But I had forgotten—back when she was eighteen, Olivia had once loved someone with a burning intensity.
My uncle hadn’t been wrong: Olivia really had been introduced to Eric by the family.
They’d put it delicately at the time.
They said Olivia was withdrawn, had just transferred back from abroad, and might not adjust well. They wanted to find her a friend to keep her company.
No one knew her true identity.
But Eric, drawn by her beautiful face, had pursued her anyway.
Back then, Eric was the proud, arrogant eldest son of the Smith family, the star athlete of the entire high school.
He was like a blazing flame, wrapping Olivia in his heat.
And so easily, he melted through her icy shell.
The two of them fell madly in love, inseparable.
At the height of their passion, Olivia defied her family and had Eric’s name tattooed on her collarbone.
They promised each other that after graduation, they would get married.
Olivia was full of hope, even painstakingly preparing a grand proposal.
But when she went to find Eric, she discovered him with another woman in his arms.
Outraged, Olivia confronted him, only to be slapped hard across the face.
Pointing at her, Eric sneered,