My name is Harlan Sawyer.

I am Rachel Rivers' target.


I've known Rachel for four years and loved her for three.

Junior year, she looked up from her desk with those bright eyes, smiling that dimpled smile that made my heart stop.

I fell instantly, completely.


Love at first sight really is that simple.

We became inseparable. She ate ramen with me when money was tight. She believed in my business when no one else did.


I swore I'd love her forever.

I believed we'd grow old together, build something beautiful.

Then came the day that changed everything.

I finished a project early and came home unexpected, carrying her favorite strawberry cake.

I wanted to surprise her—to see her face light up.

I was about to knock when I heard her speaking to someone.

Her voice drifted through the door, unusually serious.

"So you're saying if I complete the mission and stay with Harlan, I'll develop terminal cancer within three months?"

A strange, mechanical voice answered her.

"Correct. The choice is yours, but the consequences are fixed."

"I don't care. I'm staying. Life without him wouldn't be worth living anyway."

I stood frozen outside her door, trying to process what I'd heard.

Rachel had once explained these "missions" to me when discussing a novel. I understood enough to grasp the terrible choice she faced.

She had to choose between my and her life—and without hesitation, she chose me.

But I couldn't let her sacrifice herself. I needed her to live, even if it meant living without me.

So I devised a plan.

I would make her believe I didn't love her anymore. I would drive her away—for her own good.

I enlisted Vanessa, my childhood friend, to help with the deception.

I knew Rachel was insecure about my female friends. Vanessa's presence would create the perfect wedge between us.

The plan worked perfectly. Abandoning her during the proposal, moving Vanessa into our home—each calculated betrayal drove her further away.

I couldn't explain. I could only watch her pain and pretend not to care.

On our anniversary, I arranged a perfect dinner, desperate to give her one last happy memory.

Seeing her smile across the table, I almost abandoned my plan. I wanted her with me, no matter the cost.

But I forced myself to stay strong. Her life depended on it.

When the storm hit that night, I never went for Vanessa's cake.

I circled back and followed Rachel at a distance, making sure she was safe.

Rachel always hated rain. She worried about me catching cold or getting depressed on rainy days.

She always wanted me healthy and happy.

I didn't deserve her concern anymore.

I followed her through the downpour, each step like a knife in my chest.

I had no right to feel pain. Whatever I felt, she felt worse.

Then a car pulled up. A man I recognized from college got out with an umbrella and led her away.

I stood frozen, rain soaking through my clothes.

At least she wouldn't be alone in the rain anymore.

This cold, miserable night was my burden to bear alone.