Chapter 1
I loved Isabelle Cox for three years. I showered her with tenderness until I almost lost myself.
However, I overheard her telling her friend, "No matter how much he looks like Sean, I can't marry a stand-in."
That was when I realized that I resembled her first love, the one she lost. Currently, her first love, Sean Hutton, had returned from abroad. I watched as they flaunted their relationship in front of me, without any attempt to hide it.
I went to ask for the engagement ring back and said, "Isabelle, I don't want to love you anymore."
All I got in return was a cold sneer. I thought she would live happily ever after with her first love.
However, on the night I got engaged to someone else, she came to me in the pouring rain. Drenched, she clung to my legs while sobbing, saying, "Bryce, can't you give me one more chance?"
Just as I was about to speak, a soft voice spoke from behind me. "Bryce, I just finished my shower."
She almost died that night.
…
"Are you really going to marry Bryce?"
Under the dim lights, no one noticed that my eyes were locked on Isabelle. She lazily reclined on the sofa, holding a cocktail, her smile seductive.
"Marry him? Don't be ridiculous. Why would I marry him?"
"But didn't he propose to you with that huge diamond ring? You didn't accept him?"
Emma Lynch was Isabelle's best friend for years. She was also the one who introduced us. Hence, she was staring at her in shock.
"I didn't accept, but I didn't reject him either."
Isabelle frowned slightly, swirling her drink as her gaze became distant.
"I don't have any feelings for him at all. It's been three years since we met, and every day has been dull and uneventful. The thought of marrying a man like that makes me hesitate."
It had been three whole years since our first meeting to this point in our relationship. Our relationship was nothing dramatic. We just shared a steady bond, doing all the things couples are supposed to do. What was wrong with a peaceful, steady life?
From the moment we met, I told her love didn't need to be full of drama or tears. It was about knowing, deep down, that we'd found the one we couldn't live without. I thought she felt the same.
Emma replied, "Well, what can you do? You've always been in love with Sean."
I clenched my glass, and my eyes widened.
Sean Hutton. That was the name Isabelle often murmured in her sleep. She once told me he was just a childhood friend who had passed away, and I believed her.
However, it seemed the truth was far different.
Emma shrugged as if she had resigned herself to the situation. "I introduced you to Bryce in the first place because he looks so much like Sean. I thought maybe you'd forget about him through Bryce, but it seems like it had the opposite effect."
Isabelle suddenly sat up straight, sounding rather emotional. "I'll never forget Sean! I owe him. I'd spend my entire life making it up to him if only I had the chance."
"I know, you don't have to explain. I've known for a long time." Emma sighed, clearly used to Isabelle's reaction.
"So, what's your plan? You need to talk to Bryce. He may seem mild-mannered, but he's a force to be reckoned with in business. He's really smart, so you can't just string him along forever."
Smart, huh? If I were really that smart, would I have let you play me for three whole years?
Still, Emma had voiced the question I wanted answered. What was Isabelle planning to do?
It had been three days since I proposed. Even if she stayed silent and dragged it out, my patience had its limits.
"Even if he looks like Sean, I can't marry a stand-in. But, he is the best option I've got right now."
I couldn't help but laugh. It was a bitter laugh.
I owned a home and a car, and I was on the verge of a promotion. My investments brought in stable returns every year. Even if we put aside my material possessions, I did pretty well in the dating market too.
I never took pride in that because what I wanted was a soulmate, someone who would live a simple life with me. Yet, the woman I thought understood and loved me, only cared about my material assets.
Apparently, the other qualities I tried to show her were worth nothing. The wine in my mouth turned bitter, and my heart sank.
Emma's phone rang, and after answering, she hurried to leave.
"Isabelle, I've got to go. But Bryce's my friend too, and I was the one who introduced you two. You really need to handle this properly. Don't mess it up. Otherwise, it'll be super awkward the next time I see him."
She rushed toward the door but froze after taking two steps, seeing me sitting at the barstool, holding a glass of wine.
She was stunned, stammering, "Bryce... Y-you're here too?"
I stood up, flashing my usual polite smile at my old friend.
"Yeah, today's my third anniversary with Isabelle. She told me she had to work late, so I came here to drink alone." I glanced at Isabelle, who stood behind her with a pale face. "Didn't expect to overhear such an interesting conversation."
"Bryce..." Isabelle quickly walked over, her expression anxious. It was as if she actually cared about me. "That's not what I meant! Don't misunderstand. I was just drunk and rambling nonsense."
I sighed, looking at her beautiful face, and softly said, "Isabelle, I know your alcohol tolerance well. One cocktail won't faze you. Even if you had three strong ones, you'd still be fine. So, tell me, who is Sean?"
As soon as the name left my lips, both women visibly flinched. Clearly, they were surprised. They didn't expect that I had overheard that too.
Isabelle's face turned ashen, and Emma quickly stepped in front of her.
"Bryce, don't misunderstand! Sean was Isabelle's first love. They broke up ages ago. He left the country and is never coming back. You two are meant to face the future together—don't let a little thing from the past ruin your true love!"
True love? I once thought I had found my true love. I once thought I was Isabelle's true love.
However, I'd be a fool if I still believed their words.
Just as I was about to speak, Isabelle suddenly stepped forward and tightly wrapped her arms around my waist, saying, "Bryce, let's get married, okay? I want to be with you for the rest of my life!"
These were the words I had waited to hear for three excruciating days, each minute filled with dread that she'd reject me.
However, when she was finally saying them, all I could feel was pain.
I gripped her chin, forcing her to look into my eyes. "Isabelle, tell me the truth. Do you love me? For the past three years, have you ever, even once, felt anything for me?"