Under the Eiffel Tower, they made vows of eternal love.
While I rotted in prison, enduring beatings and insults, they traveled the world, hand in hand, marveling at its beauty.
I was penniless, unable to even afford a taxi after my release. On the other hand, they spent fortunes on countless luxurious jewels and designer accessories.
In the years I was locked away, they had already become the perfect couple in high society.
No wonder Gabriel never visited me—not even once—just like my parents.
I foolishly believed he was busy gathering evidence to clear my name.
Little did I know, he was simply too preoccupied indulging in a love story with Alyssa.
The pain in my chest felt like a blade slicing through flesh.
I lay in bed, letting silent tears stream down my face.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
I answered absentmindedly—only to hear a voice I never expected.
"Ellie, I heard you were released. How have you been?"
Of all people, the first to check on me after five years wasn’t my so-called family.
It was an old professor I had met only once.
We exchanged brief pleasantries before he got to the point.
He told me that all these years, he had been fighting for my case, trying to reduce my sentence so I could join a confidential research institute as soon as possible.
"You’re an extraordinary talent. Whether you agree or not, I will continue investigating the accident and prove your innocence!"
His words sent a wave of warmth through my frozen heart.
Back then, I had pushed myself beyond my limits, desperate for my parents’ approval. Not only had I been accepted into multiple top universities, but I had also been selected for a national research team.
But before I could even make a choice, the people I loved most—my own family—conspired to throw me into prison.
Now, I had finally seen through their deception, the hypocrisy of my parents and Gabriel.
I would never again chase after a love that was never meant for me.
Tears blurred my vision as I accepted Professor Michael’s invitation.
At that instant, I heard the excitement in his voice. "Wonderful! I’ll pick you up in five days. Don’t be late!"
"I won’t."
I turned to look at the picture on my phone—Gabriel and Alyssa locked in a tight embrace.
Then, I turned and marked a horizontal line on the wall.
A habit I had picked up in prison.
Back then, I counted down the days until I could reunite with Gabriel.
Now, I was counting down the days until I could finally leave for good.
—
A cold draft seeped through the attic window, making the pain in my crippled leg unbearable.
Just as I winced, Gabriel knelt by my bed, massaging my leg with gentle hands.
When he saw I was awake, his reddened eyes met mine.
"I had no idea you suffered so much in prison," he whispered. "I swear, I won’t let those who hurt you get away with it!"
Those who hurt me? Wasn’t he the worst of them all?
I bit down on my lip, tasting blood as I fought hard to suppress the raging storm inside me.
I lowered my head, refusing to speak.
Then, he said something that made my stomach churn.
"Ellie, marry me." His voice was filled with deep affection.
"I can’t bear to see you living like this in the Myers household. This tiny, broken room... even their maids wouldn’t stay here."
I lifted my gaze, watching the sincerity in his expression, and let out a mocking smile. "You really want to marry me?"
"Of course! Have you forgotten? We grew up together. The moment you were brought back to the Myers family, I already liked you."
"But my parents might not approve. If it comes to that, we can secretly get our marriage certificate. Then, on the wedding day, Alyssa can take your place at the ceremony. That way, no one will mock or gossip about you."
As he spoke, he slid a massive diamond ring onto my finger, his expression filled with nothing but love and devotion.
