Chapter 1

For ten years, Ken had been my everything. He guided me through life's moments, big and small, like any devoted partner would. Everyone assumed our future was set: marriage, children, a lifetime together. Then he brought her home.

"Calista, meet my fiancée," he announced.

I didn't make a scene. I offered congratulations and wished them well. Unbeknownst to Ken, my escape was already in motion. I had applied to a remote satellite research facility—a place completely isolated from the outside world. I never wanted to see him again.

Three years later, Ken moved heaven and earth to find me at the base. He was too late. I was married—to his best friend.

His face crumpled, eyes red-rimmed, as he confronted me. "Calista, why did you leave me?"

"Are you really going through with the satellite launch research program?" Uncle Johnson's worry was evident. "The experimental base means complete isolation—ten years minimum, possibly a lifetime."

Outside, snow fell softly as the charcoal fire crackled. It should have been the perfect setting for a reunion with Ken, but my adoptive father's concern softened my resolve.

"Uncle Johnson, my parents gave their lives to satellite research," I said quietly. "As their daughter, it's fitting I dedicate my youth to the same cause."

After a long pause, Uncle Johnson exhaled heavily. "I'll submit your application. But Ken… he cherishes you deeply. Will he let you go so easily?"

I lowered my eyes. After losing my parents in a car accident, Uncle Johnson had taken me in, and Ken, my adoptive brother, had become my protector. I had always gravitated toward him, prompting our neighbors' good-natured teasing: "You two are inseparable! More like a couple than siblings!"

Back then, their comments made me blush furiously, while my heart ached as I watched Ken's reaction. He always responded with that indulgent smile, ruffling my hair. "What is love, anyway? All I know is that Calista means the world to me."

Those words bound me to him for years.

On my nineteenth birthday, Ken gave me a gold ring—his late mother's most precious possession. He'd always said he would give it to the person who meant most to him. Overwhelmed, I gave him my mother's cherished luck charm, symbolizing our future. In that moment, everything felt perfect.

Then came the rainy night I confessed my feelings. Ken's response shattered my world.

"Have you lost your mind?" he snapped. "You're my sister—that's all you've ever been!"

The revulsion in his eyes would haunt me forever.

The grandfather clock ticked in the study as I broke the silence. "Don't tell Ken about this yet, Uncle Johnson. Let's keep it between us."

He studied me intently before sighing. "Very well. But at least spend New Year's at home before you leave."

Leaving the study, I encountered Ken and Viola. She clung to his arm, chattering excitedly about a movie.

"It was incredible! I hope we get our happy ending too!"

Ken gazed at her with a tenderness I'd never seen. "Of course we will, sweetheart."

Viola blushed, then noticed me. "Calista!" she called, tugging Ken's sleeve. "Look at this beautiful dress your brother bought me!"