Chapter 1

On New Year's Eve, every home exuded warmth and light.

I reheated a table full of dishes that had gone cold - roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. Jake had mentioned he would be working late, but after calling his assistant, I discovered he hadn't even been to the office today. Despite multiple attempts to reach him, he failed to answer.

We had been together for seven years and had recently gotten engaged. I should have had more trust in him, but an uneasy feeling lingered within me.

Stepping out onto the balcony, I caught sight of the box of sparklers and fireworks in the corner. I had purchased them specifically to celebrate the New Year with Jake.

Suddenly, the sky burst into light. The entire riverfront erupted with an array of fireworks. I couldn't help but wonder which wealthy bachelor was attempting to impress his date by illuminating the entire city.

For a brief moment, I was captivated, completely unaware of the emergency alert blaring from my phone. By the time I felt the ground tremble beneath me, a massive crack had already formed at my feet.

Before fear even had a chance to set in, the entire building collapsed. I lost my balance within an instant.

Upon regaining consciousness, I found myself trapped beneath the rubble. Waves of pain surged throughout my body, rendering me immobile. A warm liquid trickled from my chest.

Amidst the chaos of falling debris and people crying out in panic, I silently prayed for Jake's safety and well-being.

......

"Brenda Larson has two fractured ribs and a comminuted fracture in her right leg. She needs complete bed rest," I heard it as if through a cotton ball when I regained consciousness.

The sounds were muffled and unclear. When the doctor saw that I was awake, his lips moved, but I struggled to understand what he was saying. Then it hit me - I couldn't hear his voice.

Anxiously, I whispered, "I can't hear."

He frowned at my words.

A thought struck me, and I asked, "Is my boyfriend here?"

If Jake was okay, he would surely have come to see me.

The doctor shook his head, and worry began to creep in.

After adjusting my blanket, he left. My chest ached dully, and everything was eerily silent. I must have drifted off to sleep.

When I woke again, I could hear faint voices.

"Did you hear about the fireworks display last night? They say the Thompson heir set them off for his girlfriend of seven years."

"You mean Jake Thompson? That's so romantic!"

"Yeah, seven years together. Who knew the rich could have true love too?"

"Well, all we can do is wish them a lifetime of happiness..."

Hearing familiar names, I snapped fully awake. Two nurses changing IV bags were chatting by my bed.

"Are you talking about Jake Thompson from Thompson Enterprises?" I asked, my voice dry and raspy.

They nodded. "There's only one Jake Thompson in this city. Who'd dare share a name with that heir?"

I felt dazed, confusion washing over me.

"You said his girlfriend of seven years..."

Before I could finish, one nurse eagerly chimed in, "Curious too, huh? Word is, she's been abroad and just returned last month."

"I think her name was Su... Susie something..."

Susie Luther, I thought. Jake's ex-girlfriend who had just come back.

So the fireworks I saw were for her? But wasn't I his girlfriend of seven years?

A sharp pain shot through my chest, as if a hole had been torn open, letting in a rush of cold air. The agony spread with each labored breath, choking me like the debris from yesterday's collapse.