Chapter 1
My fiancé wanted to secure his position as the company’s majority shareholder, so he asked me to withdraw from the candidate list and hand over my 5% shares.[]
In return, he promised me a spectacular wedding.
I agreed, but the very next day, I saw his first love flaunting a share transfer document on Facebook.
The transferor’s signature? My fiancé.
I stared at my screen for two seconds before casually commenting: [Well, well, already collecting wedding gifts? Don’t forget to invite me to your ceremony.]]]
His precious Ivy had a complete meltdown after seeing my comment and threatened to jump from the 22nd floor.
J
To pacify her, my fiancé demanded I delete my comment immediately, publicly apologize to Ivy, and give her 3 months of my salary as compensation for “emotional distress.“]
My colleagues whispered among themselves, eager to witness my humiliation.[]
I let out a cold laugh. Not only did I apologize publicly, but I also voluntarily handed over my current project to Ivy.[]
My fiancé, pleased with my apparent compliance, said reassuringly, “At our wedding in two weeks, I promise you’ll be the center of attention, and I’ll reward you with a honeymoon around the world.“[]
What he didn’t know was that the moment he took back those shares, our wedding became nothing but a fantasy.[]
…0
Within three minutes of posting my apology, the comments exploded to 99+.[]
Ivy sent me a private message, taunting: [Serena Chase, the only thing you have over me is that you met Roman earlier. You’re inferior to me in every other way.]]
[All it takes is one little cry, and he immediately makes you apologize to me.]]
[Even with your engagement, if I don’t want it to happen, your wedding will never take place.]]]
Shortly after, she updated her profile–bragging about my fiancé taking her away to “clear her mind,” complete with a photo of tickets to Paris.
I was about to turn off my phone when a notification popped up–Ivy commenting on my apology post: [Everyone, please don’t be so hard on Manager Chase. I’m partly to blame too…]]
Less than a minute later, my fiancé replied to Ivy: [Don’t take responsibility for something that’s clearly Serena’s fault.][]
My colleagues piled on, claiming my apology wasn’t sincere and was filled with underlying contempt and mockery toward Ivy Lawrence.
Some even tagged me directly, demanding an explanation. I ignored them all.]
Just then, my fiancé’s angry calls started coming in, one after another.[]
Thinking about how shamelessly he favored Ivy, I calmly turned off my phone, silencing the incessant ringing.
Looking back, Roman Thornfield and I had been engaged since childhood, with 5% of Thornfield Corporation’s shares promised as an engagement gift when I married into the family.[]
But ever since his first love joined the company, his attention completely shifted to Ivy.[]
Whatever Ivy wanted, Roman would deliver, even if it meant gifting her projects I had spent months perfecting.]]
Suddenly, I heard movement at the door–Roman had returned. As soon as he entered, he asked me to pack a few outfits for him, claiming he had a business trip.[]
Remembering the Paris tickets Ivy had flaunted, I couldn’t help but remark sarcastically, “Is this a business trip or a vacation?“]]
My fiancé caught the dissatisfaction in my tone, assuming I was upset about apologizing to Ivy.
He frowned, “You’re clearly in the g, yet you have the audacity to be angry? If I hadn’t intervened, your colleagues would have
“I
run you out of the company by now.‘
“This is a crucial company project that requires my personal attention. Don’t worry, I’ll be back as soon as it’s finished–the wedding date won’t be affected.“]]
Seeing my silence, he relaxed, mistaking it for understanding. He then casually asked what gift I wanted this time.[]
Previously, every time Roman went on a business trip, he would bring me back a local specialty from wherever he’d been. I treasured each one of these gifts as if they were priceless, cherishing them deeply.[]
Until later, when I accidentally discovered that every gift he had brought back for me she had rejected or deemed not good enough.]]
Thinking about this, I simply said, “Whatever.“[]
was
something he had first given to Ivy–items
Noticing my lack of enthusiasm, he asked the housekeeper to pack for him. Then he handed me a your shares, here’s a reward.“]]
I glanced at it–a Cartier sapphire bracelet, the rare diamond–encrusted version.
But I had seen this exact bracelet on Ivy’s wrist just days ago.
So now he’s trying to pass off a fake as my reward?]
Seeing my smile, he assumed I was pleased and moved to put it on my wrist.[]
As he reached for the bracelet, I instinctively pulled away.
He paused, his expression uncomfortable. “You don’t like it?“]
I caught the guilt in his eyes. After a moment, I calmly said one word: “Expensive.“[]
gift box: “As thanks for contributing
Hearing this, he immediately relaxed. Just as he was about to reassure me, his phone rang urgently.
He glanced at it and quickly stepped away to answer.
The moment he connected, Ivy’s impatient voice came through: “Roman, hurry up! I’ve been waiting forever…“]
Chapter I
I laughed coldly and immediately tossed the bracelet into a nearby drawer.]
The housekeeper gasped when she saw this. “Miss Chase, haven’t you always treasured Mr. Thornfield’s gifts? Why now…“[]
He was right, I didn’t just treasure Roman’s gifts–I practically worshipped them.[]
But since he brought Ivy home, he generously allowed her to pick through the gifts he’d given me.[]
I had argued with him about this once, only for him to accuse me of being selfish and petty before buying Ivy even better, more expensive things.
Roman quickly ended his call. Grabbing the luggage from the housekeeper, he said hurriedly, “I’m running late. Remember to follow up on the wedding dress arrangements–don’t delay the ceremony.“[]
He moved to embrace me, but I instinctively stepped back.]
He looked at me quizzically, wanting to say something, but remembering Ivy was waiting, he awkwardly lowered his arms, pretended to be in a rush, and took his coat from the housekeeper before leaving.[]
From the window, I watched as he attentively opened the car door for Ivy and got in beside her, all smiles.[]
That car was the first gift Roman ever gave me.]]
I had kept it in the garage, rarely using it to preserve Roman’s thoughtfulness.
Unexpectedly, when Ivy saw it, Roman handed it over to her without hesitation.[]
He told me, “You don’t have a driver’s license anyway, so you can’t use it. Might as well give it to Ivy–she lives far from the office and needs transportation.”
“This way, she can contribute more to the company. Once you get your license, I’ll buy you an even better car.”
I silently watched as Ivy took the keys and coaxed Roman into taking her for a drive.
I smiled resignedly. The truth is, I’d had my driver’s license for ages–it was in the drawer by my bed.
He just never cared enough to look.
As I watched the car disappear down the driveway, I picked up my phone and made a call: “I need to cancel the custom groom’s attire I ordered.”
“Yes, I understand there will be penalties. I’ll cover all costs.“]
