Chapter 3

Consider my entire twenty-something years of life, nothing but a cruel joke.

From now on, Ryan was dead.

The next day, the heavens opened, unleashing a torrential downpour.

I stood before my parents' gravestone, letting the icy rain drench me to the bone.

My mind, against my will, flashed back to a series of images.

Sweet memories of Serena and me, meeting and falling in love.

And many years ago, me clutching my parents' legs,

Crying and begging them not to take my brother to the city with them.

I'd rather go with them myself and work multiple jobs, just so he could stay in our hometown and focus on his studies.

But the brother I'd protected with all my might had stabbed me in the back with the most brutal betrayal.

The woman I'd loved for seven years had systematically dismantled my entire life.

I closed my eyes, the pain in my chest had become a dull, persistent ache, almost numb.

My phone stubbornly rang in the rain.

"Ryan, that person has deep connections. Don't go head-to-head with them. You'll only end up hurting yourself."

I wiped the rain from my face, trying to make my voice sound normal.

"Captain Miller, thank you."

"I've made up my mind. This profession isn't for me. I've found a new direction in life."

I hung up and looked up at the gray, overcast sky.

Rain mingled with my tears, streaming down my face.

Suddenly, a black umbrella appeared over my head.

I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

That cool, subtle fragrance I once adored now just made my stomach churn.

Serena's voice, as gentle as ever, came from behind me.

"You'll get sick standing in the rain."

I didn't move, didn't speak.

"Ryan, don't be stubborn with me."

She slipped an offer letter into my hand.

"I've arranged a new job for you.

An executive position at a prestigious company, with a relaxed schedule and a generous six-figure salary.

It's much better than being a cop."

"I don't need it."

I said coldly.

She destroyed my dream, then tried to dismiss and insult me with money.

Serena's tone remained patient, almost patronizing, like she was trying to soothe a child:

"Ryan, I know you feel wronged.

But everything I did was for your own good.

I couldn't stand by and watch you take risks. I promised your late parents I'd look after you.

From now on, you don't have to always try to be the strong one alone."

"For my own good?"

I finally couldn't hold back. I looked up at her and suddenly laughed.

My laugh sounded hollow and desolate in the rain.

Serena's brows furrowed.

"Don't throw a tantrum, Ryan."

"I know it's hard for you to accept right now, but once you calm down, you'll understand my good intentions."

"Our years of history together…"

I scoffed.

She was so sure I loved her so deeply, that I couldn't live without her.

She was so sure I'd eventually become like a docile pet, accepting all her arrangements.

I looked at her face, and my hatred and fury reached a boiling point.

Right in front of her, I tore the offer letter page by page into tiny pieces.

I flung them hard into her face.

"Serena! Who are you to decide my life!"

"I never want to see you again!"

The paper scraps fluttered and stuck to her wet face, making her look utterly wretched.

I expected her to be angry, to explode.

But she wasn't.

She just looked at me, her voice still calm.

"Ryan, I'll wait for you to calm down."

I didn't want to argue with her anymore and turned to leave.

But the intense emotional turmoil and days of mental exhaustion had already taken their toll on my body.

My vision suddenly went black. All my strength drained away, and I collapsed.

In the last second before consciousness vanished,

I thought I saw a flicker of panic cross Serena's usually composed face.

Perhaps it was just my imagination.

When I woke up, Serena was by my bedside, her face drawn and pale.

Seeing me awake, she immediately clutched my hand, her eyes filled with remorse.