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To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never
To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never
Author: Lilita Dorset

Chapter 1

Author: Lilita Dorset
In the video, the ever-composed Grayson trembling slightly as he knelt on one knee, holding out the ring. When her voice finally uttered, "I do," the tears he had held back spilled over, glistening trails tracing the joy on his face.

A beautiful moment. So beautiful, in fact, that two girls standing nearby watching clung to each other, moved to tears.

"Oh my god, Grayson loves Wendy so much!"

"Right? He's like the ultimate romantic. Did you hear they're childhood sweethearts? When he was seventeen, he couldn't wait to confess to her. By twenty, he had the world's most expensive pink diamond crafted into a crown for her, saying she'd always be his princess. At twenty-three, when she was in a car accident and the blood bank ran out of her rare type, he gave his own blood, almost draining himself to save her. And at twenty-six, he proposed to her live for the entire world to see. How could anyone be more devoted than him?"

The words blurred together, a clamor of admiration that Wendy didn't need to hear. She lowered her gaze, masking the faint smirk of self-mockery in her eyes.

Everyone envied her love story with Grayson. Everyone believed he was utterly, hopelessly in love with her.

No one would imagine that Grayson had secretly kept a minor internet celebrity hidden away in a luxurious apartment for three whole years.

The truth had struck her like a blade, cruel and unrelenting, when she discovered that his "late nights at the office" were, in fact, spent entwined with another woman. The first time she saw the incriminating photos—intimate and shameless—her chest had felt hollowed out, her heart carved open and left bleeding.

And yet, her mind drifted back to another memory. When she was fifteen, her parents had divorced in a storm of screaming and accusations, each fighting to abandon her. That was the day Grayson had pushed open the door, taken her hand, and said, "It doesn't matter they don't want you, I do."

From that moment on, he gave her his entire heart. He fought for her, breaking three ribs in a street fight. He remembered every detail of her life, even the dates of her monthly cycle. His social media was a shrine to her. Every friend of his knew him as the guy hopelessly in love with Wendy Hall.

When he slid the wedding ring onto her finger, his tears mingled with his kisses, his words trembling with pleas. He begged her to love him for the rest of their lives. He begged her never to leave him. If she did, he said, it would drive him insane.

But in actuality, it was he who had betrayed her first.

If that was how it was meant to end, she would vanish. She'd fake her death, change her name, and disappear completely from his world. She would ensure he never found her again.

Wendy wiped away the dampness forming at the corner of her eyes. Just as she was about to step forward, a sleek Maybach screeched to a halt before her.

The rear door opened, and a tall figure stepped out, striding toward her with urgency.

"Wendy, weren't you supposed to wait at home? I told you I'd pick you up after work to try on wedding dresses. Why did you come out alone?"

Grayson took her hand as he spoke, frowning when he felt the coldness of her fingertips. Without hesitation, he slipped off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

"Your hands are freezing. You didn't even wear a coat. Are you trying to make me worry myself sick?"

She didn't reply. Instead, she raised her eyes to meet his, searching his gaze. The concern there seemed genuine.

And yet, that only deepened her confusion.

How could someone love two people at once?

Grayson tightened the coat around her shoulders, gently urging her toward the waiting car. As he did, the two girls across the street, drawn by the commotion, turned their heads instinctively. When they recognized the pair, their eyes lit up with unrestrained excitement.

They hurried over, faces flushed and words tumbling out in nervous fragments. "Excuse me, are you… are you Wendy and Grayson? We—we're huge fans of you two as a couple. Could we… take a photo with you?"

Wendy hesitated, unwilling to disappoint their earnest enthusiasm. After a brief pause, she nodded.

With permission granted, the two girls quickly positioned themselves, sandwiching the couple as they faced the camera.

Grayson was never fond of photographs, yet he instinctively placed his arm around Wendy, leaning into the frame with her.

After the photo was taken, the girls blushed even deeper, showering the couple with effusive thanks. Their words brimmed with wishes for the couple's everlasting love and a blissful marriage.

'Grow old together?' Wendy thought bitterly. She turned to glance at Grayson.

He met her gaze, his lips curving into a smile so tender it seemed to drip with affection, a quiet acknowledgment of the girls' blessings.

But only she knew the truth. They wouldn't grow old together.

When they arrived at the bridal boutique, Wendy stepped out of the car, greeted by a staff member who had clearly been waiting for her. The woman approached with practiced enthusiasm, her tone carrying a trace of awe.

"Ms. Hall, the thousand custom wedding gowns Mr. Bryce ordered for you are ready. You're welcome to try them on anytime to see which one you like best."

Wendy said nothing, her gaze drifting toward Grayson. He stood a short distance away, engrossed in something on his phone. His expression, unguarded for a fleeting moment, betrayed a hunger she recognized all too well. It was the same look she had seen in the illicit photos of him and the minor internet celebrity—the same gaze that spoke of raw, unbridled desire.

Sensing her eyes on him, Grayson quickly tucked his phone away and walked over, an apologetic smile softening his face. "Wendy, I'm sorry. Something urgent came up at work, and I have to go handle it. I've arranged for the driver to wait for you here. Once you've tried on the gowns, he'll take you home."

He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead before rushing into a different car. The door closed with finality, leaving her standing there, alone.

The boutique staff member approached cautiously, her voice tentative. "Ms. Hall, would you like to start trying on the dresses now?"

Wendy withdrew her gaze from the departing car and shook her head. "No. I don't want any of them."

After all, at their wedding, the only bride present would be a "dead" one.

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  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 2

    Wendy settled into the car for her ride home, her fingers reflexively unlocking her phone. A message from Rita Olson popped up almost immediately—a screenshot. In the image, Rita was sprawled on the floor in a provocative black bunny outfit, her legs draped with sheer stockings. Her expression was hazy, her gaze both vulnerable and enticing as she looked into the camera. The message read: [If Master arrives within twenty minutes, this little bunny is yours to devour.] Beneath it was a brief reply from Grayson's black-profile avatar: [Wait for me.] Wendy turned off the screen. She closed her eyes, willing herself to suppress the needle-like pain pricking at her heart. She had thought that after seeing so many such photos, she'd become numb, that her heart would learn to shield itself. But no amount of practice could dull the ache. It swept through her body, relentless, invading even her bones. Finally, she forced herself to shut her eyes, shutting out the screen as well. L

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 3

    Rita casually retrieved a few crisp dollar bills from her bag and slid them into the waiter's pocket with an effortless grace. Her smile was an intoxicating blend of mischief and allure. Before the startled waiter could react, she walked straight over and settled herself boldly into the seat beside Grayson. A collective intake of breath rippled through the room. Whispers erupted like the quiet fizz of champagne bubbles, each voice charged with disbelief. "Who does she think she is? Sitting beside Mr. Bryce like that?" "Doesn't she know he could ruin her with a snap of his fingers?" "Shh, you don't understand. Word is, she's backed by someone powerful. Have you seen the designer brands she flaunts during her live streams?" As Wendy was about to shift her gaze away from the commotion, a gesture caught her eye—casual yet brazen. Rita took Grayson's hand and, without hesitation, guided it beneath the hem of her dress. His hand froze, rigid as stone. Reflexively, he tried to pul

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 4

    Wendy clasped her trembling hand tightly over her mouth, as if trying to suppress the overwhelming torrent of emotions threatening to break free. She couldn't bear to watch any longer. Turning sharply, she fled the suffocating scene. She ran—further, faster—until her legs gave out beneath her, leaving her to collapse in a stairwell. Her breath came in ragged gasps, each intake of air sharp and piercing, as though it scraped against her lungs. Tears streamed down her cheeks, unchecked and unrelenting. She pressed her hand to her chest, futilely trying to steady the erratic pounding of her heart. The auction had been painful enough—every glance, every word a tiny wound. But what she'd just witnessed in the car was a fatal blow. Memories surfaced unbidden, vivid and cruel. She thought of Grayson's careful tenderness, the purity of his affection when they first started dating. He had been shy then, almost boyishly so. Holding her hand would make him blush; kissing her brought a tre

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 5

    Wendy lifted her gaze toward him. He looked as though he had rushed back at the fastest speed imaginable, his overcoat soaked through from the rain outside. He didn't seem to care; his entire face was a portrait of panic. "How did you know?" she asked softly. "It's all over the news," he replied, his tone tinged with desperation. "It's trending now." Before she could respond, he pulled her into a tight embrace. His voice, trembling with fear, was barely audible in her ear. "Wendy, what are you doing? Why did you sell everything? Are you leaving me? Do you not want me anymore? What did I do wrong? Tell me, and I'll change. I'll fix it. Just… don't leave me." His words cracked, carrying the weight of a sob, yet she remained still, her gaze distant. A faint, bitter smile curved her lips. If he was so terrified of her leaving, why had he kept another woman on the side? Was it his arrogance, thinking he had concealed it so perfectly, or his assumption that she was too naïve to not

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 6

    That hand had once caressed her, held her, wiped away her tears, and slipped a ring onto her finger. But now, that same hand was tenderly resting on Rita's belly. "You may not want to rest, but the baby in your stomach needs it. Be a good girl, go to sleep," came Grayson's deep, soothing voice. Hearing his words, the online audience exploded in excitement, filling the chat with pleas for Rita to let her "husband" reveal himself. Amid the chaos of requests, a solitary comment popped up like a rogue wave in the sea of praise: [Wait... did I mishear, or does that voice sound just like Grayson Bryce?] The remark barely registered before being drowned in the torrent of other messages. Rita, her face flushed with coy delight, let Grayson take her hand in his. "My husband isn't the kind to show his face easily," she said, smiling gently at the screen. "He's an important man; please understand." The viewers didn't press further, instead shifting their focus to Rita's love story. Th

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 7

    As Wendy's birthday approached, Grayson finally returned in haste, organizing a grand celebration in her honor. When she descended the staircase in her gown, he was already waiting below. She cast him a glance, her eyes unusually calm—too calm. It was a quietude that bordered on unsettling. Grayson's heart skipped a beat. The image of Wendy that lived in his memory was one of unrestrained brightness, of spirited vitality. But the woman before him now was a shadow of that, her complexion pale, her gaze hollow and devoid of its usual spark. Acting on instinct, he stepped forward, arms reaching to pull her into an embrace, but she sidestepped with a slight turn of her body. Her voice was hoarse, a brittle thread barely holding itself together. "I've been feeling unwell lately. Better you don't touch me—wouldn't want you catching anything." Her words hung in the air, brittle and impenetrable, as she walked past him, not sparing a glance at the hand he'd left suspended in midair.

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 8

    The heavy rain soaked Wendy's clothes as she gazed at the palm of her hand, bruised from the fall. Suddenly, her mind flashed to a memory from long ago—when Grayson first brought her home to meet his family. His mother, Carrie had placed the family heirloom jade bracelet carefully onto Wendy's wrist, saying, "In my lifetime, I will only acknowledge you as my daughter-in-law." His bros had smiled at her with respect, their voices warm as they said, "A sister-in-law for life, we'll only recognize you as our sister-in-law." But now, Carrie had accepted another woman as her daughter-in-law, and his bros called that woman their sister-in-law. They were all just like Grayson, speaking of love and respect, but in their hearts, they had already recognized another. What was even more tragic was that their conversation had plainly revealed that they had known about Rita's existence long before she did. And they had all helped Grayson hide it from her. She was the only fool in this enti

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 9

    Wendy's eyes flickered, a hint of mockery surfacing beneath her eyelids. The next moment, a tear slid down her cheek, tracing the curve of her face. She instinctively reached up to wipe it away, but before she could, he beat her to it. His finger, trembling, gently wiped the moisture from her skin, as if afraid to disturb her further. "Wendy, what's wrong? Don't scare me. If you're upset, just say it—don't keep it to yourself." His voice was filled with quiet desperation as he reached out to embrace her, but she turned her body slightly, avoiding his touch. Finally, she allowed her gaze to settle on him, but the tone of her words was distant, detached. "Grayson, take me to the beach." His hand faltered, hovering in midair. He looked at her with surprise. "Baby, you've always been afraid of water. You never liked the beach." Wendy's response was cool, almost indifferent. "I suddenly want to see it." After all, her death had been staged as a "suicide by drowning." Witho

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  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 25

    In the haze of her thoughts, countless memories of their time together flooded her mind. At six years old, he had taken her hand and firmly told her parents, "It doesn't matter if they don't want you, I do." At sixteen, he had gathered the courage to confess to her. "I will love only you, for the rest of my life." At twenty-two, he had spent millions to propose, begging her not to leave him, telling her he would go mad without her. At twenty-three, he had cheated on her with Rita. He began to lie to her repeatedly, staying out all night. At twenty-four, the night before their wedding, she "jumped into the sea to commit suicide," and they never saw each other again. At twenty-five, they met again, but it was too late. The chasm between them was final—he was now a ghost. The bitterness she once harbored for him faded in that moment. It wasn't that she didn't hate him anymore—it was simply that he no longer mattered. He was just another transient figure in the story of her l

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 24

    Cheryl had just closed her phone and was about to stand up when the butler walked in, his face filled with hesitation. "Miss, there are people outside claiming to be your biological parents. They wish to see you." Cheryl's head jerked up, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Who did you say wants to see me?" After the butler gave a more detailed explanation, Cheryl finally understood. It was her estranged parents, who had divorced many years ago and now had new families of their own. After her traumatic events and supposed death, they had only just remembered their abandoned daughter. The fact that she had been presumed dead had halted their plans to see her for the final time. But now, hearing rumors about her "resurrection" and her return to the country, they thought to visit her. She listened in silence, her expression unreadable. It was Allen who spoke next, stepping closer and wrapping his arm around her waist. "They're pretending to visit you out of a desire to reconnect,

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 23

    In the days that followed, Grayson lay feverish and delirious, his hoarse voice repeatedly calling out Wendy's name. By his side, Rita sat slumped in a chair, her once-vibrant presence reduced to a hollow shadow. Her gaze, blank and unblinking, was fixed on him. Since the scandal of being labeled a homewrecker, her difficult childbirth, and the violent tumble down the stairs, Rita's love for him had long since evaporated. What remained in her heart was a toxic mix of hatred and helplessness. She knew all too well that her current misery was inextricably tied to the man lying before her. Yet, deep down, she also understood that the pampered life he had given her had robbed her of the ability to stand on her own. She couldn't leave him. Without him, she wouldn't survive. No one would hire a woman with such a ruined reputation. Her only option was to cling to him with all her might. Summoning what little resolve she had, Rita pressed the call button beside her. A team of doctors

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 22

    In the end, Allen not only purchased the jewelry set she had chosen but also bought all the others as well. When she tugged at his hand, intending to say something, he silenced her with a kiss. "Cheryl, as long as you're happy, I don't care how much it costs," he murmured. Cheryl lifted her gaze to meet his. In his eyes, there was no one else but her. As their relationship stabilized, Cheryl finally agreed to return to Asteria and meet his family and close friends. From the moment they stepped off the plane to their arrival at the Lloyd family home, their visit was kept low-profile. Only Allen's family and close friends knew of her return. He shielded her carefully, leaving no space for outsiders to intrude. Unbeknownst to Cheryl, someone else had been waiting for her—a shadow lingering in the rain. Grayson, drenched and silent, stood outside the Lloyd family estate for an entire night. He had learned of her return by accident, overhearing a conversation between Christoph a

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 21

    After much persuasion from Allen, Cheryl managed to divert her attention away from Grayson. However, a more complicated situation had arisen. One evening, Allen, drunk and uninhibited, finally pierced the veil of ambiguity that had hung between them for so long. He kissed her—a spontaneous, unguarded kiss. Cheryl, tipsy herself, didn't resist, and before they knew it, the two had stumbled into a hazy, unplanned intimacy. The next morning, Cheryl resolved to brush the incident under the rug. After all, they were adults, and adults sometimes made impulsive decisions. But Allen, surprisingly, was having none of it. Like a child with an unshakable determination, he insisted she take responsibility for what had happened. Faced with his pleading gaze, so filled with vulnerability and hope, Cheryl found herself nodding before she could stop. Later, as she glanced at the faint marks scattered across her arms, she gently patted her cheeks, trying to bring herself back to her senses. H

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 20

    Allen didn't say anything more, just lightly patting her back to reassure her. His voice carried a quiet promise, steady yet firm. "Don't worry. I'll handle everything. He won't find you." Cheryl lowered her gaze. Whatever she and Grayson needed to say to each other had been said the day she staged her death. There was nothing left. No explanations, no lingering ties. Betrayal didn't require justification; it was absolute and final. She didn't want to see him, nor did she want to hear any explanations. The two sat together on the sofa, tightly nestled against each other. The room was steeped in a stillness that seemed to suspend time itself. Yet, miles away in a hospital room, chaos reigned. Grayson, barely recovered from his leg injury, was in a frenzy, fighting against the bodyguards restraining him. He was determined to break free, to go to New Zealand and see Wendy. Ever since her death, or what he had believed to be her death, he had never truly accepted the finality of it

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 19

    Allen suppressed the urge to let a smirk creep across his lips. Taking a few deliberate sips of tea, he finally spoke with casual detachment, "So, your family made the news again?" After all, Rita wasn't staying in a VIP ward. The commotion during her argument with Grayson had been witnessed by several patients, some of whom had even live-streamed the spectacle. Christoph rubbed his temples, exhaustion clouding his features. Ever since he'd taken over as CEO of Bryce Ventures, both Grayson and Rita had been a constant source of trouble. "I've decided that once they wake up, they'll be moving back to their own place," he said. Initially, Carrie had thrown a tantrum upon hearing the decision, threatening to escalate things. But the moment Christoph coldly threatened to cut off all financial support for Grayson's family, she fell silent. "Once they've moved out, I'll issue a public statement severing all ties between them and the Bryce family. Whatever mess they make afterward w

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 18

    Before Rita could strike, Grayson seized her wrist, shoving her back against the wall and wrapping his hand tightly around her throat. "Rita, if you dare to harm Wendy again, you won't live to see another sunrise." Without sparing her another glance, he released her, turned, and carefully helped the "Wendy" doppelgänger back into the villa, as if shielding the most fragile of treasures. Rita stood frozen, her body trembling uncontrollably. It was only after a long moment that her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor, gasping for air like a drowning swimmer breaking the surface. So close. So close. He'd almost killed her. The thought screamed in her mind. Her throat throbbed with the memory of his grip, and the terror that had seized her still lingered. Just as she tried to rise, a sharp, searing pain radiated from her lower abdomen, and the unmistakable scent of blood began to fill the air. Her face drained of color as she clutched her stomach in panic. "My baby!

  • To My Childhood Sweetheart, See You Never   Chapter 17

    At the airport, Cheryl stepped forward and, almost impulsively, hugged Allen. "Take care of yourself," she said. Allen held her in his arms for a long moment before letting go, then turned to head toward the departure gate. At the Bryce family home, the house was alive with activity. Servants scurried to decorate the sprawling villa, ensuring every corner reflected the prestige of a family heir's wedding. The patriarchal torch had passed to Christoph, the eldest son from a different mother, leaving Grayson and his scandals relegated to whispers. In the shadows of a window in the auxiliary building, Rita stood motionless, her eyes fixed on the flurry of preparations. She was no longer the center of attention, no longer the woman who commanded the room. When her affair with Grayson had been exposed, both of them fell from grace. But for Rita, the fall had been steeper. The Bryce family's disdain for her was palpable; her presence was tolerated only because she was carrying th

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