Chapter 1 First Encounter

I broke with my privileged family and was manipulated by my ex-boyfriend for four years.

He used my money to pamper his goddess and support his family. He wished to secretly marry his goddess while keeping me as his mistress.

After the third abortion for him, I finally woke up from the nightmare and decided to leave him.

My ex-boyfriend was Edwin Kent, and we met and fell in love at school.

When I started college, I arrived a month later than the others due to family reasons.

By the time I arrived at school, my classmates were already familiar with each other. I felt like an outsider among already-formed friendships.

During lunch that day, as I stood in line at the cafeteria, a couple brazenly cut in front of me. They were laughing and talking, acting very naturally.

I reminded them twice to go to the back of the line, but they ignored me.

Just as I was about to let it go, Edwin walked up from behind me and firmly told the guy, "Go to the back of the line."

Initially, the two didn't take him seriously. But when he rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arms, the girl didn't hesitate and pulled the guy away.

Blushing with gratitude, I thanked him. He waved his hand and said, "It's nothing. You look too innocent, an easy target for bullies."

What he said was true. I looked a couple of years younger than my peers.

Not to mention my timid personality. Thus, my family had reservations about me attending college so far from home.

After getting my meal, I sought solace in a secluded corner, planning to eat alone as usual. Much to my surprise, Edwin approached with a plate of food and asked me.

"Do you mind if I sit here?"

I shook my head and continued eating with my head down.

He sat down and started introducing himself while eating.

That was how I learned his name was Edwin Kent, and we were in the same grade. His family lived in the same state as our college, and he even shared details about his family and where he lived.

Finally, when I finished eating, he asked me, "I've done all the talking. What's your name?"

"Harper Moulton."

"That's a lovely name. It suits you well." His gaze was direct and filled with passion.

Blushing, I thanked him again. At that moment, a ray of sunlight warmed my heart.

As a child, I never lacked love and care. My parents and sister showered me with affection.

For the same reason, during my first month at college, I felt a deep sense of loneliness and longing for the comfort of familiar faces.

Edwin's presence provided a timely balm for my anxieties.

From then on, he began appearing by my side more frequently, and we gradually became acquainted.

Living in a dormitory was something I had never experienced before, and it wasn't always smooth sailing with so many people under one roof.

Whenever conflicts arose between my roommates and me, I would confide in Edwin. In these moments, he would readily point out their flaws and staunchly support me.

As a result, I started to believe that everything I did was right and that my roommates were intentionally targeting me as a latecomer.

Over time, my relationship with everyone around me became more and more tense.

Since I insisted on my rules, I didn't even have friends in the class. Therefore, Edwin's kindness made me cherish him even more.

Soon, the two of us became a couple.

But one day, I coincidentally spotted Edwin walking alongside the guy who had cut in line at the cafeteria, sharing laughter and conversation.

Feeling a sense of unease, I brought it up with Edwin. But he casually mentioned, "We became friends after that incident."

Now that he said so, I didn't think much of it. It wasn't until much later that the guy who cut in line told me that Edwin was the one who had orchestrated the whole "knight in shining armor" act.

He had it all scheduled the very first day I arrived.

But by then, Edwin's grip on me was unbreakable, and I had no strength left to resist.