Chapter 2

Greg tightened his grip on Sydney’s wrist. His gaze swept over the bag in my hand, and a cold smile curled at his lips.

“What? Are you not even pretending anymore?” he sneered. “You’re showing your true colors now, huh? You used to be gentle, kind, and considerate. And now you’re getting violent? Or is this just another act, pretending you’re leaving so I’ll stop you?”

One of his friends immediately laughed and chimed in.

“Mr. Willis, like she’d really leave. Last time you were hospitalized for your stomach, she stayed outside your room for three days and three nights.”

“Exactly!” another rich kid with dyed blue hair added mockingly. “At that auction, Miss Lowe spent eight figures just to buy an antique watch you casually mentioned.”

“I heard she didn’t even have enough money,” someone else said. “She took out a loan.”

Sydney leaned against Greg’s shoulder, sobbing softly.

“Greg, Zoe bullies me because she loves you too much,” she said through her tears. “She’s just jealous because we’re close. Please don’t fight because of me.”

It sounded considerate, but in truth, every word was a blatant display, showing everyone that her place in Greg’s heart outweighed mine.

My fingers dug into my palm. For the first time, I felt how utterly worthless my years of devotion had been.

“Zoe.” Greg suddenly spoke, his tone decisive, as if announcing a verdict. “Apologize now, and I’ll pretend none of this ever happened.”

His friends burst into laughter.

“Mr. Willis, that’s a pretty generous offering.”

“That’s right,” Sydney added, wiping her tears, though the corners of her lips lifted slightly. “Greg has the softest heart.”

“No need.” I heard myself speak, my voice light, almost weightless. “Mr. Willis, I wish you and Miss Carlson… a lifetime of happiness.”

The private room fell completely silent. For a brief moment, Greg’s expression went blank. Then, his sneer deepened.

“You’d better keep your word.”

He pulled out his phone and posted a photo of himself with Sydney on his social media before turning to the crowd and announcing loudly, “If this post gets more than ten thousand likes, I’ll marry Syd!”

As he said it, his eyes deliberately flicked toward me. I knew what he was doing. He was forcing me to bow my head again, just like countless times before. Suddenly, it all felt childish, and I didn’t want to be entangled with them anymore.

Seeing that I didn’t react, Greg wrapped an arm around Sydney and strode away. As they passed me, Sydney lowered her voice so only I could hear.

“Miss Lowe, guess how many photos of Greg and me are saved on his phone?”

I tightened my grip on my wine glass. So those so-called “accidentally” sent photos and “slip-of-the-finger” likes had all been deliberate provocation.

“Ten thousand likes to get married?” I suddenly spoke, staring at Greg’s stiffened back. “Mr. Willis, do you keep your word?”

He turned around sharply. Panic flashed through his eyes before being replaced by disdain.

“Of course.”

I tilted my head back and downed the glass of wine.

“In that case,” I said calmly, “may everything go exactly as you wish.”

As I left, I heard Greg laugh dismissively behind me. “She’ll definitely go home and secretly check my post.”

One of his friends leaned closer.

“Mr. Willis, with Miss Lowe’s personality, she won’t last more than three days before coming back to beg you.”

“Three days?” Greg questioned, eyebrow raised. “She won’t even last three hours.”

Sydney leaned against him, sobbing softly. “Greg, do you think Zoe is really angry this time?”

“Angry?” Greg tugged at his tie, utterly unconcerned. “She’d give up her life for me.”

I stood outside the private room, listening to every word. My fingers trembled slightly. The engagement ring pressed painfully into my palm. I flicked my wrist without hesitation, and the ring flung out, landing in the trash.

The next morning, Greg’s company group chat exploded.

“Miss Lowe resigned?” The manager’s voice message was filled with shock. “Is she out of her mind?”

Greg stared at his phone, his expression dark.

“This is too much. Does she really think the company can’t function without her?”

Sydney leaned closer and spoke softly, “Greg, no matter how angry Zoe is, she shouldn’t joke about work… Several investment projects are waiting for her assessment. If something goes wrong, the Don will be furious. You were originally in line to be promoted, from managing two districts to three–”

“Don’t worry, Miss Carlson,” someone quickly interjected. “This is just Miss Lowe’s retreat-to-advance tactic. She’s trying to make Mr. Willis comfort her.”

Greg finally relaxed, saying, “I knew it. She can’t leave me. This is just another trick she came up with. It’s fine. If I ignore her for a few days, she’ll realize her mistake and come back.”

I stood outside the company building and took a deep breath. My phone vibrated nonstop, every message from Greg.

“Zoe, stop making a scene. You’re an adult. Can you be more mature? Take some time off to cool off. In a few days, I’ll be attending the Don’s engagement banquet with Syd.”

I turned off my phone and walked away from the building. At last, it was time to put an end to our years of relationship.