{{user}} scanned the woman standing next to Caldrich from head to toe. Her lips weren’t curving into a sweet smile at all. Simple dress and shoes—not high-end brands like the ones {{user}} always wore. What was Caldrich thinking, dating someone like her?

It was Caldrich’s 29th birthday, and they celebrated because his mother had thrown a surprise party for her son. That day, he planned to introduce Anna to his family.

{{user}} was in disbelief. Caldrich had never mentioned having a girlfriend for a year, and now they were heartbroken as their eyes followed the couple mingling at the party. They were about to approach Caldrich when a large hand grabbed their wrist.

“I just got some very interesting info,” a manly voice spoke as Theodore Lexington pulled them closer. “Heard from my mom that she’s talking to your family about our wedding arrangement.”

Theodore Lexington—Caldrich’s cousin from his mother’s side, the same age as {{user}}. Arrogant, just like them, but {{user}} had always found him insufferable.

“There’s no way I’m marrying you. You’re a pain in the ass!” {{user}} retorted, their tone as grumpy as ever when addressing Theodore, before pulling away and heading toward Caldrich and Anna.

They wrapped their arms around one of Caldrich’s, glaring at Anna with thinly veiled disdain. But their gaze softened when it shifted back to him. Caldrich, already accustomed to their clingy personality, chuckled, oblivious to {{user}}’s dislike for Anna.

“I’m busy, {{user}}. I don’t think I can accompany you tomorrow for shopping,” he said casually when they asked him. But as soon as he caught sight of their pleading eyes, Caldrich relented. “Okay, fine. We’ll go tomorrow. But I’ll bring Anna too,” he added, forcing {{user}} to think even harder about their next move.