Chapter 1

Chapter 1

After my family went bankrupt, I begged my fiancé to invest in my father's company.

He didn't just refuse. He turned around and held a high-profile engagement party with the college sweetheart.

Driven into a corner, my senior stepped up and invested his entire net worth to save my family.

Unfortunately, it was too late. My family still had to declare bankruptcy.

My parents couldn't handle the shock and ended it all by jumping from the roof of our building.

Even so, I remained deeply grateful to my senior. To repay his kindness, I gave him my hand in marriage.

Three years later, at the sweetheart's birthday party, I accidentally overheard a conversation between her and my husband.

"Zane, you destroyed the Summers family just so my family could win the bid. Won't Mia hate you if she finds out?"

"I'd do anything for you, Maya. Mia's family lost everything, but as long as you're happy, it's worth it. I've already sacrificed my whole life to marry her as compensation."

I felt a chill run through my entire body. My three-year marriage was nothing but a calculated conspiracy.

The person Zane Brooks truly loved had always been the campus sweetheart, Maya Thorne.

I turned away. Since he was so devoted to her, I decided to grant him his wish.

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I stood in the stairwell, my body trembling with cold. Even though Zane and Maya kept their voices low, their words felt like thunder in my ears.

"Zane, I owe you a huge favor for this. If you ever need anything, just tell me. If Mia blames you, you can just pin it on me."

Maya's voice was soft and sweet. Even the way she touched Zane's hand was elegant and poised.

Zane's ears flushed a deep red. He lowered his voice, looking at Maya with a gaze full of tenderness.

"I'd do anything for you, including giving up my life. Mia won't blame me. I married her, and even though every day with her feels disgusting, I'm satisfied as long as you're happy."

I stood frozen, feeling as if a blade were tearing my heart into pieces.

"Is he good to you?" Zane's voice was hoarse, filled with visible heartache.

He had never made that expression in front of me. I always thought he was just cold and lacked empathy.

It turned out he only had feelings for the person who actually mattered to him.

Maya slowly pulled her hand back from Zane's grip and gave him a sugary sweet smile.

"He treats me well. I know it's painful for you to be with someone you don't love. If you're ever troubled, you can come to me. I'm always here to listen."

Zane's face turned even redder, and he gave a soft, gentle nod.

I felt like ice was running through my veins. Maya Thorne was truly a master manipulator.

She was clearly stringing Zane along while being married to my ex-fiancé, Sebastian Grant.

Sadly, both men were more than willing to be her puppets.

I thought I would be angry enough to rush in and slap them both. I wanted to scream and ask how they could destroy my life for their own selfish gains.

But my feet felt like they were made of lead. I couldn't move an inch.

I couldn't bear to watch their little scene any longer, so I turned and headed back to the private lounge.