Chapter 1

On Christmas Day, I clutched a pregnancy test result, brimming with joy as I rushed to deliver the exciting news to my partner, Steven Jones.

Little did I anticipate overhearing a conversation between him and two of his companions. "Steven, you're not actually considering tying the knot with Cherry, are you?"

"The Cooper family's firstborn has her sights set on you! Marrying Giselle would give you everything!"

"That's right, Steven, this opportunity won't come again!"

I anxiously watched Steven, awaiting his reply. Eventually, he stated, "I'm going to end things with Cherry."

In that instant, my world crumbled.

——

I can't recall how I made it back to my place. Alone in my flat, Steven's words echoed in my mind incessantly.

Steven and I had been university classmates. During my freshman year, I developed romantic feelings for him. Aware of his family's financial struggles, I pretended to be economically disadvantaged too, hoping to alleviate his insecurities.

Throughout our college days, despite hardships, we found genuine happiness. I truly believed I had met my life partner.

Even after graduation, when my father urged me to rejoin the family enterprise, I firmly declined. My desire was to remain with Steven and create a future together.

Yet, in the end, he betrayed my trust.

Only then did I realize the extent of my naivety.

I dozed off on the sofa, and upon waking, found Steven had returned. The strong scent of alcohol mixed with faint perfume clung to him. I didn't need to inquire to know he'd been with Giselle.

He gazed at me with conflicted eyes, merely saying, "I'm exhausted," before heading straight to bed.

I sat silently in the living area, watching him retreat. Subsequently, I scheduled an abortion for the following day and phoned my father.

"Dad, I'm coming home," I announced.

My father was elated, having long awaited this moment.

"Will you be bringing your boyfriend home this time?" he inquired cheerfully.

His question triggered my tears.

I had given up everything for Steven, only to receive his betrayal in return.

Alarmed by my sobs, my father repeatedly asked what had happened, offering to come immediately. But I declined.

I assured him I would handle everything before returning home.

After ending the call, I packed my belongings and left a note for Steven.

The next day, I underwent the procedure. The nurses' pitying looks pierced me like daggers, but I maintained my composure.

As I rested on the hospital bed afterward, my phone rang. It was Steven.

"Cherry, where have you gone?" His voice was tinged with anger. "What's the meaning of your note? Are you ending our relationship?"

I let out a faint laugh. "Steven, isn't this what you wanted?"

"You chose Giselle long ago, didn't you?"

My words silenced him momentarily. Then, he lowered his voice and asked, "How do you know about Giselle?"

Noticing my lack of response, Steven anxiously said, "Cherry, it's not what you're thinking!"

I laughed bitterly, then terminated the call. I no longer had the will to engage with Steven.

I called my father again to confirm my return.

This time, he came to collect me personally. When he saw me, his eyes reflected pain and worry.