After signing the divorce papers, I pulled myself together and decided to return to the medical research team.
Yasmine had always been better at winning people over—even our parents showed her more affection, even though I was also their daughter. Every time I went home for the holidays, their faces would stiffen the moment they saw me.
Eventually, I stopped feeling much for that family.
Before I got involved with Arnold, I had planned to further my studies in medical research. I gave up my career for him.
Now, it was time to start over.
As it happened, my mentor was preparing a classified project in Alpene. I applied and was quickly accepted into the team.
In three days, I would be heading to a secret base for closed-door research work.
It also meant I'd be leaving Arnold and starting a new chapter in my life.
However, just two days before my departure, Arnold unexpectedly returned home. He looked at my packed suitcases in confusion.
"Juniper, where are you going?" His voice carried a trace of panic.
I lowered my head, avoiding his eyes. "I... I'm going on a trip with some friends. It'll be a short one."
"No!" He cut me off sharply, standing up. "It's too dangerous out there. Stay home. I'll protect you."
With a small frown, I was about to explain when he took my hand and started toward the door.
"Stop thinking about going so far away from me, Juniper. Just stay by my side. Come with me, I've got a surprise for you."
Before I could say no, he had already stuffed me into the car.
The whole ride, he held my hand tightly, as if afraid I'd disappear at any moment.
…
Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a rose garden.
It was the same place we'd once visited. While it was just an overgrown patch of land back then, Arnold had transformed it into a beautiful sea of roses.
"Juniper, I know you've always loved roses, so I planted all of these for you."
His gaze was tender, full of deep affection.
However, just then, a familiar figure appeared in my sight.
It was Yasmine. Dressed in a flowing white dress, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers, she strolled toward us with a smile.
"Junie, Arnold," she greeted us warmly.
That was when I realized that Yasmine had called Arnold's name in that sickly sweet tone since the start.
Arnold's expression darkened for a moment, but he quickly composed himself.
"Yasmine's just here to help us take some photos. She just won first place in a photography competition. I know you don't like her, but she'll leave after the shoot."
He tried to explain, but I'd already caught the smug look on Yasmine's face.
…
In the rose garden, she found an excuse to send Arnold away, leaving just the two of us.
"Arnold, can you get Junie and me some water?"
Once he was gone, her innocent mask dropped, and her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Junie, you really are a coward. You came all the way to the wedding but didn't even dare to show your face."
"Oh, right." She sneered. "How about we make a little bet?"
"Back home, Mom and Dad always liked me more. Now, let's see who Arnold prefers."
"What are you talking about?" I frowned. "Whatever game you're playing, I'm not in the mood. I'm done competing for affection."
I turned to leave, but Yasmine shamelessly followed me back to the house.
"Junie, how about this—if the two of us were in danger at the same time, who do you think Arnold would save?"
She gave me a wicked grin and pulled out a remote from her pocket to press the button.
I didn't even have time to react before a loud explosion shook the ground.
Yasmine had detonated the explosives she planted in the house!
All I saw was a blinding flash of fire before everything collapsed around me.
Heavy debris crushed my legs, and a steel rod pierced through my shoulder. The pain was so intense I nearly passed out.
However, even in that state, I gritted my teeth and screamed, "Arnold! Help me!"
