Chapter 1

On the day of my one-year anniversary with Jasper Cole, his first love suddenly returned from abroad and kidnapped me.

Giselle Ackley patted my face, her long, diamond-studded nails slapping against it.

"So, you're Aurora Greene? Jasper's charity case—the poor university student he's been sponsoring for six years?

"You really do look a lot like me…" she remarked.

I was stunned.

I had always heard from Jasper's friends that he had a childhood sweetheart, a perfect "first love" that everyone adored. There were supposedly enough guys chasing after her to form a long line.

This was the first time I had seen her.

Looking at her face, I had to admit we did share some resemblance.

However, she was the golden girl dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands, while I was an orphan who needed financial support just to attend university.

I let out a bitter laugh.

Jasper had sponsored me for six years after seeing my photo. I had once thought of him as my savior. It turned out his kindness wasn't out of goodwill—it stemmed from his inability to forget her.

Just then, the doorbell of the hotel room rang.

Giselle hooked a finger under my chin, her eyes full of malice.

"Aurora, I heard you're still a virgin. Too bad—will you still be one tomorrow?" she wondered aloud.

"Don't bother screaming. He'll be very gentle with you," she added.

Then, she seemed to remember something, her tone mocking. "Oh, I forgot. You can't scream—you're mute!"

Hearing that, I struggled with all my might.

Thankfully, the ropes were tied loosely.

While Giselle went to the bathroom, I immediately broke free and ran to the door.

I was saved!

The door opened with a soft metallic click, revealing a cold, handsome face. Like a frosty winter breeze, his features were both chilling and breathtakingly beautiful.

Jasper's lips were pressed into a thin line as he looked at me, his brow furrowed. He didn't say anything, but I knew he wasn't one for words—I was used to it.

Words didn't matter. The fact that he had come to save me meant I held some place in his heart.

I bit my lip, holding back tears. As soon as I saw him, all my grievances flooded my heart, and I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face.

Jasper frowned when he saw me. He slowly pushed me aside and called out to my back, concerned, "Giselle, where are you? Are you okay?"

My back slammed into the door handle, a dull ache spreading through me.

Ignoring the pain, I looked up in disbelief at his retreating figure. The tears froze on my face.

Jasper walked straight into the bathroom and carried out a seemingly unconscious Giselle.

He glared at me, his expression dark. "Did you do this to her? Are you out of your mind?"

Faced with his accusations, I frantically shook my head.

I desperately wanted to speak.

I wanted to tell him it wasn't me who cut her arm—I had been tied to a chair the whole time.

I signed as much, and his secretary, who knew sign language, interpreted for me. "Mr. Cole, Ms. Greene says she doesn't know anything and that she didn't hurt Ms. Ackley."

Jasper calmed down, falling silent. He knew I had always been timid. It wasn't like me to do something so extreme.

Just then, Giselle opened her eyes and clung to Jasper's shirt, sobbing quietly, "Jasper, Aurora had me kidnapped.

"Thank goodness you came, or else I would have been harmed. She must really hate me, thinking I'm just a replacement for her. It's okay, though. I don't blame her."

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

It was all a setup. One by one, the so-called "evidence" was presented to Jasper.

The kidnappers had been caught and identified me as the mastermind.

They were from my hometown. Just a few days ago, I had had dinner with them and even invited them to celebrate Jasper's and my anniversary.

The more Jasper listened, the darker his expression became.

Before leaving, he ordered me to go to the hospital with them. "You and Giselle have the same blood type. If she needs a transfusion, you'll give it. If you still want your tuition and living expenses next month, you'd better cooperate."

I sat on the floor, staring blankly at my phone.

The electronic card on the screen flashed with the words: [Happy One-Year Anniversary, Jasper and Aurora.]

Jasper saw it too and let out a cold laugh. "What? After all the trouble you've caused, you still expect to celebrate our anniversary?"

In the end, I got up on my own.

Just like every other day, I was once again trailing after Jasper.