Chapter 2 A Surprise For You

Grace's mentor, Henry, was a renowned pharmacologist, and she had once been his most promising student.

A few months earlier, his research team had developed a new drug.

Its purpose was to help patients crippled by depression and unbearable pain caused by certain memories.

Once taken, those memories would gradually fade-erased piece by piece within ten days.

Many people signed up for the trial, but in the end, only a handful had the courage to actually swallow the pill.

"When you graduated, I asked you to join my team. But no-you just had to run off with Leonard, that useless brat!"

Henry looked at Grace's hollow expression, torn between anger and pity.

Grace gave a bitter laugh. "It's fine. Doesn't Professor always keep a cure for regret around?"

Back in graduate school, she had worked on countless projects under Henry's guidance, only to throw away her bright future for Leonard.

At the time, she believed every sacrifice for love was worth it.

But now, if she could choose again, she knew she would take another path.

Grace lowered her head, ready to take the pill.

Just then, the sharp chime of a reminder cut through the silence.

She glanced down at her phone-the note read, "Date with Leonard."

Only then did she remember-Leonard had told her he had a surprise planned.

And tomorrow was the day of that surprise.

Grace stared blankly at the restaurant address he had sent her.

The untouched pill lay cold and solitary in her palm, as if mocking her last-minute hesitation.

The next day, almost against her own will, Grace found herself at the restaurant.

"Hello, are you Miss Miller?"

"Mr. Stone booked the whole place two weeks ago. He said he wanted to give you an unforgettable memory."

Grace was led into a private room.

As the door swung open, she froze in place.

Before her eyes stretched a sea of roses, blazing like fire.

From the ceiling hung clusters of pink balloons, each with a tiny note tied beneath it.

Then the restaurant manager wheeled out a large cake, with a delicate jewelry box placed beside it.

"Miss Grace, Mr. Stone had planned a surprise for you, but we couldn't reach him today. Luckily you arrived first. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness."

Grace picked up the jewelry box from the tray and slowly opened it.

Inside, a dazzling diamond ring caught her eye.

In that instant, she remembered-it was their two-year anniversary.

She also recalled how Leonard had been unusually busy for days. Teasing him, she had asked if he was hiding something from her.

Leonard had rubbed his head against hers with a playful grin.

"It's a surprise. You'll know when the time comes."

Grace had never imagined the surprise would reveal itself this way.

It was the proposal he had so carefully planned.

She stood there dazed, as if her soul had slipped away, before she finally managed to take a step forward.

Just then, a burst of familiar, noisy voices came from outside.

"Are you nuts? Leonard hasn't even been discharged yet, and you're already wheeling him around."

"So what? We're just celebrating early."

"Exactly-celebrating his recovery, his memory, and being single again!"

The laughter died abruptly when they spotted Grace.

Leonard sat in a wheelchair, with Sylvia pushing him forward.

Grace's fingers trembled.

She walked forward slowly and pressed the delicate box into Leonard's hand.

"Since you're here, I'll give this back to its rightful owner."

Leonard nodded, his eyes as cold as if he were staring at a stranger.

"Fine."

"Oh, and Grace," he added softly, "I'll make it up to you someday. So... just forget it."

Grace froze where she stood.

"As for your things at the house, I'll have the maid clean up and pack them-"

"There's no need. I'll take care of it myself," Grace cut him off. "If we meet again, let's pretend... we never knew each other."

With her head lowered, she brushed past him.

As she stepped out of the restaurant, Grace pulled the pill from her bag and swallowed it whole.