Chapter 1

1 My cousin, Ashley, is obsessed with vetting my boyfriends.

Despite my repeated protests, she persists.

She'd snag them, then dump them, broadcasting their inadequacies to the entire family group chat.

This time, however, she walked right into the trap I'd meticulously set.

She couldn't help herself. ...... Ashley's been divorced for three years, still raking in a hefty alimony check, living it up.

One day it's male models, the next it's young heartthrobs �C she's perpetually busy.

Her latest target? My boyfriend of six months, Ethan.

It wasn't surprising that Ethan was discovered so quickly; my mom was at my apartment picking something up when she bumped into him.

My mom's biggest flaw? One-upmanship. She's got a serious case of "keeping up with the Joneses."

Ashley's marriage, even the divorce and endless alimony, coupled with my aunt's relentless bragging, has set a high bar.

My mom's mantra became getting me a husband even better than Ashley's ex.

My lack of progress was a sore point for her.

I met Ethan at a bar. I spotted him across the crowded room and it took me over six months to finally win him over.

He's younger than Ashley's ex, hotter, and richer.

Perfect for Mom.

She immediately announced it to the family group chat, even sending out celebratory红包 (red envelopes).

I sighed, replying with a wave emoji: "Not serious, guys, don't get your hopes up."

Mom immediately countered with a picture: "He looks like that, carries that bag, and you're not serious?!"

Ashley chimed in: "Wow, what a catch, Heart! Need your big sis to give him a test drive?"

I stayed silent, knowing her intervention was inevitable. But I was prepared.

On our first date, I warned Ethan about my stunning, sophisticated cousin, Ashley, her penchant for adding boyfriends to her contacts, and the importance of ignoring her requests.

Ethan joked, "Afraid I'll fall for her?"

I smiled, "Afraid you'll be hexed. Every single one of my exes met their demise this way."

He held me close, soothing me, "I'd never do that. I'm only ever marrying you, Heart."

Thanks to my warning, Ethan initially resisted Ashley's friend requests.

He even complained to me multiple times: "Your cousin, Ashley, is relentless! She's used at least ten different accounts to add me."

I kissed his cheek in approval: "You have to hold strong! Don't fall for her tricks."