Seven Years of Love Seven Minutes of Truth

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.”

a few days. But Ken…

in, and Ken, my adoptive brother, had become

inseparable! More like

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

Calista means the

invisible thread around my heart, binding me to him for

always said he would give it to the person who meant most to him. Overwhelmed, I responded by giving him my mother’s cherished luck charm. To me, it symbolized our future together. In that moment of exchanged gifts

confessed my

22:35

of Love,

74.7%

Chapter 1

you lost your mind?” he snapped. “You’re my sister–that’s all you’ve ever

revulsion in his eyes that night would

the grandfather clock filled the study as I broke the silence. “Don’t tell Ken about this yet, Uncle