After her hospital discharge, Emerald Pierce spent three months recuperating at home before finally attending a gathering with friends.

As she entered the room, her gaze immediately fell on Kody Young, surrounded by a group of people. His usual black shirt was swapped for a white one, with the collar buttons neatly fastened, giving him a sharp, handsome look quite unlike his usual laid-back style.

Next to him stood a young woman, barely in her twenties, as fresh and vibrant as a ripe peach. She watched Kody down drink after drink, gently tugging at his sleeve with concern, her cheeks gradually flushing pink.

Kody quickly noticed her worry, setting his glass down and grinning at his friends. “Alright, alright, I’ve quit smoking and had enough to drink today. If I have any more, my girlfriend here is going to get upset. She’s gentle; it’s hard to calm her down once she’s mad.”

His tone was playful, amused rather than annoyed, appreciating that someone cared enough to worry about him. The young woman’s tears gave way to a shy smile as she nudged him gently.

Emerald stood quietly in the shadows, watching their easy rapport. During her relationship with Kody, they'd often argued about his smoking and drinking. When he grew tired of her nagging, he’d storm out, only to return hours later with her favorite treats, like spiced honey cake, trying to make amends, though he never promised to give up his vices for her.

Emerald hadn’t known Kody was back from his trip abroad, let alone that he’d show up with a new girlfriend. She was about to leave when someone in the room noticed her.

“Emerald, you made it! Come over and join us.”

The room fell silent for a moment. All eyes were on Emerald, then shifted to Kody and his girlfriend, anticipating the awkwardness. Everyone knew about her five-year relationship with Kody. Back then, he had bravely taken multiple stab wounds protecting her, barely escaping death. Their love was intense and passionate; everyone believed they were destined to be together.

But half a year ago, in a desperate attempt to make him commit, she had donned a Victorian-style dress and stood on the rooftop of a six-story building, only for him not to show. She fell, suffering a severe spinal injury, and lost the month-old baby she was carrying.

Rushed to the hospital, Kody was escorted by his mother, Nova Young, but he stayed only briefly before leaving the country for six months. Now back, he had Alanna Lewis by his side.

Hearing her name called, Kody glanced at her, his eyes indifferent, as if she were a stranger, before turning back to Alanna with a whisper and a laugh. Alanna stayed close to him, cautiously observing Emerald, yet wary.

Taking a deep breath, Emerald forced a smile and greeted her friends before taking a seat in the corner. She sipped her coffee slowly; its bittersweet taste enveloping her senses.

After about ten minutes, considering an excuse to leave, Kody unexpectedly approached her with Alanna.

“You’re out of the hospital? How are you doing now?” His tone was polite but distant.

Emerald tightened her grip on her purse. “I’m fine.”

Kody smiled. “When can you come by to collect your things from my place? My girlfriend is moving in, and it’s awkward having your stuff there. Or give me an address, and I’ll have it sent over.”

Alanna looked embarrassed, tugging at his arm. “Kody, it’s fine. Ms. Pierce just got out of the hospital; don’t be like that.”

Kody, still holding her hand, spoke with affectionate indulgence, “What can I do? I can’t let my girl feel slighted because of someone else.”

Emerald exhaled slowly and smiled. “Today would be fine.”

She had driven herself and offered to take Kody and Alanna to the apartment they used to share. Kody, slumped against Alanna due to the alcohol, murmured sweet nothings, complimenting her scent. Alanna flushed, sneaking glances at Emerald in the rearview mirror, soothingly kissing him and murmuring, “Behave yourself; someone’s watching.”

Emerald focused on the road ahead, memories flooding back of Kody holding her, nuzzling her ear, and insisting she promise never to leave him. Yet the one who vowed never to let go was the first to release her hand.

She gripped the steering wheel, her heart aching with a relentless, dull pain. The apartment felt eerily unchanged despite her absence.

Using some boxes, Emerald methodically packed her belongings. Once, Kody couldn’t bear to see her exert herself, yet now, he stood idly by, impatience etched on his brow. Alanna nudged him before he reluctantly helped carry boxes to her trunk.

“Make sure you clear everything out so there’s no reason to return,” Kody said softly.

“If I’ve left anything behind, feel free to toss it,” Emerald replied quietly.

Kody glanced at her. “Alright.”

With that, he pulled Alanna back inside, laughter in his voice. “Happy now?”

Emerald watched them retreat, then got into her car. The fall from the rooftop had left her injuries still healing, and exertion brought a cold sweat to her brow. The gust of wind that followed felt like needles against her skin, making her shiver.

Just then, her phone chimed. It was a message from Gavin Pierce.

“The wedding gown has arrived. Come by the shop tomorrow to try it on.”

She lightly tapped the screen, responding with a simple, “Okay.”

Kody didn't need to worry about Emerald being clingy.

A couple of weeks ago, she had already accepted Gavin's proposal.

In just another week, she would be moving to Leeds to start a new life with him.

Putting her phone aside, she started her car and headed home. After driving for nearly two miles, she passed by a recycling center. She pulled over, opened the trunk, and hauled out its contents, tossing them directly into the large dumpster.

As the box hit the ground with a thud, it burst open, and its contents spilled out. On top was a spontaneous snapshot Kody had taken of them when she was twenty. Back then, he had leaned in for an impromptu kiss on her cheek while she was looking up at him. Her cheek was humorously squished, and she had gazed at him with a mix of surprise and embarrassment, eyes wide open, while he mischievously grinned at the camera.

They had once cherished that picture.

A worker at the recycling center noticed her lingering by the bin and asked with curiosity, "Do you want to keep this stuff?"

Emerald snapped back to reality and replied softly, her words carried away by the wind, "No, I’m leaving it."

The next day, Emerald visited the bridal boutique. The gown was personally designed by Gavin, incorporating elegant ocean wave elements she adored. Due to Gavin's busy work schedule and the fast-approaching wedding date, he had arranged for an early fitting for her.

She had an assistant take a picture and sent it to Gavin. "It fits perfectly," she texted.

While waiting for Gavin's reply, the reflection in the large mirror revealed something unexpected: Kody stood a short distance behind her, holding Alanna's hand. His eyes were fixed on Emerald, filled with a complex mix of emotions until Alanna, beside him, let out a small, pained whimper.

"Kody, you're hurting me," she said softly.

Kody snapped back to reality and quickly released her hand. Alanna, tears brimming in her eyes, looked up at him.

"You were staring at Emerald as if you couldn't let her go. Are you still thinking about her? I know you two were together for five years, and she is beautiful. It's understandable if you can't forget her. You can tell me; I won't make a scene."

Kody wrapped his arms around her. "What are you thinking, silly? If I wanted to marry her, I would've done it long ago. Remember, six months ago, she wore a bridal gown to pressure me into marriage, and I didn't agree. I'm over her."

Their conversation was loud enough for Emerald to overhear. Five years of intense love, and all she got was a simple dismissal—over.

Inevitably, Emerald was dragged back into the past. Six months ago, Kody had suddenly turned cold. Their once-passionate relationship had frozen solid in an instant.

He began staying out late, rarely coming home, and even when he did, he was distant. He frequently snapped at her, and seeing her distressed by his indifference didn't seem to move him.

She tried everything but found no evidence of infidelity. But that's often the way with feelings—the more you push, the faster they slip away. Desperate, she made a dramatic move, standing on the balcony, yet it failed to yield any results.

She could never understand why Kody had become so cruel.

After being discharged from the hospital, she found out where Kody was abroad. Ignoring the pain in her back, she took a long flight to see him.

He was at a social gathering with friends. When she opened the door to the private room, she overheard a friend asking him, "Kody, you've been with Emerald for five years. You used to be so devoted that you'd do anything for her. We all thought you'd get married. So why did you suddenly break it off?"

Kody paused for a few seconds before nonchalantly replying, "She was pretty enough, and we had our moments. It was all just practice."

"Five years, and I'm over it. Now her face makes me sick. There's no way I'd marry her."

Through the crack in the door, Emerald and Kody's eyes met from afar. His gaze was cold and indifferent, filled with annoyance at her persistence. The words were meant for her to hear.

All her courage and determination drained away, leaving her to turn and flee in defeat.

Back in the present, looking at her reflection, Emerald saw herself from half a year ago in a bridal gown plunging off the balcony. That dress had been stained with her blood, cut into pieces by surgical scissors, and finally discarded in a trash bin.

Just like her obsession with Kody—long gone.

By the time Emerald Pierce gathered herself, Kody Young had already calmed Alanna Lewis, who was clinging to his arm, casting a wary look at Emerald with a hint of jealousy in her eyes. Kody then turned his attention to the bridal shop staff, gesturing toward Emerald.

"My girlfriend loves that wedding dress she's wearing. I'd like to buy it," he announced.

Emerald paused her movement, smoothing the dress, her eyes glinting with a touch of sarcasm. The staff member, caught between discomfort and politeness, replied to Kody, "I'm sorry, sir, but that dress is a special custom order. We can't sell it to anyone else."

Kody frowned. "I'll pay double."

The staff member shook their head. "I'm really sorry, but it's not possible."

Alanna pouted, clearly displeased, and raised her voice to address Emerald directly. "Miss Pierce, you and Kody broke up half a year ago. I don't know how you found out we were coming to the bridal shop today, but showing up just to make your presence felt is embarrassing. I used to feel sorry for you being left behind, but this petty homewrecker act is really disappointing. I won’t make a scene; just take off that dress and give it to us as an apology."

Her tone was loaded with entitlement and the swagger of someone who's used to getting her way. Emerald simply countered with a firm, "Not happening."

Alanna's eyes widened in anger as she turned to Kody, her expression indignant. Kody, glancing at Emerald, his gaze mocking, said, "What do you need a wedding dress for? Trying to rub it in?"

Emerald faced the duo, her gaze growing colder. "Kody Young, you think too much of yourselves. The dress is mine. Obviously, it's for my wedding."

Kody’s expression hardened. He stepped forward, confronting Emerald with a cold, scrutinizing look. When he spoke, his voice was razor-sharp. "Marriage? Who'd marry you? Who's generous enough to want damaged goods after me? Does he know about the tragedy at your place? Or are you planning to pull another stunt in your wedding dress, ready to jump again?"

Emerald, shocked, stared at him, then swiftly raised her hand and slapped him hard. Her chest surged with anger, and she fumed, "Kody Young, you jerk!"

Seeing her tears of fury, Kody’s demeanor shifted to one of regret. "Emerald, I..."

Before he could finish, Alanna rushed over, shoving Emerald. "Emerald Pierce, what Kody said is true. You've got no shame clinging to him. Who do you think you are to hit someone?"

Emerald, caught off guard by Alanna’s shove, stumbled backward. Her already injured back struck the corner of a couch, and she cried out in pain as she slid to the floor, her face turning ghostly pale. Kody's expression changed instantly, and he instinctively moved to help her, but Alanna held onto his arm, sobbing frantically, "Kody, I didn’t mean to. I didn’t push her that hard."

Kody regained his composure, clenching his fists at his sides, his gaze turning icy. He held Alanna close, looking down at Emerald's pallid face with a chilling tone. "Emerald Pierce, stop the act. You survived a fall from six stories high; a little stumble is nothing."

Alanna chimed in, "Yeah, Emerald, I’ll let you have the wedding dress. I barely pushed you, don't blame me. Kody's right, your place is haunted by a dead child, and I wouldn’t want that bad luck anyway."

Emerald felt like she was being stabbed repeatedly. The icy words cut deeply into her heart, leaving her shivering. She trembled uncontrollably before everything went black, and she lost consciousness.

In her hazy vision, she saw Kody's panicked face rushing toward her.