Where My Love Could Not Reach

It was the fifth year of my engagement to Jake Zimmer.

Just as we were preparing to get married, his first love came back.

Suddenly, every promise he had made to me meant nothing.

Because of her, he began to resent everything I did.

That was when I realized I was nothing compared to the woman he truly loved.

I was tired, so I let go.

I gave them my blessing and walked away from Jake’s life for good.

But then, he changed his mind.

He came back in tears, begging me not to leave.

“Grandma, I’ve made up my mind. I want to call off my engagement with Jake. After your birthday, I’ll leave North City.”

As soon as Madison Spencer spoke those words, Mrs. Cooper let out a long sigh.

“I know Jake’s been out of control lately, and I know you’ve suffered because of it. I’ve seen everything you’ve done for him over the years. I truly believe he cares about you, deep down. He’s just confused. Maybe if you give it a little more time, he’ll come around. Are you sure you want to end the engagement? My birthday is in ten days. Why don’t you think about it a little longer?”

Madison shook her head. Her voice was calm and firm. “The five-year promise I made to you is about to end.”

She had been only seven when her mother married into the wealthy Henderson family, bringing her along like unwanted baggage.

The Hendersons treated her terribly, and her mother only ever told her to behave and be understanding.

On her seventh birthday, they forced her to eat a large amount of seafood, even though they knew she was allergic.

Her reaction was severe. If Mrs. Cooper hadn’t rushed her to the hospital that night, she might not have survived.

It was also Mrs. Cooper who later spoke up for her in front of everyone. After that, life in the Henderson estate became a little less unbearable.

Madison never forgot that kindness.

So when Mrs. Cooper asked her to get engaged to her grandson, Jake Zimmer, to look after him and help him pull through a difficult time, Madison didn’t hesitate.

It was everything she had ever hoped for.

She loved Jake.

But now she finally understood that love could not be forced.

She was tired, and she was ready to let go.

Back in Jake’s sophomore year of college, his girlfriend, Xena Ford, had vanished without a trace. Even her identity records were erased.

Jake couldn’t accept it. He used every connection he had to look for her, but it was as if she had disappeared off the face of the earth.

When all his efforts failed, he broke down. His mental health started to decline.

The Zimmer family couldn’t just stand by and watch their only son fall apart. That was when Mrs. Cooper came to Madison.

“Please,” she had said. “I need your help. Get engaged to Jake. Be the one to