I had proposed seven times, but Winnie Smith continued refusing to marry me.

This was because the Smith family had a special test. To marry their daughters, their sons-in-law had to refrain from sleeping with their fiancees after being drugged.

I tried seven times. However, every time after I regained consciousness, Winnie would be sleeping naked next to me.

She would cry and throw herself into my arms. Its fine. We can try again. I trust you.

It was not until the eighth time that I overheard her instructing the butler, Switch the aphrodisiac to sleeping pills, and make sure its a high dosage.

After he falls asleep, Ill take it from there as usual.

While I kept my eyes shut tight, I could hear her taking off her long dress. Then, she came over to unbutton my shirt.

I heard her sigh. Im sorry, Benjamin Lowe. Joe Andersons been diagnosed with cancer, and his last wish is to be with me.

Dont worry, though. After he passes, Ill marry you immediately.

Right then, I realized that her familys test had been a lie she told just to marry her childhood best friend.

The next day, my parents pressured me again to leave the country and inherit the family business. So, I agreed to their request.

Since she wanted to marry Joe, I would wish the couple well.
Chapter 1
It was already morning when I woke up.
Like the previous seven times, Winnie was lying naked next to me with tears in her eyes.
Before I could speak, she hugged me and cried, Benjamin, dont blame yourself. This isnt your fault, and I dont blame you at all.
Then, she shouted at the butler, Are you deaf? Ive told you many times to reduce the dosage!
Benjamin and I are this close to getting married, and youve ruined it all!
The butler lowered his head and spoke respectfully. Ms. Smith, Im only following the Smith familys rules.
She seemed even more upset and almost passed out from crying.
I wanted to pat her back and comfort her out of reflex. But when I recalled what she said last night, my hand froze midair.
This scene had played out too many times. It was my fault for loving her so much that I trusted her every single time.
Three years ago, when I first asked for her hand in marriage, she had a bigger reaction than I did.
She begged her parents to accept me, and she begged her grandfather not to give me a hard time. On top of that, she threw a tantrum at her family home and claimed that the familys test was unfair.
Every aphrodisiac is specially made for the person. With how concentrated and effective it is, almost no ones passed the test. Youre just trying to stop us from getting married!
Even though Winnie was delicate, she endured a dozen beatings from her grandfather that day.
I could not stand it anymore and forced myself through a wall of bodyguards without hesitation. I protected her in my embrace and yelled, Its just a family rule. I can handle it!
She was covered in bruises as she hugged me tightly.
I trust you, Benjamin. Youre the only one Ill marry!
From then on, I took extreme measures to pass the test.
I tried blood-letting, injections, and even consumed certain types of medicine. There was even a time when I broke my own leg without anesthesia to keep myself lucid.
However, it always ended with Winnie naked by my side. The Smith family ridiculed me.
In the past, I thought that I was not determined enough. I finally realized that her familys rule had just been a lie. Winnie came up with it to delay our marriage so that she could fulfil Joes last wish.
I had undergone the test eight times over the span of three years. I was the only one who had been putting in the effort.
As I returned to my senses, I saw Winnie looking at me with swollen eyes.
Benjamin, we cant just give up. Lets transfer the money for another test today.
I was stunned as I watched her take my cell phone. Then, she transferred three million dollars to the Smith family bank account as payment for the aphrodisiac.
It was the last of my savings.
I was worried from the start that I would not have the money to take the Smith familys test. It was obvious that it was time to end this farce.
Winnie, Ill make us some food. Lets talk about this at night.
Winnie nuzzled her head against my chin like a kitten.
Are you planning to discuss how you can pass the next test? Benjamin, promise me that you wont do anything to hurt yourself anymore.
I cant bear it.
I was stunned. Suddenly, I could not tell if she truly felt bad for me or if she was lying for Joes sake.
I sighed and forced a smile before heading to the kitchen.
After a while, I heard her cell phone ringing. Then, she anxiously said, Joe, dont do anything stupid! You still have hope! Didnt the doctors say that theres a new treatment plan?

Chapter 2
Wait for me. Im heading over immediately!
I heard Winnies hurried footsteps, and I rushed out of the kitchen with pain shooting through my heart.
Winnie, lunch is almost ready. Its your favoritesteak.
However, she opened the door without looking back.
You can have it first. Joe needs me more right now.
It was winter, and I felt the cold wind piercing through my heart as well.
She was the girl I had loved all of my youth. But she had chosen her so-called childhood best friend, Joe, just like she always had.
This house belonged to the Smith family. After Winnie left, the butler and helper followed suit.
I finished cooking as if I was on autopilot and waited at the dining table until 12 p.m.. Then, my father called me.
Youre twenty-five years old now. Its time for you to take on the family business.
I stared at the empty house. Our graduation photos were still hanging on the wall.
Dad, Ill be at the business succession ceremony in three days.
Winnie had forgotten that the eighth test fell on my birthday.
I was the person who needed her more.
However, it no longer mattered. Since she wanted to marry Joe, I would wish them well.
Winnie was in a great mood when she returned.
The doctors let Joe try the latest medication, and it worked wonderfully. Joe didnt feel sick for an entire night!
When she saw the table full of untouched food, her face fell.
Didnt I tell you that we had to be frugal? Why did you cook so much?
My parents have stopped sending me money because youve constantly failed the tests. Joe still has ten sessions to go, and youre here splurging. What about his medical bills?
I frowned in response. Why am I responsible for his medical bills, Winnie?
Realizing that she had misspoken, she looked away awkwardly.
Immediately after, she threw herself into my embrace.
Benjamin, Joe grew up with me. He cant live without me, and I cant ignore him.
Youre my fiance, and were going to get married in the future. Were a family. You understand me, dont you?
I lowered my head and looked at the face I had loved for many years. Unfortunately, I no longer felt the same.
Winnie, do you really want to marry me? I asked indifferently.
She stepped back in disbelief.
What do you mean, Benjamin? Are you trying to blame me for this?
Youre the one who messed up the tests. Thats why we havent been able to get married for the past three years!