After a Rocky Valentine

On our fourth Valentine's Day together, my boyfriend, Ivan West, gave me a rock he had found on the side of the road while his true love, Kelly Gibson, got a ten-carat diamond.

I stared at the rock icily and left it right where it was.

Ivan called me materialistic. "Millia, I only gave Kelly a diamond because she needed it to make jewelry. It's not because we have some other kind of relationship. And besides, I've spent plenty on you before. Just because I didn't get you some fancy branded things this time, you refused it. You're way too materialistic."

I broke up with him right then and there, walking away without looking back. Not long after, he went off to chase after his true love, Kelly.

Three years later, we ran into each other in the lobby of a luxury golf club.

Right next to him stood his supposedly "pure and innocent" one true love, Kelly.

They were here today because Ivan's company was in financial trouble, and he was hoping to strike a deal with Ward Group to bail him out.

As soon as Ivan spotted me with my messy hair and somewhat casual outfit, munching on desserts in the VIP lounge, he immediately frowned and said in annoyance, "Millia, you thought my gift wasn't good enough back then. Look at you now. You're so broke you're sneaking into a golf club's lounge to steal food?

"How did things get so bad for you after you left me? Or is this your new trick to get my attention? Let me tell you something. Even if you got down on your knees and begged, I wouldn't give you another chance."

I didn't bother responding as I just rolled my eyes. Who knew I would run into my ex while waiting for my husband? I was supposed to be headed to Starly Isles with him. Now, my good mood was completely ruined.

Ivan wore a perfectly tailored tracksuit with Kelly holding his arm, both of them dressed to impress.

The moment they sat down in the VIP area, people started lining up to flatter them.

"Oh, you must be Mr. Ivan from West Group! You're so successful despite your youth, and so good-looking too."

"Absolutely! He's just as impressive as his father used to be. And I take it this is your wife?"

All eyes turned to Kelly, and she immediately straightened her back and put on a proud smile. "Oh, Michael, you're too kind. We're not married yet, so I'm not his wife. At least, not yet. Once Ivan's current project wraps up, we'll hold the wedding. I do hope you and all the others here will come celebrate with us."

Kelly lifted her glass in a toast.

Ivan's smile looked forced and a little embarrassed. "Kelly still wants to focus on her career, and we're both young. There's no rush. Marriage is just a piece of paper, after all. It doesn't really mean much."

Everyone around them smiled knowingly. On the surface, they agreed, but it was clear that Ivan had no intention of marrying Kelly anytime soon.

I sat in the corner with my cake, genuinely surprised they still weren't married.

Three years ago, when Ivan and I had split, he had started courting Kelly immediately, showing off their relationship all over social media. Who would have guessed that even after three years, they still hadn't gotten married?

Neither Ivan nor Kelly was the career-obsessed type, so what was holding up the wedding?

I was still lost in thought when an angry staff member suddenly stormed over and yelled at me, "Hey! Are you the new waitress? Why are you late? And who said you could eat the desserts?! These are for the guests! That's coming out of your paycheck. Go get changed now!"

She looked me up and down, her eyes full of disgust at my old, casual clothes. "Do they really hire just anyone now? I guess the standards have gotten pretty low."

I tried to explain, but the dessert was a little too sticky, and I couldn't quite open my mouth right away.

Her voice carried across the room, and suddenly, everyone was staring at me.

At that exact moment, Ivan turned around, following the commotion.