Chapter 1

A clip of my boyfriend proposing to his assistant became an internet sensation, leading the trending lists. People were calling it the most heartwarming and moving scene they'd ever witnessed.

The assistant even shared a touching message online: "I've been waiting for you for so long, and I'm thrilled I never gave up hope. Mr. Stone, I look forward to spending the rest of my days with you."

The comment section was filled with excitement: "I'm captivated! The boss and the assistant—they're the most adorable couple ever!"

I didn't shed tears or yell. I simply closed the webpage and went to find my boyfriend for clarification.

That's when I overheard him chatting with a friend.

"What choice did I have? If I don't wed her, her relatives will make her settle for someone she doesn't care for."

"But what about Natalie? She's your real girlfriend. Aren't you worried she'll be upset?"

"So what if she's upset? Natalie's been with me for seven years. She can't walk away now."

Fast forward to our wedding day.

Yes, our wedding day.

On that same day, he was getting married to his assistant, while I was walking down the aisle with another man.

Our wedding vehicles passed each other on the road.

When we swapped bouquets with the brides from the other car as part of the custom, he glimpsed me through the window.

The instant he saw me in my bridal gown, his composure completely crumbled.

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"Mom, I've decided to accept the arranged marriage."

In the softly lit living area, my voice sounded detached and emotionless, as if it belonged to someone else.

Hearing my unexpected change of heart, my mom was shocked. "You were against it before. Why the sudden switch? Natalie, marriage isn't something to take lightly. It doesn't matter if it's arranged or not—what's important is your happiness. You need to consider this carefully. Don't make a hasty decision."

Her words made my chest tighten, and for a moment, my eyes welled up with tears.

"Mom, I've thought it through. You can begin planning the wedding."

Mom must have sensed my feelings because she paused briefly before gently reassuring me: "You've been with Zachary for so long, and he still won't make your relationship public. He hasn't even agreed to meet us. Your dad and I have suspected for a while that things wouldn't work out between you two."

Her words felt like a dagger twisting in my heart.

It seems that everyone else could see the truth so clearly. I was the only fool here.

"The Ford boy is someone your dad and I carefully selected for you years ago. We made sure he's a good match. Not only does he come from a respectable family, but he's also a man of integrity. Natalie, you deserve the best."

I took a deep breath. "Thanks, Mom. I trust you and Dad's judgment."

Mom continued, "Do you want us to set up a meeting with him in the coming days?"

"There's no need. Just go ahead and arrange the wedding."

After ending the call, I realized Zachary had appeared behind me at some point, holding a small pastry.

He looked puzzled.

"A wedding? Who's getting married?"

"I am. I'm the one who's getting married."

I answered him silently in my mind, but the words never left my mouth.

Instead, I maintained a calm expression and shook my head.

"No one. Just a friend."

As soon as I said that, I noticed the tension in his shoulders ease. His face visibly relaxed, which made my heart ache all over again.

Was he nervous because he thought I was going to pressure him into marrying me? Or was it because he thought I'd discovered his relationship with Aria, his perfect assistant, and assumed they were the ones getting married?

"I brought you your favorite pastry from that bakery you love. Want to eat it now?" he asked.

There was a time when Zachary would bring me little treats after work—snacks and sweets he thought I'd enjoy. Even if I didn't always like them, the thoughtfulness of it made me feel cherished and loved.

But now, as I stared at the pastry in his hands, all I felt was bitter irony.

Not long ago, I'd stumbled across Aria's newly public social media posts. I couldn't bring myself to scroll far because just a few entries in, the truth hit me hard.

This pastry wasn't for me. It was Aria's favorite.

Not just this pastry—those nuts, those snacks, all the little treats he used to bring me? They were all her favorites too.

And the worst part? I realized that his habit of bringing me food only started after Aria joined his company.

So, Zachary... when you handed me those treats, who were you really thinking of? Was it me, Natalie, or was it Aria?

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I said flatly, "I don't like sweets anymore. They're too much. Don't buy them for me again."

Zachary blinked, clearly surprised by my statement.

"What? That's not true. You've never had a problem eating them before."

We've been together for years, and yet, if he really cared about me, how could he not know my preferences by now?

Sometimes, you repeat yourself so many times that you grow tired. And eventually, you stop correcting them altogether.

I didn't argue. I simply shrugged and said, "My taste has changed recently."