Chapter 2 You Are No Longer Worthy of Me

• "Ms. Audrey, your future husband chosen by Old Mr. Morales has finally arrived!"
• In a modestly furnished private room on the second floor, the Morales's butler, Alfred, peered through the floor-to-ceiling glass and eagerly pointed out Nelson, who had just entered downstairs, to a striking young woman seated nearby.
• This woman, appearing to be in her early twenties, wore a smart office outfit that accentuated her hourglass figure.
• Her features were exquisitely refined and flawless, almost like she had stepped out of a painting. With such a blend of beauty and elegance, a mere glance from her could captivate anyone.
• Yet, there was a hint of aloofness in her gaze, and her presence exuded a coldness akin to unmelting ice, making her seem unapproachable.
• Her name was Audrey Morales, the sole daughter of Roger Morales, Cloudhaven's wealthiest man and the billionaire CEO of Morales Group. She was renowned as the most beautiful woman in Cloudhaven!
• Despite her busy schedule, Audrey had come to Peninsular Café due to her grandfather's arrangement. He had allegedly arranged her marriage years ago and insisted she meet her future husband here; he even sent her a photo of Nelson!
• She found this outdated practice of arranged marriages distasteful. After all, finding a husband was not a challenge she faced.
• She had come solely because her grandfather mentioned her future husband was a disciple of a renowned doctor.
• Her grandfather had suffered from a chronic illness for years, defying all medical expertise. Recently, his condition had worsened, leaving half of his body nearly paralyzed. Despite numerous consultations, no one could identify the cause.
• Her grandfather, who had always doted on her and whom she deeply respected, was someone she cared for deeply.
• Concerned about his declining health, Audrey had come with the hope that Nelson, the student of a miracle healer highly recommended by her grandfather, might offer assistance in saving him.
• Audrey glanced downstairs at Nelson and noted that, apart from his decent appearance, there was nothing particularly remarkable about him. Nevertheless, politeness was necessary, given her need for his help.
• Standing up, she remarked, "Since he's here, let's go greet him. After all, he's the disciple of a renowned doctor."
• The butler, Alfred, was so delighted that his face turned red. He mused that Audrey was finally taking initiative and was willingly preparing to greet someone. This was unprecedented given her usual aloof demeanor. This blind date seems promising indeed!
• Audrey was about to descend the stairs when she saw Nelson, through the glass, walking directly toward a couple seated near the first-floor window, his eyes fixed upon them. Instinctively, she paused, a glint of curiosity in her beautiful eyes.
• "S-Sadie, w-why are you ... "
• Nelson stood by the table, his eyes bloodshot and his body trembling as he gazed at the woman passionately kissing the man beside her. Even if he were blind, he couldn't mistake her—his beloved girlfriend, Sadie, whom he had longed for over the past five years!
• To witness her with another man, unaware of his presence right before them, was a blow harsher than he could have ever imagined.
• "Ah!"
• Hearing Nelson's voice, Sadie reacted with a startled gasp.
• She quickly lowered her head, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Nelson, you're so late. I thought you weren't coming," she said awkwardly.
• The man beside her, however, showed no sign of embarrassment. Instead, he smirked at Nelson with a disdainful look in his eyes.
• "Sadie! What is happening here? Did you call me here just to watch you kiss another man? What do you think of me?"
• Glaring at his girlfriend, who had matured and become even more beautiful compared to five years ago, Nelson's words came out through clenched teeth.
• He had waited five years for her and endured countless hardships to be worthy of her.
• He had returned this time with the intention of swiftly marrying her and ensuring she had a brilliant future. But now, faced with this betrayal, his heart felt shattered, and anger surged within him.
• "Sadie, now that this loser has seen us, just tell him the truth! You asked him out to break up with him anyway," sneered the man beside her.
• Nelson exclaimed, 'Warren, it's you!'
• Turning to Sadie's side, Nelson suddenly realized with a jolt that the man beside her was Warren Hampton, his former classmate from university.
• Warren hailed from a wealthy family and had pursued Sadie vigorously during their college days. Even after Sadie chose Nelson, Warren had persistently caused trouble for him, leveraging his family's influence.
• Who could have guessed that after five years, Warren was still trying to steal Sadie away!
• "Yes, Nelson, it's me! It's been five long years since we last met. I heard you joined the military before finishing college. Seems like things haven't been going well for you. Look at those clothes—have you washed them at all? You seem like you've fallen into poverty!"
• Warren wrinkled his nose as if Nelson emitted an offensive odor, his eyes filled with scorn. He went on, "Honestly, Sadie returned from her overseas studies a year ago. She just didn't bother telling you.
• "Surprised, huh? Sadie has been my girlfriend for the past year. The only reason we invited you here today is because you generously let Sadie take that opportunity to study abroad, and as your acquaintance, I wanted to thank you.
• "Now that you've seen us together, we might as well just get this straight: Sadie is breaking up with you. You, a country boy, are no longer worthy of her. Only I am suitable to be her man!"
• Warren leaned closer to Nelson, smirking, "I should thank you, though. You didn't make a move on Sadie back then, so I had the pleasure of being her first. You really are a loser, aren't you?"
• Nelson's fists clenched tightly, veins bulging in his arms upon hearing those insults.
• The thought of Sadie spending the past year with Warren made him want to tear them both apart. He had thought she was the one and that she only loved him alone!
• "Why? Why is this happening? Did Warren force you to do this, Sadie? Tell me why you're doing this! Have you forgotten all our years together?"
• Nelson's voice rose, wild with rage as he glared at her. This captured the attention of everyone in the café.
• Sadie gathered herself from the initial shock. She met Nelson's gaze without a hint of shame and said, "Nelson, Warren didn't force me. Let's face it. The impulsive love from our college days doesn't count. We've been apart for five years, and feelings change over time and distance.
• "Besides, we're just not compatible anymore. Think about it—I studied abroad and came back with a degree, and you're just a soldier who didn't even finish college. How could we possibly match?
• "Get a grip, Nelson. I'm not the naive girl I once was. We're through. Warren and I are meant to be together."
• "Haha!"
• Nelson bitterly laughed at himself. How foolish he had been, waiting five long years for a woman who no longer cared about him. He had invested everything in this relationship, only to be betrayed.
• "Nelson, you need to know your place. I suggest you stop bothering Sadie.
• "Oh, by the way, you might already know this: Your family went bankrupt and owes a huge debt.
• "Five years ago, with your family's wealth, you might have been somewhat suitable for Sadie. But now, you're just a stray dog. If you continue bothering Sadie, with the Hamptons' influence in Cloudhaven, I can easily crush you."
• Warren broke the news with a threatening tone. In fact, Nelson's family had never mentioned their bankruptcy to him.
• Sadie stood beside him, her gaze instinctively dropping. It was soon after her return from studying abroad that she discovered Nelson's family had gone bankrupt. It was then she resolved to be with Warren, who continued to pursue her ardently, and to leave Nelson behind.
• Otherwise, she wouldn't have been capable of making such a tough choice. Initially, Nelson was the one she deeply cared for, but love often seemed fragile and weak when confronted with wealth and material possessions.
• "So, you left me for money. I get it now," Nelson said coldly while looking at Sadie with a smirk.
• Perhaps the deeper the love, the deeper the hurt. At that moment, all he felt was resentment.
• He wouldn't let Sadie off lightly for betraying his feelings.