a cold laugh. "Order me a matching one? So this is who you really are, Mr. Smith. The kind of scumbag who plays both sides. You're disgusting."

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

Night fell, and the neon lights of Fifth Avenue flickered to life. Under their glow, Alexander's face looked as pale as paper. He couldn't say a single word. I turned and walked away. "Sorry to interrupt your date. I wish you both happiness." Suddenly, a cab swerved out of control and jumped the curb. It was moving too fast. Before I could react, Alexander instinctively pulled me into his arms. "Emma, look out!" I froze. The next moment, Sophia's shriek cut through the air. "Alexander! My foot!" He let go of me instantly and rushed to her. His shove was rough. I slammed into a mailbox, scraping my elbow against the metal. Blood soaked through my sleeve. The sting overlapped with an older, deeper ache. Alexander had already scooped Sophia up and was frantically examining her ankle. "Damn it! It might be sprained. I'm taking you to the hospital. That bastard of a driver! I'll make sure he pays!" I steadied myself on the mailbox and watched him disappear down the street, still carrying her in his arms. The Belgrave night air was cold. I laughed, but my eyes were damp. I had been his first instinct, but I wasn't his final choice. If love couldn't stay constant, I no longer wanted it. This time, I would live for myself. … The seventh day soon arrived. Claire drove me to Astervale Airport in her Porsche. She wore sunglasses, but I could tell her eyes were red. "Emma, I hate letting you go. But this is the right call. Romanov Corporation's green energy tech is exactly what the McKenzie Foundation needs. You're walking into this as the queen of negotiations, not a sacrificial lamb. "I've also prepared you a little gift. Once you're gone, I'll make sure Alexander and that bitch get what they deserve. They'll remember this day for the rest of their lives." I leaned back in the leather seat, a strange calm settling over me. Today was the last day. My memories of Alexander were already fading, like trying to see through frosted glass. Soon, they'd disappear completely. As we drove past Elmvale West Boulevard, I caught a glimpse of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, its front drive lined with luxury cars. Through the window, I saw Alexander helping Sophia out of a car. He was wearing a custom-tailored Valestre suit, and she wore a gown by Maison Verelle. "Careful on the steps, Sophia." In our past life, he had done the same for me—held my hand at every major event, attentive to every detail. "Emma, you're my princess. I won't let you get hurt." Now, watching him do the same for someone else felt like witnessing an absurd play. The city's elite gathered around them, showering the golden couple with praise. Softly, I said, "May you grow old together, and may we never meet again." Claire slammed on the gas. "What scumbag and skank! They're a match made in hell." As we turned the corner, our car passed Alexander's Rolls-Royce head-on. He looked out the window, frowning. Something in his gut twisted. But he quickly shook his head and muttered to himself, "There's no way Emma would be heading to the airport. She's the heir to the McKenzie family. She wouldn't agree to a political marriage. "After today, I'll go to her. We'll start over." … Inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel's grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Alexander held a glass of champagne but kept glancing toward the entrance, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Moments before the engagement ceremony began, he summoned his assistant. "Check Emma's schedule for today." The assistant looked surprised. "Mr. Smith, Ms. McKenzie already departed for Droskav this morning as the family representative. She's attending the contract signing for the business alliance with Romanov Corporation. Her private jet took off ten minutes ago. Didn't you know?"