Chapter 1
Vivian's POV:
At a Valentine's Day kissing contest, my boyfriend turned away when I leaned in and kissed his childhood sweetheart instead.
I stood frozen as whispers rose around me. Ethan Cole and Chloe Reed ignored everyone, clung to each other, and kissed for 8 straight hours, winning the contest.
I was never the suspicious type.
On our anniversary getaway, Chloe said she had never taken a romantic trip, so Ethan brought her along and turned what should have been a trip for two into an awkward vacation for three.
On my milestone birthday, Chloe said she had never had a celebration like mine. Ethan put her name beside mine and shifted the entire room's attention to her.
Every time I objected, Ethan said Chloe was an orphan who had no one else and told me not to make a fuss.
Today, I arrived at our engagement party in a gown I had chosen with care, only to discover Chloe's name on the giant screen where mine should have been.
Ethan waved it off and told me not to get hung up on one little detail.
That brought back the conversation I had overheard between him and his friend the night before.
"Ethan, aren't you afraid your obedient girlfriend will finally walk if you keep pulling stunts like this?"
Ethan simply took another sip of his drink. "I promised Chloe I'd help her fulfill three romantic wishes. Tomorrow is the last one. After that, I'll marry Vivian and settle down with her."
Now, surrounded by snickers and whispers, I felt strangely calm, and I smiled.
'Ethan, you still think we're getting married, but I've changed my mind.'
Once I made up my mind, I dropped my bouquet and walked straight to the cake table beside the stage.
I had spent 3 months secretly teaching myself to make that five-tier engagement cake, all because Ethan had once mentioned wanting one.
His expression changed at once. Without thinking, he stepped in front of Chloe to shield her.
"Vivian, don't do anything rash. It was only a joke."
His brows drew together, and he watched me as though I were a threat.
A chill spread through me. He actually thought I might hurt her.
I ignored him and picked up the cake knife.
Chloe's eyes immediately filled with tears, and she spoke in a wounded little voice,
"Vivian, blame me if you have to, but don't take it out on the cake. That's bad luck."
"Why are you apologizing to her?" Ethan frowned, his voice thick with impatience. "Vivian, enough. Everyone is watching. Stop embarrassing me!"
My nails bit into my palms as I fought to keep my emotions under control.
Chloe's hurt feelings, Ethan's pride, and the mood of the party all mattered more to him than I did.
I raised the knife and sliced our names off the cake.
Cream splattered across the tablecloth. Just like that, the 5 years I had poured into this relationship were over.
"Ethan, we're done."
The entire room fell silent.
Ethan's face darkened as he stared at me.
"Vivian, say that again."
Chloe stepped forward and grabbed my arm, her face full of apology.
"Vivian, this was all my idea. Ethan had nothing to do with it. Please don't break up with him over something so small."
Her hand brushed mine, and the platinum ring on her finger dug painfully into the back of my hand.
It was identical to the custom matching ring I had given Ethan the week before.
Nausea rolled through me. I jerked my arm away.
"Don't touch me! You make me sick."
Ethan caught Chloe the moment she staggered, then shot me a cold look.
"We're going to the after-party. She can stay here and think about what she's done."
The two of them walked out side by side without once looking back.
I stood alone on the empty stage as the night breeze raised goose bumps along my arms.
I pulled out my phone and called a number I hadn't dialed in 3 years.
"Daniel, I want to come home."
