Chapter 1

Papa was stunned to hear my words.

He then chuckled and said, "You're finally willing to let go of that precious CEO of yours now, Zoe? I've told you that someone his status is only good for you to fool around with before marriage. He's far from good enough to marry you.

"So, when are you planning to come back?"

I glanced at a nearby couple. They were wrapped in a tight embrace amidst a cheering crowd. I whispered, "In three days. I'll come back after I settle everything."

Perhaps sensing the weight in my voice, Papa replied seriously, "Don't worry. The Sortino heir is absolutely exceptional in both looks and ability. You won't be disappointed."

After ending the call, I stood stiffly in the bustling airport. I only turned and walked away after I saw the man I've loved for five years personally put a ring on another woman's finger.

This was the moment I'd dreamed of, but now I was no more than a bystander.

Someone bumped into me while I was distracted, and I fell to the ground. Passersby glanced at me with curiosity, but not Simone Pozzi.

He was still lost in the joy of the proposal, completely unaware of my presence.

Simone only gave me a call long after I left the airport. "Sorry, something came up earlier. Are you still at the restaurant? I'm on my way."

I glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's already 1:00 am, Simone. The restaurant's long since closed."

Simone hesitated briefly and then softened his tone. "Don't be mad, tesoro. Go to sleep. I'll take you to another restaurant tomorrow."

That night, he didn't come home. Instead, he was partying in the largest banquet hall in Jorena.

Friends of my famiglia sent me live videos. Champagne and fine wine overflowed, while Simone and Jasmina Leone hugged and kissed amidst the crowd.

They were basking in everyone's well-wishes, including Simone's closest friends.

"You two still ended up together after all these years, Simone."

"You've got to thank me for the reminder. Otherwise, Simone would've gone to Zoe for a pro—"

The sentence was cut off abruptly as Simone shot them a warning glance.

Confused, Jasmina turned to him. "Who's Zoe?"

Simone replied in an indifferent manner, "She's just a subordinate."

Subordinate? I chuckled bitterly. Would any subordinate let you sleep with her for five years?

Those close friends of his used to affectionately call me "Mrs. Pozzi" and would tease me about how Simone had fallen hard for me. They even said that I was the love of his life.

It turned out they all knew that he still harbored feelings for his first love.

I recalled how excited I was when I discovered the drone purchase order and then watched him walk toward me with flowers in his arms.

…

That night, I didn't sleep a wink. I leaned against the window, quietly staring at the empty room.

The balcony was filled with my favorite blue roses. Our photos from our first to fifth anniversary hung on the opposite wall. We looked beyond happy in each of them.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Mr. Bianchi, Simone's assistant, walked in holding a gift box.

He said, "Mr. Pozzi sent me to bring this to you. He said he didn't want you going to bed angry. It's a sapphire necklace, handcrafted by a master jeweler. There's only one like it in the world. Mr. Pozzi really cares for you, Signora."

I tossed the gift box aside without a second thought.

So what if it was the only one in the world? I wasn't his only one. If he truly cared for me, he wouldn't have proposed to another woman.

I closed my eyes, exhausted. It was already noon the next time I opened them again.

Simone was sitting at my bedside, the gift box in his hands.