The Wedding That Wasn't Mine

On the day I successfully conceived through IVF, my CEO boyfriend—the sole heir to a nine-generation business empire—finally agreed to marry me.

Yet, after a flight of more than ten hours, I landed only to be greeted by a public announcement of his marriage to his secretary, with journalists watching from every angle.

The secretary eagerly showed off the marriage certificate, fresh off the press.

"Don't worry, everyone. From now on, I'll personally supervise Mr. Lane for the rest of our lives."

When the journalists spotted me, they all focused on me, hoping I'd cause a scene.

However, I merely smiled and congratulated the couple. "You and Mr. Lane are perfect for each other, Ms. Quinn. I wish you both a long and happy marriage."

Everyone was shocked.

No one had expected such generosity from me—Harold's girlfriend of nine years.

As I turned to leave, Harold darted over to defend himself with a scowl.

"Leila worked day and night with me on this international project. She refused every bonus and only asked to experience the fairy-tale romance of marrying a CEO. We already agreed to divorce once the project is over. I'll make it up to you with an even bigger, better wedding."

Then, his voice softened. "For the sake of our baby, don't cause trouble, okay?"

With a bright smile, I slapped his hand away. "Who told you the baby's yours?"

Nine Years Wasted

Once I finished speaking, I turned around and left, ignoring Harold Lane's shocked expression.

He grabbed my arm and stepped in front of me, his expression dark and stern.

"What's the meaning of this? Was it not enough for you to embarrass me? Now, you're going to piss me off by using the child?

"Nina, how many times must I explain it? This is just a reward! You know how hard Leila worked. Why can't you just let her have it?"

I burst out laughing, furious as I retorted with a reminder.

"I was also part of that international project. In fact, many in the company worked hard for it in the past six months. It wasn't just her."

As far as I knew, Leila Quinn's only contribution had been serving drinks during meetings and ordering takeaway for everyone.

Even without her, we would still have completed the project.

I looked straight into Harold's eyes and asked, "So are you saying you'll generously agree to marry anyone who asks to experience a wedding with a company CEO, Mr. Lane?"

As soon as I said that, his hand tightened around mine as anger filled his gaze.

"Are you throwing a tantrum just because of a mere wedding? Nina, when did you become so petty?"

A mere wedding?

I dated him for nine whole years. Over and over again, I'd bring up the idea of getting married, but every time, he'd wave it off with an excuse.

At first, it was because he had just taken over the company and his position was still unstable, so he was not in the mood to get married. Later, he said we would marry once his position became more secure. After that, he said we would only marry after I trained someone to replace me.

Not once did I doubt him.

For that promise of a marriage, I refused offers from multiple great companies. I even stayed by his side and helped him, even if I was not paid well.

There were multiple nights when I stayed up late, working overtime for the company's projects. Despite being hospitalized from overworking, I never complained.

Then, last year, he told me his parents wanted me to get pregnant first. As long as I was carrying his child, we would get married.

I thought that would finally be our happy ending.

Thus, when he proposed conceiving a child via in vitro fertilization, I did not change my mind, even though I knew how much pain I would have to endure.

Even during treatment, I never dared to let work slip. The moment each session ended, I returned to the office to follow up on projects.

Due to the high stress, I suffered a bout of depression and nearly ended it all. The only reason I clung to life was his promise to marry me.

I had pushed through six exhausting months. I thought I'd be welcomed with eternal happiness when I returned to the country. To my surprise, the wedding I've always dreamed of became a reward for someone else.

"You've waited for nine years anyway. Is it that hard to wait a few more months?"

His dismissive complaint snapped me out of my thoughts.

The impatience on his face made my heart twist in pain, as if it had been pierced by a thousand needles.

For the first time, I truly understood.

Maybe he had simply grown used to me solving every problem for him. Maybe he had never loved me at all.

Otherwise, how could he dismiss the nine years I had spent waiting for him so easily?