Chapter 1

That same day, I went to my parents to ask for a change in my arranged marriage partner. They seemed surprised but didn't question me and agreed right away.

Just as I expected, Leon Mercer quickly started giving me the silent treatment. He blocked my number, unfriended me on social media, and cut off all contact with practiced ease. He assumed I would come back to him on my own, just as I always did in the past.

I stared at the flashing friend request notification on my screen. My finger hovered over it for a long moment, but this time, I didn't accept it.

A week later, a message popped up in our company group chat. "Tonight is Mr. Mercer's birthday dinner. All staff are required to attend."

Not wanting to cause unnecessary tension at work, I went anyway. When I pushed open the door to the private room, Leon was seated at the head of the table. The woman leaning close and whispering into his ear was Vanessa Sinclair.

The two of them murmured to each other, lost in their own world with no room for anyone else. As they laughed and chatted, they leaned closer and closer, as though they might kiss at any moment.

I looked away, found a seat in the corner, and drank alone. My coworkers went up one by one to hand Leon their gifts, but I didn't budge.

Before long, someone's shadow fell over me. I looked up and saw Leon's handsome face. He seemed clearly displeased. "Audrey, where's my gift?" he asked.

In the past, I would have started preparing his gift months in advance.

I had once built him a handmade model of the moving castle from an animated film. When the gears started turning and smoke puffed from the chimney, he held my hand and said, "We'll find our way to each other, just like the characters in the movie."

Back then, I truly believed him. I never expected the forever he promised me to last less than three years.

"I forgot," I said flatly.

Leon's expression darkened. "How long are you planning to keep this up? Are you really making a fuss over something this trivial?"

My gaze landed on the damp mark at the corner of his lips, and my stomach turned. "I'm not making a fuss. I meant it when I said I want to call off the engagement."

His expression stiffened for a moment, but after Vanessa squeezed his hand, he quickly regained his composure.

Vanessa softened her voice and said, "Audrey, don't get the wrong idea. I just hate seeing things go to waste. If it bothers you that much, I'll wait until everyone's done eating before joining the table next time."

Her words immediately triggered Leon's protective instincts. "Vanessa, you deserve the best. Audrey is the one who should leave. Who does she think she is?"

Vanessa walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Audrey, a woman needs to learn to be understanding. Leo hasn't slept well these past few days. I know you two don't really get along, but you are engaged—"

I brushed her hand away and scoffed. "Vanessa, do you know what I admire most about you? You play both sides and still manage to steal someone else's fiance without batting an eye."

Vanessa's smile faltered.

Leon lost his temper first. "Audrey Callahan, what gives you the right to slander Vanessa?"

I shot back, "Slander? Then, explain this. Why does she have an identical copy of every gift you gave me? Why did every argument we had somehow get spread around by her? And how did she know about the scar on your tailbone—"

"Enough!" Leon snapped.

The sharp sound of a slap rang through the room. My left ear rang as everyone in the room looked at me in silence—some with pity, others with mockery.