Fickle Hearts, Shifting Ties

"Dad,I agree to the engagement with the Harrington Family."

Her father,Gregory Morrison,looked at her in surprise upon hearing her words."Anya,you refused before.And you love that guy from the Roswell Family."His tone was hesitant.

Anya's voice was hoarse as she replied,"You were right,Dad.Chris was never sincere."

Her father had warned her long ago,but it took her three years to truly see what kind of a man Chris was.

Three years ago,when her relationship with Chris became public knowledge,her father,who was an expert in reading faces,had taken one look at one of his photos and advised,"Anya,trust me.This man is coldhearted,extreme and ruthless.He is completely not husband material."

At the time,Anya knew her father’s abilities were wellrespected,so much so that nearly every engaged couple sought his guidance.And time had proven him right again and again.

Almost every time,the marriages he disapproved of always ended in disaster.She did believe in her father’s wisdom,yet she still could not stop herself from falling for Chris Roswell.

At the beginning of their relationship,he was gentle and considerate,doting on her as if she were the only one in his world.With each passing day,she fell deeper in love with him.

Until not long ago...

Anya suddenly received a call from a hotel asking her to come over.However,when she arrived,she found Chris lying in bed with another woman and her body covered in intimate,unmistakable kiss marks.

At that moment,it felt as if her heart had been wrenched from her chest and crushed.A bonedeep chill seeped into her veins.She had never imagined that one day,Chris would betray her like this.

When he woke up,his face went pale.He kept apologizing."Anya,I was just drunk.This was nothing more than an accident because I thought she was you.Please,believe me.I promise this will never happen again."

Anya stared at his regretful expression,her voice hard and unyielding."Do you think I would believe you?"

Chris panicked and his eyes filled with desperation."Anya,I beg you!Please,don’t leave me!"

And yet,it was not long before he showed up at her house.

That day,the rain poured relentlessly over Ashbourne City.Chris knelt in the downpour for as long as the rain fell.

Anya finally approached him,holding an umbrella.His eyes were bloodshot and the moment he saw her,he instinctively tried to stand.But his legs were numb from kneeling for too long and gave out beneath him,so he collapsed before her once more.

A groan of pain escaped his lips,but he paid it no mind.He looked up at her with desperation in his redrimmed eyes,his voice flustered as he kept apologizing,"Anya,I swear,I don’t remember anything.That woman climbed into my bed on purpose.Please,believe me.I beg you!"His voice was trembling uncontrollably as he pleaded.

Anya clenched and unclenched her fingers,feeling as if a heavy stone was crushing her chest,making it difficult to breathe.

She took a deep breath,forcing down the storm of emotions within her."How do you expect me to believe you?"

Chris gazed at her with deep affection,raising his hand to the sky."Anya,I swear,there will never be a next time.If I break this vow,may I be struck by lightning."

At that moment,a bolt of lightning split the sky,illuminating his handsome yet sorrowful face.Unfortunately,no amount of sincerity in his expression could erase the image that burned the sight of him in bed with another woman in Anya’s mind.

A sharp,unbearable pain tore through her chest as if a knife was carving out her heart,leaving her in utter misery.

Blinking back the sting of tears,Anya stared at his pale face,torn between love and hate.

After what felt like an eternity,she reached out and traced his cold,handsome features.Her voice was soft as she accepted his apology,"Chris,promise me that there will be no next time."

"If you ever break this promise,I will never love you ever again."Her voice was cold and firm,but the pain in her eyes was undeniable.

Chris’s eyes turned red as he pulled her into a careful embrace."No,I swear.I will never let this happen again."

And Anya,against all reason,chose to believe him one more time.

Yet,not long after,one of her friends sent her a message accompanied by a photo.[Anya,don’t be mad when you see this.I never thought Chris would be this kind of person!]

In the image,Chris was lounging on a sofa at a bar,a woman nestled in his arms.The two of them whispered to each other,their postures far too intimate to be innocent.

At that moment,Anya's entire body trembled as an unbearable cold spread through her heart.She had trusted him time and time again,only for him to shatter that trust over and over.

Her father had been right all along.Chris was heartless and she never should have believed in him from the start.

Now,she had finally reached her limit.Anya was done.This time,she would end it for good.

On the other end of the call,Gregory let out a quiet sigh.Though there was sadness in his voice,there was also relief."Anya,I’ve told you before.Samuel will treat you well."

He had never been wrong about people.

Anya’s face was pale,but she forced a small smile.Her voice was soft as she said,"I believe you,Dad."

Gregory sighed again."Mr.Harrington has never given up on you.He has been waiting for you all this time.Whenever you’re ready,just let me know and you can meet him.If you’ve made up your mind,I’d rather you marry early.That way,I can be at ease."

"Who’s getting married early?"

A lazy,amused voice interrupted from behind.Anya's fingers tensed and she hurriedly hung up the call.

Chris stood there,dressed impeccably in a tailored suit,a smug smile playing on his lips.Seeing her reaction,he chuckled."What were you talking about?Afraid I might hear?"His voice carried a teasing lilt,his fair,handsome face filled with quiet arrogance.

Something inside Anya clenched at the sight,so she lowered her gaze and asked back,"Why do you walk in so silently?"

He wrapped his arms around her from behind,nuzzling against her neck like it was second nature.His voice was low,tinged with an almost childlike dependence."Because you were too lost in thought."

As he leaned in,a strong scent of perfume enveloped her senses.Chris had never been one to wear fragrance.The only person who could have left such a lingering scent on him was that woman.

Even though it was not the first time she had noticed it,the dull ache in her chest resurfaced,as piercing as ever.Taking a slow breath,she forced the pain down and asked,"Chris,when are you going to marry me?"

In one sentence,the arms around her tensed.A moment later,he slowly let go."Anya…why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?"

She turned to face him,searching his expression,refusing to let any flicker of emotion escape her notice.Then,she repeated slowly,"I just asked when are we getting married?"

Chris's brows furrowed slightly,but he quickly relaxed,slipping into his usual nonchalant demeanor."Anya,marriage is different from love.I don’t want you to feel tied down.Besides,we’re still young.There’s no need to rush."

At that moment,something inside Anya shattered completely.

Over the years,every time she mentioned marriage,Chris always had an excuse.Always a reason.

Now,when she finally saw the truth,she realized that he had never intended to marry her.Because once he was married,he could no longer keep up his charade.

He claimed to fear that marriage would bind her,but the one who was truly afraid of commitment was him.

She could still hear his past promises echoing in her mind."Anya,wait for me.I’m not worthy of marrying you yet.When I inherit the family business,I’ll give you the grandest wedding the world has ever seen."

Once,those words had filled her with warmth and anticipation.Now,they felt like needles piercing her heart,one by one.

Anya forced a smile,though her heart had long gone numb.

She gazed at him steadily,her voice quiet but firm."Don’t lie to me.Where were you today?"

Her unwavering stare made him falter for a brief second,but just as quickly,he composed himself.Anya had been home all day.There was no way she could know where he had been.

Reassured by this thought,he let out a relaxed chuckle and met her gaze."I was at the office all day.I’m exhausted.But why are you asking?"

Anya remained silent,her expression unreadable.Did he think that just because she had stayed home,she would believe whatever he told her like a fool?

The air between them grew heavy.The silence stretched.

Perhaps sensing her doubt,Chris pulled out his phone and held it out to her."Baby,check it yourself.If you don’t believe me,you can go to the company and ask the employees.I was there all afternoon.I didn’t go anywhere else."

Ridiculous.The company belonged to his family.Naturally,his word was law there.

Anya stared at him.Her heart was numb from the ache.

She dug her nails into her palm,trying her best to suppress the storm of emotions raging within her.As she stared at Chris’s sincere and utterly convincing face,an unsettling realization crept over her.

How could someone lie so effortlessly without the slightest change in expression?

If she had not already known the truth and had not seen the video with her own eyes,she might have foolishly believed him.

Thinking of this,a bitter smile curled on her red lips."Tell me,how exactly does one end up smelling like perfume after spending the entire day in the office?"

The moment the words left her mouth,the easy confidence on Chris’s face froze.His redrimmed eyes lifted to meet hers,his expression instantly turning wounded."I can explain.Maybe…maybe an employee accidentally brushed past me."

Anya was exhausted.Just how close did he have to be for the scent to cling so persistently?

She was done and did not want to ask anymore,but on the other hand,he seemed desperate to prove something.Without hesitation,he pulled out his phone and dialed one of his employees.

A female voice on the other end answered respectfully,"The president has been at the company all afternoon.Miss Morrison,if you don’t believe me,I can pull up the surveillance footage for you."

Beside her,Chris turned to her with anxious eyes."Anya,do you really need to check the CCTV before you trust me?"

The air between them grew thick with tension.Anya’s gaze lingered on the cold sweat forming on his forehead and the subtle,fleeting flicker of panic in his eyes.Then,suddenly,she smiled.

"Forget it,"she said softly.

She had no interest in checking the surveillance footage.If he did not want to marry her,then forget it and she would marry someone else.If he no longer loved her,then she would stop loving him too.

Chris had no idea what was going through her mind.The moment he heard her response,the tension in his shoulders melted away,knowing that Anya would still believe him.

Watching that unconscious sigh of relief escaped him,Anya’s smile turned cold and ironic.

From this moment on,she would waste no more of her time on him.

Whatever he did,none of it mattered to her anymore.

Anya Morrison and Chris Roswell met in college and it was he who had pursued her.

From their university days until now,she had always believed they would get married,build a life together and start a family.

Never did she imagine that after six years of devotion,Chris would betray her again and again.

Having lost her mother in a car accident as a child,Anya had always longed for love,for a sense of security.That was why,after graduation,she had brought up marriage multiple times.

Chris knew this.He knew how much she wanted to be with him,how much she wanted to marry him.And yet,he had turned her down time and time again.

Now,looking back at those moments,she realized that perhaps he had never intended to marry her at all.The thought stung,sharp as needles piercing her heart.

Just then,her phone vibrated with a message from her father.[Anya,I’ve already arranged for you to meet with the Harrington Family on Sunday.]

Anya stared at the screen for a long time.Suppressing the storm of emotions within her,she tapped at the keyboard,hesitated for a moment and finally replied with a single[Okay.].

As if sensing her low spirits,Chris had been unusually attentive over the past two days.He took her out,brought her to the trendiest places and even led her into the most exclusive boutique in Ashbourne City.

The moment they stepped inside,a store employee approached,presenting a luxurious,royal green gown.

The intricate embroidery looked entirely handsewn,every stitch crafted with exquisite precision.Tiny diamonds were delicately embedded throughout,catching the light and making the dress shimmer with elegance.

At the sight of it,Chris's expression stiffened.He parted his lips as if to speak,but the moment his gaze landed on Anya beside him,he hesitated and fell silent.

Seeing the odd look on Chris’s face,Anya felt a flicker of unease.Before she could dwell on it,the store employee stepped forward with a bright smile.

"Mr.Roswell,the dress you personally designed has been completed.Would you like to check if any adjustments are needed?"

Then,as if realizing something,the employee hesitated before glancing at Anya."Since you've brought the young lady with you,she can try it on herself."

The moment those words left her lips,a flash of panic crossed Chris's eyes.His expression darkened instantly."What nonsense are you talking about?"

The store clerk was startled by his reaction and fell silent.Realizing she had misspoken,she dared not say another word.

Anya caught the nervous flicker in his eyes.Lowering her gaze,she reached out and lightly traced her fingers over the sapphiregreen fabric before looking up at him."Did you design this?"

For a moment,his expression stiffened,but he quickly composed himself."Anya,a relative asked me to design it.I couldn’t refuse."

Chris was a renowned designer of both fashion and jewelry in the country.Every outfit,every accessory Anya owned down to the necklace resting against her collarbone had been gifts from him,tokens of his love.

She still remembered how he once had told her that since they had met in winter,he had designed the Winter Love Song necklace just for her.He had said that after meeting her,she became his only source of inspiration.

There had been many who sought his designs,but he turned them all down.He even publicly declared online,"From now on,I will only design for my girlfriend."

Even his own mother could not persuade him to design jewelry for her.She had only laughed and scolded him,saying,"You will completely forget your mother when you have a wife!"

At the time,they had posted a picture of their intertwined fingers online,drawing admiration and envy from countless people.Now,as she recalled those memories,they felt like they belonged to a distant past.

At that moment,a trace of unease flickered across Chris’s face.He had never done anything against his will.Not even his mother could convince him to design for her.

So,who was this relative who had managed to persuade him?And why did the mere mention of it make him so nervous?

A sinking feeling settled in Anya’s chest.She had a hunch that whatever answer awaited her was something she did not want to hear.

Lowering her gaze,she withdrew her hand from the dress and turned to leave.However,before she could take a step,a familiar female voice rang out behind her.

"Is the dress my boyfriend customized for me ready?I need it for my birthday in two days.Don’t waste my time.I expect it to be perfect."

The voice that rang out was arrogant and willful.Anya turned around,momentarily stunned.

Standing in the doorway was a woman with delicate,alluring features and a petite figure.The moment she stepped inside,the air was instantly filled with a familiar scent.It was the same perfume that clung to Chris’s suit.

The moment Anya saw that face,her heart sank and a surge of uncontrollable anger threatened to consume her.

Because this was the woman Chris had slept with that night when he was drunk.

Back then,the woman had been hidden beneath the covers,so Anya could not see her face.However,after Chris had fallen asleep,she came to Anya,smirking,her fingers grazing her own belly as she spoke with quiet arrogance.

"He loves me now.Who knows?I might even be carrying his child.If you’re smart,you’ll step aside."

After Anya saw the woman appear,Chris only stood there,staring at the woman with a dazed expression.And in that moment,Anya realized.

That night,he had claimed he was set up.That it was a mistake.Yet,here they were,hooking up behind her back.

Her blood boiled.She fixed him with an icy stare,forcing each word out through clenched teeth.“Ah!So,this is the relative you were talking about.”

Chris snapped out of his stupor.A flicker of panic crossed his face.He opened his mouth as if to explain,but before he could get a single word out,the woman laughed.

"Miss Morrison,don’t misunderstand.I was only joking.I truly envy you for having such a talented boyfriend!"

At that,Chris’s tense expression softened.He quickly stepped in,his voice calm as he introduced her."Anya,this is Miss Avery,a distant relative from my mother’s side."

Carmen smiled,her gaze filled with feigned innocence."It’s just a dress,Miss Morrison.Surely you’re not so petty as to make a fuss over something like this?"

At those words,Chris’s face darkened and he stared at Carmen with a deadly look."Miss Avery,mind your words."

Carmen merely curled her lips into a smirk before surrendering and said,"All right,all right.Would it make you happy if I returned the dress to you?"

Anya watched their exchange.Even though she had already known the truth,seeing it unfold before her eyes still sent an unbearable chill through her veins.The disappointment in Chris had long since numbed her.

Anya’s lips curled slightly,but before she could even utter the word"No need,"Chris had already cut in.

"Anya,I’ll design something exclusively for you in the future.This dress…it’s just not suitable for you."

The words caught in her throat.

She saw the way he tensed as if afraid she might take the dress away.The way Carmen smirked,eyes gleaming with silent triumph.And in that moment,Anya’s heart turned to ice.

Clenching her fists,she looked at them both,her voice crisp and indifferent."Don't worry.I’m not so poor that I need to steal someone else’s dress."

"Anya,that’s not what I meant.It’s just that the size isn’t right for you,so…"

Anya exhaled sharply and suddenly realized that agreeing to go out with him today was a big mistake.Her tone was cold as she said,"You don’t need to explain anything to me."

Chris stiffened at her cold reaction.He had no idea why her reaction unsettled him since Anya should not know about Carmen Avery.

Before he could say anything,Carmen’s voice cut through the tension."Miss Morrison,my birthday is in a few days.My boyfriend booked a hotel to celebrate.You’re welcome to attend as a guest."

The date she mentioned was the same day Anya was scheduled to meet the Harrington Family.She was about to refuse when Carmen leaned in,flashing a bright smile.

"Miss Morrison wouldn’t still be upset over what just happened,would she?"

Before Anya could respond,Chris’s voice turned sharp."That’s enough.We don’t have time for this."

Anya glanced at Carmen’s pitifully aggrieved expression and remained silent for a long moment.Then,with a calmness that sent a chill through the air,she said,"I understand.I’ll be there that day."

Upon hearing this,Chris was frozen in his place.Carmen,on the other hand,smiled,the corners of her lips curving upward in satisfaction.

"I’ll be waiting for you."

If anyone knew she was about to attend her boyfriend’s lover's birthday party,the entire circle would surely laugh at her.

However,Anya simply let out a cold,mocking smile.

On the way back,Chris spoke to her in a gentle tone."Anya,when we get married in the future,I’ll design your wedding dress myself.Something truly one of a kind,just for you."

His dark eyes gleamed with anticipation as if he could already picture their future."I will never let you be inferior to anyone."

Anya suddenly spoke firmly,"Chris,I don’t care about the dress.What I care about is loyalty.If you ever betray me,there will be no future for us."

His expression stiffened for a brief moment,but then he smiled at her,soft and reassuring."What are you saying?Apart from that one incident,I have never done anything to hurt you.Trust me."

"When we get married,I guarantee your wedding dress will be ten thousand times more beautiful than the one today."

Anya looked at his gentle face,but her heart ached as if it were being torn apart.

If he truly cared,why did he betray her?Why did he trample on the love they once shared?

A wave of sorrow surged within her and she really wanted to confront him to vent out.

However,in the end,she simply closed her eyes.As you wish,I won't love you anymore.

Chris continued talking about wedding plans as if he were trying to soothe her.Unfortunately,Anya’s heart was already in ruins,filled with nothing but cold irony.

Only she knew that there would be no future between them.And she would never marry him.

Anya met Samuel Harrington at noon.Her father had nothing but praise for this man and the moment she saw him,she finally understood why.

Dressed in a crisp white suit,he carried himself with effortless elegance.His calm demeanor and strikingly handsome features seemed to outshine everything around him,making even the most lavish surroundings feel like a mere backdrop to his presence.

Unfortunately,Anya no longer harbored any illusions about men,not after Chris.To her,it made no difference who she married.

The first words he spoke were direct."Miss Morrison,are you willing to marry me?"

She was momentarily taken aback but then nodded without hesitation."Yes."

Her voice was cold and detached,yet across from her,a flicker of joy flashed in Samuel’s eyes.

"I understand,"he said softly."Anya,may I ask you out later?"

"No need.If you have no objections,we can proceed with the engagement."

Her tone was indifferent,her attitude even colder.Seeing her like this,Samuel’s heart clenched in pain.

Before he could say anything else,a familiar voice suddenly rang out with a mocking laugh."Isn’t this Miss Morrison?Why are you with another man?"

Anya lifted her gaze and saw Carmen clinging to Chris’s arm,the two of them looking every bit the intimate couple.

Seeing her,Chris’s expression shifted instantly.He shoved Carmen’s hand away and stepped forward."Anya,why are you here?"

Then his gaze landed on Samuel and his face darkened with anger."Who is he?"

At that moment,Samuel understood everything.

Anya glanced at Chris and the woman still clinging to his arm,then let out a cold sneer."I should be the one asking.Why are you here?"

Chris stiffened.He quickly pulled his hand away from Carmen’s grasp."Anya,it’s not like what you think…"

He started to explain,but Anya had no interest in hearing his excuses.She turned slightly and addressed Samuel instead."I will handle this matter in the next few days."

Samuel gave a small nod,then rose to his feet.He extended a polite hand toward Chris."Hello,I’m Samuel Harrington."

Chris frowned and his eyes were filled with disdain."You?You’re not even qualified to shake hands with me."

The moment he saw this man,a deep sense of crisis gripped him,an unsettling fear that Anya would be taken away.

However,he buried it under layers of arrogance and contempt,unwilling to believe she would ever leave him.

Anya frowned at his blatant hostility,but Samuel remained unfazed.He simply turned to her with a composed smile and said in a gentle tone,"It seems you have some things to take care of.Let’s talk later."

Anya pressed her lips together,nodded slightly and watched as he walked away.

Chris could not help but ask her,"Why are you with someone like him?"

Someone like him?

Anya did not bother answering.

Carmen arched a brow and sneered."Miss Morrison,I wonder if you thought you were having a secret meeting?"

Anya’s gaze fell on the shopping bags Carmen was carrying and she curled her lips into a faint smirk."If anything,you look more like the one sneaking around."

Her piercing stare made Chris tense.He quickly stepped away from Carmen,as if caught redhanded and hurriedly explained.

"Anya,it’s not what you think.She’s my cousin.It’s her birthday today and I just brought her here to buy a few things."

He seemed eager to say more,but Anya had already turned away.Her tone was indifferent."All right,I believe you.Samuel and I were just discussing business."

She no longer cared about their relationship.Even if they truly were together,it would not stir a single ripple in her heart.

Soon,the day of the birthday party arrived.

Carmen wore a sapphire green dress that hugged her figure perfectly,making her fair skin appear even more delicate and luminous.She stood out like a glittering pearl,radiant and dazzling in the crowd.

Meanwhile,Anya sat among the guests,her eyes drifting toward Chris,watching as he gazed at Carmen with something close to infatuation.

At some point,Chris excused himself and left.Anya had just handed over her gift and was about to step outside for some air when,as she passed by a curtain,a familiar,intimate voice drifted from behind it.

"Chris,who do you like more?Me or Anya?"The woman’s voice was breathless,laced with dissatisfaction as she spoke in a coquettish tone.

Behind the heavy curtain,Chris wrapped an arm around her waist,lowering his head to kiss her lips.Their breathing grew heavier,the air between them thick with intimacy.

Anya stood frozen in place,unable to believe their audacity.To be so shameless,flirting openly at a birthday party.

Still,what truly shattered her expectations was Chris’s response.His voice was low and hoarse."Carmen dear,Anya is my responsibility,but the one I love has always been you."

His tone was firm,his gaze locked onto the woman’s flushed face as he spoke with deep emotion."I can give you whatever you want,but I can’t let Anya down."

The woman pouted,unwilling to relent."Then tell me,have you ever loved Anya?If you had to choose between us,who would it be?"

Her words were playful,almost spoiled,but Anya did not hear any hesitation from Chris.Instead,what followed made her laugh,cold and bitter.

"No.Never,Carmen.Do you really not know why I got together with her?"

Anya had originally intended to walk away,but her body refused to move.Her mind went blank,her eyes locked on the silhouettes behind the curtain.

And the conversation was not over.

"When you left for abroad,I pursued Anya just to make you jealous.Otherwise,I wouldn’t have chased her,let alone stayed with her."

His voice was calm,rational,heartlessly so.

"If I had to choose only one,I’d choose you."

At that moment,Anya realized she had already given up on him.But even so,she still felt an unbearable,bonedeep chill.

So,this was the truth.The man who had pursued her and had built a relationship with her over the past few years and even flaunted their love online had done it all just to make Carmen return.

Anya told herself to stay calm,but it felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart,crushing it until the pain became unbearable.She had once believed that,at the very least,they had shared the pure and innocent emotions of youth.

She had never expected that everything had been part of his carefully planned scheme.This man had never loved her.

The muffled sounds of intimacy from behind the curtain continued,making her stomach churn violently.A wave of nausea surged up and she could not suppress the urge to retch.

The sound of vomiting finally ceased in the bathroom.Anya gripped the sink,staring at her pale reflection in the mirror.A wave of ridicule washed over her.

The past six years felt like a harsh slap to her face,a cruel reminder that Chris had never truly loved her.From start to finish,he had been the one who was happy,while she had merely been a pawn,someone he pursued only because another woman had come into the picture.

The thought alone made her stomach churn again.She retched repeatedly,but there was nothing left to expel.

When she stepped out,still unsteady,she overheard the voices of two waiters nearby.

"I heard Mr.Roswell booked the entire hotel just to celebrate Miss Avery’s birthday.That’s so romantic."

"But isn’t Anya Morrison his official girlfriend?I heard they’re very affectionate,so…"

Someone interrupted her with a sneer,"Official girlfriend or not,men will always be men.A man like Mr.Roswell?It’s only natural for him to have affairs."

"Exactly.As long as there’s money,emotions are meaningless."

Hearing this,Anya slowly lifted her pale face,a cold,mocking smile tugging at her lips.She had not seen things as clearly as these waiters had.

At this moment,she felt nothing but pure disgust for Chris.

Back in the hall,Chris had already changed his clothes,but every time she got close,she could smell the strong scent of perfume that still clung to him.

She seemed to understand how the smell on his body had tainted him.Carmen approached with a flushed face,her voice sweet and smug."Anya,I really love the necklace you gave me."

Chris glanced at Anya,concern lacing his tone."Anya,where did you go just now?I couldn’t find you anywhere."

He looked as if he genuinely cared,but Anya could no longer muster any emotion.Her expression was empty as she answered numbly,"I went to the bathroom."

He seemed about to say more when her phone rang.It was Gregory.His voice came through the receiver,calm yet firm."Anya,have you met Samuel?What do you think of him?"

Anya did not answer his question.Instead,her voice was soft but resolute."Dad,I will follow your arrangements."

Gregory spoke gently,"If there are no issues,the Harrington Family has set the wedding for the 28th of this month.I’ve checked the date and it’s a good one."

"Okay."

As soon as she hung up,a hand suddenly grasped her wrist."Anya,who are you going to marry?"

She turned to see Chris staring at her,his face filled with nervousness,completely different from the look he had just moments ago.The contrast was almost laughable.

Had he been pretending for so long that he could not stop himself from acting?

Her tone was calm and indifferent."It’s not me."

With just one sentence,Chris let out a breath of relief.His stiff posture eased as he said,"I thought you were leaving me because you were marrying someone else."

He even looked aggrieved as he spoke,but Anya had no patience for his nonsense."Don't overthink it."

Back home,Anya received a message from Carmen.Attached were pictures of Carmen and Chris naked on the balcony.

They had the audacity to do this,so brazenly,in front of so many people.Truly,they were a perfect match.

Carmen's message followed shortly after.[Stop pretending.I know you saw it.Anya Morrison,even after six years,the only person he will ever love is me.]

Anya's reply was brief.[If you like him so much,take him.I won’t be giving out gifts for free anymore.]

With that,she blocked Carmen’s contact.Since Carmen wanted him so badly,they could have each other.

Then,she began packing.She gathered everything at home,every gift Chris had ever given her,every carefully designed piece,every outfit.

That day,Anya received a message from Chris,which was a hotel address along with a selfie of Carmen nestled in his arms in an unmistakably intimate pose.

Carmen's tone was smug as she taunted,[Anya,you have no idea how much Chris loves me.He won’t even let me get out of bed.He’s so cruel.]

[Compared to me,you are nothing!]

Anya did not bother replying.Instead,she sent the photo straight to a news agency.She had no time to waste on their affairs.

To her,they were nothing more than strangers now.

That night,she burned every piece of clothing Chris had ever given her,watching as the flames consumed the beautiful fabrics,reducing them to ashes.Her face remained expressionless.

In her heart,Chris had become synonymous with the word filth.The mere thought of him filled her with utter disgust.

The next day,news of Chris’s infidelity exploded across social media,landing him on the trending list and shocking countless people.

[What the hell!Doesn’t he still have a girlfriend?]

[Oh my God,six years of dating and he still cheated?How am I supposed to believe in love after this?!]

[I used to admire their relationship.His girlfriend must be devastated...]

Anya,however,had no time to dwell on the public's reaction.

She was busy since Samuel had taken her to get her wedding dress custommade,even inviting the most renowned designer in the country to create something exquisite just for her.

As they were leaving,Samuel remarked,"You've lost weight."His voice was calm,but the concern in his tone was unmistakable.

Anya was slightly taken aback.For the first time,she offered him a sincere smile."I've been dieting."

"If you lose any more weight,your wedding dress won’t fit."

She paused for a moment,surprised by his serious expression,then chuckled softly."You make a good point.I’ll eat properly."

But in truth,her appetite had been poor lately.Even food had lost its appeal.Still,she chose not to dwell on it.

Her phone vibrated incessantly.She glanced at the screen only to find Chris’s name flashed repeatedly.

Without hesitation,she ignored it.

Samuel,noticing the persistent calls,hesitated before asking,"They seem desperate.Are you not going to answer?"

Anya’s expression remained indifferent,her voice carrying a hint of coldness."It’s just spam calls.There’s no need to respond."

Samuel was visibly pleased by her words.A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he gazed at her with warmth."I’m really glad we met today."

"I heard you like the sea.I have a house in Corvencia.After we get married,we can live there and we can bring your father over too."

His words were gentle yet firm as if he were carefully mapping out their future.The sincerity in his tone felt unfamiliar to Anya.

Time with him seemed to pass effortlessly.Her father had once told her that Samuel had liked her for a long time,but she found that hard to believe.

Rumors were just rumors,after all.

That night,she returned home,only to be caught off guard the moment she stepped through the door.A figure lunged at her,pulling her into a tight embrace.

Warm breath brushed against her neck.Chris leaned into her shoulder,holding onto her as if he never wanted to let go.

"Anya,I've been waiting for you for so long.Why did you come back so late?Are you upset after seeing the news?"His last sentence carried a hint of caution.

Anya subtly pushed him away,but before she could fully retreat,she was once again trapped in Chris's embrace,his grip tight with unease.

"Anya,don’t leave.None of it is true.The journalists are just spreading rumors to make money.Won’t you believe me?"His eyes pleaded with her,his expression resembling that of a helpless puppy.

Anya’s face remained impassive,her tone indifferent."I believe you,but I'm tired.Can you let me go?"

There was a trace of impatience in her voice,but Chris did not seem to notice.He only held her tighter,taking a deep breath."Anya,I know that even if the whole world doubts me,you’ll always stand by my side."

A flicker of guilt flashed through his dark eyes as he tightened his hold."I knew you were the one who cared about me the most."

In the past,hearing these words would have filled Anya with warmth.Yet,now,they only made her want to laugh.

She had once trusted him wholeheartedly,only to realize he had always treated her like a fool.

Every day,messages flooded in from Carmen using Chris’s account.

Photos of him sleeping.Photos of him holding Carmen in his arms,their poses intimate,their affection undeniable.

Gradually,a pattern emerged.During the day,Chris used work as an excuse to accompany Carmen to pick out jewelry for her,to take her to banquets,to introduce her at the company.

At Roswell Group,everyone already called her"Mrs.Roswell."

Carmen even recorded a video.Her delicate brows arched with pride and her lips curved in a smug smile."Anya,so what if you’ve been with him for six years?In the end,the only woman they acknowledge is me."

She also sent a voice recording.In it,her voice carried a teasing lilt as she asked,"Chris,you've been with Anya for so many years.Why haven’t you married her?"

Chris's tone darkened,laced with irritation,as if he were suppressing some emotion."Carmen,you know the one I love is you."

"It has always been you.The only woman I,Chris Roswell,will ever marry is Carmen Avery.As for Anya?She's nothing more than just a distraction,something to pass the time.I’ll get rid of her soon."

Anya’s expression remained unreadable.Neither anger nor sorrow surfaced.

She printed every photo Carmen had sent,carefully arranging them before placing a single piece of paper on top.On it,she had written just one sentence.

After everything was done,she stared at the inked words and exhaled slowly.It was finally over.

That evening,Chris came home reeking of women’s perfume.The scent was so strong it was as if he had not even bothered to conceal it.His disregard for her was so much so that he still acted intimately as if expecting her to play along.

Did he really think she would continue to cooperate?

Anya watched him coldly,sneering in her heart.It did not matter,though.Her wedding was only two days away.Without hesitation,she began packing her suitcase.

At that moment,Chris returned from his date with Carmen.The smile on his face stiffened the instant he saw her sorting her belongings.

"Anya,what are you doing?"

A sense of unease spread through him,his reaction turning frantic as he reached to snatch her suitcase away.

Anya looked up,her expression eerily calm."I’m going on a trip."

Chris froze,a flicker of guilt flashing across his face."I thought you wanted to..."He hesitated,swallowing the word‘leave’.

Lowering his head,he wrapped his tall frame around her in a gentle embrace.His voice softened."Anya,I’ve been busy with work lately.I know I’ve neglected you,but I will..."

Before he could finish saying‘accompany you’,Anya cut him off.

"I understand.You’re busy with work.This time,I want to go alone.I’ve already made plans with a friend and it wouldn’t be convenient to bring you along."

In six years together,she had never traveled without him.This was the first time she did not want him there.

A strange sense of unease crept into Chris’s heart,a flicker of panic stirring within him.But the moment his eyes fell on the necklace lying on the ground,that unease spiked into fullblown alarm.

"Anya,isn’t this the one I gave you?"His voice was low,his expression dark as he stared at her,waiting for an answer.

Anya met his gaze and smiled indifferently."Yes,you gave it to me.I’m planning to donate it.There are too many and it would be a waste to keep them all."

Chris could not believe it.She used to cherish everything he gave her,yet now,she wanted to give them away?

Seeing his reaction,Anya’s smile deepened slightly."Rather than letting them collect dust,wouldn’t it be better to put them to good use?"Then,she added,"By the way,I’m leaving tonight."

The wedding was in Calveris,not here.She had already booked her flight.

Chris’s expression stiffened.He wanted to stop her,but there was nothing he could say."You’re leaving for a few days?I really can’t bear to be apart from you."

Anya remained nonchalant."I don’t know."

That night,a car pulled up at the door.The driver glanced at Chris with a slight frown before turning to Anya."Miss,please get in."

She nodded,calmly pried Chris’s hand off her arm and stepped into the car without a second glance.

Watching her leave,an inexplicable tension gripped Chris’s chest.He instinctively moved forward,grabbing the car window as it rolled down."Anya,wait for my call.Take care on the road."

Anya gave no response.The car sped off,leaving him standing there,his chest tightening with disappointment.

The next second,he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Carmen.

In the car,Anya received a video call from Chris.She hesitated for a few seconds before finally tapping to accept it,only to be met with a pale white body on the screen.

She stared at the video,watching as Carmen straddled Chris,her fair arms wrapped around his neck,her gaze dripping with arrogance and triumph.

Chris held Carmen tightly in his arms,his eyes hazy with desire.His voice,hoarse and filled with emotion,murmured over and over again,"Carmen,Carmen...I love you so much..."

Anya ended the call without a word.

Without hesitation,she recorded the entire video and forwarded it to the Roswell Family group chat,attaching their intimate photos as well.

Then,she left the group and blocked Chris.