Chapter 1

That was the year Connor Hayes loved me the most.

Late one night during study hall, I got locked in the pitch-black dorm building. He stood outside my window and sang songs all night to comfort me.

Later, on our engagement day, he abandoned me and rented a bar to host a private concert for his childhood sweetheart, Madison Carter.

He even sang the love song he'd written just for me.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to that night when I was trapped.

I poured a basin of cold water down from the window.

"Shut up! Your singing is awful."

Today was supposed to be my engagement day with Connor.

We'd invited only our closest friends and family.

I smiled faintly, squeezed into a too-tight dress and uncomfortable heels, and rushed around for two hours straight. Despite downing countless glasses of champagne, I hadn't even had a chance to take a sip of water.

I overheard someone whispering, "Jeez, the ceremony's almost over, and still no sign of the groom. I feel so embarrassed for the Fosters."

"Well, he is a celebrity. It's normal for her to be the one making all the sacrifices."

"But this is just disrespectful. Who misses their own engagement party?"

They were right.

This was an engagement party without a groom because Connor never showed up at all.

Fighting the churning in my stomach, palms slick with sweat, I kept calling Connor again and again.

Usually, even if he had work, he'd have his manager contact me beforehand.

Instead of being completely silent all day like he was today.

More than anything, I was terrified something had happened to him.

When it was all over, my parents couldn't hide their disappointment.

My family had always cared deeply about reputation, which was precisely why they never approved of my marriage to Connor.

"I honestly don't understand what you're thinking, choosing someone like him. You've embarrassed the entire Foster family."

Before leaving, my mother squeezed my hand and said with painful sincerity, "Amelia, you're the only one who truly knows how this relationship feels. It's not too late to walk away."

My eyes welled up with tears, but I smiled faintly.

"Mom, Dad, Connor just had an emergency. I'll bring him home another day, and you can scold him all you want."

After the last guest left, I called Connor's manager while absently stuffing leftover food into my mouth.

The call went unanswered and disconnected again.

I took a deep breath, staring blankly at the dark phone screen, my heart sinking heavily.

My best friend, Ella Reed, stormed over and thrust her phone into my hands.

"Look at this."