Chapter 1

I have a scar on my chin that extends down to my neck. It's a remnant from a childhood accident when Lucas threw a firecracker that exploded near me. His mother dragged him to apologize, and he planted a kiss on my bandage.

"Sophia, I'll take responsibility for you," he said solemnly.

Ever since then, I've been terrified of firecrackers. Fortunately, Lucas, the "culprit," would always be there to cover my ears.

He promised, "Sophia, don't be afraid. Every New Year's Eve, I'll be right behind you."

Years later, under a sky full of fireworks, he kissed the company's new fireworks designer.

I watched from afar, the scar on my chin burning with a dull ache.

The day I discovered Lucas's affair, I happily went to his office to bring him lunch. In the elevator, I carefully hid the pregnancy test results under the lunchbox, planning to surprise him later.

When I entered his office, a well-dressed young woman was sitting there. As soon as I walked in, their intertwined hands quickly separated.

"Hello, I'm Emma, the new fireworks designer. I was just discussing some details with Mr. Thompson," she said with a smile.

There was a design sketch between them, with colors so beautiful it seemed unreal.

"I'll leave you two to talk," Emma said as she left the room.

After she left, Lucas pulled me into his arms, habitually caressing the scar on my chin. "Why did you come suddenly without letting someone pick you up?"

I didn't respond. He picked up the design sketch again. "Do you like it? It's for your 23rd birthday gift."

I love watching fireworks but I'm terrified of the explosive sounds. Lucas built an amusement park for me and even constructed a private viewing platform where I could see the best fireworks without being too close to them.

Our love story was featured on the park's website homepage, attracting many visitors.

"I'll set them off for you on your birthday, okay?" he said, kissing my forehead.

"I need to go inspect the park now. You should head home first," he added, as if on cue, there was a knock on the door.

"Mr. Thompson, we need to leave now," came a voice from outside.

I let go of his hand, and Lucas called a cab for me.

"Driver, could you turn around and go to Starlight Amusement Park instead?" I asked once I was in the car.