Chapter 1

My boyfriend, Howard Schultz, poured all his time and energy into that troublesome new intern of his, Crystal Jennings. Even when I nearly died in a car accident, he spent the night coaching her and whisked her away on a business trip.

When I gave him a final birthday surprise, he lost it.

…

My parents were over the moon when I agreed to the arranged marriage they'd been pushing for. They instantly transferred another 200,000 dollars into my account.

"Celine, you've finally come to your senses. Howard is poor and has no future. He's been running that company for five years and it still hasn't gone public. He can't give you a good life."

"The Zimmerman family's second son is better than him in every possible way. Trust us. You won't regret this."

My parents had never approved of my relationship with Howard, and because I was blindly devoted to him, things at home were always tense.

It had been a long time since I'd seen my parents this happy. A complicated mix of emotions rose in my chest. I couldn't tell if it was grief or relief.

After hanging up, I checked my phone and saw that Crystal had updated her social media again.

"POV: Travelling with a ridiculously manly, boyfriend-material boss."

The photo showed Howard pushing three suitcases. His briefcase had a cute little plush keychain dangling from it—the matching pair to the one Crystal had posted before.

There was a time when I loved all these couple-themed things—matching toothbrushes, slippers, keychains, and even clothes. But Howard refused to use any of them with me.

"Celine, I'm a CEO. I can't walk around with this stuff. I keep all my love for you in my heart."

I remembered how he'd tossed the keychain I bought straight into the trash. He'd rather wear uncomfortable shoes than matching slippers with me—especially in public. He was adamant about maintaining his image as a CEO.

I convinced myself that everyone had their own habits, and I couldn't force him to change just because I felt sentimental.

But now, he was flaunting a matching cartoon keychain with Crystal—on a briefcase that didn't suit it at all—ruining the professional image he once cared so much about.

It turned out it wasn't the cute accessories he hated. It was me.

Upon Crystal's arrival, Howard made no secret of his frustrations. He would perpetually vent, detailing the trouble his new intern caused and lambasting her perceived uselessness and persistent errors that he claimed always to rectify.

And naive me didn't notice that every time he talked about her, there was a faint smile tugging at his lips.

I thought he was ranting. I tried everything to cheer him up. But all the while, he was actually enjoying fixing Crystal's mistakes.

I finally understood now, and it wasn't too late.

I cried for an entire day and night. When people asked, I said it was because my fracture hurt.

I told myself that I would only cry once. After that, Howard would be out of my heart forever.

During my three-week stay in the hospital, I ignored every call from him until the day I was discharged, when he called from a new number.

"Celine, why haven't you been answering my calls? I've been worried sick. Once this project wraps up, I'll come back to you. I'll throw you a huge wedding on my birthday."

A cold laugh escaped me as I ended the call and dropped the phone into my bag. A heavy, solid thud immediately registered. It was the watch I had ordered for Howard.

The watch had an emerald in the center, surrounded by diamonds, each dazzling brilliantly under the light. It was handcrafted, priceless, and one of a kind.

I had planned to give it to him when his company finally went public. He always said he wanted something unforgettable on that day.

Now, there was no longer a need for this gift.

My eyes stung. I blinked hard, then handed the watch to a passerby. "Take it. I hope it brings you happiness."

As for Howard's so-called big wedding, he had never even proposed. How would he know I'd even say yes? How was he so sure I wouldn't reject him or leave him?

No. Howard Schultz, I hadn't wanted to marry you, and I would never marry you.

This year, the birthday surprise awaiting you was my grand marriage to another man.