After a year of relentless pursuit, I finally won her over.
To ease her psychological burden, I suggested we start a business together after graduation.
Half the shares each, sharing risks and profits equally.
Sheena thought about it for a long time before finally agreeing.
In the beginning, the company consisted of just the two of us and a part-time assistant.
She handled the core planning and execution, while I took care of external relations and resource connections.
When the company stabilized and began to take shape, I proposed to her.
She cried—then smiled and nodded.
I thought that was the future I wanted.
I even started planning how to gradually pull away from my family, from the endless social obligations and power games I had grown sick of.
I imagined living a simple life with Sheena, running our company together, building something of our own.
Then everything changed—without warning.
Her childhood friend returned from overseas.
His name was Cooper.
He began appearing frequently, inserting himself into our lives again and again.
Sheena believed he meant well, that it was just concern between old friends.
But to me, his intentions were painfully obvious—barely concealed desire.