My Husband Married the Girl He Saved from the Fire

Elias Sullivan became entangled with the girl he had saved. She claimed to have a terminal illness and expressed her desire to have a dream wedding before she passed away. In response, Elias secretly purchased a diamond ring and arranged for her to try on a wedding dress without my knowledge. If she ever complained of discomfort, he would disregard our third anniversary and leave me behind to fulfill her wishes.

However, what he didn’t know was that I, too, was sick, and my upcoming surgery would result in permanent amnesia. The night before Elias donned his groom's suit, I left for treatment abroad alone. Later, he searched for me worldwide, but when I returned, everything had changed.

"Honey, you're finally back!" he exclaimed.

I stared blankly at the unfamiliar man before me. "Who are you?"

——

On the third anniversary of their marriage, Mira arrived at the fire station dormitory and overheard a conversation.

"Captain Sullivan... are you sure she will agree?"

"Vera has ALS and won’t live past two years," Elias replied, his voice low. "Her greatest wish is to have a wedding. With Mira going abroad on a business trip next month, I plan to take this chance to grant her wish."

His voice softened with affection. "It’s just a formality, and we won’t register for a marriage certificate. Don’t make it public—Mira won’t know."

"Alright, no photos then!" came the reply.

"Yes, we wouldn't want Mira to misunderstand..."

Mira froze in place, her throat tight with emotion. She hurried out of the Westfield Fire Department and caught a taxi. The driver, noticing the "MRI" label on her bag, asked casually, “What’s wrong with you, miss?”

"Brain tumor," Mira said flatly.

The driver’s sympathy was evident, but Mira’s condition wasn’t as dire as it seemed. The tumor wasn’t life-threatening, though it was dangerously located. If removed, it would damage the hippocampus and cause permanent memory loss. The doctor had recommended conservative treatment to slow its growth, but surgery was inevitable in the near future.

Mira couldn’t hide the bitterness in her heart, the thought of forgetting Elias completely after her surgery weighing heavily on her. She had just come from the hospital with the MRI results, intending to share them with him. After all, they had been childhood sweethearts for years—dating, then marrying—never keeping secrets from each other.

But what she hadn’t expected was to discover that her husband was planning a wedding with another woman. It was absurd. If he truly had no guilt, why would he go to such lengths to hide it from her?

Her phone rang, snapping her from her thoughts.

"Hello?" Mira answered, her voice calm.

"Mira, I have a mission tonight and won’t be able to spend our anniversary with you," Elias' voice came through, regret lacing his words. "When things settle down, we’ll make it up."

"Okay," she replied, her tone flat.

Just as she was about to hang up, her eyes caught something on her screen. Vera had posted a new update two minutes ago.

[The ingredients are ready, waiting for someone to get off work~]

The post included a picture of sliced meat and vegetables, alongside a selfie of Vera wearing pajamas and sitting in a wheelchair.

Mira’s mind raced. Three months ago, Vera had been in a fire. Right before a major dance competition, she had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS and, in despair, had tried to end her life by lighting charcoal at home—only to accidentally start a fire. The neighbors had called for help, and the fire brigade, led by Elias, had saved her.

Mira could still picture the image from that day when Elias had made the headlines. He had carried the fragile, depressed girl in his arms, his tall frame towering over her as thick smoke swirled around them. His sharp features were set in determination, and his strong, sun-kissed arms contrasted starkly with Vera's pale skin.

The pictures had been striking—capturing both the drama and intensity of the moment. They went viral on Facebook, and short videos had flooded the platform. Netizens had eagerly commented, joking that the two looked perfect together, with many even suggesting that Vera should commit to him.

Chapter 2

Elias had told Mira not to pay attention to the online jokes—after all, he was a firefighter, and it was his duty and responsibility to put out fires and save lives. Mira, of course, hadn’t let those comments bother her. That was, until she discovered that Elias and Vera had added each other on Facebook.

Over the past three months, Vera had frequently threatened to commit suicide. Whenever she became overwhelmed with despair, she would call Elias, saying she no longer wanted to live. Without fail, he would rush to her side, even in the dead of night, offering his support and counseling her endlessly.

Now, Elias, a married man, was planning to give Vera a wedding in an effort to make her cherish her life. The realization struck Mira like a slap to the face.

Her jaw tightened, and she glared at the scenery flashing by outside the car window, her eyes burning with the weight of the emotion she struggled to suppress. It felt as though her heart was being squeezed, crushed under the weight of betrayal.

That evening, she ordered takeout and ate mechanically, each bite tasteless as her mind raced. She sent her various medical reports to her high school friend, who studied medicine, hoping for some clarity.

Not long after, the door opened, and Elias entered, his presence as cold as the winter air surrounding him. He walked over, setting a bag down on the coffee table.

"After thinking it over, I couldn’t let my Mira spend the anniversary alone," he said, his voice softening as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I rushed back as soon as I finished my mission. It’s not too late, is it?"

Mira’s pupils flickered, her heart fluttering for a brief moment before it sank. Before she could process the emotion, Elias pulled out a transparent lunch box from the bag.

"I packed this before I started my shift," he explained, opening the lid. "After you eat, we can figure out how to make up for the anniversary tomorrow. I swapped shifts with someone for the day."

Mira gazed at the three dishes inside the lunch box, recognizing them immediately. They were identical to the ones Vera had posted earlier. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Where did the food come from?"

Elias hesitated for a moment. "Oh, it’s from Simon. He insisted on treating us after we finished our shift. His daughter passed her piano exam, so we celebrated."

Mira’s heart sank as she looked at him. He lied without a second thought. She had known him for thirteen years, yet at this moment, he seemed like a stranger. Her eyes were cold as she glanced at the dishes, her stomach twisting painfully.

"I’ve already eaten," she replied flatly, her voice betraying nothing of the turmoil raging inside her.

"It's such a waste to throw it away..." Elias muttered as he placed the lunch box in the refrigerator. "I'll heat it up tomorrow."

Mira said nothing, silently watching his back as he turned away. The tension in the air was palpable, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

After they finished washing up, the two of them climbed into bed, agreeing to visit their high school alma mater together the next day.

But at two o'clock in the morning, Mira woke to find the space beside her empty. The bathroom door was slightly ajar.

She quietly lifted the quilt and stepped out of bed, her footsteps soft as she approached the bathroom. Inside, Elias' voice carried through the door.

"Be good, go to bed early, alright? Don't dwell on unhappy things. And... I’ll treat today’s kiss as a moment of confusion, impulsiveness. There won’t be another time."

The soft, feminine voice that responded sent a chill through Mira. "I’m just rehearsing for the wedding kiss. Elias, I know you only feel sympathy and pity for me. If that's the case, why can’t you accept my kiss for what it is? After all, the wedding is just a formality."

"You girl..." Elias laughed, but there was a trace of helplessness in his tone. "Are you going to sleep or not? Aren’t you worried about getting acne with all this stress?"

The girl’s voice became more playful. "Just five more minutes, let’s talk a little longer?"

"Okay... You’re so difficult," he chuckled.

His voice was laced with infinite tolerance, with a hint of pampering that twisted the knife deeper into Mira’s heart. The words felt like sharp thorns, each one more suffocating than the last. Her chest tightened as if a dark net had coiled around her, choking her breath.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, but the warmth of the day couldn't reach her heart. Elias went downstairs with the car keys, carrying two boxes of fruit and nuts in his hands, prepared to give them to their high school class teacher.

Half an hour into the drive, his phone rang.

Chapter 3

Mira glanced at the caller ID.

— Vera.

Elias' brow furrowed as he pressed the answer button.

A soft, trembling voice came from the other end. "Elias... what's the point of me living? My limbs are so stiff today, I won’t be able to stand or dance anymore. I might as well die now... that way, I won’t have to keep suffering."

"Don’t be impulsive! Don’t do anything rash!" Elias' voice was sharp as he slammed on the brakes, veins standing out on his forehead. "Vera, calm down! Sit down, take a deep breath—please."

His tone softened, becoming gentle, like a patient teacher. "Promise me you won’t do anything stupid. I know you’re strong. You’re the best."

Vera’s sobs filled the line. "It’s too painful... I just want to end it."

The sound of something crashing to the ground echoed through the phone.

"I'm such a loser... I can't even pick up the knife..." Elias' body tensed at the words. "Vera, put the knife down! I’ll come to you now. Wait for me."

He quickly turned the car around and sped toward her place. Moments later, the car screeched to a halt outside a residential building. Elias hurriedly got out and glanced at Mira. "I’ll be back soon."

Mira felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her nails dug into her palm, but she said nothing. Her eyes felt hollow, distant.

Half an hour later, Elias emerged from the building, followed by Vera—her long black hair damp, eyes red from crying. The two of them walked toward the car together.

"This is my wife, Mira," Elias introduced, his voice casual. "You can treat her as your sister.’"

Vera hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. "Hello, sis. My name is Vera." Her voice trembled. "I’m sorry to disturb you on your wedding anniversary..."

As she spoke, she started to back away, but Elias reached out to stop her. "It’s okay," he said, holding her hand firmly. "You’re staying with us today. Don’t go anywhere."

He pushed her gently but firmly into the back seat. Vera shrank under his touch, obediently settling in, not daring to argue.

"See, honey? This girl is always threatening to end it all. I have to keep an eye on her." Elias' voice was tinged with a forced lightness as he gripped the steering wheel. "It’s really exhausting..."

Despite the words, his face remained calm, not a hint of irritation visible.

Mira glanced at him, her mind racing. How far would he go for Vera? He had stopped her from committing suicide over and over again. He was even holding a wedding for her, and now, on their own anniversary, he was taking her along.

Mira couldn’t help but wonder what drove him to such lengths.

"Where are your family members?" she asked, her gaze shifting to Vera in the rearview mirror.

Before Vera could respond, Elias cut in. "Don’t ask about that. Her parents divorced, remarried, and she was raised by her grandmother."

The answer left no room for further questioning. Mira fell silent.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from her senior.

Frederick Hale: "It’s not advisable to continue conservative treatment. It’s best to remove the tumor as soon as possible to prevent malignant transformation."

Frederick Hale: "In cases like this, Phileklen Hospital in the UK has stable and advanced technology. The post-op recovery is generally smooth. Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland is also good, but I heard their surgery schedule is booked for more than six months."

Frederick Hale: "Mira, amnesia is better than death. If you need the surgery, just let me know."

Mira quickly searched for Phileklen Hospital, realizing it was in the same city as her upcoming business trip next month.

She typed a reply: "Thank you, sir. I’ll think about it."

As the car pulled up to Cedarbrook Academy, the couple got out to visit their former teacher. When they returned, they found Vera waiting outside, holding three cups of milk tea.

Chapter 4

Vera trotted over with a bright smile, holding out a cup to Elias. "Elias, this is yours—three parts sugar, regular ice, double coconut."

She then handed another cup to Mira. "Mira, I wasn't sure what you like, so I just picked one randomly. I hope it’s to your taste."

"Thank you," Mira said, accepting the cup, while Elias took both cups with a small nod. He noticed Vera poking the straw into her drink and asked seriously, "Why are you drinking it iced?"

He gently took the milk tea from her hand, his expression concerned. "Don’t you remember what happened last time? You’ll get a stomachache again."

Vera pouted, clearly unsatisfied. "It’s just a small sip..."

Mira handed her the room-temperature drink she was holding. "Drink this one. I don’t like milk tea," she said, stepping toward the car.

The three of them made their way to a lamb rib shop near the school gate. The owner instantly recognized them.

"Ah, you two! I remember when you were students here. You used to come to the restaurant all the time. Your class president even caught you feeding her a piece of meat while trying to hide a premature love affair..." The boss chuckled as nostalgia filled the air.

The good old days seemed to resurface in an instant.

The boss’ eyes landed on Vera. "Who’s this?"

"My sister," Elias replied smoothly, exchanging a few more pleasantries with the boss before finding a table.

Soon, the ordered dishes arrived, with the steaming lamb ribs bubbling temptingly on the table. The boss had also sent a couple of extra dishes on the house.

"These aren’t spicy, so you can eat more. You’re looking too thin," Elias said, scalding the tableware with boiling water before handing it to Vera.

Mira watched the table filled with dishes, her gaze silent. She and Elias both loved spicy food, and it felt strange that every dish was so mild.

Vera picked up her chopsticks, but her movements were stiff. She tried to grab a piece of meat but struggled to pick it up.

Elias' eyes softened, a hint of pity flickering in them. "Let me help you," he offered, his voice gentle.

Elias carefully removed all the meat from the lamb ribs and placed it on Vera’s plate. "Eat," he said, his tone gentle.

"Thank you," Vera smiled sweetly.

Mira stared at the hot lamb rib pot in front of her, the steam rising in thick swirls. Her eyes stung, and she fought the urge to cry. Every action Elias took was so familiar, so reminiscent of the way he once cared for her in high school. But now, those small acts of kindness were being given to someone else, and it hurt more than she had expected.

Halfway through the meal, a boy in school uniform approached their table. He wore glasses and hesitated before pulling out his phone.

"Hello... Can we add each other on Facebook?" he asked, shyly.

The atmosphere around the table immediately turned icy. Elias' face darkened, and the air seemed to thicken with the dangerous emotion brewing in his eyes.

Vera paused for a brief moment, then pulled out her phone and said, "Okay."

She was about to accept the request when Elias' hand shot out, stopping her. He snatched the phone from her hands, his voice low and cold. "Which class are you from? What’s the name of your class teacher? What was your midterm exam ranking? You don’t focus on your studies and all you do is flirt with girls, huh?"

The boy’s face turned beet red, and in a flash, he turned and ran off.

Elias' expression remained sour, and after watching the boy flee, he handed the phone back to Vera. His voice was sharp. "Do you really want to add him?"

"No," Vera shook her head quickly. "I just didn’t want to embarrass him by refusing. If he adds me, I’ll delete him."

Elias' mood lightened a little upon hearing her explanation. "Alright, let’s eat then."

Mira, standing off to the side, felt like a stranger in the moment. She observed the interaction silently, her heart sinking.

After the meal, Vera excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Elias turned to Mira, his fingers brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Mira, are you upset?" he asked softly. "You didn’t say much during the meal."

Mira’s voice was blunt, her words cutting through the air. "You treat Vera very differently."

Chapter 5

Elias froze, momentarily speechless, before a knowing smile spread across his face. "So you’re jealous?" he asked, his tone light yet teasing.

He gently ruffled Mira's hair, the warmth in his touch contrasting with the seriousness in his voice. "I just see Vera as a sister. Don’t you think she’s pitiful? Her life’s ticking away, her father doesn’t care for her, and my job is to help people. I do what I can to save as many as I can."

Is it really that simple?

Before Mira could voice her doubts, a cleaning lady came rushing out, mop in hand, shouting urgently, "Someone’s fainted!"

Elias' face immediately shifted, his expression turning grim as he rushed back into the restaurant. Moments later, he emerged, carrying an unconscious Vera in his arms.

"I’m taking her to the hospital!" His voice was firm, his gaze never meeting Mira's as he carefully placed Vera in the backseat of the car and sped off.

Mira stood frozen, her thoughts swirling in a haze.

Buzz—

A faint, electrical hum buzzed in her ears, drowning out the world around her. Her head felt like it was being pierced by a thousand sharp needles, the pain overwhelming. The room seemed to tilt, and as the world spun, Mira crumpled to the ground, clutching her head in agony.

When she regained consciousness, the sterile scent of disinfectant filled her senses. She was lying in a hospital bed.

"You’re awake," a doctor’s voice whispered, soft with concern. "Do you understand? You have a tumor in your brain. If you don’t have surgery soon, the fainting episodes will worsen."

Silence lingered in the room as she processed the gravity of the doctor's words.

Mira nodded numbly.

As the doctor left, her phone buzzed with a new call—Elias' name flashing on the screen.

"Mira, I’m sorry," Elias' voice sounded guilty, full of regret. "I left you alone today. I’ll make it up to you, I promise, twice as much next year."

Next year?

Mira’s lips curved into a bitter smile. Do they even have a next year?

"The situation was urgent. I understand," she replied, her voice distant.

Elias let out a relieved breath. "Vera’s fine now. I’ll be home soon, I’m picking up dinner."

"It’s fine." Mira’s words were cold, distant.

After hanging up, Mira took off her hospital gown and prepared to pay the bill. As she made her way toward the exit, a familiar female voice echoed from around the corner of the hallway.

"Elias, we haven't done the rehearsal kiss for today yet."

It was Vera’s voice, light and playful.

Elias' figure was cast in shadow on the floor tiles, his hand reaching out to gently touch Vera’s head. "Alright, stop fooling around," he said, his tone firm but affectionate.

"Did you kiss Mira when you got married?" Vera's voice had a teasing edge.

"...I did."

"Then, of course, our wedding should be like this," Vera said, standing on tiptoe, her voice soft but insistent.

The shadows, tall and short, moved closer together.

"Elias, can you kiss me? How can a girl kiss someone on her own initiative?" Vera’s voice was sweet and delicate, laden with unspoken longing.

Elias didn’t move. The atmosphere thickened, heavy with silence.

After a long pause, Vera whispered, her voice barely audible, “If you don’t want to, forget it. I can find someone else...”

The rest of her words faded into nothing.

The sound of lips meeting, of breath mingling, echoed through the quiet corridor.

Two minutes passed, thick with tension.

Elias' voice broke the silence, low and hoarse. "Don’t find someone else."

Mira, standing on the steps just beyond the wall, covered her mouth with her hand. She swallowed the sobs rising in her throat, her heart breaking with each passing second. Quietly, she turned and walked away.

In the bedroom, the faint light from outside spilled across the room, casting soft shadows on Mira’s red, swollen eyes. She stared blankly at the photo frame on the bedside table, her heart aching so painfully it felt as though it could shatter.

The photo was from the day of her high school graduation. It captured her and Elias in school uniforms, his arm around her shoulders. The moment the shutter clicked, she could still remember his soft whisper in her ear: "Mira, happy graduation. We’ll be together forever."

Elias' smile in the picture was as handsome as ever, and every time she looked at it, she couldn’t help but think back to the fire when she was fifteen. He had rushed in without hesitation, pulling her from the flames, saving her without a second thought.

Chapter 6

The burn scars on his brow were still visible.

Wiping away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes, Mira quickly composed a message and sent it off to a civil lawyer.

[Hello, my husband and I have no children or property disputes. Please help me draft a divorce agreement.]

Just as she pressed send, Elias walked through the door, hurriedly holding food in his hands.

“Mira, the neighbor said she saw you in the hospital yesterday. What’s wrong?” He asked, concern filling his voice.

Mira looked at his worried expression and replied calmly, “My digestion hasn’t been great recently. The doctor said it’s nothing to worry about.”

Elias visibly relaxed. “The prawns today are really fresh. I’ll make seafood porridge for you.”

“Okay.” She forced a smile, unable to meet his eyes.

As she watched him move around the kitchen, the image of two hours earlier flashed in her mind—him holding another woman, kissing her so effortlessly, so wantonly. The thought made her stomach twist.

Later that night, as they prepared for bed, Elias noticed Mira lying with her back to him. An unfamiliar emptiness filled his chest. He gently rolled her over, pulling her into his arms, his voice soft but searching. “Mira, are you worried?”

“About Vera?” He continued, his voice growing tender. “She’s just a little girl, and she doesn’t have anyone else to look after her. I take care of her, like I would my own sister…”

Mira’s words came slowly, each one measured. “You can’t just stand by when someone’s life is in danger. But I trust you.”

Elias breathed a sigh of relief, a small smile tugging at his lips. He hugged her even tighter.

Days passed with Mira often alone, as Elias remained caught up in his work. A gas explosion had occurred in an old residential building in the south of the city, and the fire brigade was conducting urgent safety inspections in all nearby buildings. Despite his hectic schedule, Elias video-called her every day.

It was a busy evening, and traffic was at a standstill during the rush hour. Mira had just finished work when she saw a new message from Elias: “I finally get a half-day off tomorrow.”

She decided to take a taxi to the mall to buy a large suitcase. However, as she stepped into the store, she froze.

There, in the mirror, stood Vera in a pure white wedding dress, shyly admiring herself. The shopping guide was tying up her long hair, and as she glanced at the man sitting on the sofa nearby.

Even though the man had his back to Mira, she recognized him instantly. It was unmistakable.

Vera, after hearing something Elias said, turned around. Her face lit up with a sweet smile as she fell into his arms, looking every bit the happy bride about to marry the man.

The scene felt all too familiar. Mira, too, had felt that same joy and excitement when she had married Elias. She remembered how he cried when he saw her in her wedding dress for the first time.

After knowing each other for ten years and dating for three, he had once told her she was his everything. But then, somewhere along the way, he had been drawn to the innocence of fresh little white flowers like Vera.

"Big sister, why are you crying?"

A little girl, her pigtails bouncing, handed Mira a piece of tissue.

Mira realized her face was wet with tears and sniffed, forcing a smile. “Thank you.” She quickly wiped her face, turned, and left the store, feeling as though she were running from the reality of it all.

Back home, she received the documents from the lawyer. [Ms. Granger, this divorce agreement will take legal effect once both of you sign it.]

Mira printed the agreement, slipped it into an envelope along with her wedding ring, and sent a message to Frederick: Senior, I’ve decided to undergo treatment at Philekren Hospital. Could you please help me schedule the surgery? I’ll be flying to the UK in about ten days.

The next morning, Elias returned home. He looked exhausted.

“I’m so tired these days,” he muttered, taking off his coat before walking over to her. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms. “Mira, I miss you so much.”

Chapter 7

"I miss you too." Mira looked up, her gaze inadvertently landing on the faint kiss mark on his neck. Her breath caught, and she quickly looked away, her heart tightening.

It was one of those rare moments where they both had time to relax, so they decided to watch the latest movie and take a leisurely stroll through the mall.

"Mira, you're going to the UK for that business trip on the 6th, right?" Elias asked casually as they wandered. "I’ll try to get the day off and take you to the airport."

"No, no, you don’t have to. Go ahead and do your thing," Mira replied, but her voice wavered slightly. She noticed him stop and follow something with his gaze.

His eyes were fixed on a jewelry store, where a variety of wedding rings sparkled in the display.

"Mira, why don’t you pick a ring to celebrate our third anniversary?" Elias said, already walking toward the store.

Mira hesitated but followed him inside. The shopping guide showed them several rings, and Elias took a few pictures with his phone before they chose a pair.

Afterward, they walked out of the mall together. Elias drove, his expression focused, but as he was about to start the car, he glanced at his phone and suddenly said, "Mira, there’s something urgent with the team. How about I call you a taxi home?"

Mira felt a pang in her chest but forced a smile. "It’s okay. It’ll only take ten minutes to walk back. Go ahead."

"Alright, take care." Elias parked the car and gently draped a scarf over her shoulders. "Let me know when you get home."

"Yeah."

She stepped out of the car, the cold wind hitting her like a shock, chilling her to the bone. Trying to shake off the unsettling feeling, she headed to a nearby coffee shop to warm up.

A few minutes later, she looked up to see Elias' car pulling back into the parking lot. He entered the mall again.

When he came out this time, he was holding a gift bag in his hand.

The gift bag Elias had been holding was printed with the logo of the wedding ring brand they had just visited. Mira took a sip of coffee, her throat tightening as the bitter taste lingered.

When she got home, she quickly handled some work matters, trying to keep busy to push her thoughts aside. But then, she saw Vera had posted something new on Twitter.

[I do.]

The image showed a pair of hands, one large and one small, their ring fingers adorned with dazzling diamond rings.

Mira’s phone buzzed. It was Elias' message: [The team has issued an urgent task, and we have to go to the neighboring city for support. We won’t be home these days.]

[Okay.]

She sent the reply before covering herself with the quilt. The muffled sobs filled the quiet room, her tears soaking into the fabric.

Three days later, it was already past nine o’clock when Mira finished working late. The snow was falling heavily outside as she aimlessly walked down the street. In front of her, a crowd had gathered beneath the overpass.

“Will you freeze to death if you jump down in this weather?”

“Two handsome guys are competing for the heart of a beautiful girl…”

“It seems that the girl’s ex-boyfriend found out she was getting married, and now he’s competing with her fiancé. Whoever swims back first will win her heart.”

Mira lifted her gaze through the crowd and spotted Elias standing on the overpass, his figure unmistakable, with a tall young man beside him.

Before she could process it, both men jumped into the water at the same time.

Vera's voice rang out from above, frantic: "Stop it, stop it! Come up quickly!"

But the two men, already in the river, ignored her, their arms flailing as they slapped the cold water, sending waves rippling through the frigid river.

"Is it really worth it, jumping into that water in this cold?" someone muttered from the crowd.

"Just for a woman? Is it worth risking your life?"

"I can’t even imagine how cold it must be. I wouldn’t dare to jump in..."

"That girl is lucky. Two men are willing to risk their lives for her!"

Mira stood at the edge of the crowd, her heart feeling heavier with each word, snowflakes landing on her scarf before quickly melting into nothingness.

Chapter 8

A year ago, Elias had fallen from the fourth floor during a daring rescue, his left leg slamming into the outdoor air conditioning unit. The impact caused severe internal injuries. The doctor had cautioned him to take extra care, especially during the rainy season, as the cold would exacerbate his condition and only worsen with age.

Mira had been by his side every step of the way, attending physical therapy sessions with him, even reminding him to wear his knee pads on rainy days. She had always been terrified that his old injuries might resurface during a mission. Many nights, she woke up in tears after dreaming of him dying in one of those rescues.

Elias had always promised her he would take care of himself, that they would grow old together. But now, it seemed as though those promises no longer mattered. His old injury was forgotten, overshadowed by his obsession with winning Vera's affection and giving her the perfect wedding.

Mira, watching as her husband fought for another woman, felt a painful numbness settle in her chest. The sadness that should have gripped her never quite came.

The crowd around her grew larger, their murmurs intensifying. In the dark water below, Elias and the other young man were slowing down. Elias had been leading by three or four meters, but now, the young man was gaining ground.

As the distance between them closed, the young man powered ahead, his strokes growing more frantic, splashing water in every direction. The gap shrank with every second.

Only two hundred meters remained. Elias, unable to maintain his pace, was caught up and overtaken.

"Looks like the ex-boyfriend's going to win her heart," someone remarked with a smirk.

"Did the current boyfriend cramp up or something?" another person laughed.

"No surprise, he's about to lose," someone else added, their voice dripping with amusement.

The young man surged ahead, now several meters in front of Elias, and Mira stood there, frozen.

At that moment, Vera’s voice rang out over the crowd, clear and desperate: “Elias, I just want you to be my groom, come on, I love you—”

As if her words were a lifeline, Elias, who had been struggling in the water, suddenly surged forward. His movements became more purposeful, more powerful. The reassurance her voice gave him seemed to fuel his every stroke.

In the final stretch, only fifty meters to go, Elias' speed increased dramatically. The water around him splashed in great arcs as he pushed himself to the limit.

"Elias, come on, come on—" Vera’s voice cracked with emotion, her calls now tinged with tears.

With the finish line in sight, Elias surged ahead, his body moving like a machine. He overtook the young man with ease, crossing the finish line first. The young man, just a beat too slow, slapped the water in frustration, cursing under his breath.

The crowd, which had gathered to watch, slowly began to disperse, their excitement fading with the race. But Elias remained in the water, struggling to catch his breath. A man jumped in to help him, pulling him to the shore where he collapsed, utterly exhausted.

Mira, standing at a distance, took slow, deliberate steps toward the scene. She stopped behind a large tree, watching as Vera knelt beside Elias.

"Elias, are you stupid? Is it worth it?" Vera’s voice trembled as she scolded him, tears streaming down her face. She quickly took off her coat and draped it over him.

“Be good, don’t catch a cold, I’m fine.” Elias, barely able to lift his head, smiled weakly, still breathless. He reached out, despite his exhaustion, to help Vera adjust her coat over his shoulders. "I won, right?"

Vera nodded, her face filled with gratitude and relief. “Yeah.”

Elias' smile deepened. “I’m still your groom, right?”

Vera couldn’t hold back anymore. She threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her gently, his hand soothingly patting her back, as if trying to calm her.

Mira stood motionless, watching the two of them. The scene was a sharp reminder of her place—of the promises now broken and the love now given away. With a quiet, steady breath, she turned and walked away.

Alone, Mira made her way down the street, the soft snow beginning to settle on her cashmere coat. She walked until she found a convenience store, where she bought a bowl of oden, the warm broth comforting her frozen body. The heat of the soup spread through her, but it did little to warm the ache inside.

As she stepped out of the store, she came face to face with Elias and Vera.

Chapter 9

Elias' eyes flickered with surprise and embarrassment, but he quickly composed himself. “Mira? Are you working overtime again?”

Before she could respond, he hurriedly added, “I just got back from the neighboring city and happened to run into Vera. It started snowing, so I thought I’d walk her home.”

Mira noticed his wet hair, her gaze sharp. “Why is your hair all wet?” she asked, her eyes subtly shifting to Vera.

Vera flinched, quickly averting her gaze.

“Oh, I just took a shower at the dorm,” Elias explained with a forced smile. “I was worried I’d come back too late and disturb your rest. Mira, let’s go home.”

Mira opened her mouth to reply, but a sudden sharp pain pierced her head. Before she could react, her vision blurred, and she collapsed.

When she regained consciousness, the first thing she heard was Elias' anxious voice.

“Doctor, what’s wrong with my wife?”

His voice was strained, and his hands trembled with concern.

Mira slowly opened her eyes, finding the doctor handing a piece of paper to Elias. The man’s gaze fixed on the document, his expression darkening.

Mira’s heart squeezed. It’s over. He’s going to find out about the tumor.

The thought struck her like a cold wave. She couldn’t let him know.

“The situation is not serious,” the doctor reassured, “Her hemoglobin is low, and there are signs of anemia. She probably fainted from exhaustion. Just ensure she gets plenty of rest.”

Elias' tense posture visibly relaxed. “Thank you, doctor.”

Mira blinked, confused. Could it be just a simple check-up?

“Mira, you’re awake.” Elias sat beside her, his face full of concern. “When you fainted, I was terrified. Do you know how scared I was?”

Mira, still feeling the weight of the moment, suppressed a bitter laugh. Terrified? she thought bitterly. Outwardly, she forced a reassuring smile. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been working overtime too much lately.”

Elias sighed lightly, his expression softening. “I’ll go pay the bill. Are you hungry? I’ll get you whatever you want.”

“McDonald’s,” Mira replied flatly.

Mira felt a wave of disgust wash over her. She didn’t want to see Elias at all now; all she wanted was for him to vanish from her life, to disappear from her sight.

"Okay," Elias said softly, rising from his seat. Just as he reached the door, he stopped, turned back, and kissed her forehead gently.

The ward fell into silence. But it wasn’t long before the door creaked open again.

Vera stepped inside, her presence as cold as the air outside. Mira met her gaze, her expression unreadable.

"Mira, you know everything, don't you?" Vera walked toward her, each step deliberate, measured. "I don't mean to steal your husband. I just want to live without regrets. After the wedding, I’ll return Elias to you."

Mira’s lips curled into a bitter smile. Return him? She didn’t want him. Not now, not ever. Dirty men...

Vera continued, oblivious to the bitterness in Mira’s heart. "And... Mira, why are you sick?" She pulled out a CT scan report, her voice quiet but penetrating. "It’s a brain tumor."

Mira’s heart tightened at the words. She frowned.

"I’m guessing you don’t want Elias to know. So, I asked a family doctor to help keep it a secret. But when you’re ready, you can tell him," Vera said, her tone almost too thoughtful.

Mira couldn’t help but smile, a cold, detached smile. "There’s a brown envelope in my bag. Give it to Elias and ask him to sign it."

Vera immediately found the envelope, her eyes widening when she saw the contents.

"You’d better not let him know this is a divorce agreement," Mira said, her voice sharp. "Otherwise, your wedding may not happen as planned."

Vera’s smile remained, but it shifted into something smug, self-assured. "Mira, I didn’t mean to take your husband. But Elias fell in love with me. He’s a light in my dark life. Thank you for your help."

She tucked the envelope under her arm and headed for the door. But before she left, she turned back with a sly smile.

"He likes it with me, you know," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "He tossed and turned all night, wouldn't let me go. No matter how much I begged, it was useless. He said you were like a piece of wood in bed—no passion."

Chapter 10

After Vera's departure, the ward fell silent once more.

Mira lay still on the bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. A smile, empty and hollow, tugged at her lips. So, this is what it feels like... to lose everything—your heart, your will, your purpose. It makes you invulnerable.

The next day, Mira was discharged from the hospital. Her phone buzzed with a message containing flight details to Manchester, England. She was set to depart in four days.

Despite the turmoil inside, she carried on with her daily routine, masking any signs of distress. She went into work as usual, her composure unwavering, her movements deliberate.

Later, she visited a photo studio in the mall, where she had a number of old photos developed. As she sifted through them, she was struck by how much of her life Elias had occupied. Junior high, high school, college, marriage... He was in nearly every shot, a constant presence in the background of her life.

Without hesitation, Mira began to cut out every trace of him. The men in the pictures were gone, leaving only her. She couldn't bear the thought of his image lingering, especially after the surgery. After the procedure, I won’t even remember who I am. There's no need to keep him in my memories.

Once the photos were put away, Mira entered the elevator, only to find Vera already inside.

"What a coincidence," Vera said with a smile, her voice sugary sweet.

Mira didn’t respond. She pressed the button for the first floor, her eyes fixed forward, avoiding any further interaction.

Suddenly, the elevator jerked to a stop on the fifth floor. A voice crackled over the mall’s loudspeaker.

"Dear customers and friends, we apologize for the inconvenience. A fire has broken out in the mall. Please remain calm. The fire brigade has arrived and is working on emergency rescue operations..."

The air grew thick with smoke, seeping into the elevator through the narrow gaps. Vera’s face turned pale, her panic evident.

She fumbled with her phone, her hands shaking as she typed furiously. "Elias, where are you? Save me..."

But every message she sent was met with a red exclamation mark. The messages failed to send.

The smoke grew denser, the choking smell of burning filling the small space. Mira stood motionless, her expression unreadable, while Vera’s frantic breathing echoed in the elevator. The fire outside raged on, and with every passing second, the air seemed to grow heavier, more suffocating.

Mira struggled to breathe, the air thick with smoke, suffocating her. Her lungs felt as if they were being filled with heavy, swollen balloons. Every inhale was a sharp, burning sensation, and the acrid scent of smoke seemed to cling to her throat.

Vera’s frantic sobs pierced the air, her cries harsh and jarring in the confined space of the elevator. Mira closed her eyes, trying to steady herself amidst the chaos.

Suddenly, the elevator doors slid open with a loud mechanical groan. Elias stood there, his presence a stark contrast to the chaos inside. "Hurry, come out now!" His voice was urgent, his gaze scanning the two women within.

"Elias!" Vera cried out, her voice thick with grievance and fear.

Elias held a wet towel in his hand, his hesitation palpable. He seemed torn, unsure of who to offer it to. The tension in the air was suffocating.

After a beat, he spoke again, his voice low and strained. "Mira... Vera is very weak. If she inhales too much smoke, something bad might happen." His gaze shifted to Mira. "I taught you—take a deep breath, hold it, and I’ll get you out of here."

Without waiting for a response, Elias handed the wet towel to Vera. "Cover your mouth and nose," he instructed her, his hands already reaching for Mira and Vera, pulling them toward the evacuation passage.

The fire’s smoke grew thicker, its presence almost suffocating. Mira coughed violently, her chest feeling as though it would explode with each wheeze. Her vision blurred, the dizziness threatening to overwhelm her.

"Mira, hold on a little longer," Elias urged, his voice filled with concern as he dragged them both through the thickening smoke. Vera, clutching the wet towel, seemed relatively unharmed, but Mira felt like every breath was her last.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they emerged into the open air. The fresh breath of the night was a relief, but Mira still felt weak, her body trembling from the ordeal. She was swiftly placed into the ambulance parked nearby, where oxygen was administered to help stabilize her.

The world around her was a haze as she drifted in and out of consciousness, the events of the night a blur.

By the time she made it home, she was still groggy, her head heavy with exhaustion. The soft hum of the house seemed distant, and she moved through it like a ghost.

Elias returned at two in the morning after finishing his work. His eyes were filled with guilt as he approached her. "I’m sorry, Mira..." His voice was low, regret dripping from every word. "The situation was urgent, and you know Vera’s condition. I made you suffer."

"It's okay, I'm not dead, am I?" Mira laughed softly. Her voice carried warmth, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of something she didn’t say.

She was always so generous, yet Elias couldn’t shake the weight pressing on his heart. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice trembling. "Mira, I swear—this will be the last time. From now on, your safety will always come first. Always."

Mira nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Alright, I believe you, Captain Sullivan."

Later that night, as the steady rhythm of Elias' snores filled the bedroom, Mira lay awake. Her gaze lingered on the soft glow of his phone screen, where she had caught a glimpse of the message he sent to Vera before drifting off to sleep.

Mira is leaving on a business trip tomorrow. After the wedding, I’ll make sure we check off every item on your bucket list. She’ll be back in about 20 days. Let’s not contact each other until then.

Her chest tightened, and the ache spread through her as if winter’s chill had seeped into her bones.

At five o'clock in the morning, before the first light of dawn, Mira rose quietly. She dressed swiftly, careful not to disturb him, and packed her suitcase. Standing in the doorway, she turned back for one final glance at the home they had built together—the memories etched into its corners, now too painful to bear.

"Elias," she whispered in her heart, "I will never return. From this moment on, let us be strangers, with nothing to do with each other ever again."

The icy winter wind bit at her cheeks as she stepped into the dark, her figure swallowed by the vast emptiness of the early morning.