Chapter 2

2 "Nate! You only have this life because of me and my family!"

"Without me, you're nothing but a loser!"

I told myself I didn't love her anymore. I had chosen to leave.

But hearing Marianne's final shout still made my heart ache so much I could barely breathe.

Honestly, she wasn't entirely wrong. All these years, I had lived off the Moretti fortune.

It was because of her family that I enjoyed such a comfortable life.

Marianne and I met at St. Jude's Children's Home.

I was four years older than her. During those years at the orphanage, I was the one who looked after her.

She was incredibly dependent on me. When the Moretti family finally found her, she cried and refused to leave without me.

That was when I learned she was the long-lost heiress of the Moretti empire.

Because she threw such a fit, the Morettis had no choice but to bring me along.

At first, my position in the household was awkward.

But once they heard about how I protected her in the orphanage, they started treating me better.

With their help, I managed to graduate from a top university.

After graduation, I planned to leave and make my own way.

But Marianne's confession changed everything. She told me she loved me and wanted to be with me forever.

The Morettis thought I was just a gold-digger who had seduced their daughter to stay in luxury.

Their attitude toward me shifted instantly.

After Marianne threw a series of tantrums and even threatened her own life, the family finally compromised.

To protect their assets, they made me sign a strict agreement.

I was barred from working at Moretti Enterprises. I couldn't touch any company projects. Even if something happened to Marianne, I had no right to her inheritance.

I hesitated for a moment, weighing my future against her. Then, I signed it with a flourish. I chose her.

We got our marriage license, but there was no ceremony.

The Morettis were ashamed of me. Telling the world their daughter married a charity case would have ruined their reputation.

Back then, Marianne held my hand and made a solemn vow.

"Nate, just wait for me. Once I'm in full control of the company, I'll tell the whole world I love you."

"I'll give you a wedding so grand and romantic it'll make up for everything we're missing now."

I smiled and nodded. Her promise gave me a beautiful vision of our future together.