Abigail stood outside the expansive French window, the Christmas cake she had brought clutched tightly in her hands. The warmth of the scene inside contrasted starkly with the biting cold around her. She stared, unmoving, as her heart grew heavier with every passing second.
“Gabriella has endured so much over the past two years, but it’s all in the past now,” Olivia Montgomery said gently, running her fingers through Gabriella’s hair. “My son has always loved you, and that’s what matters. He’s just fulfilling his obligations to Abigail before he can give you the life you deserve.”
Gabriella smiled softly, her tone filled with sweetness. “Don’t worry, Auntie. I know Sebastian loves me. That alone is enough.”
She turned her gaze to Sebastian, her eyes brimming with affection.
Sebastian lowered his head to meet her gaze, his expression tender, his voice steady. “Gabriella, once I’ve repaid what I owe, I will marry you.”
Gabriella’s cheeks flushed. She nodded shyly before stepping forward to embrace him.
Inside the house, the scene was one of pure harmony. The living room glowed warmly under the soft light of a massive Christmas tree, its branches laden with ornaments. Piles of wrapped gifts surrounded its base, completing the picture of festive joy. It was a tableau of love and belonging—a perfect match, as if nothing in the world could disrupt it.
Outside, the bitter wind stung Abigail’s face, but the ache in her chest burned far worse. Her grip on the cake faltered, and it fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.
The pain coursing through her was unbearable, as if a blade had carved through her heart. Every breath felt like a knife twisting deeper. She stood there, a silent, unseen figure—a ghost in the shadows, watching a happiness that was once hers.
Her gaze lingered on Sebastian as he bent down to pick out a gift for Gabriella, his focus entirely on the woman beside him. Abigail’s stomach churned. He’s my husband, she thought bitterly, yet the scene before her denied it.
Unable to watch any longer, she turned and walked away, her footsteps light but unsteady, carrying her farther from the glowing warmth of the house. No one inside noticed her presence—her coming, her leaving, or the broken cake lying in the snow.
Abigail clutched at her chest as she disappeared into the cold night. The memory of how she and Sebastian met surfaced briefly. She had saved his life once.
This incident marked the beginning of their intertwined fates. Sebastian, out of gratitude, often gave Abigail small gifts to thank her. Over time, his visits became more frequent, his gratitude evolving into admiration. Before long, he realized he had fallen in love with her and began to pursue her wholeheartedly.
Their love story blossomed effortlessly. On campus, they were the couple everyone envied—young, vibrant, and seemingly unstoppable. Campus love, pure and passionate, painted their days with joy.
Sebastian’s gestures of love were grand and heartfelt. Once, while preparing a surprise for her, he was mistakenly taken away by the security guards. Instead of defending himself, he used his energy to comfort Abigail, gently reassuring her, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.” The incident only deepened their bond, and soon everyone on campus believed they were destined for marriage after graduation.
He had promised her, “I will marry you. No matter what, you’re my future.”
But life, as it often does, threw obstacles in their path. The disparity between their worlds loomed large. Sebastian was the only son of the noble Montgomery Family, while Abigail came from a modest background.
When Olivia learned of their plans to marry, she vehemently opposed the union. Her disapproval came with sharp words and threats. “I’ll give you ten million to leave my son. Otherwise, with your background, you’ll struggle to find a job as a mere college graduate.”
But Abigail’s resolve didn’t waver. She refused the money and chose love over fear. When Sebastian learned of this, he held her hand and declared, “If my mother doesn’t agree, so be it. This is our life, Abby, not hers. I will marry you.”
Defying his family, Sebastian secretly registered their marriage. On the night they received their certificate, he held her close and whispered, “Abby, I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life. I’ll never let you suffer.”
For a time, he kept his promise. Their days were filled with love, and their bond grew stronger. But when Olivia discovered their secret, she was furious. She forcibly brought Sebastian home and confined him for several days. Even then, Sebastian shielded Abigail from harm, refusing to let his mother hurt her.
Two months ago, Abigail found out she was pregnant. The news filled Sebastian with joy; he was so ecstatic he didn’t sleep all night. They felt as though they were finally moving toward their ultimate happiness.
But fate intervened cruelly.
Half a month ago, they were in a car accident. Abigail lost their unborn child, and Sebastian lost most of his memories from college onward. The tragedy left Abigail devastated, but worse was yet to come.
Olivia seized the opportunity to manipulate the situation. She concocted a lie, whispering poison into Sebastian’s ears. “That woman only married you out of obligation. She saved your life and used it to manipulate you into a three-year marriage. The truth is, you’ve always loved Gabriella.”
