Chapter 3

Carter and I had been together for seven years.

I still remembered when Chloe was about to move abroad years ago.

Carter, who was the golden boy and a perfect student, skipped class for the very first time.

He climbed over the school wall and ran toward the airport like a madman.

In his desperate rush, he ignored a red light and was struck by a truck, flying two meters into the air.

Fortunately, he survived. Unfortunately, he lost the use of both legs.

When he dropped out of school to undergo treatment, I was the one who tirelessly stayed by his side, caring for him day in and day out.

In the beginning, he was incredibly hostile. He threw things at me and screamed at me to get out.

But I didn't give up. Instead, I came even more frequently.

Gradually, my devotion touched him. With red eyes, he told me,

"Sera, let's be together."

With my constant care, he finally dragged himself out of his darkest depression.

One day, while cleaning the attic of our old estate, I accidentally found three candles.

Just as I was about to throw them away, the mechanical voice sounded.

"Light one candle to make one wish come true."

Thinking of Carter, who was bound to a wheelchair, I made a wish with a sliver of hope.

I wished for him to walk again.

And miraculously, his legs recovered completely.

When he realized he could walk, he held me tightly in his arms, crying,

"Sera, thank you!"

"I promise I will treat you right for the rest of my life. Once my career is stable, we'll get married!"

I believed him. In that quiet hospital room, my joyful laughter felt like it could fill the world.

To help him build his dream quickly, I lit the second candle.

And just like that, his startup took off, turning him into a billionaire almost overnight.

During the company’s launch celebration, he held my hand high and announced to his employees,

"Meet your future boss-lady!"

"I'm marrying her soon. When the day comes, everyone in this room gets a massive bonus!"

Amidst the cheers of his employees, he kissed me for the first time.

When we got home, he handed me the keys to the most luxurious villa in the city.

With a bright smile, he told me that would be our future home.

I was so happy I couldn't sleep a wink that night.

Yet, only five short months later, Chloe returned.

And everything changed.

All his past promises popped like fragile bubbles, vanishing without a trace.

In the dead of night, Martha and I were picking up the shattered plates and ruined food from the floor.

Martha kept glancing at me, looking hesitant, as if she had something to say but didn't dare to.

After a long silence, she finally spoke up.

"Miss Vance, I went to Mr. Sterling's office today to drop off his lunch."

I nodded, my voice flat. "Yes, I know."

She studied my face carefully before whispering,

"Chloe was there, too."

My hand slipped, and a sharp piece of broken porcelain sliced into my finger.

The sudden, stinging pain cleared my head a little.

I pretended not to care. "That's normal."

"She’s always bringing him 'files.' I’m used to it."

Martha frowned, her tone growing urgent.

"No, it's not just that."

"All the employees in the office are talking. They're saying... they're saying Chloe is the real future Mrs. Sterling!"

I looked up at Martha, my gaze piercing. "So, do you think so too?"

Realizing she had crossed a line, Martha quickly apologized.

"No, no! I just have a big mouth. Please don't be angry with me!"

I waved my hand, feeling an overwhelming exhaustion wash over me.

"It's fine. It's late. Go get some sleep."

Martha quickly grabbed the broom and scurried away.

I went up to the attic alone.

I curled myself into a tight ball on the floor, staring blankly until my tears soaked through my collar.

I opened a drawer and looked at the single remaining candle.

I thought to myself,

Maybe it really is time to wake up.