When Snow Falls, I Let You Go

In her past life, Dylan Xander was forced to marry Zoe Stone. On their wedding day, his first love died in a plane crash.

After the wedding, Dylan fell into a deep depression and grew to despise Zoe.

For seven long years, she humbled herself just to win a sliver of his affection. But all she ever got in return was the same cruel question, over and over again:

“Why wasn’t it you who died instead?”

And yet, when the tsunami struck, Dylan gave up his only chance of survival to save her.

On the lifeboat, she desperately reached out to grab his hand but he pulled away with all his strength.

As he sank into the dark depths of the sea, he smiled in relief.

“I’m finally free. I can be with her now.”

After his death, the entire Xander family turned their hatred toward Zoe.

Consumed by grief and guilt, she took her own life by jumping into the ocean.

But when she opened her eyes again, she had returned to seven years ago.

This time, she would cut the toxic bond between them and let him be with his true love.

“Don’t worry, Zoe. We’ll make sure Dylan takes responsibility for what he did,” Mr. Xander said gently.

“He’s being punished right now. He’s out in the guest house, kneeling. He won’t be allowed to get up until he admits he was wrong,” Mrs. Xander added softly.

They sat with Zoe Stone in her room, speaking with warmth and concern. Their eyes kept drifting to her still-flat stomach.

Zoe lowered her voice. “Mr. and Mrs. Xander, I’ve thought this through. You can’t force love. Please don’t pressure Dylan into marrying me.”

Mr. Xander’s brow furrowed. “He crossed a line. He needs to be accountable. Especially now that you're carrying his child.”

Zoe shook her head. “I’ve made my decision. I’m going to honor my mother’s last wish and volunteer as a teacher in Backwater Ridge. Please don’t try to talk me out of it.”

Mrs. Xander reached out and gently smoothed a hand through Zoe’s hair, her heart aching. “But what about the baby?”

“I’ve already scheduled the procedure,” Zoe said calmly. “Dylan’s not even married yet. If this got out, it would create a mess for everyone.”

Mrs. Xander’s eyes brimmed with tears. “You’re such a good girl, Zoe. It’s just a shame that Dylan doesn’t see that.”

Mr. Xander let out a deep sigh. “The conditions in those remote areas can be harsh. Are you certain this is what you want?”

Zoe nodded firmly. “I’m sure. Once everything’s finalized, I’ll be on my way. I should be leaving in about a week.”

Mrs. Xander nodded with a soft sigh. “If that’s really what you want, we won’t stop you. Just remember, no matter what happens, we’re still family. Please keep in touch.”

“I will,” Zoe said with a small smile.

After they left, she went into the kitchen and carefully prepared a pot of nourishing