Third Person's POV
Everyone believed Edmond Warner’s love for Haven was unshakable.
Their relationship was a gold standard for romance, inspiring countless admirers who saw their bond as proof that true love still existed. If Edmond and Haven weren’t in love anymore, many thought, then maybe love itself was a lie.
But even the strongest love could falter.
The female junior apprentice sighed as she reminisced. “When I started school, you two were already in your third year. I remember the day you had acute appendicitis. Mr. Warner thought it was terminal and was ready to donate his organs to save you. Then, at your wedding four years ago, I saw him cry like a child, saying he’d finally married the girl of his dreams.”
Haven’s eyes glistened with sorrow. Those memories, once beautiful, were now too painful to bear.
Having experienced Edmond’s all-consuming love, it was harder to forgive his betrayal.
Her mind then drifted back to four months ago, the day she discovered she was pregnant. What should have been a joyous moment turned into a nightmare when she saw Edmond checking into a hotel with Hattie Mann, a female student they had both sponsored.
It wasn’t an isolated incident, though. Edmond often claimed he was away on business trips, but Hattie always sent Haven their intimate photos and videos as taunts. The betrayal cut deep, but last week, it reached an unbearable breaking point. Haven, overwhelmed by grief, lost the baby.
That night, alone in her hospital bed, Haven cried until dawn.
“Maybe... he doesn’t love me anymore,” she whispered to herself.
She then forced a faint smile at the junior apprentice and left with a heavy heart.
Back home, Haven placed her miscarriage report and their torn marriage certificate into a small, ornate box.
Edmond arrived not long after, holding their daughter, Leigh, in his arms. His face lit up when he saw Haven. “I came straight home after my trip and picked up Leigh on the way." He then noticed the box, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. "What’s in the box? An early anniversary gift?”
Haven stared at him, searching his face for a shred of guilt. But Edmond’s eyes brimmed with warmth and love as if he truly believed in his devotion to her. Then she noticed it—a faint lipstick stain on the collar of his crisp white shirt—whether it was carelessness or a deliberate provocation, she didn’t know.
Her chest tightened as if someone had carved out her heart, and she instinctively clutched at it in pain.
Seeing her discomfort, Edmond panicked and held her tightly. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
Haven took a deep breath, willing herself to remain composed, and handed him the box.
Seeing the box again, his eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning. “Is this really an anniversary gift for me?”
But as he reached to open the box, Haven pressed her hand on his. “Our fourth anniversary is still in next month. Open it then.”
Edmond smiled and kissed the corner of her lips. “Alright,” he said softly, placing the box on a nearby shelf with care, as if it were the most precious gift in the world.
Watching him do it, her thoughts run wild. 'Edmond, are you just that good at pretending, or do you truly believe you can love two people at once?'
She swallowed the ache in her throat as her thoughts continued, 'This will be the last thing I ever give you. I hope it brings you the happiness I can’t anymore.'
The next morning, Haven woke to Edmond’s kisses. His touch was urgent and his desire was palpable. After weeks of being “away on business,” his restraint had finally snapped.
But as his lips traced her skin, all Haven could think about was Hattie. The same fiery passion Edmond now showed her, she knew he had likely shared with someone else. The thought turned her stomach, and a wave of nausea rolled through her.
Third Person's POV
Haven pushed Edmond away and rushed into the bathroom, covering her mouth as she retched.
She ended up throwing up, her face pale as paper.
Edmond followed her in, patting her back gently with concern. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Handing her some water to rinse her mouth, Edmond looked remorseful. “It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been taking good care of you. From now on, I’ll stay by your side and help you take better care of your health. You probably haven’t been eating properly again. You only listen when I’m watching over you.”
His voice was full of tenderness, every word laced with care and affection.
After rinsing her mouth, Haven replied, “I’m fine. My stomach has just been a little upset lately.”
Hearing that, Edmond stepped out and returned with a card. “This is for a new restaurant that just opened. It’s very clean, and I know you’ll like the flavors. This is a lifetime membership card. When I’m not home, you can take Leigh there to eat.”
Haven stared at the card in her hand, puzzled. What kind of restaurant gives out lifetime memberships to its customers?
Edmond thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I don’t have any plans today. Why don’t I take both of you there? We can try the food, and I can ask the chef to remember your preferences.”
As he spoke, Edmond had already picked out an outfit for Haven and was crouched down helping her put on her shoes.
Even though he had achieved great success, Edmond never acted superior around her. He treated her with the same tenderness and care as always. If Haven hadn’t seen the truth with her own eyes, she would never have doubted him in this lifetime.
But Edmond, why did you have to change?
When the three of them arrived at the restaurant, looking every bit the picture of a happy family, a couple preparing for their wedding was there to finalize their reservation. The bride-to-be immediately recognized Edmond and Haven and ran over, visibly excited.
“Are you Mr. and Mrs. Warner? This is amazing! I never imagined I’d meet you here. I’ve memorized your love story by heart. I used to be against marriage, but your story inspired me to believe in love and take this step.”
The bride-to-be pulled her fiancé over. “Look, this is the kind of love I want us to have.”
Her fiancé extended a friendly hand to Edmond. “Mr. Warner, it’s an honor to meet you. You’re a role model for marriage. I’ll make sure to treat my wife with the same devotion after we’re married.”
Listening to their words, Haven felt sadness well up inside her.
She wanted to tell the bride-to-be that their love wasn’t worth emulating.
But seeing the happiness and anticipation in her eyes as she looked forward to married life, Haven could only offer her blessings. “I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.”
In her heart, she silently added, 'Don’t end up like me.'
After the couple left, Haven took her daughter’s hand and sat down. However, Edmond, who had promised to enjoy the meal with them, was instead engrossed with his phone.
Their daughter, Leigh, tilted her head and asked in her sweet voice, “Daddy, what are you doing?”
Edmond froze for a moment at her question. He glanced at Haven, then gently reassured them, “Haven, the company is working on a new project right now. You and Leigh should eat more.”
'A new project?' Haven doubted inwardly then her gaze fell on the reflection of his phone screen in the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses. It was showing a girl in a sexy black outfit dancing provocatively.
That girl was none other than Hattie, the student she and Edmond had sponsored together for university.
It turned out Hattie had become an influencer.
Just a second before Edmond looked up to reassure her and their daughter, pretending to be busy with work, he had sent Hattie two lavish virtual gifts—the “Tiktok Universe.”
As Haven nodded and picked up some food for her daughter, Edmond bowed his head again, continuing to flood Hattie’s livestream with more Tiktok Universe.
Third Person's POV
Haven unlocked her phone and searched for Hattie’s livestream.
Soon, the stream’s title popped up in bold letters, read as [My boyfriend upset me today. Let’s see if he can make it up to me.]
Onscreen, Hattie pouted at the camera, flashing a radiant smile as Edmond’s endless barrage of “TikTok Universe” gifts lit up the chat. “Don’t think I’ll forgive you so easily just because of this,” she teased coyly.
Then, a comment appeared on the screen, written by Edmond using his fan account: [Change your outfit. Don’t make me angry.]
Instead of complying, Hattie shook her head and stubbornly refused, “No way. Who told you to ditch me today? If you won’t keep me company, I’ve got plenty of fans who will.”
As such, the chat immediately erupted with provocative comments.
[Commentator 1: Beauty, if your big shot won’t spoil you, I will.]
[Commentator 2: Who could resist pampering a beauty like you?]
[Commentator 3: Add me on WhatsApp, baby. I’m head over heels for you.]
Having read the comments, Haven glanced at Edmond, who was also watching the livestream. As expected, his face had darkened, and he gripped his phone tightly.
Moments later, the second phone on Hattie’s table lit up during the stream. She glanced at it and then turned back to the camera with a bashful smile. “Well, since you gave me a restaurant, I’ll let it slide this time.”
The audience was skeptical. After all, what kind of boyfriend casually gifts a restaurant just to make a girl happy?
Viewers bombarded the chat the second time around, but this time, accusing her of exaggerating for attention.
Hattie bit her lip, feigning indignation. “I’m not some shameless influencer chasing clout. My boyfriend always keeps his promises. The deed for the restaurant will arrive soon, you'll see.”
Meanwhile, hearing the word restaurant, Haven’s heart, which had already felt lifeless, trembled slightly.
'Please, not this restaurant. Please, let it not be this one,' she repeatedly wished inwardly.
But reality never aligned with her hopes.
When Hattie proudly held up the property deed in front of the camera, flaunting the deep love and indulgence showered upon her, Haven’s heart clenched so painfully it felt as if she couldn’t breathe.
On the other hand, Edmond, oblivious of being caught, continued sending “TikTok Universe” gifts, following up with another comment. [Since you’ve got the gift, change your outfit. I don’t want any other man seeing your beauty.]
Feeling satisfied now, Hattie blew a kiss at the camera. “Anything for you, honey. Love you the most.”
Haven’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone, her eyes flicking up sharply to Edmond. He sat just a few feet away, smiling indulgently at his screen as he replied to messages, utterly oblivious to the storm raging inside her.
Her already broken heart twisted in unbearable pain.
The man, who once burned with youthful passion and vowed to love her forever, now felt like a stranger—a shell of the man she thought she knew.
“Haven? Are you okay?” Edmond’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. He had noticed her pale complexion and set his phone down, flipping it face-down on the table. Concern etched across his face, he reached out to her.
His eyes were so tender, so filled with apparent love, that no one would ever believe he was capable of betrayal. The irony stung like salt in a wound to Haven.
Forcing herself to stay composed, she inhaled deeply before murmuring, “I’m fine, just feeling… a bit weak.”
Her frail health had always been a concern for Edmond. He gently stroked her back and spoke softly, “In a few days, we’ll go see the doctor again. I can’t leave you home alone if you’re not well—it worries me too much.”
His care seemed flawless, almost convincing.
Leigh, on the other hand, rested her little face in her hands, watching her parents with wide-eyed admiration. “When I grow up, I want to find a boyfriend just like Daddy!” she announced innocently.
But her innocent declaration brought a fleeting, bitter smile to Haven’s lips.
