Chapter 1

Julian and I were childhood sweethearts. We grew up next door to each other for twenty years.

At the peak of our love, he threw himself in front of a speeding car to save me. He survived, but he lost all his memories of us.

I did everything to please him. I tried desperately to make up for the past, hoping to trigger his memories.

But during that time, he fell in love with Amber Carter—the very woman who used to bully me in high school.

The degrading, private photos taken when I was being bullied were leaked all over the internet.

Yet, he wrapped his arm around Amber in front of a crowd, laughing carelessly:

"Her? She's covered in disgusting scars. Looking at her makes me want to throw up."

My blood ran cold the moment I saw Julian whispering sweet nothings to Amber.

I never expected to see Amber ever again.

After she failed to graduate high school, the Harrison family used their legal team and massive wealth to pressure her family, forcing them to leave Seattle forever.

I thought I was safe from her for the rest of my life.

But just looking at her made me shake uncontrollably.

The cigarette burns on my arms and thighs—scars that had never fully faded—seemed to flare up with phantom pain.

I held onto the doorframe, my knees weak. But seeing her crying, leaning her head against Julian's shoulder, my anger finally overrode my fear.

I rushed forward and shoved her away.

"Get the hell away from him!"

Amber fell hard onto the sofa. She looked at me with terror, then turned a tearful, pleading gaze toward Julian.

Julian immediately helped Amber up, his eyes filled with tender concern. Then, he turned to me, glaring with fury.

"Chloe, what is wrong with you?!"

I tried to explain, panicked. "Julian! Don't let her fool you! She's a monster!"

Julian took a deep, frustrated breath. "Whether she’s a monster or not is none of your business!"

"And what about you? Just because our families are close, how much longer are you going to stalk me?!"

I frowned, my heart aching. "I'm not stalking you... We were together. We are dating!"

Julian rubbed his temples tiredly.

"It’s been three years, Chloe. You keep telling me I'm your boyfriend, but I don't remember a single thing. Stop dragging me into your delusions."

"I only tolerated you before because of our parents. But now? We are done, Chloe."

"You’ve gone way too far."

Without another word, he picked Amber up in his arms, brushed past me, and walked out of the VIP lounge.

Behind Julian's back, Amber shot me a mocking, triumphant smirk.

That look—the promise to torture me until I broke—was exactly the same as it was years ago.

I collapsed onto the floor, clutching the edge of the table. Terror consumed me, leaving me shivering in the dark.