chapter 9

Three months later, I was officially appointed as the president of our overseas branch.

On the way to the airport, our driver pulled over at a gas station. There, two familiar faces caught my eye.

Colton was refueling a car, moving with the practiced ease of someone who had done it countless times. He appeared worn out, sporting dark circles and a rough stubble, his eyes avoiding mine.

Nearby, Amelia assisted another customer. Upon seeing me, she patted her belly smugly, casting a triumphant look my way.

Feeling the tension in the air, I blurted, "Congrats, you’re going to be a dad."

Colton’s smile faltered for a moment, then he let out a bitter laugh. "Baby, you know I didn’t have a choice. If only I could turn back time…"

"I’m in a hurry," I interrupted, slipping back into the car without looking back as we drove away.

Arriving in the States, I immersed myself in work. Though exhausting, it was the first time I felt genuinely content. My days of measuring my worth against Colton’s were behind me; now, I focused entirely on myself.

Not long after, David arrived. He didn’t hide his intentions—he was there to win my heart and wouldn’t leave until I agreed.

As more suitors emerged, David consistently outshone them. No matter how many stepped forward, he faced them all boldly.

One evening, I came home to find the apartment dark until tiny lights flickered to life, petals covering the floor and the air fragrant with flowers.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Cassidy~"

David wheeled in a cake, serenading me as he approached.

"Happy birthday, Cass!" He presented a bouquet, then clasped a fiery diamond necklace around my neck.

"It’s engraved with your name. There’s no other like it in the world!"

Almost every day, David would ask if I’d be his girlfriend.

But on this special day, he didn’t push, didn’t tease—he simply made sure I had the most relaxed, joy-filled birthday imaginable.

"Thank you," I murmured, smiling softly.

He gently embraced me, my heart racing as I closed my eyes, feeling utterly at ease.

I resolved to never question trust again, choosing instead to savor each moment wholeheartedly.

Before bed, a text from an unknown number appeared: "Baby, happy birthday." I blocked it without hesitation.

As I removed the necklace, I noticed our initials engraved within, a smile of genuine happiness spreading across my face.

During the holidays, I introduced David to my parents. They were delighted and truly happy for me.

My parents talked about Amelia. After marrying Colton and having a child, she found his cold demeanor unbearable and left him, marrying an affluent older man.

Upon discovering Amelia had HIV, he divorced her posthaste. She vanished up north, and no one heard from her again.

Colton, buried in debt and managing child-rearing alone, was dismissed from the gas station and blacklisted in his field.

Plagued by debt collectors, his mental state deteriorated.

One day, while David and I were out shopping, I sensed someone watching me. Turning, I saw a disheveled man, eyes fixed on me. A small child clung to his back, whining.

I knew it was Colton.

He took a faltering step toward me, then stopped. Moments later, he melted into the crowd.

A year later, I accepted David’s proposal. Ecstatic, he leaped around, ready to announce to the world.

"Eight years… After all this time, I get to marry the girl I’ve loved for eight years!"

"Cassidy, I love you. I love you so, so much!"

As he scooped me up and spun me around, I beamed with joy, kissing him deeply.