Chapter 1 Chapter 1

How long does it take to give up on a man you've loved for ten years? It takes me 3 seconds. The first second, I signed my name on the contract to become the chief designer of a renowned studio in Paris. The second second, I lock away ten years of my youth in my heart. The third second, I completely prepare to leave Levi's world. My fiancé Levi is the heir of the Smith Group, the absolute aristocracy. For others, he is untouchable. But for me, he's the childhood sweetheart who, with a crooked paper ring he made himself for the first time in his hand, told me, "You're the only girl I'll ever marry, even if I have to wait a hundred years." From that moment on, the only person I wanted to marry was Levi, and I never doubted that I would eventually marry Levi. But on the day of our engagement, he disappeared. I waited for a whole year, waiting for a message, a phone call, or a knock on the door, but nothing came. Later, he finally appeared. He stood next to a red Ferrari, holding flowers, and said that he still loved me, that he wasn't ready before, and begged me to give him another chance. I almost believed him. But at the same time, I received a provocative message from Levi's first love, Ruby: [Aren't you curious where he went during the time he eloped from your engagement? I'm already pregnant with Levi's child, and he loves kissing my pregnant belly the most.] I wiped away my tears, turned around, and applied to study in the Sorbonne University Faculty of Medicine, leaving only one sentence: "Levi, we're breaking up." Learning that I was leaving, Levi went crazy. He braved the heavy rain and blocked the entrance to my new place, his eyes red, asking me: "Stella, if I make Ruby abort the child, can you come back to me?" ... Sitting in an office at the Smith Group, I looked at Frank, my direct supervisor, sitting across from me. “Frank, I've decided to resign.” Frank almost spilled his coffee, unable to believe his ears. He stared at me with wide, surprised eyes, "You're quitting? You've got to be kidding me, Stella. Does Levi know? You know the Smith Group's design department can't function without you. Are you sure you won't reconsider?" Unlike Frank and his surprising tone, my tone is very calm. "Frank, I've thought it over carefully. A new environment might be a good thing for a designer." My calm demeanor surprised Frank, but it also made him realize I wasn't joking. "It's a real shame. Losing you is a loss for the Smith Group, but as a friend, I hope you go after what you want."“Thank you, Frank.” After walking out of the CEO's office, I subconsciously took out my phone and opened my interface with Levi. The interface was full of messages from me, none of which Levi had ever replied to. Until yesterday, when I sent a message: [Levi, I've already talked to my family, our engagement can be delayed.] Levi, who hadn't contacted me since the two families proposed the engagement, replied almost instantly this time. [Okay, I'll come find you tomorrow.] I looked at that message, feeling a little helpless. Since the two families decided to get Levi engaged to me a year ago, Levi had avoided me for a whole year. It took me a year to go from being hysterical at first to being calm and composed now. I took a deep breath and walked outside. On the way back to my apartment, my thoughts were jumbled. I thought of the first time I met Levi. I was eight years old then. In the huge banquet hall, Levi immediately noticed me, shyly hiding in the corner. He argued with his family to take me home, and wouldn't let go of my hand after the party. He said to my dad, "Uncle, this little girl is so cute, I want to take her home, and she can be my bride when she grows up." My dad smiled and patted his head, taking it as childish nonsense. Unexpectedly, he really came to my house whenever he had free time, telling everyone that I was his future wife. Over the next ten years, our families interacted frequently, and Levi came to be with me every day. Even though the school he was at wasn't on the way to my school, he insisted on taking me to and from school. Because I complimented his clothes, Levi ordered many sets of the same outfit, saying he wanted me to be happy seeing them every day. Over time, I couldn't help but be moved. I always thought Levi liked me. If he didn't like me, how could Levi have taken such meticulous care of me for fifteen years? But reality hit me hard. A year ago, when our two families were discussing our engagement, Levi suddenly changed his attitude. Since then, Levi disappeared from my world. No matter how I looked, I couldn't find him. After 365 days, I finally understood that Levi had no intention of marrying me. "Stella!" A magnetic and steady voice interrupted my thoughts. I subconsciously looked up and saw a handsome young man leaning against a fiery red Ferrari. Levi's eyes burst with suppressed longing, and he was so excited that the flowers he was holding were trembling. He walked towards me, his tone sincere, even slightly trembling. "Stella, in this past year, I've been thinking of you every moment, but I didn't dare to come and find you.""I was afraid I would impulsively marry you but not be able to give you the best marriage.""Stella, I'm sorry, I wasn't ready. Can you forgive me?" He was as gentle as ever, and it pierced my heart. The easy explanation “I wasn't ready” from him made me a laughingstock in high society and embarrassed my parents. Seeing that I didn't speak, Levi became flustered, and he hurriedly took my hand. "It was wrong to run away from the engagement. I will compensate your family for all efforts.""Please trust me, the person I deeply love is only you from beginning to end.""And my wife will only be you." Levi seemed genuinely panicked. He grabbed my hand, led me to the car, and opened the door. "For the past year, I've been thinking about you every moment. Every time I think of you, I prepare a gift for you.""Stella, you can hit me, you can yell at me, but please don't ignore me.""I'll never leave you again, please forgive me just this once, okay?" So, he's also afraid that I'll ignore him? He also knows that the feeling of being ignored isn't pleasant? But he ignored me for a whole year. Thinking about this, I feel even more sad. The car full of expensive jewelry didn't stir up even a ripple in my heart. Feeling the growing crowd gathering around, I could only say, "Okay, you’d better hurry back to the company." Levi is five years older than I, and he is the current CEO of the Smith Group. He's busy every day. Levi suddenly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, kissing me on the face: "I knew my wife was the best!" I recoiled slightly, resisting. With that one step back, I saw, on the side of the passenger seat filled with gifts, a ripped pair of black stockings lying quietly.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

My face suddenly went pale, which made Levi anxious. "What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I'll take you to the hospital." I avoided his hand and softly said, "That’s all right. It's just that my period came suddenly. I'll go back to the apartment first." Levi understood instantly. He touched my face gently and said in a warm voice. "Okay, then you rest well first, I'll come to find you tomorrow at noon after I'm done with work." Watching him get in the car and leave, I returned to the apartment with a heart full of sadness. As soon as I entered, I sat blankly at the table, looking around my apartment. On the bed was the puppy plush toy that Levi bought me with his New Year's money when he was a kid. On my feet were the matching couple of slippers that Levi and I had. Even the decorations in the apartment were meticulously customized by Levi because he was afraid I wouldn't be used to a new room... Most of my belongings are related to Levi. Giving up Levi is like having half of my flesh and blood forcibly ripped away. I suddenly felt like crying, but what arrived before the tears was that lingering image of the stockings rooted in my mind. That was Levi's ruthless betrayal, the last thing that made me let go. Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated. I picked it up. It was a message from Ruby: [I prepared a surprise for you in Levi's car, you saw it, right?] My breath caught in my throat. Ruby Evans and I are neighbors, but we've always disliked each other. The biggest reason is probably that Ruby likes Levi, but Levi likes me. Before I could react, Ruby's message came again: [I said I'd get Levi sooner or later, and I have you to thank for it. If you hadn't been in such a rush to get engaged to him, I wouldn't have had the opportunity...] Looking at her provocative words, I only felt bitterness in my heart. I swiped my finger across the screen and finally sent just one sentence: [Then, congratulations to you.] Then, I put down my phone and didn't reply to any of Ruby's messages. Levi called the next day at noon. "Stella, I ordered your favorite French food. I'll be at your apartment soon." Listening to his voice, I responded with a daze, "Okay." When I arrived at the gate, Levi's black Maybach was already waiting there. I opened the passenger door and was stunned by the sight of pink everywhere. The girlish decorations clashed jarringly with the understated luxury of the Maybach's interior. And Ruby likes pink the most. Levi casually said, "By the way, because Uncle Evans requested it, Ruby is working as an intern assistant in the CEO's office.""These decorations were all suggested by Ruby. She said you like pink the most. Do you like it?" I pursed my lips and said faintly, "It's fine." Soon, I will have nothing to do with Levi anymore. So, I didn't want to distinguish between truth and falsehood anymore. When we arrived at the restaurant, the waiter at the door enthusiastically came to greet us. "Mr. Smith, will you and Miss Evans still be sitting in your usual seats?" Levi's expression darkened, and he directly took my hand: "This is my girlfriend Stella, not Ruby!" Saying that, he couldn't help but look at me. But seeing my face was completely calm, he felt a little strange in his heart. "Stella, I..." I interrupted him, "Let's go in first, I'm hungry." Levi watched my back as I walked in first, shook his head with a smile, and just felt that he was overthinking my attitude. After sitting down, Levi skillfully ordered the dishes I used to love, and then got up and went to the restroom. Not long after he left, his phone on the table suddenly lit up. I looked over, and the message sender was displayed as Ruby. My heart tightened, I picked up the phone and entered my birthday to unlock it, and it went straight to the message interface. In the next instant, my fingertips trembled— Ruby sent a mirror selfie of herself wearing a black lace suspender! "Did you like the clothes you bought me last time? Are you coming tonight?"

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

I stared at that text, and my heart couldn't stop aching. Levi and I have been together for so many years, but we have never taken that most intimate step. Levi said, "Stella, you are the most precious person to me. I would never offend you before we get married." I have always been touched by Levi's respect, but now, I only feel helpless. I looked at the photo over and over again like self-torment, until I couldn't feel the pain coming from my heart anymore. I turned off the screen and put Levi's phone back where it was. When Levi came back, he saw me sitting there blankly and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?" I shook my head gently, and Levi handed me the strawberry cake he had just ordered. "Don't think about those worries. Here, their strawberry cake is delicious, you should try it." I didn't move, and just said softly, "I'm allergic to strawberries." Levi doesn't eat strawberry cake. Without thinking, I knew he must have brought Ruby here before. Levi's face changed instantly. He was about to say something when he saw me speak to a waiter nearby. "Hello, please change my order to a chocolate cake." Levi was stunned. He suddenly remembered the last time he misremembered my preferences, and I was very angry. It took him a whole week to appease me. At this moment, I turned back, and only calmness was on my delicate face. "I just looked at the menu. How about trying the escargots gratin?" My calm appearance made Levi feel uneasy. Levi suppressed the uneasiness in his heart and said softly, "Stella, tomorrow is our 16th anniversary. How about we have a celebration party?" I was a little lost in thought; sixteen years had taken up the majority of my life so far. Just for a moment, I met Levi's gentle gaze and nodded. After dinner, Levi drove me back to my apartment. Back in the apartment, I looked at my belongings, found a black trash bag, and stuffed everything inside. As I went downstairs, I was surprised to find Levi still standing there, having not left. Our eyes met, and Levi spoke first: "What's all this?" My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly said, "Some useless stuff." Levi reached out his hand to me: "Give it here, I'll throw it away for you." I looked at him and suddenly smiled: "Thanks." Things he personally gave me are being personally discarded by him. Levi threw the things into the trash can and then said, "Throw away anything you don't want. I'll earn money and buy you more and better things." I chuckled. Those were indeed things I didn't want, but I wouldn't need him to buy them in the future. I didn't want to dwell on these things, so I casually asked, "Why haven't you left yet?" Before Levi could answer, a female voice rang out behind us. "Hello, are you Levi? Ruby asked me to give you these clothes. They're all brand new." I instinctively looked over and saw that the transparent bag was filled with all kinds of hospital uniforms. I felt a stab in my heart, and a popular phrase popped into my head: role-playing. Levi took the clothes from the girl's hand, a hint of heat flashing in his eyes, and then explained. "Ruby and her brother recently invested in some medical films, and they need these." I looked at him and suddenly felt that this man, who had been with me for sixteen years, seemed so unfamiliar. I suppressed my disgust and said, "I understand." Levi threw the clothes into the car, turned his head, and said, "Then I'll go first. I'll pick you up tomorrow." Watching him leave so eagerly, my eyes filled with more indifference. I turned around and entered the apartment. The next day, the sun was shining brightly. Levi was waiting at the gate on time. I opened the passenger seat door and was met with Ruby dressed in professional attire. She waved at me, sporting a striking hickey on her neck. "Stella, I begged Levi for a long time to get him to agree to let me go to the banquet with you guys." Levi's thin lips were tightly pressed, his face cold, and his tone held a hint of warning. "Why are you sitting in the passenger seat? This is Stella's spot. Go to the back!" Ruby was startled by him, looking somewhat aggrieved: "Levi, I feel a little carsick..." Levi's face grew even more unpleasant. Didn’t want to watch them act in front of me, I spoke up: "It's okay, I'll just sit in the back."

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Levi opened his mouth in surprise, but before he could say anything, he saw me open the back car door and sit down. His face darkened, and he got into the car and started. I watched the scenery rushing past the window, but unexpectedly, Ruby suddenly started talking to me. "Stella, I used to be quite envious of you for finding a high-quality boyfriend like Levi.""But now I'm not envious anymore, because I've also found someone who is willing to treat me well." Sitting behind the passenger seat, I clearly saw Levi's hard face soften for a moment when he heard Ruby's words. The sudden gentleness pierced my heart, making it tremble. After a moment, I forced a smile: "Really? Then I'll wish you a happy and long marriage here first." Meeting Ruby's smug expression in the rearview mirror, I calmly shifted my gaze. Ruby bit her lip in anger. Just as she was about to say something, Levi said calmly, "Ruby, I don't like anyone chattering beside me when I'm driving." Ruby nodded obediently: "Okay, Levi, I won't say anything then." The car sped along, and soon we arrived at the entrance of the banquet hall. I went to the restroom first, but when I came back, I heard a commotion inside. "Levi, you've been cold to Stella for a year, and she's not even angry. Did you just sweet-talk her with a few casual words?""No wonder Levi says his only marriage prospect is her. I bet if Levi brings other women home, Stella would obediently vacate the master bedroom bed for them!" Then, I heard Levi's cold reprimand. "Stella is my wife, I've chosen. Even if I lie back outside, I won't let her know about these things.""Shut your stinking mouths, and don't let me hear you mention her again." The room was silent for a moment, then someone spoke cautiously. "Then Levi, what do you plan to do about the child in Ruby's belly?" Child? My heart jolted, and disbelief surfaced in my eyes. Immediately after, Levi's annoyed voice came out: "Are you all going to keep talking about my business forever?" …… He didn't refute it. The hand gripping the doorknob turned ice cold. No, I didn't hear the entire conversation. Maybe they weren't saying what they really meant? When I finally composed myself and entered the room, I saw Ruby wearing a bright red strapless dress. She was surrounded by several men, and the expression on Levi's face was growing increasingly unpleasant. I tentatively said to Levi: "Your assistant looks like she's being harassed. You should go and help her." Seeing my understanding, Levi's tone softened: "Okay, you wait here for me. I'll have someone send Ruby home and then come find you." I watched him stride towards Ruby, like a knight going to reclaim his most precious treasure, and calmly withdrew my gaze. That wait lasted three hours. I was a little tired and got up to walk towards the lounge. But as soon as I reached the door, I heard faint, intermittent sounds of panting coming from inside. It didn't take a genius to figure out what was happening. The conversation amidst their panting sent a chill down my entire body. "Levi, do you... Like the dress I'm wearing today?""I don't like it. From now on, you're only allowed to wear it for me in private.""You're pregnant, don't move around so much. Let me be the dominant..." The last glimmer of light in my eyes faded. I don't even know how I walked out of the banquet hall. The cold wind blew, and I only felt like my heart had been ripped out and shattered that night. …… I didn't sleep a wink and had a high fever. While getting an IV drip at the hospital, I vaguely heard Ruby's voice. "Levi, I finished the checkup. The baby is healthy, so you can focus on your meeting." I subconsciously looked over and was stung by the undisguised joy on Ruby's face. Looking at Ruby's flat stomach, I suddenly remembered Levi once telling me, "Stella, after we get married, we'll have a child. Whether it's a boy or a girl, I'll give the child the best love.""I can't bear to see you in pain." The memories made me close my eyes helplessly, my heart aching so much I couldn't think anymore. But as soon as I finished my IV drip, picked up my medication, and walked out of the hospital, I ran into Levi. Our eyes met, and a flash of panic appeared in Levi's eyes: "Stella, why are you here?" The next moment, he saw the bag of medicine in my hand, and he immediately became nervous: "What's wrong? Are you sick? But I took a step back. Levi was stunned by my movement. He looked up, somewhat hurt: "Stella, are you angry with me?" "After I dropped Ruby off at the banquet yesterday, I was entangled with business partners. You know, the company is on the rise, I can't ignore the partners..." Watching him explain anxiously, my heart felt a bit desolate. Levi has been so readily able to come up with lies. I interrupted him softly: "Levi, I'm not feeling well, I want to go back." Seeing me about to leave, Levi subconsciously grabbed me: "You're not feeling well, how can you go back alone? I'll take you. " I was silent for a moment, then nodded indifferently. But I didn't expect Levi to take me not back to my apartment, but back to his detached villa in the city center. Looking at this villa, designed from the inside out according to my wishes for our marital home, I suddenly remembered the provocative message Ruby had sent. [Stella, this is the master bedroom's big bed. The mattress you chose is indeed very comfortable.] [Stella, Levi praised me for being sensible, unlike you, who are still forcing him to get engaged. ] [Stella, I just found out I'm pregnant, and Levi is already incredibly nervous... He's even willing to let me live in your marital home first.] Levi didn't notice my strangeness and led me inside: "Stella, you should move in, you'll be the lady of the house sooner or later anyway, and this will make it easier for me to take care of you." He turned his head to look at me, smiling gently: "Just thinking that I can see you when I get home makes me so happy." Looking at his smile, my heart turned ice-cold. I gave a silent, bitter laugh and whispered, "Levi, you can't give me happiness..." My voice was too soft, and Levi didn't hear me at all. He pulled me down to sit on the sofa. "You rest for a bit. I'll get some water for you to take your medicine." Watching his excited back, I couldn't muster any more feelings. In the blink of an eye, the day I had to leave arrived. Levi got up early and made breakfast. He raised an eyebrow at me: "Darling, is this future husband of yours doing a good job?" I smiled and said softly, "Quite competent." At least, Levi has always been competent in wholeheartedly acting like he loves me. Levi also smiled. Just as he was about to speak, the phone rang. After only a few seconds, he hung up, his expression serious: "Ruby's in the hospital, I need to go see her right away." I watched him quietly: "Okay." Levi picked up his clothes and looked back at me sitting at the dining table before leaving, his eyes suddenly showing a hint of unease. "Stella, I'll be back soon, wait for me at home, dear." I pursed my lips, just about to say something, when I saw Levi turn around and walk out without hesitation. I smiled and whispered, "You really can't... wait even a moment, can you?" I sat at the table for a long time before getting up and going upstairs to turn on the printer. With a slight hum, I printed out all the messages Ruby had sent me and then plastered them on every corner of the villa. After I finished doing all this, a flight reminder message suddenly appeared on my phone. [Your flight to Paris, France, leaves in three hours. Passengers, please board in a timely manner...] I looked at the villa covered in the messages I had posted and chuckled softly. I took out my phone and sent Levi a message. [Levi, we're breaking up.] Attached was a picture of the pregnancy test report Ruby had sent me to show off. After blocking all of Levi's contact information, I turned off my phone. Then I opened the door and walked onto my sunny path, never looking back. Levi, those who betray sincerity will ultimately be betrayed by sincerity... Approaching noon. The special ringtone Levi had set for me rang out. He looked up from his computer and reached for his phone. Face unlock successful, the content I sent him a little after eleven o'clock appeared prominently on the home screen— [Levi, we're breaking up.]