Chapter 1

Joshua's POV

I picked up the shawl from the ground and returned to the banquet hall, sitting down in a corner.

My girlfriend, Kristen Fox, stood on the stage with a wine glass in her hand as she addressed the crowd.

"Thank you all for attending Fox Technologies' eighth-anniversary celebration tonight. I would also like to take this opportunity to make an official announcement."

Leroy Parks stood up not too far away and walked onto the stage, standing next to her. Kristen interlaced her fingers with his and said, "Leroy is my fiance, and our wedding is set for next month. I hope that you'll all come to celebrate with us as well."

Thunderous applause rang out from the audience. Kristen then brought Leroy with her as they began making their rounds around the banquet tables, toasting the guests and receiving their blessings.

One of the employees got up and said, "Congratulations, Kristen and Leroy! You've finally made it!"

I looked at him. He'd asked me to lend him some money last year, and I immediately transferred the money without asking any further.

Then, the company's first-ever investor, Evans Hatfield, raised his glass to the couple and said, "Congratulations to you both. It's thanks to you both that Fox Technologies can be where it is today!"

Back then, I had stayed up countless nights and did 17 revisions to the proposal deck before finally managing to secure his investment. He'd told me back then that he was investing in me.

My closest friend at work, Mitchell Davis, also raised his glass and said, "Congrats, Kris and Roy! I'm sure that the company will soar to greater heights under both your leadership!"

He then glanced at me and said, "You're also happy for them, aren't you, Joshua Carson?"

When Kristen and Leroy made their way to another table where Kristen's mother, Cindy Holt, was seated, another woman said, "Cindy, you're so lucky to have Leroy as your son-in-law."

Cindy raised her glass and said, "Of course! He's so much more reliable than some gigolo who only knows how to spend other people's money at home!"

I felt the tears welling in my eyes.

Last month on her birthday, I had gifted her a smart thermal flask, and she praised me for being considerate of her. But now, she was telling the public that all I knew was to spend money.

I gripped the hem of my coat and left the banquet hall. But when I reached the basement parking lot, Kristen caught up to me and blocked my car from going out.

"I know that you're upset right now, Joshua, but I have to give Leroy a proper title. But other than that, the house and my money are all yours."

She paused for a bit and said, "Including your sister's medical fees. I'll continue paying for it. You don't have to worry about a thing."

Three years ago, my younger sister, Jennie Carson, was involved in a horrible car crash, and she had been in a vegetative state ever since.

Back then, Kristen stood at the ICU entrance and told me that she would take care of all the medical bills, and all I had to do was focus on keeping Jennie company.

Now, Kristen pulled open my car door to stop me from leaving. She said, "I won't let you suffer, Joshua."

I met her gaze and said, "You're officially making him your husband, and yet you're saying that you won't let me suffer? You can't have your cake and eat it too, Kristen Fox."

I then shut my car door again and drove off.

My phone lit up with a text message from her.

"You need to cool off. We'll talk again in a few days."

I didn't reply.

Instead, I went into my contacts list, removed her from my pinned contacts, and changed her name from "Kris" to just "Kristen Fox".

The next morning, Kristen came knocking on my door and handed me a gilded wedding invitation.

"My wedding will be on the 15th of next month. I want you to be there."

There was a tentatively hopeful look in her eyes.

"If you come, then I'll know that there's still a chance for us."