Chapter 3

Stepping out of the office building, I looked back at the skyscraper I'd dedicated ten years of my life to.

Over those ten years, Natalie's family business had grown bigger and bigger, until even its branch office now towered high into the clouds.

So why had my relationship with her collapsed so spectacularly instead?

My relationship with Natalie had been a classic story of a rich heiress and a poor student. My father had died young, and my mother raised me on her own.

Back then, aside from attending classes, I squeezed out every spare minute I had to work part-time—by sitting in classes for other students.

That was, until a thug not only refused to pay me my fees, but he also brought his buddies along to shake me down for all the money I had.

I was in absolute despair when Natalie showed up with her bodyguards and saved me. She pulled me off the ground and even offered to buy me a meal.

She said her grades weren't good and that she was afraid of failing, so she asked me to help her cram for her finals.

In truth, I knew her grades were excellent. This was just an excuse she'd made up to help me.

I was drawn to her kindness and cheerful personality. We gradually fell for each other and ended up getting together.

The day I confessed my feelings to her, she held my hand and announced to everyone on campus, "Meet my genius campus heartthrob boyfriend!"

When we graduated, I gave up a government-sponsored opportunity to study abroad. Then, when I started working, I turned down a six-figure executive position at a major overseas company.

All I wanted was to stay by Natalie's side. My dream was simple—to marry her, have kids, and grow old together.

That was, until a year ago, when Erik, Natalie's childhood sweetheart who had previously moved abroad, returned to the country.

Everything changed then.

That day, for the first time, Natalie left me alone while I was sick just to go to the airport to pick him up. That night, she got completely drunk at his welcome-home party and refused to come home with me.

"What took you so long to come back, Erik?" she cried, curled up in his arms.

From that moment on, Erik became the reason we fought endlessly.

I wanted her to maintain some boundaries, but she accused me of being too controlling and claimed I wouldn't even let her have friends.

She even mocked me, saying that technically, she and Erik were childhood friends, whereas I was the one who came along later.

Then, two months ago, Erik sent her a wedding invitation. That day, she—who had rejected my proposals 99 times—suddenly curled up in my arms and muttered quietly, "How about we get married, too, Robert?"

I shook my head, clearing my mind of those old memories. Under the setting sun, my shadow stretched across the ground, long and utterly alone.

I had no family left in this world.

After a few more steps, night fell completely. I was just about to pull out my phone to hail a ride home when I heard the sound of a familiar laugh, affectionate and intimate.

"Erik, put me down! If you drop me, you're dead!"

I turned toward the entrance of a bar blazing with neon lights.

Erik was carrying Natalie in his arms bridal-style, spinning her around in circles, while her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck, her laughter carefree and bright.

A crowd had gathered around them, cheering them on.

"That's it! Three more spins! Come on, Erik! Don't forget to lock arms and share a drink with your wife when you stop!"

"Now that's husband material! No wonder Natalie can't stop thinking about Erik!"

When Erik finally stopped, Natalie hopped down, looking a little dizzy. Someone handed them two glasses, and they linked arms and downed their drinks with practiced ease.

Instantly, the crowd went even wilder, clapping and chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Natalie blinked, not moving.

Erik laughed and stepped in to defend her. "Alright, guys, come on. We just got back from our honeymoon, and you all are already demanding a wedding night rerun. My wife's been playing along with you all since noon. Time for everyone to go home!"

But the very next second, Natalie grabbed Erik by the tie, rose onto her tiptoes, and kissed him squarely on the lips.

Her eyes were wide open, her gaze clear and gentle.

A moment later, she looked away, slowly released his tie, and held her head as she pretended to be drunk.

"I want to go home… My head hurts so bad…"