When Ariana saw the cut on my forehead, the smile on her face froze.

She immediately rushed over, eyes full of concern, "What happened? Does it hurt?"

I forced a smile, "Just scraped it accidentally, it's nothing. Strawberries are so expensive, why waste money?"

She said, "How could this be a waste? Ernest, if I could, I'd give you all the best things in the world. You've already suffered enough being with me. I work hard just to give my darling a good life."

I didn't respond, her sweet words were as moving as ever. But paired with the scent of Lance's cologne on her, it all felt absurd.

Ariana didn't notice anything unusual and casually glanced at my phone, then chuckled, "Other guys are into pretty girls, but you're looking at sick old lady? So old and ugly."

I froze, "You don't recognize her?"

Ariana looked confused, "Nope. Is she one of your relatives? Then we should bring a gift and visit her sometime."

"Oh, right, Ernest, I've got a part-time job tonight, I need to head out now, can't stay for dinner. Be good and wait at home." She ruffled my hair, got dressed and left.

But I was left frozen in place, stunned by what she said.

She was the one who took me to the hospital, pointed at that photo of the unconscious old lady and told me with a sorrowful look that it was her mother. But now she said she didn't know her?

I secretly followed her in a taxi. I saw her enter a luxury mall, change into a dress worth tens of thousands, then head to a hotel.

From the lobby, I saw Lance in a tailored suit, clinging playfully to an elegant and regal-looking lady.

That woman's features somewhat resembled Ariana's and as Ariana approached her and handed over a gift, she said, "Mom, your daughter wishes you a happy birthday."

A powerful sense of absurdity washed over me, I didn't know whether to feel angry or heartbroken.

Back then, Ariana was worn out by medical bills and debt, constantly worried about her mother's condition, eyes always filled with sorrow.

I felt sorry for her and decided to share the burden. For three years, I worked non-stop, only eating and sleeping when I had to.

As soon as my paycheck arrived, I'd send it to her. I often starved because I had no money left for food, surviving on water. I fainted several times at work but didn't even dare go to the hospital.

And now I learned, that so-called 'critically ill mother' was just a lie she made up. Her sorrow came only from Lance going abroad.

Then what about the hunger I endured, the sweat I poured out, what were those worth? It was laughable.

Halfway through the banquet, Mrs. Thomas suddenly made an announcement, "Thank you all for coming to this old lady's birthday party. I also have a happy piece of news to share. My daughter Ariana and Lance Basinger have been childhood sweethearts and are a perfect match. Now that Lance is back, we'll hold their engagement party in three days. I hope to see everyone there."

Guests immediately offered congratulations, but someone asked with doubt, "Didn't I hear Ariana already has a boyfriend?"

Mrs. Thomas's face darkened and she snorted, "Some low-born pauper dares dream of marrying into the Thomas Family? My daughter was just playing around with him. He really thought a wild duck could become a phoenix? He should take a good look at himself."

Her mother said again, "Ariana, what do you say?"

Ariana stayed silent for a moment, then smiled faintly, "Mother is right. He is just a wild duck. Let's do as you say."

I looked up in shock and saw Lance smiling sweetly as he pulled her into his arms.

Ariana took out the massive diamond ring she had prepared in advance and slipped it onto his ring finger, then lovingly kissed his fingertip amid the cheers of the guests.

I had seen that ring on TV a few days ago, it was worth two million.

I looked down at the cheap, now-yellowing ring on my own hand. It was a gift from Ariana on our one-year anniversary.

It wasn't expensive, just a few hundred dollars, but back then I was as happy as a fool.

Even though it wasn't even pure silver and had already faded badly, I couldn't bear to take it off. I hid in a corner, like a shameful voyeur, watching them hold hands and toast with the guests.

The toasts were meant for both of them, but Ariana took every glass on Lance's behalf, then handed him a cup of juice, saying gently, "You're allergic to alcohol, drink this."

Lance looked like a pampered little prince, shy and happy as he hugged her shoulders, "Ariana, you're the best."

Ariana had a weak stomach. Back then, if she had a drinking engagement, I was the one who drank for her. Even if it meant drinking until I bled from my stomach, I wouldn't let her have a single drop. I protected her that carefully for three years.

But now, to protect another man, she didn't even care about her own health.

Ariana seemed truly happy today, I had never seen her drink this much. Very soon, she was drunk and Lance helped her upstairs to a guest room.

I knew that leaving at this point was the wise choice, but before I realized it, I was already standing outside their room.

The door wasn't fully closed. From inside came sounds that made one blush.

With trembling hands, I called Ariana. It took over ten seconds for her to pick up.

Her voice was hoarse, her breathing heavy, "Ernest, what's wrong?"

"Ariana, let's get married," I said through tears. "I don't need a dowry. I'll work hard and support you. Come back now and let's go register our marriage, okay?"

I knew how pathetic and shameless I sounded, but love sometimes makes people throw away their dignity.

As long as you stop now. As long as you come out. As long as you come back to me. I can pretend none of this ever happened.

Ariana paused, then laughed helplessly, "Silly, why are you crying? I never said I wouldn't marry you."

She continued, "But my mother is still in the hospital. I'm not in the mood to get married right now. I don't want you to shoulder everything alone. Once she's better, once I've earned more money, we'll buy a house and a car and have a grand wedding. Be good and wait a little longer, okay?"

"My part-time job will keep me busy late tonight, so I won't be coming back. Lock the door and wait for me. I'll bring you something tasty." She suddenly let out a muffled gasp and hung up quickly.

At the same time, the sounds from the room grew louder and more unbearable. I numbly lowered my phone, letting my tears fall freely.

On the way home, a torrential downpour began. Rain hit my face, only to be replaced again and again by tears.

I suddenly felt exhausted. My head grew heavier and heavier. Before I lost consciousness and collapsed, I thought ... Ariana, I won't wait for you anymore.

When I opened my eyes again, it was the evening of the third day. I was lying in a hospital bed. A nurse told me it was a kind passerby who brought me in.

I opened my phone. Ariana hadn't sent me a single message.

In the past, no matter how busy she was, she would always text goodnight and remind me to eat breakfast.

The nurses whispered while looking at their phones, full of envy in their tone.

"Did you hear? The only daughter of the Bicelar Group is getting engaged and her fiancé is the son of the Basinger Family. Miss Thomas has liked Mr. Basinger since childhood. Last night, she even bought all the fireworks in the city to propose to him."

"Not just that! There was also a drone show, must've been over a thousand drones. I heard Miss Thomas designed the whole performance for Mr. Basinger herself. I'm so jealous."

I stood frozen in place, dazed, when my phone rang, it was the manager from another part-time job calling, "Ernest, there's a client tonight throwing a bachelor party. They want a mascot performance and the pay's good. You said you needed money, right? I personally vouched for you, so don't let me down."

I wanted to refuse, but this manager had always been good to me. He always thought of me first when jobs came up and I didn't want to make things hard for him, so I agreed.

Besides, I had no intention of using Ariana's check and I had already given her all my savings. I still needed to survive.

I used the money I earned from that escape room gig to pay the hospital bill. It was the first time in three years I had spent money on myself.

After all, Ariana no longer needed my petty scraps. I gave a bitter smile. Well then, Ariana's game of 'princess-turned-beggar' was over. Time for her to return to the man she loved.

They were the real match, equal in status and looks. We were never from the same world to begin with.

Those past three years, I'd treat them as a bitter but sweet dream.

Now that I had woken up, it was time we returned to our rightful places. But I never expected that the client throwing the bachelor party would be Lance Basinger.

In the private room, besides Lance, there were other wealthy heiresses and young heiress, all looking at me with contempt.

Lance arrogantly threw a set of clothes at my feet, "I heard from your manager that you’re the best at entertaining guests. Then put this on and make my friends happy."

It was a clown outfit, but a strange one. The fabric was so skimpy it barely covered anything.

I replied politely, "Mr. Basinger, this doesn't comply with our work policy. I've prepared a cat costume and can perform magic tricks for you and your guests."

The next second, a crisp slap landed hard on my face, it felt burned.

Lance, who was so generous and considerate just days ago, now sneered coldly, "What a joke. In your line of work, the client is the king. If you won't change, then I'll assume your manager deceived me and his place can kiss its business goodbye."

For people like them, ruining a small business was as easy as lifting a finger. I couldn't drag the manager down with me. Clenching my teeth, I picked up the clown costume and began putting it on.

But Lance said lazily, "Wait. Don't you have any professionalism? Take off all your clothes first, right in front of us. So we know you won't run."

At that, the men on the sofa stared at me with disgusting, lecherous eyes.

If I still couldn't tell that Lance was deliberately humiliating me, then I really was a fool.

"Sorry, I can't fulfill your request. I don't want the pay either. Please find someone else, Mr. Basinger." I turned to leave, but two men held me down firmly.

One of them kicked my knee hard. The pain made me collapse to the floor.

Lance walked over and slapped me a dozen times. Then he mocked, "Now that's more like it. People like you, pathetic and poor, should know your place on your knees."

He grabbed my hair and forced me to look up at him, "So she told you her mom was sick in bed? That she was deep in debt, right? That was all a lie to trick a fool like you. And you actually fell for it, what a devoted little lapdog."