An earthquake didn’t just break Eliza Shaw’s leg—it broke her delusions. She finally saw the truth: someone who doesn’t love you won’t even pause to step over your remains. When the quake hit, her husband Zander Roth ran straight to his stepsister Yvonne—whose injuries were milder—and left Eliza behind. She ended up with a permanent disability in her leg. While she was in surgery, he didn't visit once. He was too busy throwing Yvonne a birthday party. That was it for Eliza. She signed the divorce papers and walked out of his life for good. Years later, they crossed paths again—she was trapped in an elevator, and the firefighter who showed up was Zander. The second he saw her, he lost it. Eyes red, he backed her into a corner. “Three years,” he said. “You're still punishing me over one leg? Your leg matters, but Yvonne's life doesn't?” Eliza almost laughed. To him, her leg was that cheap. So she stopped caring. She focused on her work, built her career, made her own money. More and more people wanted to be with her. A real chance at happiness finally came her way. And then—Zander, the man who never doubted himself for a second, started to panic. “Eliza, I'm sorry. Can we try again?” Eliza pulled her hand free, her smile cold and sharp. "Sorry," she said. "I don't do secondhand regrets."

Chapter 1After the distress call went out, Eliza Shaw never expected he would be the one to show up.Zander Roth.Her childhood friend and ex-husband of five years.A sudden pang struck Eliza's heart, an overwhelming wave of bitterness washing over her."Give me your hand."The moment he saw her, Zander's gaze faltered, but the emotion quickly vanished behind his usual cold facade.He reached out, pulling her from the trapped elevator. "How long were you stuck?""An hour." Eliza offered a polite, distant smile, maintaining her composure. "My phone only got a signal fifteen minutes ago. I didn't expect you to be the firefighter responding."Zander nodded, his dark eyes dropping downward.After a long pause, he finally spoke. "How is your leg?"Eliza fought back the tears threatening to blur her vision and stayed silent.Ever since the earthquake three years ago, her left leg had never fully recovered.The quake had struck without warning, burying Eliza beneath the collapsing building before she could even react.She had trembled uncontrollably, her entire body feeling as though every bone had shattered, completely numb and disconnected.Her left leg, in particular, had been completely crushed.Tasting blood in the back of her throat, her vision had gone black as she passed out.When she finally opened her eyes, Yvonne Vance, who was trapped nearby, suddenly screamed."Zander, I'm over here! Help me!"Hearing her voice, Zander had sprinted over.The color had drained completely from his face, his usually stoic expression twisting in panic.A crew member behind him had yelled, "Boss, we're out of time! The experts say another aftershock is hitting in fifteen minutes. We can only save one!"Fighting through the agony, cold sweat dotting her forehead, Eliza had whispered, "Zander..."Before she could finish, Yvonne had cut in. "Zander, it hurts so much! I can't breathe..."Everyone assumed Zander would save Eliza first. She had thought so, too.After all, they had grown up together, and she was his wife of five years.But Zander had just closed his eyes, his voice like ice. "Save Yvonne first."By the time the rescue team tried to get to Eliza, the aftershock had hit.After that, Eliza's memory was a complete blank.When she woke up again, she was in the hospital, hearing the doctor sigh. "I heard she's a famous ballerina. What a shame. If only we had gotten to her ten minutes earlier."What was a shame?Eliza quickly found out. The shame was that her left leg was permanently damaged.The shame was that she would never step foot on a stage again.Thinking back on it, Eliza suddenly felt the urge to laugh.She suppressed the bitter smile. "Thanks. I'll be sure to send a thank-you basket to your station."But before she could take two steps, a strong hand roughly pulled her back.Eliza stumbled, finding herself pinned between the wall and Zander.The veins in Zander's hand bulged, though his tone remained as detached as ever. "Why did you leave without a word three years ago? Where have you been? Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?"Eliza let out a hollow laugh. "Shouldn't you know better than anyone?"Zander's brow furrowed, his gaze darkening."I've explained this a million times.""It was a critical situation, and we could only save one person. Yvonne has always been frail, and her condition was far more severe than yours. I had no choice but to get her out first.""Besides, Yvonne is like a sister to me. I couldn't just abandon her."His fingertips brushed the corner of Eliza's eye. "Eliza, you know my hands were tied. Are you really going to hold this against me for the rest of your life?"Right. So many times his hands were tied.Eliza lowered her gaze, a faint, cynical smile touching her lips.During the six months she spent recovering in the hospital, Zander had barely visited.While she was enduring nearly a dozen agonizing surgeries, Zander was out celebrating Yvonne's birthday.When she was in excruciating pain during physical therapy, where was Zander?Eliza's smile faded. "Zander, we're divorced. There's no need to corner me like this."Zander stiffened, entirely unprepared for that response.He had imagined what it would be like to see her again. He thought she might be heartbroken or that she would break down and cry.But he never expected this.Eliza's eyes held nothing but apathy and exhaustion.Zander pressed his lips together, his expression grim.When Eliza disappeared three years ago, he assumed she just needed time to heal, so he gave her space.But it had been three years. Even for a grudge, this was too long.He didn't believe she could just throw their relationship away. If she could, she wouldn't have spent over a decade chasing after him.Zander couldn't understand what more she wanted.But this version of Eliza was like a stranger.So unfamiliar that he didn't even know how to talk to her.Zander's gaze sharpened. "Eliza, can't we just have a normal conversation? Why are you always like this? You were like this as a kid, and you're still doing it now.""Eliza, I never signed the divorce papers. We aren't divorced. Legally, we're still married."As he spoke, Zander unconsciously tightened his grip.The sudden pressure on her wrist made Eliza wince, a quiet gasp escaping her lips."We can go right now," she replied calmly. "The courthouse is open for another hour. If not today, then tomorrow. I'm available whenever."With that, Eliza tried to yank her hand free and walk away.But a second later, an angry force roughly pulled her back, dragging her all the way into the underground parking garage.Unable to break free, Eliza stumbled after him. "Zander, what the hell are you doing?"Zander shoved her into the passenger seat. "We're going home to talk.""No!" Eliza frantically fought against his grip.But Zander was too strong, easily forcing her inside.Eliza tried to yank the door open, only to find it locked.She took a deep breath. "Talk about what? About you and Yvonne? Or about getting divorced tomorrow? You don't have to make it this complicated. Just sign the papers."Zander leaned in, his tone impatient. "I'll say it one more time. Yvonne is just a sister to me. There is nothing going on between us."Eliza stared at his face."But you aren't related by blood.""Do you honestly think I'm just throwing a tantrum, Zander? You always do this. You think everything I do is just a stunt."Zander's face hardened like stone, his jaw ticking in frustration."Eliza, the truth about back then..."Before he could finish, a sickeningly sweet voice echoed from behind.A familiar figure strutted over. Yvonne tossed her long hair, flashing a saccharine smile."Zander, I finally found you! Weren't we supposed to take our wedding photos today?"Eliza stopped struggling, a mocking smirk tugging at her lips."No wonder you kept insisting we aren't officially divorced. You're getting remarried."Zander's brow furrowed heavily. "It's not what you think."Just as he spoke, the car door was yanked open from the outside.Yvonne's smile instantly froze. She paused for a moment before stretching it into an even wider grin. "Eliza, why didn't you tell us you were back? Zander and I have missed you so much."Eliza had no patience for either of them. Taking advantage of the open door, she stepped out and walked away briskly."Eliza!"Yvonne suddenly called after her. "Zander and I are going to pick out a wedding dress. You've always had great taste. Do you want to come with us?""We can grab dinner afterward. We've really missed you, and it would be great to catch up."Eliza's heart plummeted, her breath catching in her throat.She quietly clenched her fists, quickly forcing her features back into a mask of indifference. "No thanks. I have plans."A suffocating wave of despair washed over her. She didn't dare look back, terrified of seeing them being affectionate.Once upon a time, she genuinely believed she would be happy forever.But a single earthquake had permanently destroyed everything they had.Back then, when she wanted a divorce, her parents refused. They claimed it was too humiliating and that a divorced woman would ruin her siblings' marriage prospects.They even told her that since her leg was ruined and couldn't be fixed, she shouldn't bother with treatment. They drained her bank accounts to pay for her brother's tuition instead.That period was the darkest time of Eliza's life. She sought out countless doctors, refusing to give up even a sliver of hope. She eventually moved abroad for long-term physical therapy, though the results were disappointing.She only returned to the country when her father was diagnosed with cancer.Even though she had a massive falling out with her parents, he was still her biological father. She couldn't just leave him to die.But cancer treatment cost thousands of dollars, not to mention the ongoing expenses for her leg's physical therapy.The nest egg she had built during her ballerina days was almost entirely depleted.She had no choice but to find a decent job and hustle to make ends meet.What she hadn't expected was running into Zander so soon after starting work.The moment Eliza started to walk away, Zander scrambled out of the car.He instinctively went after her, but before he could take two steps, someone grabbed his arm."Zander, where are you going?" Yvonne asked, looking hurt. "Did you forget we're supposed to pick out my dress today?"Zander stared intensely at her. "Why did you say that on purpose?"Yvonne jumped, startled. She bit her red lip. "Don't forget, Zander, you stood at my parents' graves and promised to stay by my side forever.""Are you backing out? You just think I'm a burden, don't you?"Zander's eyes darkened. "I will always be here for you. But Yvonne, you know this isn't a real marriage. The photos are just to fulfill your wish. Why did you deliberately bring it up in front of her?"After Eliza had been discharged from the hospital three years ago, Yvonne's adoptive parents were killed in a sudden car crash. Their family was left in shambles, and the weight of the world had fallen on Zander's shoulders.They had found him by a river when he was a boy. He had been too young to remember anything except his last name.They had called the police, but they couldn't locate his real family.After much consideration, they officially adopted him.Over the years, Zander had come to view them as his real parents.Because of the tragedy, he didn't have the time to look for Eliza back then. He assumed there would always be time later, but the days just kept slipping away.He just hadn't expected that it would be three years before he saw her again.Yvonne leaned against him, sobbing quietly. "I'm sorry, Zander, I didn't mean to. Please don't abandon me. They asked you to take care of me before they died, remember?"Tears welled in her eyes. "You're all I have left. I'm sorry. They were so worried about me. I just wanted to take a wedding photo to show them I'm doing okay. I knew they wouldn't approve if I asked some random guy. You were the only one I could turn to. You have to help me, Zander..."Chapter 2After the distress call went out, Eliza Shaw never expected he would be the one to show up.Zander Roth.Her childhood friend and ex-husband of five years.A sudden pang struck Eliza's heart, an overwhelming wave of bitterness washing over her."Give me your hand."The moment he saw her, Zander's gaze faltered, but the emotion quickly vanished behind his usual cold facade.He reached out, pulling her from the trapped elevator. "How long were you stuck?""An hour." Eliza offered a polite, distant smile, maintaining her composure. "My phone only got a signal fifteen minutes ago. I didn't expect you to be the firefighter responding."Zander nodded, his dark eyes dropping downward.After a long pause, he finally spoke. "How is your leg?"Eliza fought back the tears threatening to blur her vision and stayed silent.Ever since the earthquake three years ago, her left leg had never fully recovered.The quake had struck without warning, burying Eliza beneath the collapsing building before she could even react.She had trembled uncontrollably, her entire body feeling as though every bone had shattered, completely numb and disconnected.Her left leg, in particular, had been completely crushed.Tasting blood in the back of her throat, her vision had gone black as she passed out.When she finally opened her eyes, Yvonne Vance, who was trapped nearby, suddenly screamed."Zander, I'm over here! Help me!"Hearing her voice, Zander had sprinted over.The color had drained completely from his face, his usually stoic expression twisting in panic.A crew member behind him had yelled, "Boss, we're out of time! The experts say another aftershock is hitting in fifteen minutes. We can only save one!"Fighting through the agony, cold sweat dotting her forehead, Eliza had whispered, "Zander..."Before she could finish, Yvonne had cut in. "Zander, it hurts so much! I can't breathe..."Everyone assumed Zander would save Eliza first. She had thought so, too.After all, they had grown up together, and she was his wife of five years.But Zander had just closed his eyes, his voice like ice. "Save Yvonne first."By the time the rescue team tried to get to Eliza, the aftershock had hit.After that, Eliza's memory was a complete blank.When she woke up again, she was in the hospital, hearing the doctor sigh. "I heard she's a famous ballerina. What a shame. If only we had gotten to her ten minutes earlier."What was a shame?Eliza quickly found out. The shame was that her left leg was permanently damaged.The shame was that she would never step foot on a stage again.Thinking back on it, Eliza suddenly felt the urge to laugh.She suppressed the bitter smile. "Thanks. I'll be sure to send a thank-you basket to your station."But before she could take two steps, a strong hand roughly pulled her back.Eliza stumbled, finding herself pinned between the wall and Zander.The veins in Zander's hand bulged, though his tone remained as detached as ever. "Why did you leave without a word three years ago? Where have you been? Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?"Eliza let out a hollow laugh. "Shouldn't you know better than anyone?"Zander's brow furrowed, his gaze darkening."I've explained this a million times.""It was a critical situation, and we could only save one person. Yvonne has always been frail, and her condition was far more severe than yours. I had no choice but to get her out first.""Besides, Yvonne is like a sister to me. I couldn't just abandon her."His fingertips brushed the corner of Eliza's eye. "Eliza, you know my hands were tied. Are you really going to hold this against me for the rest of your life?"Right. So many times his hands were tied.Eliza lowered her gaze, a faint, cynical smile touching her lips.During the six months she spent recovering in the hospital, Zander had barely visited.While she was enduring nearly a dozen agonizing surgeries, Zander was out celebrating Yvonne's birthday.When she was in excruciating pain during physical therapy, where was Zander?Eliza's smile faded. "Zander, we're divorced. There's no need to corner me like this."Zander stiffened, entirely unprepared for that response.He had imagined what it would be like to see her again. He thought she might be heartbroken or that she would break down and cry.But he never expected this.Eliza's eyes held nothing but apathy and exhaustion.Zander pressed his lips together, his expression grim.When Eliza disappeared three years ago, he assumed she just needed time to heal, so he gave her space.But it had been three years. Even for a grudge, this was too long.He didn't believe she could just throw their relationship away. If she could, she wouldn't have spent over a decade chasing after him.Zander couldn't understand what more she wanted.But this version of Eliza was like a stranger.So unfamiliar that he didn't even know how to talk to her.Zander's gaze sharpened. "Eliza, can't we just have a normal conversation? Why are you always like this? You were like this as a kid, and you're still doing it now.""Eliza, I never signed the divorce papers. We aren't divorced. Legally, we're still married."As he spoke, Zander unconsciously tightened his grip.The sudden pressure on her wrist made Eliza wince, a quiet gasp escaping her lips."We can go right now," she replied calmly. "The courthouse is open for another hour. If not today, then tomorrow. I'm available whenever."With that, Eliza tried to yank her hand free and walk away.But a second later, an angry force roughly pulled her back, dragging her all the way into the underground parking garage.Unable to break free, Eliza stumbled after him. "Zander, what the hell are you doing?"Zander shoved her into the passenger seat. "We're going home to talk.""No!" Eliza frantically fought against his grip.But Zander was too strong, easily forcing her inside.Eliza tried to yank the door open, only to find it locked.She took a deep breath. "Talk about what? About you and Yvonne? Or about getting divorced tomorrow? You don't have to make it this complicated. Just sign the papers."Zander leaned in, his tone impatient. "I'll say it one more time. Yvonne is just a sister to me. There is nothing going on between us."Eliza stared at his face."But you aren't related by blood.""Do you honestly think I'm just throwing a tantrum, Zander? You always do this. You think everything I do is just a stunt."Zander's face hardened like stone, his jaw ticking in frustration."Eliza, the truth about back then..."Before he could finish, a sickeningly sweet voice echoed from behind.A familiar figure strutted over. Yvonne tossed her long hair, flashing a saccharine smile."Zander, I finally found you! Weren't we supposed to take our wedding photos today?"Eliza stopped struggling, a mocking smirk tugging at her lips."No wonder you kept insisting we aren't officially divorced. You're getting remarried."Zander's brow furrowed heavily. "It's not what you think."Just as he spoke, the car door was yanked open from the outside.Yvonne's smile instantly froze. She paused for a moment before stretching it into an even wider grin. "Eliza, why didn't you tell us you were back? Zander and I have missed you so much."Eliza had no patience for either of them. Taking advantage of the open door, she stepped out and walked away briskly."Eliza!"Yvonne suddenly called after her. "Zander and I are going to pick out a wedding dress. You've always had great taste. Do you want to come with us?""We can grab dinner afterward. We've really missed you, and it would be great to catch up."Eliza's heart plummeted, her breath catching in her throat.She quietly clenched her fists, quickly forcing her features back into a mask of indifference. "No thanks. I have plans."A suffocating wave of despair washed over her. She didn't dare look back, terrified of seeing them being affectionate.Once upon a time, she genuinely believed she would be happy forever.But a single earthquake had permanently destroyed everything they had.Back then, when she wanted a divorce, her parents refused. They claimed it was too humiliating and that a divorced woman would ruin her siblings' marriage prospects.They even told her that since her leg was ruined and couldn't be fixed, she shouldn't bother with treatment. They drained her bank accounts to pay for her brother's tuition instead.That period was the darkest time of Eliza's life. She sought out countless doctors, refusing to give up even a sliver of hope. She eventually moved abroad for long-term physical therapy, though the results were disappointing.She only returned to the country when her father was diagnosed with cancer.Even though she had a massive falling out with her parents, he was still her biological father. She couldn't just leave him to die.But cancer treatment cost thousands of dollars, not to mention the ongoing expenses for her leg's physical therapy.The nest egg she had built during her ballerina days was almost entirely depleted.She had no choice but to find a decent job and hustle to make ends meet.What she hadn't expected was running into Zander so soon after starting work.The moment Eliza started to walk away, Zander scrambled out of the car.He instinctively went after her, but before he could take two steps, someone grabbed his arm."Zander, where are you going?" Yvonne asked, looking hurt. "Did you forget we're supposed to pick out my dress today?"Zander stared intensely at her. "Why did you say that on purpose?"Yvonne jumped, startled. She bit her red lip. "Don't forget, Zander, you stood at my parents' graves and promised to stay by my side forever.""Are you backing out? You just think I'm a burden, don't you?"Zander's eyes darkened. "I will always be here for you. But Yvonne, you know this isn't a real marriage. The photos are just to fulfill your wish. Why did you deliberately bring it up in front of her?"After Eliza had been discharged from the hospital three years ago, Yvonne's adoptive parents were killed in a sudden car crash. Their family was left in shambles, and the weight of the world had fallen on Zander's shoulders.They had found him by a river when he was a boy. He had been too young to remember anything except his last name.They had called the police, but they couldn't locate his real family.After much consideration, they officially adopted him.Over the years, Zander had come to view them as his real parents.Because of the tragedy, he didn't have the time to look for Eliza back then. He assumed there would always be time later, but the days just kept slipping away.He just hadn't expected that it would be three years before he saw her again.Yvonne leaned against him, sobbing quietly. "I'm sorry, Zander, I didn't mean to. Please don't abandon me. They asked you to take care of me before they died, remember?"Tears welled in her eyes. "You're all I have left. I'm sorry. They were so worried about me. I just wanted to take a wedding photo to show them I'm doing okay. I knew they wouldn't approve if I asked some random guy. You were the only one I could turn to. You have to help me, Zander..."Chapter 3After the distress call went out, Eliza Shaw never expected he would be the one to show up.Zander Roth.Her childhood friend and ex-husband of five years.A sudden pang struck Eliza's heart, an overwhelming wave of bitterness washing over her."Give me your hand."The moment he saw her, Zander's gaze faltered, but the emotion quickly vanished behind his usual cold facade.He reached out, pulling her from the trapped elevator. "How long were you stuck?""An hour." Eliza offered a polite, distant smile, maintaining her composure. "My phone only got a signal fifteen minutes ago. I didn't expect you to be the firefighter responding."Zander nodded, his dark eyes dropping downward.After a long pause, he finally spoke. "How is your leg?"Eliza fought back the tears threatening to blur her vision and stayed silent.Ever since the earthquake three years ago, her left leg had never fully recovered.The quake had struck without warning, burying Eliza beneath the collapsing building before she could even react.She had trembled uncontrollably, her entire body feeling as though every bone had shattered, completely numb and disconnected.Her left leg, in particular, had been completely crushed.Tasting blood in the back of her throat, her vision had gone black as she passed out.When she finally opened her eyes, Yvonne Vance, who was trapped nearby, suddenly screamed."Zander, I'm over here! Help me!"Hearing her voice, Zander had sprinted over.The color had drained completely from his face, his usually stoic expression twisting in panic.A crew member behind him had yelled, "Boss, we're out of time! The experts say another aftershock is hitting in fifteen minutes. We can only save one!"Fighting through the agony, cold sweat dotting her forehead, Eliza had whispered, "Zander..."Before she could finish, Yvonne had cut in. "Zander, it hurts so much! I can't breathe..."Everyone assumed Zander would save Eliza first. She had thought so, too.After all, they had grown up together, and she was his wife of five years.But Zander had just closed his eyes, his voice like ice. "Save Yvonne first."By the time the rescue team tried to get to Eliza, the aftershock had hit.After that, Eliza's memory was a complete blank.When she woke up again, she was in the hospital, hearing the doctor sigh. "I heard she's a famous ballerina. What a shame. If only we had gotten to her ten minutes earlier."What was a shame?Eliza quickly found out. The shame was that her left leg was permanently damaged.The shame was that she would never step foot on a stage again.Thinking back on it, Eliza suddenly felt the urge to laugh.She suppressed the bitter smile. "Thanks. I'll be sure to send a thank-you basket to your station."But before she could take two steps, a strong hand roughly pulled her back.Eliza stumbled, finding herself pinned between the wall and Zander.The veins in Zander's hand bulged, though his tone remained as detached as ever. "Why did you leave without a word three years ago? Where have you been? Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?"Eliza let out a hollow laugh. "Shouldn't you know better than anyone?"Zander's brow furrowed, his gaze darkening."I've explained this a million times.""It was a critical situation, and we could only save one person. Yvonne has always been frail, and her condition was far more severe than yours. I had no choice but to get her out first.""Besides, Yvonne is like a sister to me. I couldn't just abandon her."His fingertips brushed the corner of Eliza's eye. "Eliza, you know my hands were tied. Are you really going to hold this against me for the rest of your life?"Right. So many times his hands were tied.Eliza lowered her gaze, a faint, cynical smile touching her lips.During the six months she spent recovering in the hospital, Zander had barely visited.While she was enduring nearly a dozen agonizing surgeries, Zander was out celebrating Yvonne's birthday.When she was in excruciating pain during physical therapy, where was Zander?Eliza's smile faded. "Zander, we're divorced. There's no need to corner me like this."Zander stiffened, entirely unprepared for that response.He had imagined what it would be like to see her again. He thought she might be heartbroken or that she would break down and cry.But he never expected this.Eliza's eyes held nothing but apathy and exhaustion.Zander pressed his lips together, his expression grim.When Eliza disappeared three years ago, he assumed she just needed time to heal, so he gave her space.But it had been three years. Even for a grudge, this was too long.He didn't believe she could just throw their relationship away. If she could, she wouldn't have spent over a decade chasing after him.Zander couldn't understand what more she wanted.But this version of Eliza was like a stranger.So unfamiliar that he didn't even know how to talk to her.Zander's gaze sharpened. "Eliza, can't we just have a normal conversation? Why are you always like this? You were like this as a kid, and you're still doing it now.""Eliza, I never signed the divorce papers. We aren't divorced. Legally, we're still married."As he spoke, Zander unconsciously tightened his grip.The sudden pressure on her wrist made Eliza wince, a quiet gasp escaping her lips."We can go right now," she replied calmly. "The courthouse is open for another hour. If not today, then tomorrow. I'm available whenever."With that, Eliza tried to yank her hand free and walk away.But a second later, an angry force roughly pulled her back, dragging her all the way into the underground parking garage.Unable to break free, Eliza stumbled after him. "Zander, what the hell are you doing?"Zander shoved her into the passenger seat. "We're going home to talk.""No!" Eliza frantically fought against his grip.But Zander was too strong, easily forcing her inside.Eliza tried to yank the door open, only to find it locked.She took a deep breath. "Talk about what? About you and Yvonne? Or about getting divorced tomorrow? You don't have to make it this complicated. Just sign the papers."Zander leaned in, his tone impatient. "I'll say it one more time. Yvonne is just a sister to me. There is nothing going on between us."Eliza stared at his face."But you aren't related by blood.""Do you honestly think I'm just throwing a tantrum, Zander? You always do this. You think everything I do is just a stunt."Zander's face hardened like stone, his jaw ticking in frustration."Eliza, the truth about back then..."Before he could finish, a sickeningly sweet voice echoed from behind.A familiar figure strutted over. Yvonne tossed her long hair, flashing a saccharine smile."Zander, I finally found you! Weren't we supposed to take our wedding photos today?"Eliza stopped struggling, a mocking smirk tugging at her lips."No wonder you kept insisting we aren't officially divorced. You're getting remarried."Zander's brow furrowed heavily. "It's not what you think."Just as he spoke, the car door was yanked open from the outside.Yvonne's smile instantly froze. She paused for a moment before stretching it into an even wider grin. "Eliza, why didn't you tell us you were back? Zander and I have missed you so much."Eliza had no patience for either of them. Taking advantage of the open door, she stepped out and walked away briskly."Eliza!"Yvonne suddenly called after her. "Zander and I are going to pick out a wedding dress. You've always had great taste. Do you want to come with us?""We can grab dinner afterward. We've really missed you, and it would be great to catch up."Eliza's heart plummeted, her breath catching in her throat.She quietly clenched her fists, quickly forcing her features back into a mask of indifference. "No thanks. I have plans."A suffocating wave of despair washed over her. She didn't dare look back, terrified of seeing them being affectionate.Once upon a time, she genuinely believed she would be happy forever.But a single earthquake had permanently destroyed everything they had.Back then, when she wanted a divorce, her parents refused. They claimed it was too humiliating and that a divorced woman would ruin her siblings' marriage prospects.They even told her that since her leg was ruined and couldn't be fixed, she shouldn't bother with treatment. They drained her bank accounts to pay for her brother's tuition instead.That period was the darkest time of Eliza's life. She sought out countless doctors, refusing to give up even a sliver of hope. She eventually moved abroad for long-term physical therapy, though the results were disappointing.She only returned to the country when her father was diagnosed with cancer.Even though she had a massive falling out with her parents, he was still her biological father. She couldn't just leave him to die.But cancer treatment cost thousands of dollars, not to mention the ongoing expenses for her leg's physical therapy.The nest egg she had built during her ballerina days was almost entirely depleted.She had no choice but to find a decent job and hustle to make ends meet.What she hadn't expected was running into Zander so soon after starting work.The moment Eliza started to walk away, Zander scrambled out of the car.He instinctively went after her, but before he could take two steps, someone grabbed his arm."Zander, where are you going?" Yvonne asked, looking hurt. "Did you forget we're supposed to pick out my dress today?"Zander stared intensely at her. "Why did you say that on purpose?"Yvonne jumped, startled. She bit her red lip. "Don't forget, Zander, you stood at my parents' graves and promised to stay by my side forever.""Are you backing out? You just think I'm a burden, don't you?"Zander's eyes darkened. "I will always be here for you. But Yvonne, you know this isn't a real marriage. The photos are just to fulfill your wish. Why did you deliberately bring it up in front of her?"After Eliza had been discharged from the hospital three years ago, Yvonne's adoptive parents were killed in a sudden car crash. Their family was left in shambles, and the weight of the world had fallen on Zander's shoulders.They had found him by a river when he was a boy. He had been too young to remember anything except his last name.They had called the police, but they couldn't locate his real family.After much consideration, they officially adopted him.Over the years, Zander had come to view them as his real parents.Because of the tragedy, he didn't have the time to look for Eliza back then. He assumed there would always be time later, but the days just kept slipping away.He just hadn't expected that it would be three years before he saw her again.Yvonne leaned against him, sobbing quietly. "I'm sorry, Zander, I didn't mean to. Please don't abandon me. They asked you to take care of me before they died, remember?"Tears welled in her eyes. "You're all I have left. I'm sorry. They were so worried about me. I just wanted to take a wedding photo to show them I'm doing okay. I knew they wouldn't approve if I asked some random guy. You were the only one I could turn to. You have to help me, Zander..."