Chapter 2

Michael's face didn't even twitch. "Amelia, you're actually buying into office gossip? Victoria's just Professor Gonzalez's daughter. I've mentioned her before."

He had indeed mentioned her.

But that was a long time ago.

Three years ago, over dinner, he brought up his mentor's passing.

"Professor Gonzalez just dropped dead out of nowhere, leaving his daughter high and dry. The girl's a total princess, has a nasty attitude. She'd get chewed up and spit out anywhere else."

"I'm thinking of giving her some cushy job at the company, you know, keep her afloat. Gotta pay my respects to the old man. Amelia, you've got such a big heart—you wouldn't mind that, right?"

What did I say back then?

I was all generous and told him to take good care of her, make sure the old man's daughter had it easy.

Looking back now, it's sickeningly ironic.

"Is this your explanation, Michael? Because I'm not satisfied with it."

I bent down and, under Michael's stunned gaze, picked up that coat.

"Today is our seventh anniversary. I've made a reservation at a restaurant. I expect you to show up tonight with an answer that satisfies me."

At eight o'clock that evening, Michael didn't come. He only had his assistant deliver a gift.

"Ma'am, there's an issue with a company buyout. Mr. Johnson's stuck dealing with it, so he told me to drop off your anniversary present."Opening the gift box, I found a top-tier emerald necklace inside.

But I don't like this color.

I closed the box and asked calmly, "Is this his answer to me?"

The assistant nodded, looking all awkward.

"I don't need another necklace. Tell him to keep it for sweet-talking some young girl."

After the assistant left, I opened my phone and clicked the video my friend had sent me again.

In the video, brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, illuminating two figures embracing on a terrace.

Michael was holding Victoria from behind, pointing at the sky and saying something. Victoria was laughing happily, with Michael's black coat draped over her shoulders—the one he always wore.

My stomach twisted painfully.

I rubbed my stomach, feeling sick.

Seven years ago, when he proposed to me, he also set off fireworks all night.

He had said, "Amelia, I know your family is wealthy, and you can have anything you want. I'm not rolling in cash like your folks, but I've got this heart that's all yours."

The fireworks really did go on all night without stopping. The next morning, I watched him light the last set of fireworks, and I agreed to his proposal.

Just as he said, I didn't lack anything.

I only lacked someone who loved me.

But...

Only now I'm realizing how pathetic it is—his whole romantic act was just copy and paste.

Swap out the leading lady, and boom—same damn show, same fake emotions.

That bit of sincerity I valued had long since become tainted.

I closed the video and made a call.

"Bring Victoria to the house."