I had brought up the idea of engagement with Mathias before.
After losing my parents, a constant sense of insecurity clung to me like a shadow. But I also knew that rushing into marriage could affect Mathias’s career, so I had trod carefully, testing the waters with caution.
"If getting married is too complicated right now, could we at least get engaged first?"
Mathias had only sighed, rubbing his temples in exhaustion.
"Irene, I’m really tired right now. I don’t have time to deal with these trivial matters. Can you be understanding?"
"When I have time, I’ll make it up to you."
Back then, I never would have imagined that, despite his company being on the brink of going public, with assets under evaluation, Mathias could suddenly find so much time to ensure our engagement made headlines.
During a break in the photoshoot, I happened to glance at his phone.
The screen was flooded with missed calls and unread messages, all from an unmarked number.
A flicker of curiosity took hold. Without thinking, I quickly searched the number on social media.
An account appeared instantly.
The name left no room for doubt.
Nathalia.
I had meant to exit the screen. But in my panic, my finger slipped.