I knew her childhood had been rough, with her parents treating her differently from her brother. She had always lacked love, and I had been the one to cherish and protect her during our relationship. Everything good, I gave to her without hesitation.

If she had just said, "Mark, don't listen to my mom. Let's make a life together without worrying about money," I would have given her everything I had, happily.

But all she said was, "My mom is doing this for me."

My heart went cold.

I finally understood—some things just aren't meant to be.

The bride price was initially agreed at 680,000 dollars. I loved Cindy, and that amount was fair. I had meticulously prepared for the wedding over three months. But for her mother to change the terms on the wedding day—this was a humiliation I couldn't swallow.

Looking at the best man and bridesmaid, their expressions filled with mixed emotions, I felt like the biggest joke.

So, this was how our three years of love ended.

I glanced at the wedding photo beside the bed—the one of us at the beach—and felt a sharp pain in my heart. But at least, there was one person who was willing to marry me.

"Then how about this—Grace White, if I give you a million dollars, will you marry me?" I turned to the bridesmaid, her makeup flawless, looking surprised.

"...Mark Jones, I will," she replied. Grace and I had grown up together, childhood friends. Afraid of making Cindy jealous, we had kept our friendship a secret.

If anyone could diffuse the situation, it was Grace. She knew I was joking out of spite.

Besides, her grandfather was gravely ill, and her family desperately needed money. I wouldn't take advantage of her situation. I would compensate her later regardless.

"You... you two!" Cindy finally panicked. "When did you two start seeing each other? You scum!"

"In these three years, you have checked my phone every time. Was there ever a girl in my contact list? I've always been faithful to you. And now your family has done this to me." My anger flared, veins bulging on my temples.

In our three years together, I had never raised my voice at Cindy. Seeing my outburst, she was momentarily stunned.

Grabbing Grace's hand, I walked out, ignoring Cindy and her mother's screams and insults behind me.

"Mom, this is all your fault!"

"Mark, Mark, come back! I was just joking!"

What a joke, indeed. It sure didn't seem like a joke just a moment ago.