After signing the divorce papers, I pulled myself together and decided to return to my career in neuroscience.

Genevieve always had a way of winning everyone over—even our parents preferred her, though I was their biological daughter. Every time I came home on vacation, a flicker of strained discomfort would cross their faces when they saw me.

Over time, the house stopped feeling like a home.

Before Caspian, I had planned to pursue advanced studies in neuroscience. I gave up my ambitions for him.

Now, it was time to reclaim my life.

As fate would have it, my mentor was preparing a confidential neuro-technology project in the mountains of Colorado. I submitted my application and was quickly accepted.

In three days, I would be heading to a secure facility for a classified research project.

This was it. I would be leaving Caspian for good and starting a new chapter.

However, just two days before my departure, Caspian returned to the penthouse. He stared at my packed suitcases, his expression baffled.

"Scarlett, where are you going?" There was an unmistakable hint of panic in his voice.

I lowered my gaze, unable to meet his eyes. "I'm... going on a trip with some friends. I'll be back soon."

"No," he cut me off, his voice sharp as he rose from the sofa. "You're not going anywhere. The world outside is too dangerous. You'll stay here, where I can keep you safe."

I frowned, about to argue, but he had already seized my wrist and was dragging me toward the door.

"Don't you dare leave me again, Scarlett. Stay by my side. Come on, I have a surprise for you."

Before I could protest, he had bundled me into his sports car.

The entire way, he clutched my hand, his grip so tight it felt as if he feared I would vanish into thin air.

...

Half an hour later, the car purred to a stop in front of a private observatory.

This was the place we had once promised to build together. Back then, it was just a barren patch of mountain land. Now, Caspian had built a private observatory outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

"Scarlett, I know how much you've always wanted to see the Leonid meteor shower. I arranged all of this for you."

His gaze softened, brimming with the affection I remembered.

However, just then, a familiar figure caught my eye.

It was Genevieve. Clad in an elegant white Chanel dress and holding a camera, she was strolling toward us with a practiced smile.

"Scarlett, Caspian," she greeted us warmly.

It was only then that I realized Genevieve always used that sickeningly sweet tone when she said his name.

Caspian's expression darkened for a fraction of a second before he smoothed it over.

"Genevieve's just here to take some pictures. She won a photography award recently. I know you don't like her, but she'll leave as soon as she's done."

He tried to explain, but I had already caught the triumphant smirk on Genevieve's face.

...

Inside the observatory, she manufactured an excuse to get Caspian out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.

"Caspian, could you get some champagne for Scarlett and me?"

The moment he was gone, her innocent mask fell away. Her voice dripped with scorn. "Scarlett, you really are a coward. You flew all the way to Napa Valley but didn't even have the guts to show your face."

"Oh, by the way," she added with a sneer, "why don't we make a little bet? Growing up, Mom and Dad always loved me more. Now, let's see who Caspian loves more."

"What are you talking about?" I frowned. "I'm not interested in whatever game you're playing. I'm done fighting for anyone's affection."

I turned to leave, but Genevieve shamelessly followed me all the way back to the penthouse.

"Scarlett, how about this? If we were both in danger, at the exact same time, who do you think Caspian would save?"

With a wicked smile, she crept toward the fireplace. I watched in horror as she twisted the valve on a gas line—one she must have tampered with earlier—then pulled a lighter from her purse and flicked it on.

Before I could react, a massive explosion rocked the entire building.

Genevieve had ignited the gas.

All I saw was a blinding flash, and then the world around me began to crumble.

A heavy ceiling beam crashed down, pinning my legs, while a large shard of glass pierced my shoulder. The intense pain threatened to drag me into unconsciousness.

Still, I gritted my teeth and screamed with everything I had, "Caspian! Save me!"

But my only answer was the sight of his resolute back as he raced away.

I watched as he scooped up Genevieve's limp form, racing through the flames to carry her to safety. He didn't so much as glance back at me.

In that moment, something inside me died.

...

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed. Only one day remained before my scheduled departure.

Caspian was sitting by my bedside, his face a mask of anguish.

"Scarlett, you're finally awake!" He clutched my hand, his eyes filled with regret. "I had no idea you were in the penthouse. I thought you were still at the observatory! If I had known, I would have saved you first..."

I silently pulled my hand from his and turned my face away. "I understand. You don't have to explain."

He sighed heavily. "Genevieve is your sister. In a situation like that, I had to save her first."

"Besides," he added, "she's so much more fragile than you. How could I just leave her there?"

"Okay," I replied, my voice chillingly calm. "I understand perfectly."

Judging by Caspian's surprised expression, he hadn't expected me to be so agreeable. In the past, any mention of Genevieve would have prompted me to urge him to stay away from her. We’d even fought about it.

He clearly never imagined I could be this detached.

The next second, he grabbed my hand again, his voice sincere. "Scarlett, you have to believe me. I love you. I would trade my life for yours in a heartbeat."

Just then, a message from Genevieve lit up my phone.

"He chose me, Scarlett. Left you to burn. Still think he loves you? Pathetic. Just watch."