Chapter 1
Chapter 1
My boyfriend Dominic was the world’s top mercenary. Three years ago, he accepted an S–class emergency mission. Before leaving, he told me: “Aria, the day I return safely will be the day I marry you.”
Until he finally returned a month ago, I thought my three–year wait had finally paid off.
But just last night, I overheard his conversation with his deputy outside the study.
“Boss, are you really going to marry Aria? Then what about Vivian and little Phoenix? Phoenix’s already over two years old. He’s your biological child–this can’t stay hidden forever.”
“Few years ago, you found out Vivian got pregnant with your baby, that’s why you made up that three–year mission lie with Aria. If she finds out now…”
Then Dominic’s cold and stern voice came over.
“She can never know about this! Make sure Vivian and her kid zip it!”
Huh… So during those three years while I waited with my whole heart for him to return and marry me, he already had someone else and even had a child over two years old.
I stumbled back to the bedroom and dialed my grandfather’s number.
“Grandpa, is that foolish heir of the Thornton family still alive? I’m willing to accept the marriage arrangement with him.”
“What’s wrong, Aria? Didn’t you say you’d wait three years and wouldn’t marry anyone but your bodyguard Dominic? What happened?”
“The heir of the Thorntons, Julian Thornton, never shows his face in public because of his mentally challenged. If you don’t want this, I’ll move heaven and earth to protect you. You…”
I wanted to explain something to Grandpa, but as soon as I opened my mouth, tears began streaming down my face uncontrollably.
Yes, everyone in Riverdale knew I had fallen in love with my mercenary bodyguard, Dominic Reed. From eighteen to twenty–three, I had loved him for a full five years.
Until three years ago, when he accepted an S–class emergency mission. Before leaving, he promised me:
“The day I return will be the day I marry you.”
Just this one sentence, I believed him and painfully waited for three years.
During those years, I heard countless rumors. People speculated that Dominic had surely died during his mission, or that he had run away and would never return.
11:56
Chapter 1
I ignored these rumors, simply counting the days and waiting for him to complete his mission and return to ge
- me.
Even now, everyone in Riverdale knows that Aria Bailey is decisive and undefeated in business but only one weakness–my bodyguard, Dominic Reed.
I understand Grandpa’s confusion. Even I hadn’t imagined that Dominic’s three year mission would turn out to be massive lie.
Although I said nothing, Grandpa seemed to sense my emotions. After a long pause, he spoke softly.
“If you’ve truly made up your mind, then I’ll support your decision. The Thornton family wields tremendous influence. Your future will certainly be secure.”
“The day after tomorrow, I’ll send a car for you. Finish up your affairs before then.”
Even after the call ended, I remained motionless, still holding the phone.
I kept replaying Dominic’s conversation with his deputy in my mind. It felt like a thousand needles were suddenly thrust into my heart. The pain instantly overwhelmed my entire body, leaving me barely able to breathe.
Dominic had been unfaithful three years ago. He fabricated the three–year mission lie just to be with another woman and his child.
As this realization hit me, I could no longer stand. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the floor.
During those three years, because of his special occupation and because he was supposedly on a mission, I couldn’t contact him freely. I could only wait passively for him to reach out to me–sometimes after days, sometimes after weeks.
When I had no news from him, I often lay awake at night, worried sick–dreading bad news yet anxious when no news came at all.
Through countless tear–soaked nights, I sustained myself with the memories of our five years together, until he finally completed his “mission” and returned to my side.
As I sat there in confusion, Dominic entered the bedroom and found me collapsed on the floor.
“Aria, the floor is cold. Why are you sitting there? Are you feeling unwell?”
