Eight Chances to Forgive You

"Unbelievable! You two are actually getting married? A rich playboy settling down for love—it's like a story straight out of a novel. Looks like we, your humble friends, will have to rely on you in the future."

The speaker was Mia, Alyssa’s college roommate.

"My boyfriend’s company recently started working with the AetherTech Solutions. Alyssa, do you think you could put in a good word for us?"

Mia's expression was sly, and her intention was obvious.

Alyssa paused for a moment before shaking her head. "The business decisions are entirely up to Ivan. I can’t interfere."

Mia hadn’t expected Alyssa to outright dismiss her, not even offering the usual pleasantries. After a brief moment of surprise, she continued joking, "Alyssa, you’re being modest. You and President McCartney have been together for five years now. We've all seen how far he’s willing to go for you."

Others chimed in enthusiastically.

"When President McCartney was pursuing you, the high-and-mighty young master worked at a small diner just to be near you."

"When the McCartney family disapproved of your background, he stood up to them for you, ready to give up wealth and luxury."

"Oh, and remember how you once mentioned wanting a wedding on an island? I saw the news—he actually bought an island just for your wedding!"

One compliment followed another, but Alyssa felt far from happy.

Over the years, Ivan had done countless things for her, each one enough to evoke envy from others.

They had been in love for five years. Recently, Ivan had even proposed to her in an extravagant, high-profile manner, stirring another wave of admiration from onlookers.

But what no one knew was that this seemingly perfect man had cheated on her right before their wedding.

The flurry of voices around her became background noise. Forcing a weak smile, Alyssa made up an excuse to leave.

Back at home, she sat silently on her bed and took an old diary from her bedside drawer.

Alyssa was an orphan. She had been alone for as long as she could remember, working part-time jobs to support herself while studying hard.

Despite her hardships, she remained optimistic. In middle school, she earned a place at an elite school as a special admit thanks to her outstanding grades.

She kept to herself most of the time, preferring to study quietly. Even when others mocked her humble origins, she would calmly retort, "I can live just fine on my own without those things."

She had never hoped for friends—until Ivan entered her life.

A notorious playboy and heir to a powerful family, Ivan was the last person Alyssa would believe capable of falling for her.

Yet, against all odds, he proved her wrong.

Unlike the typical wealthy suitor flaunting their wealth, Ivan worked by her side at the small diner, enduring burns on his hands just to stay close to her.

He never bragged about his privileged background, except for that one time when he stepped in to help her reclaim a stolen competition spot.

It was then that Alyssa’s guarded heart began to soften. Still, she kept reminding herself of the chasm between their worlds.

"He’s only chasing me because he hates losing. The gap between us is insurmountable," she would tell herself repeatedly.

But Ivan’s pursuit didn’t waver. He followed her to university, even giving up the secure future his family had arranged for him.

When his family cut off his financial support, he never once complained. Instead, he juggled part-time jobs and continued surprising her with thoughtful gestures every day.