Chapter 1

The company organized a team-building trip to Colmar.

I discovered my boyfriend was planning to propose to me when everyone gathered to watch the sunset.

But that evening, he got down on one knee with a ring—for someone else.

"Sherry, I'm willing to be the baby's father. Marry me!"

Sherry, the woman Frederick had been in love with for ten years.

I watched the two embrace intimately in the glow of the setting sun.

I turned around, booked a trip departing in three days, then went home.

A year later, when I returned and we met again, Frederick grabbed me, his eyes bloodshot.

"Iris, you're finally back. Don't leave me again..."

"Your trip will depart from Colmar in three days."

"Miss Iris, have a pleasant journey. Goodbye."

I had just confirmed my flight details with the staff.

Behind me, the voice of my assistant rang out.

"Iris, we're heading back."

By then, Frederick had already carefully helped Sherry leave.

His proposal to New York's most famous ex-girlfriend made the headlines.

Everyone said he'd loved her secretly for ten years and finally won her heart.

But no one knew I had been his girlfriend for six years.

That afternoon, when I found the custom engagement ring in Frederick's pocket...

I was overjoyed, thinking he remembered I wanted a sunset proposal.

Now I'd been slapped in the face.

His love and his ring weren't meant for me after all.

Shortly after the car left town, Frederick called.

His tone on the phone was commanding.

"I want chicken soup in half an hour."

He hung up without giving me a chance to refuse.

I froze for a moment.

Then it hit me—chicken soup is often recommended for pregnant women.

I opened my phone and scrolled through our chat history.

Three months ago, Frederick had started asking for various nutritious soups.

At this moment, the realization finally dawned on me.

He'd probably decided back then to be someone else's stepfather.

Half an hour later, I arrived at his estate with the chicken soup.

His friends from the team-building trip sat in the living room.

When they saw me, the lively atmosphere instantly quieted.

They'd always seen me, his assistant, as completely devoted to Frederick.

Now they all looked at me with half-smiles, waiting to see me make a fool of myself.

On the main couch, Frederick held Sherry close affectionately.

He took the chicken soup with an indifferent expression. "Perfect timing."

He lifted his chin, gesturing toward several glasses of hard liquor on the table.

"Sherry can't drink. You can handle liquor—drink these for her."

Frederick didn't spare me a single glance, as if discussing something trivial.

But he'd forgotten I was allergic to alcohol. He only remembered Sherry couldn't drink.

As if in his eyes, I was just a tool to take drinks for others.

In that instant, I suddenly wanted an explanation for our six years together.

I couldn't control my voice.

"Frederick, about the proposal today—don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, everyone's expressions became awkward.

Anyone could see Frederick's favoritism toward Sherry.

Sure enough, Frederick focused on feeding her the chicken soup and said in a deep voice,

"Iris, we'll talk about this later. Don't ruin the mood."

In that moment, my last shred of hope for him completely died.

I'd been his assistant for six years, helping him handle countless situations.

But this time, I suddenly felt so exhausted.

I swallowed the bitterness in my heart and picked up the glass, draining it in one gulp.

"Then I wish you both happiness."

They thought I'd make a scene. They didn't expect me to be this calm.

After all, in the past...

Whenever I went up against Sherry, I'd become like a lit firecracker.

Frederick seemed used to it too, watching coldly as I became hysterical.

Afterward, he'd casually send a gift, and I'd pathetically forgive him again.

I couldn't even remember anymore—since Sherry returned...

How many times I'd fought with Frederick because of her.

After each argument, I was the one who had to collect myself.

Then go to him apologetically to make up.

In this relationship, I was destined to lose completely from the start.

As I walked out of the estate, Sherry's coquettish voice came from behind.

"Frederick, Iris is upset. Go talk to her."

Frederick just laughed dismissively and gently rubbed her waist.

"It's fine. She listens to me. I'll talk to her later and it'll be fine."