Chapter 1

My girlfriend Mabel Allen and I have been in love for three years, but she has abandoned me ninety-nine times for her assistant Atlas Jacqueline.

Until today, I booked the most expensive restaurant to propose to her, but she broke the appointment again.

I found Mabel, thinking she had some difficulties.

But I only saw Mabel snuggling in the arms of her assistant:

"Don't mention Brent Atticus to me, this good-for-nothing guy is just my plaything! Even his job was given by me. How could I marry him?"

I sneered, threw the engagement ring I bought into the trash can, and posted on Instagram: "Depressed. Anyone want to hang out? Limited time invitation."

Everyone thought I was just jealous and deliberately angered Mabel.

But I called my richest father who I hadn't contacted for three years and solemnly said:

"I'm sorry, father, I am willing to go back to inherit the family business and marry Miss Raymond."

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When Mabel rang, I was relaxing in a plush suite at the upscale spa, the steam so thick I could barely keep my eyes open.

I answered nonchalantly, "What's going on?"

"What's the meaning of that Instagram post you made earlier today?"

Through the phone, Mabel's voice was frosty, maintaining her usual air of superiority.

It was her typical manner when interacting with me.

I always believed Mabel was simply that type of person, serious and cold as ice. So I behaved like a humble servant, carefully responding to her messages and taking care not to displease her.

But then Atlas joined the company as Mabel's assistant, and whenever he handed her documents, her eyes would soften, and she'd break into the warmest smile.

That's when I realized that Mabel wasn't incapable of smiling. She just didn't smile at me.

Just then, I heard the pleasant voice of the staff member, "Good afternoon, sir."

I responded with a smile, "Let's get started. Don't hold back, I can handle it."

Mabel noticed something unusual about the background noise and paused before saying disapprovingly, "Brent, you never used to frequent places like this."

My life used to center around three locations—my residence, the workplace, and Mabel.

Not only did I manage all the household chores, but I also catered to Mabel's every whim.

Mabel said she adored my cooking, so I'd prepare something different for her every evening after work.

She raved about the pastries from that bakery downtown, so I'd rise at dawn and drive three hours round trip so that she could have them before work.

One evening, after Mabel returned from a work dinner, I eagerly presented her with a steaming bowl of oatmeal. "Have some. It'll be good for your digestion," I said.

But she just sneered. "You're such a loser! Can you stop puttering around the kitchen all day? It's humiliating! And for heaven's sake, get a life! Stop hovering around me like a pest. It's irritating!"

Recalling this, I let out a small chuckle and said casually, "Work's been exhausting, thought I'd pamper myself. What's it to you?"

Mabel seemed surprised by my response. She paused, then let out a snort.

"You idle away at work all day. What's so exhausting about that?"

She seemed to have forgotten that when the company was just starting, it was me who hustled at every social event, securing deals, even to the point of collapsing at the table and ending up in the hospital.

Back then, lying in the hospital bed, Mabel held my hand and reassured me. "I'll remember all the effort you've put in," she said. "Once the company takes off, I'll give you an easy job. You can relax and do whatever you want!"

And now, after just one day of me not showing up at work, she couldn't tolerate it.

Mabel continued her lecture, "Brent, you're really out of line! Not only did you skip work without reason, but you actually went to a spa during work hours! Why can't you learn something from Atlas? He may be new, but he recently closed a major deal that brought the company a five million dollar profit!"

I scoffed, "Are you certain that it was Atlas who closed that deal?"

The deal Mabel was referring to was the one I had worked tirelessly on, devising strategies and pulling three all-nighters in a row to satisfy the investors.

Just when we were about to sign the contract, Mabel suddenly approached me. "Brent, Atlas is new to the company and needs to establish himself. Do you think you could let him participate in this project and guide him a bit?"

I agreed.

But then, Mabel turned around and gave Atlas all the credit.

Feeling wronged, I went to her, demanding an explanation.

Mabel was surprisingly self-righteous. "Atlas is new and needs this deal to gain a foothold while you are a seasoned employee. You need to understand the spirit of sacrifice and dedication."

I was at a loss for words.

The difference between being loved and not being loved couldn't be more apparent.

Thinking of this, I chuckled, "Since you think Atlas is doing such a great job, then from now on, let him handle all the work."

"Brent, what do you mean by that?"

Even though we were on the phone, I could envision Mabel's icy expression.

But now, I didn't care anymore.

"I mean, I quit." After calmly stating that, I ended the call.

I was exhausted. I didn't want to continue this charade anymore.

After a moment of hesitation, I reluctantly dialed the number that had been gathering dust for three years.

The call quickly connected.

"You rascal, I thought you were going to ignore me for the rest of your life."

My eyes welled up when I heard the familiar voice. "Dad."

Three years ago, I nearly severed ties with Jaden just to be with Mabel. I refused the arranged marriage my family had set up for me.

Jaden cautioned me back then. He said Mabel had a cold, detached look about her, that she wasn't trustworthy. But I was convinced she was my true love. I even made a wager with Jaden. "If Mabel rejects me 99 times, I'll agree to the arranged marriage."

Back then, I was so confident. Who could reject me 99 times?

Looking back now, I was such a fool.

"Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage."