Chapter 1 The Proposal

In South Africa, Durban, Zara Pearson was at Shalom Shopping Mall with her best friend, Gemma Fields. Zara looked at Gemma and said, “I am so tired of Payton, he is so clingy. If it was not for that silly bet, I wouldn’t have dated him.”

Payton Phillips was one of the heartthrobs at the university. He had kind eyes and an easy-going personality.

Zara Pearson was very beautiful, and her beautiful eyes held a captivating shade of violet, making her look ethereal and enchanting.

She was born into a wealthy family and had a privileged upbringing. Her family was the fourth-wealthiest in the country.

One day, Zara’s friends did a 90-day challenge. They placed a bet that whoever won Payton’s heart would win two tickets to the most prestigious Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Zara had a crush on Payton's best friend, Maddox Carson. However, Maddox never even glanced at her. She had sent him several love letters, but he never responded.

Maddox was extremely handsome with an unapproachable aura. His family was the third-wealthiest in the country.

Zara took a challenge with her friends. Then she pursued Payton with all her might until she won his heart. They had been dating for five years.

Gemma felt sorry for Payton because he was head over heels in love with her best friend and asked, “Don’t you want to marry Payton anymore, Zara?”

Her best friend shook her head and replied, “I have never loved Payton, but I endured it because I wanted to be close to Maddox.

You know that my heart belongs to handsome Maddox only. I haven’t seen anyone so handsome. Maddox Carson is so yummy.”

Gemma was rendered speechless. Was Zara pretending all this time? She smiled at her friend and asked, “What would happen if Payton proposed to you tonight, Zara?”

A smile tugged at the corner of Zara’s lips, and she replied, “I told my parents that I wanted to go abroad to further my studies, and they agreed. My family feels that Payton is not compatible with me. 

My father has already bought the flight ticket for me. Also, the accommodation has been prepared. I am leaving tomorrow morning.

Being with Payton is exhausting. I need to breathe. I will break up with him tonight. I can’t pretend anymore.” Then they bought limited-edition clothes and handbags.

At 6 pm, Payton went to Zara’s apartment to fetch her. She was stunning in a custom-made knee-high red dress. It hugged her curves beautifully, accentuating her slender figure.

Payton looked at her girlfriend with tenderness in his eyes and said, “You are so beautiful, Sweetheart.” Then he handed her a bouquet of red roses.

Zara smiled sweetly and replied, “You are dashing too, my love.” Payton was handsome in a tailored navy blue suit. He helped the love of his life into the car, then he drove his car to His Glory Hotel.

When they arrived at the hotel, they were ushered to their private room. It was cozy and romantic with rose petals and fresh flowers on the table.

Payton had prepared a candlelit dinner, and soft music was playing in the background.

Payton had told his family that he would be proposing to the love of his life that evening, and they were over the moon.

Payton’s mother loved Zara so dearly. She couldn’t wait for her to be her daughter-in-law. Maybe the Pearson family would give them some projects.

A few minutes later, the waiter brought their food. Payton had ordered Zara’s favourite dishes. However, her heart didn’t feel any warmth. She pretended not to notice. The food was delicious.

While they were eating, Payton knelt on one knee and said nervously, “Zara Pearson, will you be my wife? I promise to love only you in this lifetime.”

Zara was so shocked that she pulled Payton up and replied, “I am sorry, Payton. I am not ready to settle down yet.”

Zara didn’t want to marry Payton because she didn’t want to marry below her social status. She despised people from poor backgrounds. Also, she had never loved him. She accepted the bet because she was trying to make Maddox jealous.

Finding out that Payton was infertile was the final straw, and she decided to end the relationship. She had been dreaming of a big family since she was a child. She felt that her life would not be complete without children.

Payton was devastated, but he forced a smile and said, “Alright, Zara, I will wait for you.”

Zara looked at her boyfriend and replied, “Payton, I am going to the USA tomorrow to further my studies. You don’t have to wait for me.

Please move on with your life. Should you find someone you love, please don’t hesitate to marry her.”

Payton’s heart was shattered into pieces. He didn’t see it coming. It was clear to him that his beloved Zara didn’t love him anymore.

He looked at her with pleading eyes and said, “Zara, please give us a chance. I love you so much. I promise I will cherish you for the rest of my life.”

A hint of irritation was evident in Zara’s tone, and she said, “Please don’t waste your breath, Payton. I hate weak men.” Then she took her handbag and left Payton stunned.

Payton stayed in the private room for a long time. He felt that his fragile heart had been pinched by invisible hands. He looked at the diamond ring in his hand, and the suffocating feeling overwhelmed him. He couldn’t breathe.

He thought the love they shared was strong. How wrong he was. He stood up and left the private room with a heavy heart.

When he arrived at his apartment, he switched off his phone to prevent his family and friends from asking him questions about the engagement proposal. He went straight to bed with his clothes and shoes on.

The following day, Zara Pearson’s parents and her best friend, Gemma, took her to King Shaka International Airport.

Zara and Gemma were sitting in the back seat. Gemma smiled at her best friend and whispered, “How was your dinner with Payton? Did he propose?”

Zara’s disgust was evident in her tone, and she replied, “I left before I finished eating my food because Payton decided to propose when we were eating and spoiled my appetite. He was so pathetic.

The engagement ring was beautiful. I wonder where he got the money to buy that diamond ring from because the Phillips Group is not doing well." Gemma felt sorry for Payton for falling in love with the wrong person.

After Zara checked in, she hugged her parent for a long time and bid them farewell. Her mother had tears in her eyes when she saw her baby daughter boarding the plane.