Everyone in our social circle knows that my greatest hobby, as the heiress of the Sterling family, is keeping a "fish pond"—a collection of suitors. Liam, the illegitimate son of the rival Thorne family, fell in love with me at first sight. He willingly became the "other man," shamelessly pursuing me, nearly losing his life in the process, until he finally won me over. But three years later, right before our wedding, he told me he couldn't marry me. I raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why?" He was silent for a moment. "I think... I don't love you anymore." I nodded calmly. "That's your problem. Deal with it yourself." I'm not unlovable. Three years ago, you were the one who begged to be the only fish in my pond. Now you want to just swim away? Life isn't that easy. 1 I am the only daughter of the Sterling family. The reason I'm an "only" child is because my father is a deeply affectionate scumbag. Affectionate because he loved my mother so much he couldn't bear to see her suffer through childbirth again, so he got a vasectomy after I was born. A scumbag because he always believed that loving his wife and having affairs were two different things. The one at home is to be cherished and pampered. The ones outside are just for fun, disposable. But my mother didn't see it that way. In her eyes, a husband could be messy, lazy, even complain about her spending or temper. But he could never be unfaithful. No matter how rich he was. She couldn't tolerate it. So, when I was ten, she died of a broken heart. My father poured all his guilt and love onto me. He was terrified I would repeat my mother's tragedy. So, he encouraged me to "keep a fish pond." He taught me how to judge men, how to distinguish quality. He told me men are a necessary part of life—even if not for intimacy, someone needs to change lightbulbs or move heavy furniture. But never pin all your hopes on one person. The world is big, the variety of fish is endless. Within moral limits, taste them all. However, he repeatedly warned me: once you decide to marry, only one fish can remain in the pond. Because marriage is sacred. It means "until death do us part." So, cherish it. He said this with eyes full of sorrow—a regret he could never repay in a lifetime. Of course, that didn't stop him from keeping his own fish pond. 2 Liam Thorne was the fish I decided to keep. He wasn't the most dazzling one in my pond, but he was the most persistent. Others came and went. I'd wave my hand, and they'd swim away. Only him—he dove in and refused to leave. Even if I fished him out, he'd swim back desperately. When he pursued me, my heart was set on a prettier fish. He didn't mind being the spare tire. Later, when I lost interest in that fish and looked at him for the first time, he was ecstatic. But my interest waned quickly. Soon, I was attracted to a new variety. He was hurt but never left, like a stone guarding the bottom of the pond, silent and resolute. Unknowingly, he became the longest-resident fish in my pond. Until that car accident. In a life-or-death moment, he threw himself over me. People are easily moved by "life and death" devotion. My heart softened, fluttered, and moved. I, who never believed in deep affection, actually considered clearing out my pond for him. Later, we got engaged. That night, Liam got drunk and hugged the fish tank in my living room, muttering, "I'm willing to be your fish forever..." My father stood on the balcony, smoking, watching him for a long time before saying flatly, "This fish is stupid enough." For three years, Liam was consistent, gentle, and considerate. Although I cleared my pond for him, I never agreed to marry him. Until six months ago, I finally nodded. Liam was as happy as a child. My father told me earnestly, "Treat him well." So, for six months, I curbed my temper. I learned to compromise, to be gentle. I tried to be a qualified "Mrs. Thorne." And he worked desperately, planning the wedding and building our future. He said he wanted to give me a grand wedding and a future worthy of me. 3 I always knew people were fickle. But I didn't expect that in just three months, Liam would want to become the pond owner himself. Three months ago, my father sent me to Boston to negotiate a project. I thought it would be a few days. It turned into three months. The day I returned, I walked in and saw the only fish in my tank floating belly up. It seemed dead. I squatted in front of the tank for a long time, feeling an inexplicable irritation. That night, Liam picked me up from Sterling Corp for dinner. Just as the car stopped, the passenger window rolled down. A smiling face peeked out. "Miss Sterling." It was her. Summer. The scholarship student Liam had sponsored for years. He mentioned he had sponsored over a dozen kids since he was ten, but she was the only one who truly made it out of poverty thanks to him. So, he cared for her deeply. He sent books, called after exams, discussed her future. Last year, Summer joined Thorne Corp and even visited Liam's home. Everything seemed above board. But a woman's intuition is unreasonable. My gut told me this girl was eyeing the obedient fish in my pond. I looked at her without speaking. She panicked and explained, "I... twisted my ankle. Mr. Thorne gave me a ride. Sorry to disturb your date." Liam got out of the driver's seat, walked over, and held my hand naturally. "Bumped into her. Her place was on the way." 4 I didn't quite understand Liam's move. He knew I wasn't one to swallow insults. "Get out." I said coldly, leaving no room for negotiation. "You twisted your ankle, not your hands. Can't call a cab?" Summer stared at me, clearly not expecting me to attack on the spot. "S-sorry." She lowered her head and limped out of the car. Liam frowned, wanting to say something. I didn't even look at him. "Liam, get rid of this car." "You know I don't like dirty things." I paused, then added, "People too." Summer's face went white. She looked at Liam helplessly. But he didn't defend her. Finally, she walked away, looking back three times. Dinner was ruined, obviously. After dropping me off, Liam followed me upstairs. "Why are you making a fuss over a young girl?" He tried to hug me from behind; I dodged. "I'm not making a fuss over her." I looked at him calmly. "Liam, I am warning you." "I don't care what you're thinking. There won't be a next time." It seemed that in the past year, Liam had thrived at Thorne Corp. And because I softened my temper, he thought he could walk all over me. "What could I be thinking?" He sighed, cupped my face, his tone serious and gentle. "Ava, all my thoughts are on you." He sounded emotional. But I didn't believe a word. My dad said men are like kids; if they don't eat dinner at home, they probably filled up on snacks outside. It's harsh but true. If Liam really hadn't seen me for three months, he wouldn't have the mind to care about a girl with a twisted ankle. But seeing the careful sincerity in his eyes, my heart softened for a moment. Whatever. I also... secretly kept a fish for three months. Let's give each other another chance. 5 The next morning, I changed the water in the tank and put in a new fish, identical to the old one. My dad passed by and asked, "Fish died?" I nodded. "But I'm willing to give it another chance." He paused, surprised, but said nothing, just took a drag of his cigarette. I am a vengeful person. Liam was my fish and he saved my life, so I had patience for him. But not for others. So, I called the secretary's office at Thorne Corp. Rumors about Summer exploded in the company. But Liam didn't seem to cherish this chance. Not only did he reorganize the secretaries, he parachuted Summer in as his personal secretary. I didn't question him. I just stopped feeding the fish in the tank. I wanted to see if it would starve to death or swim back on its own. A week later, the fish was dying. When Liam appeared, I was staring at it. Thinking if it behaved, maybe I'd feed it. But it seemed tired of living. "Ava, let's call off the engagement." That was his first sentence. I turned slowly, raising an eyebrow. "Why?" He was silent for a moment. "I think... I don't love you anymore." I nodded calmly. "That's your problem. Deal with it." I'm not unlovable. Three years ago, you begged to be my fish. Now you want to leave? Not that easy. Are the resources and trust I gave you for three years now capital for your betrayal?
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