Chapter 1

The grand engagement ceremony played out on TV.

Everyone was celebrating Alexander Thorne and Serena Davies’ wedding.

"Mr. Thorne and Ms. Davies are truly a match made in heaven. Let's send them our sincerest wishes for eternal love and happiness!"

A thunderous applause erupted, and then, the couple exchanged engagement rings.

The TV station zoomed in on Serena’s ring.

A massive, emerald-cut diamond ring, its exorbitant cost immediately apparent.

I watched the TV, finishing the last of my instant noodles.

I watched my own boyfriend smiling at another woman, doting on her without reservation.

That ring was supposed to be mine.

After that intimate night, Alex had taken the ring out to show me.

"Do you like it?"

I nodded ecstatically, yet a trace of worry lingered.

"Won't this be incredibly expensive?"

Alex chuckled.

"For the Thorne family, what's a little expense? Izzy, don't worry about any of that. Just prepare to marry me."

At that moment, I was overjoyed that our five-year relationship was finally leading somewhere.

In my heart, I was already fantasizing about the beautiful days ahead.

But after Serena came back, I realized I was nothing.

I was just a replaceable substitute, discardable at any moment.

"Your flight is scheduled to depart on the 31st at 2:31 PM. Please prepare accordingly."

I finished reading the text and turned off my phone.

All these years, I had given up everything to stay by Alex’s side, even abandoning my own dreams.

Now, it was fine. I could pursue them again.

It wasn't until late that night that Alex came home.

He fumbled his way onto the bed, embracing the warm body beside him.

"Sleeping so early tonight? Hmm?"

He woke me. I slowly turned over.

"I’m tired."

Alex kissed my forehead, his hand beginning to roam.

I stiffened, avoiding his touch.

"I’m not feeling well. Let's just skip it tonight."

Alex’s hand paused, then he let me go.

"Are you upset?"

I didn't answer. No woman would be happy seeing her boyfriend get engaged to another woman.

"Izzy, don't throw a childish tantrum. It’s just an engagement."

A pang of bitterness hit me.

*Just an engagement.*

I had waited five years and never even got an engagement. Alex had never even been willing to take me to meet his family.

But two years ago, at my birthday dinner, Alex was singing "Happy Birthday" to me one moment.

The next, he took a call and rushed out the door without a single explanation.

Leaving me alone and awkward at my own party.

Everyone curiously asked who the girl on the phone was, but I couldn't answer.

I later found out it was Serena, his first love, whom he couldn't have in his youth.

And I? I was nothing more than a forgotten shadow.

The true first love had returned, and the forgotten shadow was insignificant.

Serena had only been back for three months, and Alex had already introduced her to all his friends.

That took me five years to achieve.

Later, Alex forcefully introduced Serena to everyone, including his parents.

He made it clear that with him there, no one would dare hurt Serena.

Then came the engagement, so extravagant, because he loved Serena so much, he wouldn't let her suffer even the slightest inconvenience.

It was only then that I truly understood: Alex had never loved *me*.

Our relationship would never have a future.