Chapter 1

"You could eat anywhere—did you really have to book a place this far away? Honestly, you've got nothing better to do!"

When I saw my wife arrive with her parents and her childhood sweetheart, the four of them pulling up on two electric scooters by the roadside, I froze where I stood.

Today was Valentine's Day. It was also the tenth anniversary of us being together.

I had worked nonstop for three straight months to secure a major project, and I'd just been promoted to vice president.

I spent over 100 thousand dollars setting up the venue, staying up late into the night to finalize every detail myself. All so I could surprise her today—and finally fulfill the promise I made ten years ago.

Thinking about the photos we'd take to commemorate the moment, I had even reminded her over the phone to wear something nice.

But now, the four people standing less than six feet away from me were bundled in thick coats, layer upon layer, their hands tucked inside the sleeves.

They stood outside the most luxurious restaurant in Alyes City… looking as disheveled as beggars.

Several curious glances drifted our way. A flicker of embarrassment—and irritation—rose in my chest.

"Didn't I tell you to wear something decent and take a taxi here?" I said. "And also…"

'Why did you bring them?' I swallowed these words.

I didn't know if she had failed to understand the hint in my phone call—that tonight was meant to be a date. Or if she understood perfectly well and simply didn't take it seriously.

It felt as if someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over me. The excitement I'd felt while preparing this surprise sank straight to the bottom.

My father-in-law spat a thick glob of phlegm onto the ground.

"What are you standing there for? Aren't you going to take us inside so we can warm up in the air-conditioning?"

My mother-in-law wrinkled her nose and nodded.

"Exactly! You haven't even greeted us. What kind of upbringing…"

But as she said those words, Megan Brooks shot her a glance, and her voice immediately dropped.

My fists clenched. My body stiffened.

I had no parents. I grew up in an orphanage. Even though I had achieved success in my career now, my background remained the most sensitive wound in my heart.

In the ten years we'd been together, Megan had never once touched that wound in front of me.

Sensing the tension in my body, she seemed to feel a little guilty. The reluctance on her face faded as she tugged lightly at my hand.

"Honey, taxis are expensive and traffic is terrible during rush hour. I just wanted to save a little money. The wind's strong out here. Let's go inside first."

I wanted to tell her she didn't have to pinch pennies for my sake.

But when I felt how cold her hand was—like a piece of ice—I simply wrapped it in my warm palm, forced a smile, and invited them inside.

The moment I pushed the door open, the deep, velvety notes of a piano drifted gently through the elegant space.