BOOK1 Chapter1

The first snowfall in Northridge came earlier than usual this year.

Amidst the swirling snow, I stood at the courthouse entrance, my emotions a chaotic mix.

Ryan Mitchell and I had decided to remarry. This was our fifth attempt at getting here.

The first time, Ryan said he had an urgent project to handle.

The second time, Lana had a fever.

The third time, Lana got into a car accident.

The fourth time, Lana had a family emergency.

And this time, Lana had gotten lost.

“What? You’re lost? Don’t worry, I’ll be there right away.”

Ryan furrowed his brows as he spoke into the phone.

My heart sank, as if struck by a heavy blow.

It seemed like our plans to get the marriage license would be ruined again.

Sure enough, Ryan turned to me and said, “Becca, Lana needs help right now. Let’s come back next time to get the license.”

As he spoke, he was already reaching for his car keys, ready to leave the courthouse.

I grabbed his arm.

“We’re almost there.”

“Can’t you get the license first and then go?”

He pulled his arm away, his tone irritated.

“Now’s not the time to argue, Becca. We can get the license any time, but Lana is really scared right now!”

With that, he left without looking back.

A bystander nearby couldn’t hold back, saying, “Is that really her husband?”

“Leaving on the day they’re supposed to get married? If it were me, I’d kick him right where it hurts.”

“That’s just too much!”

I agreed—it was too much.

Even the courthouse staff had gotten familiar with us by now.

At that moment, it was finally our turn.

The staff member asked, curious, “He left again?”

“Yeah,” I replied with a bitter smile.

“Sorry for the trouble.”

Then, I quietly turned and walked away.

Just as I stepped outside, the sky began to release big, fluffy snowflakes.

The cold wind hit me, but it wasn’t nearly as chilling as the coldness in my heart.

Ryan Mitchell and I had been married once before, and we spent two wonderful years together.

Back then, he was just an ordinary college student, and we visited many places together, sharing countless seasons.

But later, he got a better job opportunity down south, while I wanted to stay in the Northridge to be closer to my parents.

Our different life goals led us to part ways amicably.

Soon after, I heard he started seeing a girl from the south.

They said she was not only beautiful but shared his passion for environmental conservation.

They both joined an environmental organization, but not long after, they broke up due to incompatible personalities.

Eventually, Ryan came back to me.

That day, Northridge was covered in snow, and we went to our favorite potato noodle shop from our college days.

We used to go there all the time.

The noodles tasted exceptionally good that day, the steam rising as his nose turned slightly red.

He said, “Becky, let’s start over.”

“I’m willing to stay in Northridge for you.”

In that moment, my heart trembled violently.

BOOK1 Chapter2

I pulled my coat tighter around me, but my heart felt even colder than the freezing weather.

This was the fifth time Ryan Mitchell had stood me up because of Lana Brooks.

It forced me to reassess our relationship.

After several rings, the call was finally answered, but it wasn’t Ryan who picked up—it was Lana.

“Hey, Becca, Ryan went out to get me some porridge. If you need anything, just tell me, and I’ll pass the message along.”

Her voice was soft and sweet, like she’d just woken up from a dream.

Before I could respond, I heard Ryan’s voice in the background.

“Next time, don’t go out in this kind of weather. This is Northridge, not your southern hometown. A heavy snowfall like this can be dangerous!”

His tone was filled with warmth and concern.

That kind of tenderness—I had never heard it from him before.

I remember last time it snowed, I tried to get Ryan to warm my hands.

But he told me:

“You’re not some delicate Southern belle like Lana, and besides, we’re not newlyweds anymore. Don’t be so clingy; it’s gross.”

At the time, I didn’t think much of it—just assumed he didn’t like overly affectionate gestures.

But now, it seems there was more to it.

“Ryan, I want to talk to you.”

I gripped the phone tightly, trying to keep my voice steady.

“What’s up?”

Ryan took the phone, and the affection in his voice was gone, replaced by a clear indifference.

A wave of indescribable pain surged through me, and I felt tears welling up.

I wanted so badly to ask him why he couldn’t treat me the way he treated Lana.

But I knew if I said it, he’d just think I was being unreasonable.

After a moment of silence, I said:

“Maybe we shouldn’t go through with the remarriage. It seems like you and Lana still have unfinished business.”

“Becca Bennett!” He was clearly annoyed.

“You’re seriously going to throw a fit over this?

What’s more important—saving a life or getting remarried?

You’re thirty years old; don’t you understand that by now?”

“Forget it, there’s no reasoning with you. You’re just too stubborn, always thinking about yourself!”

With a sharp click, the call ended.

I stood there as snowflakes fell onto my face, but I felt numb.

He always thinks I’m too strong-willed.

But this time, I really can’t pretend everything’s fine anymore.

Who could endure this kind of back and forth?

BOOK1 Chapter3

I couldn't help myself—I tried calling Ryan again.

I wanted to clear the air and figure out where we stood.

But this time, he didn't even bother to pick up.

I tried texting him, but there was no response.

I sank to the ground, tears streaming down my face, my eyes burning with the strain.

I remember when I wasn’t like this.

I was never one to cry easily, so why had I become so fragile?

Was it because I was getting older and longing for stability?

I decided to go to my best friend Sarah’s place and tell her everything that had happened today.

We sat on the couch, watching the snow fall outside. She held me tightly without saying a word.

But it was this silent companionship that made me break down in tears again. She gently wiped them away.

"Becca, you weren’t like this before."

Sarah's words made me pause.

"The Becca Bennett I knew was decisive and never hesitated. If this relationship isn’t making you happy, I hope you’ll end it just as firmly as you would’ve before."

Her words stunned me.

I used to be that decisive person.

Back then, when Ryan decided to move to the South for a better opportunity and I chose to stay in the Northridge, many girls might have given up everything to follow him.

But I was young and headstrong, convinced that nothing could hold me back—not even love.

So we chose to divorce.

At that time, I was so confident and unwavering.

So why was I now so indecisive?

Maybe it’s because as I've gotten older, my desire for a stable life and emotional security has grown stronger.

But even so, I shouldn't lose myself.

“Sarah, you're right. Maybe I've just been too invested.”

I took a deep breath, trying to find the part of me that was once so fearless.

“Maybe it's time for a change, instead of constant compromise.”

Sarah nodded, her eyes filled with encouragement and support.

“Becca, you’re a strong and independent woman. Don’t let anyone change who you are. If this relationship is causing you pain, then be brave enough to let it go.”

I gave Sarah a grateful look as the answer slowly became clear to me.

It was time to reclaim the fearless woman I used to be.