CHAPTER ONE

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‎"Honestly, I've never considered marrying Evelyn" Chris voice was cold and unfazed as he said that. "She doesn't fit to be in my world. She's just a poor girl from a humble family."

‎As Evelyn stood outside the private room, frozen on the spot, her heart sink as she listen to Chris's words.

‎She had baked a cake for his birthday and waited for him all day at home, but he had called, telling her he would be celebrating with his friends at the restaurant before returning back home without mentioning it to her beforehand.

‎He knew she disliked noisy gatherings, yet he didn't consider her feelings. After all, he didn't care about her feelings.

‎Determined to share the cake with him, even if she had to displease herself, Evelyn had grabbed the cake and headed to the restaurant.

‎"Man, till when are you going to keep that woman around?" The mocking laughter of Chris's friend made Evelyn clenched her fist, tightening her grip on the cake-plate in her hand.

‎"She's just someone to pass time with. Not only is she silly but obedient too. I mean, that woman is so submissive and devoted that she will do everything just to please me. If I command her to die for me, she will do it gladly without any questions."

‎Those words landed like a blow to Evelyn's chest.

‎"So, you're going to continue to keep her around?"

‎"Hmm.... let's see. Don't you feel bad for an abandoned dog nobody wants and it's all alone?" Chris chuckled in a delight mockery. "That stray dog is just like Evelyn, she's so trusting. It's so fun to play along with her fantasies. She's so clueless and it makes it more interesting. I will keep her around for now and when I get bored, I will end things with her. That's all."

‎Evelyn's knees weakened as the cake in her hands almost slipped.

‎The words she just overheard were a brutal wake-up call, a harsh reminder that her sacrifices had been for nothing but a total waste. This is someone she had given her all- secretly backing his company, providing crucial support and referring him to her elite business associates to connect him with the right people, and even sacrificed her own ambition, put down her dreams on hold just to focus on him.

‎She's done all this to prove her father wrong, to make Chris someone her father would consider worthy of being with his precious daughter.

‎But now, she's realized that her father had been right all along- Chris wasn't worthy of her.

‎"Don't you think that's a bit unfair to her? Evelyn has been with you for four years now." One of his friend blurted out.

‎"True, but I don't give a fuck. She isn't the kind of woman I envisioned as my partner. She's nothing like Andrea. Andrea is elegant, gorgeous and smart. She understands the business world and would be a perfect match for me."

‎"I'm glad you think so, Chris. We will definitely make a great couple, and I can't wait for that to happen."

‎Evelyn's eyes widened in shock.

‎That was her friend's voice.

‎Andrea.

‎Her shock slowly turned to pain as she realized that her friend, someone she had considered like a sister was actually in the room with her boyfriend. Not only that, they were both talking as if Evelyn is the third wheel.

‎"Indeed, you two will make a perfect couple" another voice said. "Why don't you seal it with a kiss?"

‎Outside the door, Evelyn heard as the room boomed in cheers and whistle, Chris's friends cheering and asking the two to kiss.

‎Then, Evelyn pushed the door open.

‎The room instantly fell silent. Chris, startled by her presence swiftly pushed Andrea away from his arms, with her lipstick gloss already smeared on his lips.

‎Andrea's face flushed red, not happy with Chris's action, while his friends exchanged awkward glances.

‎"Evelyn? What are you doing here?" He asked, his tone cold and indifferent.

‎"I brought cake" Evelyn replied, her voice calm even though deep inside, she's boiling in anger. The red lipstick gloss on his lips didn't go unnoticed by her.

‎She placed the cake on the table, her eyes locked on his.

‎Chris got up from his seat, walked up to her and gripped her wrist firmly. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Evelyn? Disgracing me in the presence of my friends? Is this the thing you were supposed to be proud to give me before my friends?" He asked, his voice low and menacing but loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

‎Wow.

‎This was a cake she took almost 6 hours to bake. She didn't know how to bake, but just to make him happy, she took her time to learn and make him one. And rather than thanking her, he's scolding her.

‎Evelyn just smiled faintly. "I've taken note of that. I won't repeat it next time."

‎Of course, there won't be a next time- in Evelyn's mind.

‎Because she's done with him.

‎Then, she glanced at Andrea, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Wow, what a classy celebration.... with my friend. I didn't know you two were this... close." Evelyn emphasized the word 'friend' and 'close', her eyes never leaving Andrea's face.

‎Andrea, on the other, tried to play the pity card. "Evelyn, I think there's been a misunderstanding. Chris and I are just business associates. Nothing more."

‎"Of course, I'm sure you are just business associates" Evelyn's tone was still dripping with sarcasm, and the room fell silent.

‎Chris cleared his throat, dipping his hands in his pockets. "Andrea has been a big help with one of my deals. That's all. You wouldn't understand because you don't know anything about business. Just stop making trouble."

‎Evelyn snorted. "So, now I'm the one making trouble?"

‎Chris remained silent, his expression unyielding as he looked away.

‎One of Chris's friends decided to ease the tension. "Hey, Evelyn. Why don't you sit and join us?"

‎But before Evelyn could respond, Chris interjected coldly, "She's about to leave. She doesn't like noisy dinner."

‎His friends exchanged shocked glances, but Evelyn's expression remained calm. Not after all she's heard him say minutes ago.

‎At this point, she knew their relationship was over. There's nothing left between them again. Four years of love, dreams and hope crumbled like a house of cards.

‎Even though her heart ached with pain, she still maintained a calm posture.

‎She masked the sadness off her face with a forced smile. "It's fine. I have some things to take care of at home anyway."

‎As Evelyn turned around to leave, Chris's voice stopped her. "Don't wait up for me. I probably won't be back early. I still have other important things to handle tonight."

‎Evelyn just mumble a small, "Mm" nodding her head.

‎No arguing, no questioning.

‎She had always listen to him, always being careful not to upset him. So, his indifference to her feelings had become a habit.

‎As she walked out of the room, she overheard one of his friends suggest that Chris should follow Evelyn- it was the same voice that had defended her earlier.

‎But Chris dismissed the idea with a casual wave. "Trust me, she will be fine. Let's just continue with what we were doing" he muttered, nonchalantly.

‎After that, she heard as the room erupted in cheers and laughter again.

‎Her heart sank, and a lone tear finally slipped down her cheeks.

‎She had tried to control herself. She had thought it wouldn't bother her but it actually hurt than she could ever imagine.

‎Memories of her four years relationship with Chris flooded her mind- all the time she had wasted, and the effort she had invested. The compromises she had made just to make him a better person . But in the end, she was nothing but a plaything.

‎Someone beneath her.

‎Then, she made a decision.

‎She pulled out her phone and dialed a number.

‎"Dad, I will return back home and go through with the wedding."