Chapter 1

I loved Adrian for seven years, and nearly died in the ICU saving him.

But to him, I was just a tool for gratitude, while his student, Chloe, was the one who made his heart race.

I accidentally overheard him, on our bed, holding Chloe, who was covered in kiss marks: "I only feel responsibility towards Elara. You, Chloe, are the love of my life."

My heart turned to ash.

A month before our wedding, I submitted my application for an overseas medical mission.

But he chased me to war-torn Mali, his eyes red, saying, "Elara, I can't live without you."

I ignored him.

Danger struck instantly, and he quickly ducked into a nearby building.

But Liam Stone, the peacekeeping soldier I'd known for less than a month, rushed out without hesitation, shielding me from a stray bullet with his own body.

The bullet grazed his shoulder, splattering blood on my face.

I knelt, trying to staunch the bleeding, my hands shaking so badly I could barely hold the gauze.

Adrian stood in a safe spot, staring blankly at the scene.

Afterward, he found me: "Elara, I finally understand... the love I gave you doesn't even deserve to be called love."

I looked up and smiled at him.

It was the first time I'd smiled at him in days.

Then I said, "It's fine. Because I don't want your love anymore."