Chapter 1

In the photo, Susan Langley was leaning against the man's chest, her face beaming with joy. The man was holding her gently in his arms, and together, the pair looked like the perfect couple.

Shawn Carter's fingers trembled uncontrollably as he stared at the photo in disbelief.

How could this be?

Just that morning, the two of them had still been curled up in each other's arms.

"I wasn't exactly thrilled about the engagement at first. She had refused to date anyone for years. Then, out of nowhere, she brings a man home and tells me she's getting married. You can imagine how shocked I was," said Susan's father, Thomas Langley.

He went on, "But then, I found out that she and her fiance went to the same high school. She had a crush on him back then, but Henry—her fiance—was extremely ambitious. So, he never had any interest in romantic relationships. Once he graduated, he went abroad.

"Susan waited for him and refused to date anyone else all those years. In order to win him over, this foolish girl even flew overseas to see him every month for eight years. When she finally got him to say yes, she brought him home immediately and told me they were getting married. It's almost as if she's terrified he'd change his mind and leave her."

As Thomas spoke, he showed Shawn several more photos. Every single one of them was irrefutable proof of Henry and Susan's relationship.

Shawn could no longer hold himself together. His face drained of color as he stumbled backward.

He recalled the last eight years he had spent with Susan.

She had never posted about him on social media, nor had she ever introduced him to her family or friends. On top of that, she also insisted that he make an appointment whenever he wanted to visit her at work.

Whenever he pressed her for an explanation, she'd let out a helpless sigh.

"I've never been one to post on social media. As for my friends… You know what my family background is like. My social circle consists of family heirs and wealthy socialites, and all of my friends are gorgeous. If they ever get the chance to meet you, they'd definitely be interested in you.

"I don't want someone else to discover that I have a wonderful boyfriend. I also believe in keeping my personal affairs and my work matters separate. I don't want our relationship to affect the company's day-to-day operations."

After hearing the same explanations over and over again, Shawn eventually stopped asking.

Two years ago, Shawn had begun to think about marriage. When he proposed to Susan, however, she told him, "My father is a strict man, and he's very particular about his future son-in-law. I don't want you to get hurt. Can we wait for two more years?"

Shawn waited—only to end up finding out that she was marrying someone else.

He felt like a complete fool. By then, he could no longer hear a single word Thomas was saying. So, he made up an excuse and left.

On the way home, Shawn checked the social media account Thomas had sent him.

The wedding announcement was the first post he saw. Henry had posted a photo of he down on one knee, proposing to Susan. The caption read, "I can't believe someone actually waited for me for eight whole years."

When Shawn continued scrolling, he discovered everything Susan had done for Henry over the years.

Three months ago, on Shawn's birthday, Susan had been admiring snow-covered mountains with Henry. Six months ago, when Shawn was hospitalized after a car accident, Susan and Henry had been watching the sunset over a small town in Santorio.

A year ago, while Shawn had been pouring his heart and soul into preparing a proposal, Susan had been beneath the northern lights in Indland, confessing her love to Henry for the 999th time. More than a year ago, Henry and Susan had been caught in a shooting incident on the streets of Newton City, and Susan had thrown herself in front of him to shield him from a bullet.

Shawn still remembered how Susan had been rushed back to the country on an emergency flight with her clothes stained with blood. He had been completely terrified. Afraid that something might happen to her, he never left her side while she recovered from her injuries.

Shawn had always believed that Susan was devoted to her work, which was why she needed to travel abroad once a month. He had assumed she was simply too busy to celebrate anniversaries and important holidays with him. Now, looking back, it all seemed utterly pathetic.

After getting out of the taxi, Shawn stared at the home that had once made him feel warm and happy.

When he pushed the door open and stepped inside, Susan was preparing dinner in the kitchen. His favorite dish—caramelized ribs—was already waiting on the table.

"Welcome home, honey," Susan greeted. "Go wash your hands. Dinner's ready."

When Shawn didn't move, she walked over and embraced him. "What's wrong? Did someone upset you?"

Shawn clicked on the engagement photo. "Should I be congratulating you?"