Chapter 2

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned tense.

Nobody expected a mid-level investment director like me to be paired with a cold-blooded industry giant like Julian.

Brandon’s face darkened visibly.

He took a step forward, as if to say something, but Hailey gently tugged at his sleeve. "Brandon, my head hurts. I think the altitude is getting to me."

Brandon froze. His attention was instantly pulled back to Hailey.

"Let me take you upstairs to rest."

Watching their retreating backs, I let out a mocking laugh.

This was the man I had loved for seven years.

For seven years, I had stood by him when he was just a broke kid, fighting alongside him until he secured his VP position.

I had taken the fall for him in corporate politics, stayed up countless nights writing his due diligence reports, and even drank myself into a bleeding stomach ulcer at client dinners just to save his projects.

Back then, he had held my hand by the hospital bed, his eyes red as he swore, "Chloe, once I make it to the top, I’ll give you the most beautiful wedding in the world."

But the moment Hailey—the college sweetheart who had dumped him for a rich guy, only to return now that she was divorced—reappeared, my seven years of devotion became nothing but a joke.

That night, everyone gathered around the outdoor fire pit for a game of Truth or Dare.

Hailey had changed into a form-fitting sweater, leaning closely against Brandon.

The empty beer bottle spun, pointing directly at Hailey.

Logan smirked. "Hailey, truth or dare?"

"Truth," she said with a gentle smile.

"What is your biggest regret in life?"

The entire circle fell quiet.

Hailey lowered her head, her eyes welling with tears. She stole a quick glance at Brandon.

"I regret being too young and foolish... and letting go of the boy who loved me more than anything."

A collective, knowing sigh rippled through the crowd.

Brandon’s grip on his glass tightened, his knuckles turning white.

He didn't look at Hailey, but the storm in his eyes was impossible to hide.

The bottle spun again. This time, it stopped right in front of me.

"Chloe, your turn!" Logan’s eyes gleamed with mischief. "Truth. Do you have a boyfriend?"

I raised my head.

Brandon’s gaze finally locked onto me. He was tense.

He was terrified. Terrified that I would lose my mind and expose our seven-year relationship in front of everyone, ruining his touching reunion with his first love.

Looking at his handsome, selfish face, a wave of nausea hit me.

I picked up my glass of ice water, took a sip, and said calmly,

"No. I'm completely single."

The second the words left my mouth, I clearly saw Brandon’s tense shoulders relax.

But then, his brows knit together again, seemingly annoyed by how easily and cleanly I had denied him.

"Single is great!" Logan quickly filled the silence. "Julian is single too. Sounds like the blue team might have some sparks flying!"

Julian, who had been sitting quietly beside me playing with his lighter, let out a soft chuckle.

"I certainly hope so."

Those five simple words were like a boulder dropped into a quiet pond.

Brandon's face turned completely black.