The Wife Who Jumped on New Year's Eve

Chapter 13

Bianca White, Ryan Bennett's childhood friend, pleaded with him in frustration.

"Ryan, CEO of Bennett Group, what's gotten into you?"

"The company is in chaos. Without you at the helm, how long do you think your father can hold on?"

Ryan's face darkened, the confident aura he once carried now completely gone.

"If you don't have news about Joanna, don't come looking for me again."

Bianca shook her head in exasperation.

"Fine, fine. I'll turn the world upside down to find your true love, how about that?"

Seeing Ryan's indifference, an idea suddenly struck her.

"Ryan, what if Joanna was kidnapped?"

"Think about it—our search team found no body, and even the Bennett family's influence couldn't locate her. She must be somewhere beyond our reach."

"There's a charity event in Serenity Village recently. Why don't we go and ask around?"

A flicker of life returned to Ryan's hollow eyes.

"Really?"

Bianca hesitated but nodded. She figured dragging her friend out for a change of scenery was better than letting him rot at home.

Ryan knew the odds were slim, but the mere thought of his beloved made him cling to even the faintest hope.

The event was crowded, and the village chief greeted them with gratitude.

"Mr. Bennett, we're honored by your presence. Would you like to say a few words so everyone knows who to thank?"

Ryan shook his head coldly.

"No need."

Then, his gaze locked onto a familiar figure—Joanna Taylor, the woman he'd been longing for day and night. His heart raced as he rushed toward her, calling her name.

Hearing her name, Joanna turned in confusion. When she saw Ryan, her eyes held nothing but wariness and unfamiliarity.

Ryan froze, his hands trembling as he reached for her.

"Joanna, it's me—Ryan. Your husband."

Joanna instinctively stepped back, her expression hardening with displeasure.

"I don't know you. I don't have a husband. Don't touch me."

Though Joanna was usually gentle, something about this man filled her with instinctive revulsion. The disgust in her eyes cut Ryan like a knife.

His heart shattered, the pain stealing his breath. He tried to explain, but Joanna turned to leave.

Noticing the commotion, Bianca quickly intervened, pulling Ryan aside.

"Ryan, calm down. That girl is a local villager. Maybe she's not Joanna."

"I just asked around—she's the sister of a teacher here. Her name is Camellia Snow."

Ryan's eyes burned with desperation.

"That is Joanna. I've known her for years. I'm certain it's her."

Seeing her friend's obsession, Bianca sighed.

"Alright, I'll look into it."

"But that girl is clearly afraid of you. Hold back before you scare her off."

"I don't want to see 'Bennett Group CEO Accused of Harassment' splashed across the headlines tomorrow."

Ryan clenched his jaw, forcing down his emotions.

"Fine. You have three days."

Bianca left with her orders, but Ryan remained rooted in place. He couldn't understand—why didn't Joanna recognize him? Was she pretending?

Yet the unfamiliarity and rejection in her eyes seemed genuine.

Could there really be two people in this world who looked that identical?