Chapter 2

I felt sick to my stomach. This grown man, tall and muscular, acting so innocent.

And Chloe, of course, fell for it completely. She lovingly stroked Mike's face, her voice soft. "No, it's not your fault. This has nothing to do with you."

Then she turned to me, her face instantly cold. "Liam, I can't believe it. The more money you make, the narrower-minded you become. Apologize to Mike, or there's no need for us to get married."

I chuckled. "Funny you should mention that. I've already canceled the venue, the caterers, even the wedding planner. There won't be a wedding."

"What did you say?"

Chloe's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Chloe, Mr. Anderson is just joking," Mike quickly said. "Mr. Anderson, you shouldn't joke about something so important! What if Chloe takes you seriously? Apologize to her now."

I sneered, scoffing. "Who do you think you are, telling me how to run my life?"

Mike's face instantly turned a deep shade of crimson.

"Liam!"

Chloe was trembling with rage, staring daggers at me.

"You better mean what you say. Mike, let's go!"

She was so sure I was head over heels, that I'd never actually call off the wedding.

But she seemed to forget one thing: if her feelings could change, why couldn't mine?

I didn't love her anymore. A moment later, Chloe sent me a SnapChat message.

【Mike saw a sports car he likes. Get it for him.】

I replied instantly: 【Are you out of your mind? What do Mike's wants have to do with me?】

【It's because you humiliated him, and he's still sulking. Buy him that sports car as an apology. It's making things awkward for me.】

【Your convenience? Not my problem.】

After sending it, I switched off my phone, lit a cigarette, and leaned back in my chair.

Through the curling smoke, my thoughts drifted back ten years.

I first met Chloe during Freshman Orientation Week in high school. She was striking in her fatigues, incredibly vibrant and confident. During the talent show, her stunning contemporary dance routine captivated the entire audience.

Her tough exterior in those fatigues, melting into that graceful dance routine… it completely captivated me.

After that, I pursued her. Three years of high school, four years of college, three years after graduation – my world revolved around her. I lost myself completely, my love for her a constant, humble devotion.

I swore to give her the best in the world, fighting relentlessly just to see her smile.

Three years of intense effort, countless hardships and struggles, yet I never showed her any of it. In front of her, I always smiled, always presented my best self.

Sometimes I felt exhausted, but just thinking of her filled me with strength.

I believed that loving someone meant giving your all, giving them the very best. Whatever she desired, whatever she wanted to do, I made sure it happened.

But in the end, all I got was her betrayal. Her belief that a simple, ordinary life was better.

It made my ten years of pampering, sacrifice, and struggle feel like a cruel joke.

I should thank her. She opened my eyes to reality.

When love dies, everything you do is wrong.

"Mr. Anderson, the meeting is about to start."

My secretary, Sarah, pushed open the door.

I extinguished my cigarette and rose from the chair.

"Let's go."

Chloe never realized that as the company grew, I no longer needed her. I had my own thriving career, and frankly, better options. The meeting didn't end until late into the night. I declined my driver's offer and drove home alone.

The moment I walked in, I saw Chloe sitting on the sofa, only wearing a bathrobe, a face mask on. The sound of the shower was running from the bathroom.

My face instantly darkened. "Is that Mike?"