It turns out a man who once took a bullet for Isobel Sutton will ultimately fall for someone else.

"I'll sign the consent form for the ectopic pregnancy abortion," Isobel Sutton told the nurse.

Her hand, bruised from all the needle insertion, picked up a pen and shakily signed the form.

A drop of tear rolled down her cheek when she was wheeled into the operating theater. She wondered whether taking that morning-after pill was the right decision at all.

…

When Isobel was recovering at the hospital, she bought a plane ticket to Airland, which was dated a month later.

She checked her phone. The netizens were still passionately discussing Halthorne City's tycoon's extravagant love confession to his girlfriend. And she was the subject of the discussion.

At a press conference three days ago, Anthony Johnson announced that he would send a vinyl record to space in the spaceship he had spent seven years building, financed with his private wealth.

The vinyl record would play Anthony's love confession to Isobel in space forever, proving his love for her to every being in the universe.

After the successful launch of the spaceship, someone dug out the details of Anthony and Isobel's relationship. Everyone thought it was the most miraculous love story of the 21st century.

She scrolled through the online comments while sitting through the dull stomach cramps.

"Everyone knows that Mr. Johnson and Ms. Sutton are childhood sweethearts. They have known each other for 25 years. They dated for seven, but they're still in their honeymoon phase. I'm so envious of them!"

"You may have heard about the money he spent on Ms. Sutton. But did you know that he took a bullet for her abroad? He was shot under his left shoulder. The bullet missed his heart by an inch!"

"They're perfect for each other—my daddy and mommy!"

"From what I heard, Mr. Johnson threw himself at her without any hesitation. I still have that media photo of him lying on the stretcher and locking fingers with Ms. Sutton. I ship them so much!"

Every single detail—from their subtle, sweet gazes at events to their extravagant display of love—was proof of their love for each other.

Tears blurred her vision. She wiped them away, thinking about the irony of the situation.

Their families went way back. In fact, Anthony was just two years old when he waited outside the operating room when she was born.

She couldn't recall a time without Anthony in her life.

When she was ten years old, her parents took their own lives after they went bankrupt. The Johnson family immediately took her under their care. It was all thanks to Anthony's company and care that she managed to make it through the grief and trauma.

In her teenage years, she once felt that she was not good enough for him. She never hoped that he would see her as a lover. All she wanted was to stay by his side, even if she was just like a sister to him.

To her surprise, he solemnly confessed his love to her on her 18th birthday in front of all the Halthorne City socialites.

Without a second thought, she accepted the red roses he passionately offered her—a symbol of eternal love.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered in his ear, "Thank you, Tony, for being my family. Promise me you'll never betray me or dump me. I love you."

He hugged her tighter. Between sobs, he vowed, "Belle, I swear on my life that I will never betray or dump you. I will love you until I die."

When they dated, Anthony was nice to her. He was a gentle, thoughtful, and caring boyfriend. Too bad he couldn't keep that up for seven years.

She had never doubted his love, but sadly, true love was not guaranteed to last.

Had she not found out that he was cheating, she would have still thought that she was a lucky woman.

On the other hand, Anthony thought that he had covered all his bases, but the evidence of love—or lack thereof—was painfully obvious. She'd rather leave him than put herself through the pain and despair of being abandoned.

Placing the receipt of the abortion in an expensive gift box, she wrapped it up and wrote on a card. It read, "For Anthony Johnson on his 27th birthday".

Isobel had been discharged when Anthony came home. She was reading a book by the window.

"I'm sorry, Belle! It was such a busy business trip. I didn't manage to make it back in time for your birthday and our anniversary…"

While speaking, he took off his suit jacket and walked over to give her a hug. "I promise this will be the last time. I'll be there for important occasions.

"Sweetheart, don't be mad at me. Okay?"

She sneered and closed her eyes. She was nauseated by the faint whiff of Sasha Green's perfume on him. Indeed, he was probably "occupied" on his business trip with Sasha. But none of that mattered anymore.

Isobel pushed him away. She stared directly at him and said calmly, "It's fine."

Visibly relieved, he pulled out a black velvet box and handed it to her. "Belle, I bought you a gift. I hope you like it."

He opened the box to reveal a watch. It was worth 31 million dollars. There were only seven of those in the whole world.

"These watches are the epitome of precision. Each and every single cog works harmoniously—just like my love for you."

He carefully put the watch on Isobel's wrist as she listened to his empty promises, her expression blank. Then, she turned around and took the gift box containing the surgery receipt and the break-up letter she had written.

She handed it to Anthony. "This is my birthday gift for you."

He took the gift box with delight and was eager to open it, but she stopped him.

The sunlight that dappled across her thin face made her appear fragile yet beautiful.

"Save it for your birthday next month."

He caressed her hair, a doting look in his eyes. "Sure. I'll listen to you and unbox it on my birthday. Thanks, sweetheart!"

Isobel took in his delighted expression with a fake smile. She thought, "Anthony Johnson, I hope by then, you'll still remember what you have done to me that night. Will you still be as happy when you recall it?"

…

The next day, the Johnsons invited all the prominent figures of Halthorne City to Isobel's belated birthday party, which was held at the largest manor in the city.

The manor was filled with her favorite red roses. Rose petals were scattered all across the event hall. The guests couldn't help but gush at Anthony's level of attentiveness and care for Isobel.

"Even if the Johnsons had taken in Isobel because of their friendship with the Suttons, they wouldn't have treated her like a princess. She must owe her comfortable life under their roof to Anthony."

"Ain't that right? He still looks at her the same way. It was the same as when he confessed his love at 18 years old!"

"My ship is still sailing after seven years!"

The jealous chatter reached Isobel's ears, but she said nothing. She simply smiled politely out of respect for the Johnson family.

Her love story with Anthony was akin to the rose petals scattered across the floor. It was gorgeous but would eventually wilt over time.

During the party, Anthony had taken many drinks on Isobel's behalf as he didn't want her to feel unwell from too much drinking. When someone approached her to talk, he would stand beside her and listen, occasionally chiming in.

His gaze never left Isobel, and he was more than willing to let her shine. Like a gentleman, he held her bag for her and helped her to cut her steak, among many other loving gestures.

She thought he was a natural actor, as his performance nearly confused her. For a second, she even wondered if his infidelity was merely an illusion.

"You are such a match made in heaven! What a great couple. When are you getting married?"

"That's true! Remember to invite us to the wedding! We watched you and Belle grow up, after all!"

Anthony held Isobel's hand. "We will invite you guys for sure. But before that, I will carry out the grandest wedding proposal ever for Belle."

Isobel stood beside him, smiling. But she was tired of it all. Suddenly, she recalled her first time attending an event as Anthony's girlfriend. It was hosted by the Johnsons. Everyone heaped praises on them, calling them a perfect couple.

Back then, Anthony smiled and put a hand around her shoulder. He proudly said, "Of course we are! How lucky am I to have Belle as my girlfriend? I'll marry no one but her."

She blushed and hid her face in his arms. She often fantasized about the moment he proposed. She was confident that she would say yes. But she decided not to wait for Anthony anymore.

At the end of the party, he led her onto the stage, produced a jewelry box, and opened it to reveal a luxurious and opulent necklace. He wore it around her neck for her.

"Happy birthday, Belle." With that, he kissed her forehead as applause erupted around them.

When Isobel checked out the necklace, she noticed Sasha sitting on one of the seats, looking grim and resentful. It was a stark contrast to everyone else.

Isobel smirked.

Sasha's face fell even more when she caught Isobel's mocking expression. She gritted her teeth and left the hall. No one had noticed the subtle exchange. They were busy singing praises.

Only Isobel was aware that her love for Anthony had come to an end.

The dancing started after dinner.

Anthony bowed slightly, inviting Isobel to share the first dance. After deliberating, she took his hand, not wanting to put the Johnsons in a tough spot.

At that moment, Sasha hurried over to Anthony. "Mr. Johnson, something urgent came up at work that needs your attention."

When he heard that, he immediately straightened up without bothering to ask for the details. He gave Isobel an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Belle. I will need to get back to work. How about I pick you up at night?"

Under the gaze of the guests, Isobel retracted her hand. "Go."

Her heart ached at the sight of Anthony and Sasha hurrying away.

Four months ago, Sasha had moved into the Johnson residence as Anthony's cousin-in-law with the excuse of being widowed and defenseless. The Johnsons allowed her to stay out of sympathy.

At first, Isobel had no suspicion about Sasha's sudden arrival. She even showered Sasha with care.

Isobel thought the Johnsons were just helping Sasha out when the latter was made Anthony's secretary. It wasn't until Anthony and Sasha grew so close that she noticed something was off.

She used to be everything to Anthony. He would always put her first.

Lately, she often noticed him deliberating as though he was struggling to make a decision. Now, he was long past the hesitating phase. He'd run to Sasha without thinking.

Isobel excused herself from the dance, saying that she was unwell. She retired to her bedroom.

At the same time, Anthony and Sasha hurried into his office.

"Tell me. What's the urgent matter?"

"I thought you could read my mind since you didn't ask me anything in the car." Sasha gave a seductive look as he adjusted his tie.

Frowning, he grabbed her hand. "I told you not to mess around! It's Belle's belated birthday party today!"

"Anthony, you're being too harsh on me. I'm three months into the pregnancy now. Don't you miss me at all?"

"Sasha…"

"Weren't you interested in trying it out at the office?" She took off her coat to reveal a skimpy business suit. "Tony, can Isobel even satisfy your needs?"

Anthony's aggressive gaze swept past her entire body. No longer holding back, he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her passionately. His desires were fulfilled.

When they were done, Anthony wiped Sasha's lipstick stains on him off. He checked his phone, but Isobel didn't text him.

His heart skipped a beat. An uneasy feeling arose within.

"Spend the night at my place, won't you?"

He buckled his seatbelt and swatted Sasha's hand away.

"James will send you home. I need to pick up Belle from the manor."

Then, he ignored Sasha's tearful expression and drove off. On his way to the manor, he even bought some famous local candies for Isobel.

...

"Belle, what's wrong? Mom said you were feeling sick."

Anthony had jogged up to the bedroom and expressed his concern for Isobel. She got up in bed and shook her head. "I'm fine."

He caressed her head like he was coaxing a child. "I bought you your favorite candy. Do you want to take a bite? I'll send you home after that."

He had bought the candy from her favorite place—a century-old local store. When they were young, he'd line up to buy some candy and other treats just to cheer her up.

She lowered her gaze. Immediately, she smelled Sasha's overpowering fragrance that made her feel sick.

Why did Anthony not bother to lie better in the final days of their relationship? Just why?

Pushing his hand away, she croaked, "I don't want it. Please leave." She had only eaten the candy in the past because he had bought it for her. But now, she no longer wanted it.

She thought, "Don't bother taking me home either. I lost my only home the moment you betrayed me."