Chapter 2

I glanced at the surprise Zoran had prepared for me, letting out a soft "Hmm."

It was a box of sparklers, which sold wholesale at street vendors for just a few bucks.

The ashes of the fireworks swept up by the wind at my feet resembled my love that had turned to dust.

I couldn't help but laugh bitterly.

Laughing at myself for standing in the sleet for four hours, all for a cheap fireworks show.

Laughing at myself for wasting three years trying to motivate a man who couldn't be helped.

Just as I hung up the phone, a stretch limo pulled up in front of me.

"Miss, the Madam has sent me to bring you home," the chauffeur, dressed in a crisp suit, bowed respectfully as he greeted me.

Home.

Which home?

I nodded and took a seat, staring blankly for a while before slowly giving the order:

"Turn around and go to the apartment. I need to get my luggage."

Ten minutes later, the luxury car pulled up to an old apartment building that seemed completely out of place with its presence.

As I climbed to the sixth floor, my motion to take out the keys was interrupted by muffled voices in the hallway.

"Brother, I'm getting married this weekend at the Ritz-Carlton. This time I'm marrying a real rich girl!"

"Don't mention Felicity, it's bad luck!"

"Seeing how lavish her parents' funeral was, I thought I'd be able to mooch off some inheritance! But after three years of putting up with her, I didn't get squat!" It's Zoran.

Sounds like he's on the phone with someone.

I can't help but think back to my parents' funeral.

Three years ago, they passed away unexpectedly.

Unable to bear the shock, I fell seriously ill with a persistent high fever.

My boyfriend Zoran voluntarily kept vigil for me, kneeling before my parents' coffins for three days and nights.

I was determined to marry him, planning to tell Zoran about my identity during the funeral and then propose to him publicly.

Grandma hesitated but ultimately discouraged me.

"You carry the lifetime of your parents' hard work on your shoulders. It's best to be cautious."

"You can marry Zoran, but he must pass a three-year probation period."

"Once you're sure of his character and capabilities, then you can tell him about your identity as an heiress to a fortune."

Grandma believed in marrying within one's social class and had reservations about Zoran's rural background, often warning me to be wary of "rags-to-riches guys."

But she wasn't wrong.

Zoran and I were from completely different worlds.

I only fell for him because he came to my rescue when I was cornered and harassed by thugs in an alley.

On the way to the hospital with Zoran, I covered the stab wound on his chest, moved to tears.

But I couldn't risk everything my parents left me over a moment of emotion.So, I wiped away my identity as an heiress, moved into a shabby rental apartment, and began a life of poverty with Zoran.

I turned the key in the lock of the rental apartment.

A musty odor hit me, making it hard to breathe in the oppressive atmosphere.

Before, when love colored my vision, I thought this place was cozy and romantic.

Now, looking again, I realized the apartment wasn't even as well-equipped as the Shaw family's maid's quarters.

After getting our marriage license, I had begged Zoran countless times to have a proper wedding, even if it was just a simple ceremony.

He always made excuses, saying he'd wait until he made a name for himself, promising a million-dollar dowry and a grand wedding to marry me again.

This waiting game lasted three years.

Zoran suddenly appeared in my line of sight as he pushed open the door.

A flash of embarrassment crossed his face at being caught.

But he quickly relaxed, raising an eyebrow at me while continuing his distasteful phone conversation:

"You don't know, do I? I nearly puked in the coffin back then! The more I think about it, the more pissed off I get. Can you believe I actually kowtowed to two dead people?"

"And that old hag, daring to give me conditions. Did she even consider if her granddaughter was worthy?"

Hearing Zoran deliberately insult my family, I coolly curled my lips and turned to flush the toilet.

The shredded check disappeared into the swirling depths. Zoran had no idea that yesterday was the last day of his probation period.

Grandma had safely stored away the million-dollar dowry, my uncles had prepared a welcome dinner, and I had signed the equity transfer agreement.

As long as he showed up on time, even if he just brought a box of cheap fireworks to celebrate New Year's Eve with me, he could have won the approval of the Shaw family and become the major shareholder of the group unconditionally.

Fortunately, he revealed his true colors.

He might have forgotten that I'm passionate in both love and hate, and I hold grudges.

I willingly jumped into the abyss for him, but with just one word from me, I could take everything back.

And with just one word from me, I could crush him so hard he'd never be able to get back on his feet in this lifetime!