Chapter 1
On the seventh anniversary of their relationship, Claire Kingston, who had just finished a ribbon-cutting ceremony out of town, flew back overnight and arrived at her fiancé Keaton James's company building.
As Claire stepped out of the car, she spotted Keaton waiting for her at the entrance, a bouquet of roses in his hands and a gentle smile on his face as he walked toward her.
All the exhaustion from her long day melted away as Claire smiled and walked toward him. But just as she was about to reach him, another woman suddenly slipped her arm through James's.
He kissed her like it was the most natural thing in the world, then gave her the bouquet of roses. As they walked out of the office building together, Claire finally saw the woman's face clearly and her heart dropped.
It was her best friend, Lily Warren.
With their arms wrapped around each other, they walked away, leaving Claire frozen in place, staring after them in disbelief.
She couldn't believe her eyes, her fingers trembling as she fumbled for her phone.
James's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression stiffening for a moment, then quickly shot Lily a warning look, silently telling her not to say a word.
"Hello?" James's voice came through the line, and for Claire, it was like a slap of reality. Everything she'd just seen wasn't some twisted nightmare, but the cold, hard truth.
"Where are you right now?" Claire asked, her voice flat and empty.
"I'm still at the office," James's voice faltered, his words trailing off as Lily tickled him playfully.
Instead of scolding her, James just nuzzled her forehead, his touch full of affection and indulgence.
*****
Claire knew that scene all too well. Those little privileges used to be hers alone.
James was the one who made the first move. Before he met Claire, he was a cold, aloof business tycoon, untouchable and distant. But after meeting her, he started to open up, letting warmth and color into his life for the first time.
He had a strict rule about physical touch. He couldn't stand anyone getting close, but somehow, Claire was the exception. She was the only one he ever let near him.
Emotionally, he was just as guarded. He told Claire she'd be the only woman he'd ever love, his first and his forever.
Claire, who'd never been in a relationship before, fell for him hard. She thought she was the luckiest girl alive, getting to marry her first love.
But now, seeing this, Claire realized just how wrong she'd been.
Claire clutched her chest, her heart aching so badly she couldn't even get a word out.
There was only silence on the other end. James frowned and said, "Is this some kind of test? I know today's our seventh anniversary. Even if I work late tonight, I'll still come home. Tomorrow, the moment you walk in, I'll be there."
He remembered everything. He knew the significance of the day, and he knew what it stood for in their story.
Claire couldn't take it anymore. She hung up on him.
James stared at his phone, a little confused.
He was about to call her back when Lily softly held his hand. "She probably got another call and had to hang up. I'm her best friend. I know her better than anyone. She's always glued to her work."
James decided not to call Claire back. He pinched Lily's cheek. "You're her best friend, but you're sneaking around with me. Aren't you afraid she'll find out and come after you?"
Lily nuzzled his hand. "I just can't resist you. Even if she hates me, even if we have to stay hidden, I'd still let you do whatever you want with me."
James wrapped Lily in his arms with a smug smile, then hopped in the car and drove off with her.
The exhaust fumes blew right into Claire's face as she stood there, her gaze fixed on the car as it sped away. Without hesitating, she whipped out her phone and punched in a number.
The call connected almost instantly. "Claire?"
"Edward Sutton, is that business marriage proposal I rejected before still on the table?" Claire asked, not wasting any time.
"Of course it still counts. If you say yes, I'll fly back today and marry you," Edward replied without hesitation.
"See you at the church in a month," Claire said, her voice steady and resolute.
A month from now, it was supposed to be Claire and James's wedding day. But now, Claire had made her choice. She was changing the groom.