Chapter 1
For ten years, Ken had been my everything. He guided me through life’s moments, both big and small, like any devoted partner would. Everyone assumed our future was set in stone: marriage, children, a lifetime together. Then came the day he brought her home.
“Calista, meet my fiancée,” he announced.
I didn’t make a scene. I simply offered my congratulations and wished them well. What Ken didn’t know was that I had already set my escape in motion. I had applied to join a remote satellite research facility–a place completely isolated from the outside world. I never wanted to see him again.
Three years later, Ken moved heaven and earth to find me at the base. But he was too late. I was already married–to his best friend. His face crumpled, eyes rimmed with red as he
confronted me.
“Calista, why did you leave me behind…?”
“Are you really going through with the satellite launch research program?” Uncle Johnson’s worry was evident in his voice. “The experimental base means complete isolation–ten ⚫ years minimum, possibly a lifetime.”
Outside, snow fell softly as the charcoal fire crackled in the hearth. It should have been the perfect setting for a reunion with Ken, but seeing the concern etched on my adoptive father’s face melted my resolve slightly.
“Uncle Johnson, my parents gave their lives to satellite research,” I said quietly. “As their daughter, it’s only fitting that I dedicate my youth to the same cause.”
After a long pause, Uncle Johnson exhaled heavily. “I’ll submit your application in a few days. But Ken… he cherishes you deeply. Will he let you go so easily?”
rlowered my eyes, lost in thought. After losing my parents in a car accident, Uncle Johnson had taken me in, and Ken, my adoptive brother, had become my protector. I had always gravitated toward him, prompting our neighbors‘ good–natured teasing.
masond Chance at Happines
paper
You two are inseparable! More like a couple than siblings!”
Back then, their comments would make me blush furiously, while my heart silently ached.
as I watched Ken’s reaction. He would always respond with that indulgent smile of his, ruffling my hair. “What is love, anyway? All I know is that Calista means the world to me.”
Those words wove an invisible thread around my heart, binding me to him for years
On my nineteenth birthday, Ken presented me with a gold ring–his late mother’s most precious possession. He had always said he would give it to the person who meant most to
it him. Overwhelmed, I responded by giving him my mother’s cherished luck charm. To me, symbolized our future together. In that moment of exchanged gifts and shared intimacy, everything felt perfect.
Then came that rainy night when I finally confessed my feelings. Ken’s response shattered my world.
“Have you lost your mind?” he snapped. “You’re my sister–that’s all you’ve ever been!”
The revulsion in his eyes that night would haunt me forever.
The gentle ticking of the grandfather clock filled the study as I broke the silence. “Don’t tell Ken about this yet, Uncle Johnson. Let’s keep it between us.”
He studied me intently before sighing in resignation. “Very well. But at least spend New Year’s at home before you leave.”
As I left the study, I encountered Ken and Viola. She clung to his arm, chattering excitedly. about the movie they’d just seen.
“It was incredible! I hope we get our happy ending too!”
Ken gazed at her with a tenderness I’d never seen him direct at anyone else. “Of course we will, sweetheart.”
Viola blushed at his words, then noticed me. “Calista!” she called out cheerfully, tugging at Ken’s sleeve. “Look at this beautiful dress your brother bought me! Isn’t it gorgeous?”
