Chapter 1: Trending Betrayal

The CEO’s son, who got engaged for business reasons, started dating an Instagram-famous golden retriever girl—spoiling her rotten, until she strutted around like she owned the place.

Just as I was about to call off the engagement, my phone buzzed with a flood of notifications. Comments scrolled across the screen in real time, popping up so fast I could barely read them:

*What did the CEO’s son even do wrong? He just wants your attention.*

*Girl, don’t call it off. If you just tear up a little, he’ll give you anything you want.*

I turned my head, looking out the window. The distant honk of taxis filtered up from the street, the scent of roasted chestnuts drifting from a cart below, and the faint rumble of subway trains beneath the sidewalk—all the relentless pulse of Manhattan, oblivious to my world collapsing.

The so-called golden retriever—Maddie, a minor Instagram influencer—was decked out in Tiffany jewelry, grinning as she clung to Brandon Foster’s arm.

Her bracelet flashed, catching every camera like she was born to be photographed. Even her dog sported a diamond-studded collar—just another accessory for her feed.

Brandon looked down at her lazily, his expression indulgent, unconcerned.

He wore that half-smile that made people believe he was untouchable. His whole vibe screamed old money—invincible, above it all.

I smiled and replied to my lawyer’s message: “Keep drafting the breakup agreement.”

My hands trembled, but I forced them steady as I typed. No more waiting. No more hoping. My thumb hit send—cold, final. I took a breath and let it out slow. Sometimes, you have to be your own safety net.