Chapter 1 

Allison hesitated at the entrance of the restaurant, her ears catching snippets of the 

conversation inside. 

“Shawn, Kate’s back in town. What about Allison?” 

Shawn’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “What do you mean, ‘what about her?” 

“You’ve been with Allison for three years now. Now that Kate’s back, who will you choose?” 

Peering through the slightly ajar door, Allison watched Shawn light a cigarette. Amidst the swirling smoke, he paused before speaking softly, “I’m not sure. I don’t want to hurt Allison, but I can’t let go of Kate either.” 

One of his friends sighed, “Kate was your first love. You two were intense, so it’s no surprise she’s hard to forget.” 

Another friend chimed in, “But Allison’s been by your side for three years, and she’s stunning. You’re still hung up on Kate?” 

Shawn rubbed his temples, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue. “Allison is beautiful, yes. I was drawn to her because she reminded me of Kate at first. All these years, I’ve been looking for traces of Kate in her.” 

“So, she’s just a stand–in?” a friend remarked, a touch of pity in their voice. “I feel bad for Allison.” 

Another friend asked, “So, when are you breaking up with her?” 

Shawn flicked away some ash. “I don’t know. Allison is sweet and understanding. It’s hard to let her go.” 

One of the guys clapped Shawn on the back. “Shawn, you can’t have it both ways. You need to make up your mind.” 

“Why not date both?” another friend suggested jokingly. “If you feel bad, get Allison some gifts. Girls are easy to please.” 

Shawn chuckled, “Not everyone can juggle multiple relationships like you. I’m not that reckless.” Outside, Allison smirked bitterly, turning away from the door. 

She wandered along the riverbank, memories of her time with Shawn flooding her mind. She believed the three years with Shawn were filled with mutual love. But now, she realized she was only a stand–in for his first love. 

Standing by the river, she glanced left at the bustling city and right at the endlessly flowing water. A tear slipped down her cheek as the wind whipped her hair. 

Allison made her decision. 

She pulled out her phone and dialed a number. “Dad, I’ll come home. I’ll marry the guy you arranged.” 

The night sky made the streetlights seem even dimmer, insects buzzing around them. Standing under the glow, Allison looked at the vast expanse above as she voiced softly, “It’s nothing. I’ve just had enough and want to settle down. 

“I was too immature to understand. I shouldn’t have fought with you and left. I’ve realized that 

now. 

“I’ll return to Oak Lake once I wrap things up here.” 

Allison walked alone for a long while, returning to Stonebridge Court well past ten. 

Marian, the housekeeper, greeted her with a warm smile and a bowl of soup. “Ms. Allison, you’re back! This is the soup you made for Mr. Shawn. I reheated it since it cooled down. I was just about to take it up. Why don’t you take it to him?” 

Wordlessly, Allison nodded and took the soup upstairs. 

She pushed open the bedroom door to find the desk empty, the computer screen still glowing, but no sign of Shawn. The sound of the shower echoed from the bathroom, the light spilling 

out. 

Why was he showering this early? 

Allison set the soup down. The computer kept pinging with message alerts, catching her attention. She moved the mouse to open the messages. 

They were from Kate. 

[Shawn, I’m back. I’ll be at Havenbrook Airport at eleven–thirty tonight. Can you pick me up?] 

The message was sent just ten minutes ago. 

So, he was getting ready to pick up his sweetheart from the airport. 

[Shawn, I’ve missed you in these years apart. I can’t forget you. I regret leaving for my career.] 

[We were both too proud to budge. I know you still have feelings for me, don’t you?]