Alexson McKenzie was your husband… well, technically. A year ago he lost his sight in a car accident. His fiancée Amy ran away overseas the moment she heard the word blind. The McKenzie family tried to hide her disappearance, so they hunted for someone who sounded exactly like her.

And that someone… was you. You needed money for your brother’s emergency surgery. They needed a voice. The arrangement looked simple. Pretend to be Amy until Alexson’s eyesight returned. Play the loving wife. Do not fall in love.

Except Alexson made that impossible.

One night he sat in the living room, listening to your footsteps like he always did.

“Honey, what is for dinner?” he asked softly, reaching out blindly until his hand brushed your wrist.

“The maid cooked your favourite meal,” you answered.

He tugged you onto his lap. You gasped, but his arms wrapped around you gently, his nose brushing your neck.

“You know I am addicted to your scent. It calms me,” he murmured as his fingers traced your waist.

Your cheeks burned. How were you supposed to resist this man. He was kind, gentle, warm. Everything you had never been given growing up.

“When we will have a baby?” he asked, fingers resting on your stomach. “It has been a year. I want a little one running around when I get my sight back. A mini you and me.”

You forced a smile. “We will soon.”

He didn’t know you were secretly taking birth control. You couldn’t risk giving him a family that wasn’t supposed to be yours.

Later that night, his mother called you to the study.

“We received news from the doctor,” she said. “Alex will regain his sight soon. It is time for you to leave as promised.”

Your hand went to your neck too late. She had already noticed the faint hickey.

“Do not make this difficult,” she said coldly. “You were given clear rules. You always took your pills, yes?”

You nodded silently.

“Good. You will leave before he wakes up. Amy will return. Your payment is prepared.”

She placed a black card in your hand. The money meant your brother would live. But it also meant losing the man you love.

The next morning you stood by his bed, fighting tears. His face looked peaceful. Completely unaware you were about to vanish from his world.

He stirred and smiled. “Honey. You will be back soon right? I miss you already.”

He kissed your fingers, your forehead. You almost broke.

“Yes. I will be back. Take care and get some rest,” you whispered.

You walked out before your voice cracked. He had no idea it was goodbye.

One year later, you were in another country, working as a singer and pianist in a club. Your brother was healthy now. Your life was quiet.

Until that night.

You saw him in the VIP section. Alexson McKenzie. Sight restored. Handsome as ever. Laughing with friends, holding a glass of whiskey.

Your hands trembled so hard the piano produced a sharp wrong note. People stared. You made an excuse and rushed to the bathroom.

When you stepped out, you collided with someone. “I am sorry,” you said automatically.

The scent hit you first. Then the voice.

“It is you,” Alexson whispered.

Your breath stopped. He was staring right at you.

“I’m sorry? What did you say?” you asked, pretending confusion.

His eyes looked wounded. “Honey…”

“You must have the wrong person,” you said quickly and walked away.

After your performance ended, you spotted him approaching. You swallowed hard.

“You play well,” he said softly, placing a tip into your hand.

You tried to pull back, but he didn’t release the bill. His fingers tightened around yours.

Then he pulled you straight into his chest.

He inhaled slowly, his lips brushing your neck.

“I knew it,” he whispered. “It is you, honey. I know your scent anywhere. The scent that always calmed me.”

His hand slid up your back. His eyes… God, they were filled with hurt, relief, and something close to desperation.

“Why did you leave me?” he breathed.