Chapter 1

My girlfriend's male friend was furious again.

It was our five-year anniversary, and she’d only gottenme* a gift, completely forgetting abouthim*.

Declan was instantly furious, and Seraphina, without a second thought, blocked and deleted me, changing our couple avatar.

"My buddy has a huge temper, darling. Once I’ve smoothed things over with him, we can change it back."

I reminded her, "This is the hundredth time."

She chuckled, then leaned in to kiss my lips. "I know. I'll make it quick this time."

That evening, Declan posted an update on his Ins feed:

[Considering someone's performance exemplary, I grant you three days of freedom.]

Seraphina immediately unblocked me.

[Okay, darling, you can change our couple avatar back now.]

But then, a female account withmy* couple avatar added her and sent a question mark:

[What kind of couple avatar needs three people?]

Seraphina stared at the message from the unknown account, then let out a sudden laugh.

"Darling, you're learning to mess with me now."

She shook her phone, then rose to hug me.

"Wifey was wrong, okay? For the past 99 times, you never threw a tantrum. Have you finally learned how to get mad?"

"I'm not throwing a tantrum."

I gently pushed her away. "I’m actually breaking up with you."

"Hahaha!"

Seraphina threw herself back into my arms.

"Okay, darling, wifey knows she messed up. They say there's a limit to how many times you can push someone, and you've put up with me 99 times. So, of course, wifey needs to have some self-awareness.

"I came back this time specifically to win you over."

A gift box appeared before me.

I opened it to find twelve pigeon’s blood rubies, meticulously arranged.

"Around this time last year, you said that if we ever got married, you'd want twelve sunrise rubies to adorn the ceremony hall.

"Darling, twelve gems for twelve months. Do you like my year-long effort?"

Seraphina produced a ring box, revealing a brand-new set of wedding bands inside.

She slipped the men's ring onto my ring finger, then, holding the women's ring, she blushed. "Could you… put this on me?"

Just then, doors in every room suddenly burst open, and our mutual friends pulled party poppers.

"Happy 25th birthday, Julian!"

"Say yes! Say yes!"

The scene caught me completely off guard.

Rubies from Mogok, Myanmar. The last auction price was a hundred million dollars.

I had only mentioned it casually, and she remembered it all this time?

Ribbons scattered in my hair, and Seraphina took my hand.

"Darling, I've waited a long time for this day."

Her FaceTime suddenly rang. She answered, and the smile on her face froze.

I clearly heard Declan's furious voice from the other end of the line:

"Who gave you permission to propose?! I just said I'd give you three days of freedom! And you forgot my giftand* proposed tohim*?!

"You, a woman, practically begging to propose? Aren't you worried he'll just play you?

"Did you evenask* for my approval?! Where do I even stand with you!!"

Seraphina froze.

Then, she subconsciously looked at our mutual friends.

One friend, who was recording and about to share it, stiffened and quickly lowered their hand.

Seraphina shot him a fierce glare, then roughly pulled the diamond ring off my finger, turning to walk out.

"No, Declan, I didn't mean to keep it from you!"

"Hey! Seraphina!"

Someone tried to stop her.

"Julian's side—"

"What's the point of worrying aboutthat* now! Let's go!"

Someone else glanced at me, shook their head and clicked their tongue, then snapped the lid back on the box of pigeon's blood rubies and took it away. "Well, well, I actually thought Seraphina was serious this time. Guess some people just aren't lucky enough, huh?"

"Hahaha, what do you bet Seraphina will do to calm Declan down this time? He's really mad!"

"Leaving everything else aside, that box of rubies definitely needs to go to Declan as compensation, right?"

That evening, Declan did indeed post an update on his Ins feed.

Twelve rubies, tossed into a trash can. The caption read:

[Touched by filthy trash, wouldn't even touch it myself. (Bomb emoji)]

Immediately after, another update appeared on his account.

The photo showed twenty-four flawless sapphires glittering in a custom-designed velvet gift box.

Declan's hand rested on the box, a men's wedding ring now adorning his ring finger. The caption:

[Blue is far less common than red. Considering someone gave me her one and only custom design slot for life, I'll let it go this time.]

Seraphina liked the post. Her comment:

[Grateful for Declan's mercy and forgiveness.]

In the likes section, their mutual friends had liked the post for what felt like ninety-nine rows.

In the past, I probably would have demanded an explanation from Seraphina.

But this time, I just liked the post, then swiftly deleted Declan's contact.

Along with all those mutual friends, deleted them all.

The account that had shared my couple avatar suddenly messaged me on Snapchat.

[Julian, actually, I didn't just change my avatar with you purely to spite them. I…

[Julian, do you understand what I'm trying to say?]

I paused, then sighed.

[Thank you, Valerie. I understand, and I really appreciate your support.

[But right now, I'm just done with relationships. I'm planning to accept the company's overseas branch offer. For the next few years, I just want to focus on my career and nothing else.]

There was a long silence on her end.

Finally, a message came through.

[I support your decision, but if you ever need anything, remember I'm always here.]

I sent a "Thanks a lot" sticker, feeling a warm current flow through me.

Valerie and I would connect after I moved abroad. I'd find a way to repay her kindness through work then.

That evening, I packed my bags.

I didn't have much.

Seraphina always said she wanted someone to have dinner ready for her when she got home. So, for all these years, I didn't push for career advancements; I dedicated myself to being the man behind her success.

So, the house was Seraphina’s.

The renovations were paid for by Seraphina.

The appliances were bought by Seraphina.

Aside from a few personal items, I had nothing else to take.

Perhaps that's why, after five years and a hundred betrayals, I was left feeling so utterly dejected and unfulfilled.

That very night, I left our five-year home and moved into the temporary hotel arranged by my company, ready to connect with overseas clients.

But just as I was heading to the first-floor pool with my swim trunks and towel, hoping to bond with the clients, someone suddenly yanked me from behind:

"Hey! Julian actually showed up!"