Chapter 6
I’ll never forget that winter when I lost my ability to play piano.
I lay sprawled on the icy surface, pulling Quentin out of the frozen river.
He was numb with cold, unable to summon any strength.
Sharp ice shards cut into my wrists, palms, and fingers.
I screamed desperately for help. No matter how much Quentin yelled at me to let go, I refused to give up.
My hands sank into the water, turning it blood red, as if dividing two worlds.
When Quentin was finally pulled out, he’d already lost
consciousness.
I was also rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. After that, I could never play piano again.
It was so cold that day–so cold I didn’t dare ask if the boy I’d saved was still alive!
It wasn’t until Quentin reappeared at school that I finally felt relief.
Two weeks had passed. I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about
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saving him, no matter what.
I liked him, so I hoped he could simply like me back.
That Christmas, I was fifteen.
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This Christmas, I’m twenty–five, about to marry a man I’ve known since I was barely five.
Nathaniel is usually playful, rarely serious, which makes his solemn expression all the more jarring.
The officers‘ club buzzes with chatter and noise.
This entire wedding reception was arranged by Nathaniel’s mother, Anne Mitchell.
All I need to do is stand there in a beautiful dress and accept congratulations.
Nathaniel pours red wine into my glass and asks, “Tired? If you’re tired, go rest.”
Nathaniel pours red wine into my glass and asks, “Tired? If you’re tired, go rest.”
I shake my head. Just then, my eyes meet Quentin’s.
Only a week has passed, but Quentin has lost a lot of weight.
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His once–handsome face has become gaunt and melancholy.
He asks, “Lily, is there still a chance for us to be together?”
The wine glass slips from my hand and crashes to the floor.
I say, “Quentin, don’t be crazy.”
Obviously, he doesn’t want to listen. While Nathaniel is looking down, pouring wine, Quentin grabs me and pulls me into an empty private room.
Quentin says, “Lily, I know everything now. I mistook you for someone else.” He carefully holds my wrist and continues, “If it weren’t for me, you would have joined the arts troupe, wouldn’t you?”
Hearing his words, my heart still aches–for myself.
Nathaniel pounds on the door. Quentin ignores him completely and continues, “Lily, it’s actually not too late. I know you two haven’t been to the church yet. You can still call off the engagement–I’ll apologize to everyone.”
Quentin nervously grips his sleeve, looking straight at me with his deep eyes.
“I’m getting married today. This is my wedding reception, Quentin.” The room is so empty I can even hear my own echo.
Chapter 6
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Quentin’s hands drop limply to his sides. “Lily, you don’t know what I’ve been through. As long as you can be with me, even if you marry Nathaniel, I won’t…”
I ask, “What have you been through? You let me down and faked your death to deceive me?”
Nathaniel suddenly looks up, trembling as he asks, “Lily, you came back too?”
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