"Unbelievable! You two are actually getting married? A rich playboy settling down for love—it's like a story straight out of a novel. Looks like we, your humble friends, will have to rely on you in the future."

The speaker was Mia, Alyssa’s college roommate.

"My boyfriend’s company recently started working with the AetherTech Solutions. Alyssa, do you think you could put in a good word for us?"

Mia's expression was sly, and her intention was obvious.

Alyssa paused for a moment before shaking her head. "The business decisions are entirely up to Ivan. I can’t interfere."

Mia hadn’t expected Alyssa to outright dismiss her, not even offering the usual pleasantries. After a brief moment of surprise, she continued joking, "Alyssa, you’re being modest. You and President McCartney have been together for five years now. We've all seen how far he’s willing to go for you."

Others chimed in enthusiastically.

"When President McCartney was pursuing you, the high-and-mighty young master worked at a small diner just to be near you."

"When the McCartney family disapproved of your background, he stood up to them for you, ready to give up wealth and luxury."

"Oh, and remember how you once mentioned wanting a wedding on an island? I saw the news—he actually bought an island just for your wedding!"

One compliment followed another, but Alyssa felt far from happy.

Over the years, Ivan had done countless things for her, each one enough to evoke envy from others.

They had been in love for five years. Recently, Ivan had even proposed to her in an extravagant, high-profile manner, stirring another wave of admiration from onlookers.

But what no one knew was that this seemingly perfect man had cheated on her right before their wedding.

The flurry of voices around her became background noise. Forcing a weak smile, Alyssa made up an excuse to leave.

Back at home, she sat silently on her bed and took an old diary from her bedside drawer.

Alyssa was an orphan. She had been alone for as long as she could remember, working part-time jobs to support herself while studying hard.

Despite her hardships, she remained optimistic. In middle school, she earned a place at an elite school as a special admit thanks to her outstanding grades.

She kept to herself most of the time, preferring to study quietly. Even when others mocked her humble origins, she would calmly retort, "I can live just fine on my own without those things."

She had never hoped for friends—until Ivan entered her life.

A notorious playboy and heir to a powerful family, Ivan was the last person Alyssa would believe capable of falling for her.

Yet, against all odds, he proved her wrong.

Unlike the typical wealthy suitor flaunting their wealth, Ivan worked by her side at the small diner, enduring burns on his hands just to stay close to her.

He never bragged about his privileged background, except for that one time when he stepped in to help her reclaim a stolen competition spot.

It was then that Alyssa’s guarded heart began to soften. Still, she kept reminding herself of the chasm between their worlds.

"He’s only chasing me because he hates losing. The gap between us is insurmountable," she would tell herself repeatedly.

But Ivan’s pursuit didn’t waver. He followed her to university, even giving up the secure future his family had arranged for him.

When his family cut off his financial support, he never once complained. Instead, he juggled part-time jobs and continued surprising her with thoughtful gestures every day.

Through his actions, Ivan conveyed his love for Alyssa, finally winning her over.

Later, Ivan was welcomed back into the McCartney family. But he never thought of leaving her behind. All it took was her saying, "I want a home," for him to meticulously plan a month-long proposal.

When he slid the ring onto Alyssa's finger, Ivan made a heartfelt promise, "From now on, we are family. I will love you forever, and we will never part."

Those once-beautiful memories had since shattered, the sharp fragments piercing her heart.

Two months ago, she received a friend request on Instagram. After accepting it, she found the person’s timeline filled with photos of a happy couple. At first, she thought the girl was lucky to have such a loving partner. But then she realized that the man in those photos was Ivan.

Without her knowing, Ivan had placed her in the role of his wife while reserving the role of lover for someone else.

What she once believed to be cherished memories now felt like shackles weighing her down.

Alyssa let out a bitter laugh. This diary, which had once been filled with countless moments of their love, now bore her sorrow as she picked up the pen and wrote.

[Ivan has fallen for someone else. I’m heartbroken. This is the first time I’ve forgiven him.]

They had been together for eight years, and Alyssa decided to give him eight chances. Once those chances were used up, she would leave.

Before Alyssa could put the diary away, the door opened, and Ivan walked in.

His forehead glistened with sweat, and he looked visibly anxious. As he approached, a strong, overwhelming scent of rose perfume wafted toward her, making her frown. She couldn’t handle strong fragrances—they gave her headaches.

Noticing her discomfort, Ivan quickly took off his jacket and stepped back. His expression was filled with concern. "Aly, you scared me. I thought something had happened to you. I couldn’t get through to your phone or reach you through messages."

“Or... are you still upset that I couldn’t go with you to try on the wedding dresses? I really didn’t expect the investors to visit the office today. This project is crucial, and you know that.”

Alyssa nodded calmly and showed him her powered-off phone. "I forgot to charge it."

She didn’t expose his lie. In reality, when he had texted her about being stuck at work, she had instinctively checked that girl’s timeline.

There were two new updates.

One read: [I wore rose-scented perfume today, and my boyfriend coincidentally brought me a bouquet of roses, too!]

The other one was, [No need for heating pads when I have my personal heater.] Alongside the heading was a photo of a hand resting on her abdomen. On the man's wrist was a watch that Alyssa immediately recognized as the birthday gift she had given to Ivan during their first year together.

It wasn’t an expensive brand, but it had cost her an entire month’s worth of part-time wages. At the time, he had been overjoyed and promised, "I’ll wear this forever. I’ll never take it off."

Even after returning to the McCartney family, he hadn’t replaced it with a more luxurious watch.

He still cared about her, but not in the same way as before.

Ivan didn’t notice anything unusual about her demeanor. Relieved, he let out a long sigh and smiled warmly.

"How did the wedding dresses look? Why didn’t you send me any pictures? I’ve been waiting all day! Or... was there nothing you liked?" He looked a bit crestfallen, like a puppy left out in the rain, his head hanging low.

Alyssa forced a smile, swallowing her sadness.

"I loved them. Of course, I’d like something you designed yourself. I didn’t send photos because I wanted to save the best surprise for the wedding day."

Ivan’s dark eyes lit up instantly. Sensing that the perfume scent had faded, he stepped closer and pulled Alyssa into a tight embrace.

"Then I’ll have to wait half a month, anxiously anticipating it. It's heart-wrenching, but whatever you decide, I’ll support it." Ivan sighed.

"What’s that in your hand?" His gaze fell on the notebook, a hint of curiosity flickering in his eyes as he reached to open it. However, Alyssa stopped him.

"You can’t see it yet. It’s a surprise for our wedding day," she casually made up an excuse.

Hearing this, Ivan froze for a moment before letting out a wistful sigh. "I’m getting more excited about our wedding every day. I can’t believe I’m about to marry such a beautiful treasure."

Alyssa’s eyes stung with unshed tears, but she held them back, remaining silent.

Once Ivan went to shower, Alyssa reopened the notebook and wrote.

[Ivan broke his promise for another woman. I’m upset. This is the second time I’ve forgiven him.]

'He didn’t know I didn’t even try on the wedding dress. Ivan, will we really make it to that wedding?' she thought.

The next morning, as Alyssa came downstairs, she saw Ivan busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron.

It was a promise he had made long ago after discovering she often skipped breakfast and worried about her stomach. He vowed to make her breakfast every day for the rest of their lives.

Back then, Alyssa believed everything he said. Now, she wasn’t so sure they had a "lifetime" together.

"Alyssa, you’re awake! Breakfast will be ready soon. I made your favorite soup today."

"After we eat, we might need to visit the ancestral family house. Since we’re getting married, my mom has finally compromised. She wants to meet you."

Ivan wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her forehead, watching her expression closely. "If you really don’t want to go, we don’t have to."

Alyssa hesitated, her thoughts drifting to the year Ivan had fallen out with his family.

At that time, his mother had come to see her. She hadn’t spoken a word, but the resentment in her gaze had been unmistakable.

"It’s fine. Let’s go. I don’t mind." Alyssa felt a twinge of guilt toward Giselle, Ivan's mother. After all, she had occupied her son’s life for so many years. Meeting her one more time didn’t seem like a big deal.

Ivan’s joy was evident. He kissed her cheek, promising, "Don’t worry, I’ve got everything planned. I won’t let my mom make things difficult for you."

Alyssa responded with a simple hummed, and ate the breakfast Ivan had prepared under his watchful care.

When they arrived at the McCartney family home, his mother was already waiting. Ivan placed the gift bag he was holding in front of her and spoke warmly:

"Mom, I brought Alyssa to see you. She personally picked out this gift for you—you’ll love it."

Alyssa sat stiffly to the side, feeling the weight of Giselle’s gaze. She pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

Her hand suddenly felt warm. Ivan had clasped it tightly, as if reassuring her not to be afraid. She tried pulling away a few times but gave up when he didn’t let go.

During the meal, Ivan was attentive to her every need—serving her dishes, peeling shrimp, and handing her napkins.

When she couldn’t answer one of his mother’s questions, he skillfully deflected it with a joke, smoothing over any awkwardness with a smile.

Perhaps seeing his determination, his mother’s attitude softened slightly by the time they were leaving.

She removed a bracelet from her wrist and handed it to Alyssa.

"This is our family heirloom. Since Ivan has chosen you, I won’t object. From now on, we’re family."

Once, Alyssa had longed to hear those words and to belong to a family. But now, they sounded grating to her ears.

She pushed the bracelet back and replied calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but it’s too early for me to accept this."