Alyssas POV
It was the third year since I had been trying to win over Casper Pennington, that aloof, untouchable guy.
Everyone in our circle said I was his one soft spot.
But when I walked in with a custom-made engagement ring, ready to propose to him
I stopped outside the private room after hearing his buddies teasing him.
Damn, the number-one beauty in Chicago really lives up to her name. Bro, she even got you to ditch work just to drown himself in love. People said you two were about to tie the knot. I didnt believe it but looks like its actually true.
So, whens the wedding? Dont forget to send me an invite!
The lively atmosphere inside suddenly froze.
Caspers voice was laced with annoyance; he didnt bother hiding it.
Who even said that? he asked. Shes just a toy. Why would I marry her?
Everyone inside sucked in a sharp breath.
You dont even like her, but youve been dating for three years? Then who do you wanna marry? Dont tell me its
It is. Other than her, Ill never marry anyone else.
But she left the country already!
Casper lowered his head and checked the date. For the first time, a hint of a smile showed in his eyes.
She said shed be gone for three years. Back then she broke up with me because she thought I was boring. Ive learned how to make a girl happy now. Shell be satisfied for sure.
My mind went completely blank with a bang.

Inside, the conversation went on, his friends suddenly understanding everything.
So the reason you picked Alyssathe hardest woman to chase in the whole citywas just to gain experience?
All those expensive gifts you gave her, all those surprises they were all steps in your training plan?
Holy shit, bro, you really are something! If you can conquer Alyssa, then that girl of yours is gonna be easy.
Even Casper, who was always calm and unreadable, sounded almost like a nervous teenager.
But shes not like Alyssa. Shes not like any woman Ive ever met.
I just hope I dont screw up this time.
Someone cautiously asked, And what if you still cant win her over? Are you seriously planning to wait for her your whole life?
Why not? I wont settle. I dont want to settle.
But I heard Alyssa is about to propose to you. If she finds out youre actually
A startling bang suddenly reverberated.
The rest of the sentence was cut off by the sound of the door being pushed open.
I stood there, staring at Caspers emotionless face.
The engagement ring in my hand suddenly felt scalding hothot enough to stop my heartbeat for a moment.
It took me a long time before I heard my own trembling voice.
So everything you did for me these past three years it was all fake?
Casper, why did you have to destroy my happiness the moment I finally felt it was real?
He was disturbingly calm, making me look like some unreasonable lunatic.
I never promised you anything. It was all in your head, he replied nonchalantly.
Were adults. I thought you understood that, he added.
Tears blurred my vision as my voice cracked.
If you were already acting, why couldnt you just keep acting? You know I love you
Love what? My status? My power? Or the way people admire you for conquering me?
Alyssa, youre not built for pretending to be deep and devoted.
He leaned back on the couch, casual and lazy.
Cut the pitiful act. Before I approached you, I already did my research.
You were abandoned by the Ateliers, so you wanted someone powerful to rely on. And I happened to fit your fantasy.
Fill in whatever amount you want on this check. After today, were done. I dont want to hear your name tied to mine ever again.
When he finished, he threw the check on the table and walked off without giving me a second glance.
His friends looked at me with pity.


Alyssas POV
When he passed by me, he hesitated for a moment, then still reached out and patted my shoulder.
Alyssa, dont be too greedy. Know when to stop.
I slowly tore that check into pieces.
That woman Who is she?
My nails dug hard into my palm. I just wanted to die knowing the truth.
But in the end, no one ever gave me an answer.
Casper protected her too well.
I wandered down the street in a daze. The dim lights at dawn stretched my shadow long.
Snow suddenly started falling from the night skytiny white flakes.
But the moment they touched my palm, they melted away.
Just like our three-year relationship, no matter how hard I tried, I could never hold onto it.
Three days ago, we were still standing together on the hotel terrace, enjoying the breeze. He had taken off his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
Id acted cute and thrown myself into his arms, saying I wanted to watch the years first snow with him.
He promised mesaid hed watch the first snowfall with me every year.
Now that its finally snowing, were already strangers.
Thinking about it carefully, maybe I dont even have the right to blame him.
Like he said, I approached him with a purpose.
When my father kicked me out, my pride wouldnt allow me to humble myself and apologize.
And someone as powerful as Casper became my only option.
I dont know when things started to changewhen my purposeful approach turned into something else.