001: The Engagement is Over

"Trevor, I've just touched down. I'll reach city hall in about thirty minutes."

After sending the message, a faint, contented smile appeared on Serena Steele's lips.

Today marked the moment she and Trevor Levine would finally apply for their marriage license.

From falling in love in college to getting engaged and arriving at this day, exactly five years had passed without a hitch.

She reclined against the back seat as the soft morning sun illuminated her fair complexion, giving her features a calm, gentle glow.

Catching her expression in the rearview mirror, the cab driver chuckled. "Straight from the airport to city hall, huh? It must be a big day."

"That's right. Today's Valentine's Day. We reserved the appointment two weeks ago," Serena replied cheerfully.

The driver laughed aloud. "Youngsters really know how to pick dates. My daughter wanted today too, but she failed to secure a spot, so she had to settle for tomorrow!"

"Congratulations to your daughter," Serena said politely.

"Same to you," he replied with a grin.

…

However, even after stepping out of the cab, she still hadn't received a response from Trevor. Her lips curved into a small pout as she dialed his number.

The phone rang endlessly before he finally answered.

His tone was flat and distant. "Yeah? What is it?"

Serena's grip tightened around her phone. "Trevor, where are you? I'm already at city hall and took our queue number. We're—"

He interrupted her without hesitation. "Rena, I can't come right now."

Her chest tightened. "What do you mean? We agreed we'd handle the license today."

"Something came up," he said casually. "We'll do it another time. The date doesn't really matter."

Doesn't matter?

She had scheduled everything two weeks in advance.

Before she could respond, a woman's voice cut in from his end. "Trevor, are you still on the phone? Everyone's waiting downstairs. We're heading out for breakfast."

Serena's heart dropped sharply.

That voice belonged to Amber Jacobs.

Amber had been adopted by the Levine family eighteen years ago.

She is back?

Serena's fingers turned icy around her phone. Before she could say another word, the call ended abruptly.

He had told her he went to bed early the night before because he was exhausted. Now she knew the truth—he had spent the night with another woman.

Soon after, her phone vibrated with a message.

"Serena, was that you who called Trevor just now? I just returned, and he hosted a welcome party for me last night. He drank too much and didn't go home. Please don't misunderstand. Would you like to join us for breakfast?"

A crushing weight pressed against Serena's chest, making it difficult to breathe.

She replied immediately, "Send me the address. I'm on my way."

...

Outside a private dining room at Vermillion Restaurant, Serena heard familiar voices drifting through the door.

"Mr. Trevor, I thought you were supposed to be at city hall with Serena today?"

"Well, I heard she booked the slot two weeks ago just to get the marriage license with Mr. Trevor today."

Someone asked curiously, "What's so special about today?"

"It's Valentine's Day."

A scoff followed. "Come on, Mr. Trevor doesn't love her. Everyone knows the one he truly cares about is Amber."

Amber lowered her head shyly. "Don't say that. Trevor is my brother."

Standing outside, Serena's face drained of all color. She waited, desperate to hear how the man she loved would respond.

The door was slightly ajar.

She stood motionless, peering through the narrow opening. Trevor was leaning back casually, his hand resting possessively on the back of Amber's chair.

From that angle, it looked like an intimate embrace shared between lovers.

His voice flowed smoothly through the air. "Amber, do you really see me as nothing more than a brother?"

She hesitated. "Trevor... are you really not going to city hall with Serena today?"

"Yeah," he replied lazily. "There's nothing between us."

Noticing her discomfort during the teasing, his voice softened further. "Amber, no one matters more to me than you."

The room erupted into cheers and whistles.

Only the woman outside felt a sharp, tearing pain rip through her chest. She finally understood—no matter what she did, she could never reach his heart.

In his world, she was always the second choice. No effort could change that.

Serena felt ridiculous—weak and pitiful.

Someone exiting the restroom froze when they saw her. "Serena? You're here. Why aren't you coming in?"

The door swung open abruptly, and all eyes inside landed on the pale woman standing there.

After a brief, awkward silence, someone tried to ease the tension. "Hey, Serena! You're here! Come join us for breakfast."

Trevor withdrew his hand from Amber's chair, his brows knitting slightly. "Why did you come?"

Serena steadied her breath and stepped inside. "Am I not allowed to be here, Trevor?"

Amber quickly stood up. "Serena! Take my seat—I saved it for you."

"Amber, stay here," Trevor said, pressing Amber back down.

The gesture felt like a blade stabbing into Serena's heart.

"Right. Stay seated," Serena said calmly. "I didn't come here for breakfast."

Trevor's expression hardened. "Serena, what are you doing? Didn't we agree to postpone it?"

Her smile turned razor-sharp. "There's nothing to postpone."

He stared at her. "What did you say?"

She inhaled deeply, then smiled as gently as spring wind. "I said we're not getting the marriage license. You already said it yourself—we're nothing. Our engagement is over. I'm stepping aside."

Trevor froze. His eyes darkened. "Say that again."

"Since she matters so much," Serena continued, "consider the city hall slot I booked as my wedding gift to the two of you."

She dropped the queue number she'd been clutching onto the floor.

"Serena!" Trevor snapped through clenched teeth. "Amber just returned. Can't we talk about this at home?"

Someone scoffed. "As if she'd really canceled. Everyone knows she's obsessed with Mr. Trevor. If Old Mr. Levine hadn't interfered, she wouldn't have had a chance."

Amber looked thrilled beneath her forced panic. "Serena, don't listen to them. Trevor and I are siblings!"

Siblings.

Serena had heard that excuse countless times, yet no real brother would skip applying for a marriage license just to host a welcome party for his so-called sister.

A cold smile tugged at her lips. "Really? That's one devoted brother. Or should I say lover?"

A vein throbbed at Trevor's temple as fury crossed his face. "Enough! Serena, apologize to Amber. Now."

Serena met his gaze, her resolve unshaken. "I swear I will never marry Trevor Levine—ever. If I break this vow, may he never have children."