Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire. Andrew Lloyd couldn't believe his ears. "Christie," he asked, "what do you mean? What happened to our promise?"

They had agreed to marry the day Stevens Corporation went public, a culmination of their three-year courtship.

"Andrew," Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her stunning features radiating grace, "don't you think the gap between us has grown too wide? We're from different worlds now. Forcing this relationship won't benefit either of us. For me, it would be... a burden."

A burden? Andrew was stunned. He hadn't anticipated such a response. Without his help, the Stevens family would have been bankrupt long ago, let alone poised for a public offering. He had, in effect, shaped Christina's success.

"I understand this is difficult," he said. "Consider it a debt I owe you. After we cancel the wedding, I'll give you a settlement—cash, a villa, and a luxury car. That should ensure your comfort."

Christina produced a pen and checkbook from her designer purse. She wrote down a figure: 1.2 million. Andrew felt as if he were looking at a stranger.

"Is this all our years together are worth to you? Just numbers?" he asked.

Christina's perfect features flickered with complexity before settling into indifference. "If you think it's insufficient, I can add more. Name your price."

Andrew stared, pain evident in his eyes. He hadn't meant to imply the amount was inadequate.

"So, you're determined to end this marriage?"

Christina pressed her lips together, gazing out the window. "If that's how you see it, I have nothing more to say."

She was a CEO with a net worth exceeding $150 million, courted by countless admirers in Jayrodale. Andrew, from any perspective, no longer fit into her world, not even intellectually. This marriage was simply too ordinary for her.

"I never imagined years of love, countless shared moments, would lose to a fear of the commonplace. It's no surprise—you're the CEO of Stevens Corporation, Jayrodale's golden girl, with countless admirers. And I'm... a nobody, clearly unworthy of Ms. Stevens."

Andrew chuckled bitterly.

Christina's brow furrowed. "Andrew, I admit you've done much for me, but this... isn't what I want. Forget it. Take the money. Consider it compensation." She pushed the check toward him.

Andrew didn't look at it. "A $1.2 million breakup fee? How generous, Ms. Stevens. But I don't need it."

He stood and headed for the door.

Christina's frown deepened. "Andrew, take the money. Don't be foolish. A doctor like you could never earn this much in a lifetime."

Andrew ignored her. The sum wasn't necessary.

"Hold it right there," a voice called. A woman, dripping in jewelry and flamboyant makeup, entered.

Andrew recognized her immediately. "Aunt Irene!"

It was Christina's mother, Irene Cowell.

"Hmph, drop the 'Aunt Irene,' we're not that close! If you're leaving, take your things. Our mansion has no room for your junk," Irene barked. She tossed a small box and a credit card at Andrew. The warmth on his face vanished. It was his engagement ring and the money he'd saved for their wedding.

"Aunt Irene, you wanted this too? I thought I always treated you with respect."

Irene laughed harshly. "What's the matter, Andrew? Did I hit a nerve?"

"Mom, watch your mouth!" Christina snapped.

Irene continued, "Why should I? He's a dreamer chasing the impossible. Does he think he can marry into our family? Not a chance!" She added, "Oh, and Andrew, Christina will soon be engaged to Harvey Weller. You're not in Harvey's league."

Andrew looked at Christina icily. She'd found someone new before even ending things with him.

Christina avoided his gaze. "The Weller family is a powerhouse in Jayrodale, with influence across military, political, and business sectors. An alliance between our families is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's a chance to transform my life."

Andrew smiled. "Is that so? Well then, allow this poor nobody to wish you and the Stevens family all the best in your social climbing."

He left without another glance.

Watching him go, Christina felt a whirlwind of emotions. She'd expected anger, pleas for reconsideration. Instead, Andrew had remained unnervingly calm, even indifferent.

"Mom, do you think I went too far?"

Irene scoffed. "Too far? That good-for-nothing thinking he could marry you—that's going too far!" She chuckled. "Just wait until Harvey gets back, sweetie. Once you two are engaged, the Stevens family will skyrocket. As for Andrew, he's nothing. Thankfully, he's cooperative. Otherwise, I would've taught him a lesson he'd never forget!"

Christina remained silent, feeling an inexplicable emptiness. Something irreplaceable had vanished from her life.