Chapter 1

Before my boyfriend died in a tragic car accident, he signed an organ donor agreement.

His heart was transplanted into Ethan Vance.

I did everything I could to become Ethan’s secret lover, staying by his side.

Every night, after he fell asleep, I would press my ear against his chest just to hear that familiar, racing heartbeat.

Three years later, his childhood sweetheart came back.

But how dare he use *that* heart—the one filled with memories of me—to love someone else!

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I had been with Ethan for three whole years. Our relationship was an open secret in the office.

"Mr. Vance asked me to book a venue and order a custom engagement ring yesterday!"

"Lily, is Mr. Vance finally going to propose to you?"

I pretended to be calm and waved them off, but my heart fluttered with secret anticipation.

When I went into his office to grab some files, Ethan stopped me.

"Anna is coming back to the country tomorrow. I’m going to propose to her."

Anna.

Ethan's childhood sweetheart.

I hadn’t heard that name in three years.

"Anna?" I murmured.

Ethan, usually cold and distant, had a rare, soft glow in his dark, deep eyes when he spoke her name.

"Clear my schedule for tomorrow. I’m going to the airport to pick her up."

It was the first time he had ever spoken to me in such a gentle tone, but it was for another woman.

I quickly flipped through my tablet. "Mr. Vance, tomorrow morning’s shareholders' meeting is extremely important..."

"Cancel all of them. Did I not make myself clear?"

Ethan instantly reverted to his usual cold, aloof self. His expression was blank. He wasn't negotiating with me; he was commanding me.

For the past three years, I thought he was just naturally cold and distant to everyone.

But it turned out there was someone who could easily shake his soul.

How far would he go for Anna?

And what did I even mean to him?

"I can arrange a private car to pick up Miss Sinclair. Tomorrow's meeting is the result of six months of hard work by the business department, and it’s also my—"

Before I could finish, Ethan’s cold voice cut me off, laced with suppressed anger.

"Lily, you're crossing the line."

The next day, Ethan didn’t show up at the office.

The mess from the canceled meeting left me completely overwhelmed. I had to work overtime until 9 PM before I could finally head home.

"Lily, sweetheart, happy birthday! Did you get some cake?"

On the other side of the FaceTime call, my parents smiled warmly at me.

I nodded, but a wave of bitter sadness washed over me.

"What's wrong? Did someone treat you badly? Your eyes are so red," my mom asked, worry etching her face.

I shook my head, about to say something sweet to comfort them, when loud, aggressive knocks banged against my front door.

"Mom, Dad, someone's at the door. I have to go."

I waved hastily and ended the call.

As soon as I opened the door, a tall, heavy figure slumped against me.

It was Ethan.

He smelled of cold pine and expensive whiskey, a dizzying combination that made my own head spin.

"Have you been drinking?"

Before I could ask anything else, his face came down.

He claimed my lips, capturing my breath with a fierce, commanding force that left no room for resistance.

The kiss felt like a punishment, an outlet for his anger.

Ethan was always like this.

His dominance, madness, and passion only ever showed themselves in the dark, hidden hours of the night.

...

Late at night, the bedroom was a chaotic mess of discarded clothes.

Ethan’s breathing was slow and steady. His long lashes cast soft shadows under his eyes, highlighting his sharp nose and sculpted jawline.

Today was my birthday. He had come to me after all.

I couldn't help but reach out, gently tracing the outline of his chest, right where his heart beat.

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