Chapter 1

On the fifth anniversary of our relationship, my girlfriend, having rejoined her wealthy family, posted my photo on a platform similar to Craigslist.

[One dollar for a loyal admirer of five years.]

I thought she was joking until I received a friend request on Snapchat.

Then my girlfriend called me:

"I'm the heiress of Miller Bank. We're not on the same level; you're not suitable for me."

"The person I've introduced to you is a wealthy woman my family knows. If you treat her well, fortune and success will be yours. No need to thank me."

She hung up, only to announce her engagement to the sole heir of the Carter Miller Group on Snapchat.

Looking at the unfamiliar face in her post left me utterly confused.

He's the heir of the Carter Miller Group, so who am I?

"Let's break up."

"I was with you because we were equals. That's no longer the case. You couldn't reach my level in several lifetimes."

"Don't tell anyone we dated; it disgusts me."

The call ended abruptly, leaving me stunned.

I couldn't believe these words came from my girlfriend, Emma.

Emma was an ordinary employee at a small company. She was smart and capable, and despite a tough upbringing, she never complained.

Her smile was like a ray of sunshine that drew me to her.

For five years, she cared for me with thoughtfulness.

Just yesterday, we were planning to earn more money to build a future together. And today, she suddenly wants to break up?

She once told me I was the person she loved most and never wanted to part from me.

Even if she told me herself, I couldn't believe it!

I had to find out what was really going on!

I kept calling her, but she didn't answer, and eventually, her number became unreachable.

While I was still anxious, a friend suddenly sent me a screenshot.

It was Emma's announcement on Snapchat:

"Meeting you made me realize how beautiful life is. Everyone is welcome to my engagement party with Liam Carter, the heir of the Carter Miller Group."

The comments section was filled with congratulations.

But I was left in confusion.

Carter Miller Group?

How many Carter Miller Groups are there in the city?

Not only did the company's name match my family's, but all other details matched too.

Even our parents' names were the same!

Could there really be such a coincidence?

I quickly asked a friend to get a photo for me.

It wasn't long before I saw the supposed heir of Carter Miller Group. Then I realized.

Yes, it's my family's engagement.

But the groom is a fraud!

He's not Liam Carter!

He's a university student I sponsored, named Ethan Johnson.

For years, I quietly stayed by Emma's side, while he attended business events with my mom.

I wanted him to gain some experience for the future.

But I never thought...

He would deceive me!

I couldn't accept that a five-year relationship would end so ambiguously.

So, I went straight to the engagement venue that day.

As soon as I entered, I saw Emma in a white wedding dress, a scene I had dreamed of countless times.

The emcee asked them to drink a ceremonial toast. Emma maintained a perfect smile, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Emma, our family's prosperity depends on you. You won't let your mom down, right?"

That must be her mom speaking.

Emma looked pained, forcing a smile as she glanced at Ethan.

I understood her forced smile.

She didn't want to leave me!

"Emma, you don't have to struggle like this!"

I shouted toward the center of the ceremony, releasing my pent-up anger.

Everyone turned to look at me with strange eyes.

Emma's face turned pale.

"Didn't I tell you we broke up? Leave and stop causing trouble!"

Emma's eyes reddened upon seeing me.

Afraid I'd see her, she turned away.

How could I leave without understanding?

"Emma, I love you. I might not know what's happening, but trust me, I can solve it!"

From her back, I could tell Emma was about to lose control of her emotions.

She turned around, tears in her eyes.

Before she could speak, her mom interjected.

"Young man, this isn't a place for someone of your status."

I couldn't help but scoff internally.

Usually, such a high-end banquet hall requires an invitation to enter.

But I didn't need one; the banquet owner drove me here personally.

He's hoping I'll rent the hall to him next year.

I knew my purpose today and didn't mention these things.

Emma's mom looked me up and down.

"Are you Emma's friend? Knowing her is already a highlight of your life."

"Young man, just because you dress nicely doesn't mean you can cross social classes."

"Emma has feelings for you, but you must know someone as poor as you isn't worthy of her."