Chapter 1

At our engagement party, just as the officiant announced the exchange of rings, Zack walked right past me.

Under the watchful eyes of all the guests, he slid the diamond ring that belonged to me onto the ring finger of his first love, Lily.

Looking at my stunned face, Zack actually smiled, completely unapologetic.

"Lily has severe depression. She’s never been anyone’s first choice. I need to make this dream come true for her."

While comforting the woman in his arms, he whispered to me:

"Be good, Chloe. Next week, I’ll take you to the courthouse to make it official. Besides, there’s no point in making a scene now."

"Look, this ring was custom-made to your size. It doesn't even fit Lily properly."

Everyone in the room expected me to throw a massive tantrum.

But I quietly took off the promise bracelet from my wrist and let out a long, genuine sigh of relief.

My childhood friend, who had been waiting for me for ten years, finally didn't need to make excuses to keep his distance anymore.

Zack’s aunt, Clara, ran into me outside the banquet hall and was completely shocked.

"Why are you out here alone? Didn't the ceremony just start?"

"The ceremony is canceled."

"He’s busy doing charity work."

Clara stood frozen, unable to process what I just said.

I didn't bother to explain further, turned around, and walked straight toward the underground parking lot.

Just as I reached my car door, a sudden wave of dizziness hit me.

I leaned against the car, gasping for air, and fumbled in my purse for two candies to pop into my mouth.

But the sour taste in my stomach just wouldn't go away.

To fit into the waist-cinching gown Zack chose for me, I hadn’t eaten a single thing for two whole days.

The dress was actually custom-made to Lily's measurements.

"The designer studio messed up the sizing and made it to Lily's measurements."

"It’s too late to alter it now. Just starve yourself for two days. You’ll look better if you lose some weight anyway."

"Be good, babe. Tomorrow, you’re going to be the most beautiful bride at our engagement party."

The phone in my bag buzzed.

It was Zack’s group chat on Snapchat.

Kyle Benson had posted a picture of Lily wearing my custom diamond ring.

Kyle captioned it:

"She even took off her bracelet. Who is she trying to fool with this dramatic exit?"

"Did she really think drawing a few blueprints back then meant she owned half of this company?"

Another guy chimed in.

"I bet she’ll be crying and begging to get back together within three days. Zack, you really need to teach her a lesson this time."

Zack’s icon popped up in the chat.

"Let her cool down. Don't spoil her."

I stared at the screen.

These past five years felt like a joke. The play was finally over, and from now on, nobody would disgust me ever again.

Back at my apartment, I took a shower and changed into my pajamas.

At eleven in the evening, Zack walked in, smelling heavily of hospital disinfectant.

Seeing me sitting on the couch, he frowned and tossed a shopping bag onto the coffee table.

"Lily kept your ring. Consider this bag your compensation."

"Wear it to work tomorrow, and stop throwing tantrums, okay?"

I glanced at the bag.

An Hermès Birkin in Barbie Pink.

The exact color Lily had wished for on Instagram yesterday.

Zack walked over to me, habitually reaching out to ruffle my hair.

"It’s just a ring, Chloe. You’re the only one I’m going to marry."

"Next week, we’ll go to the courthouse."

"Be good, and stop picking fights with Lily. She’s sick and can’t handle any stress."

I tilted my head, dodging his hand.

Zack’s hand froze mid-air.

"How long are you going to keep up this attitude?"

"I bought you the bag, I gave you a way out. What more do you want before you behave?"

Just as he was about to lose his temper, his phone rang in his pocket.

He pulled it out, looked at it, and his face instantly pale.

It was a photo from Lily.

The photo showed a wrist with a faint red mark on it.

He grabbed his phone, rushed into the master bedroom, and locked the door behind him.