Chapter 5

For this proposal, Shiven had been building momentum for a long time.

He posted a long essay on social media, recalling every bit of our three years together.

Between the lines, he portrayed himself as a devoted and loyal man.

The comment section was full of moved netizens, all saying they believed in love again.

[OMG, staying so sweet through three years of long-distance! What kind of fairy tale love is this!]

[The guy is so handsome and devoted. The girl must have saved the galaxy in her past life!]

[Can't wait for the livestream proposal. You two better be happy!]

Reading those sentences, all I felt was cold mockery.

If these people knew the truth, how would they react?

Shiven sent me the livestream schedule, everything meticulously planned, even my lines were written out.

"Baby, you just need to show up looking beautiful and nod yes."

"I've arranged everything else—lights, sound system, flowers. It'll be perfect."

I glanced at the schedule and casually probed:

"I want to see how the VCR turned out first. What if it's not good and I can't control my expression during the livestream?"

On screen, Shiven's eyes flickered briefly, then he smiled indulgently:

"Silly, if you watch it beforehand, there won't be any surprise. Don't worry, I pulled several all-nighters editing this. It'll definitely move you to tears."

He immediately changed the subject.

After hanging up the video, I looked at the darkened screen.

A surprise?

There would definitely be a surprise, but it would be the one I was giving him.

Since you won't give me the account access, I'll just take it myself.

Last time we met, I saw him log into that account.

The first few characters were my name's initials, followed by a string of numbers.

I entered the username and typed in that password.

[Incorrect password.]

I stared at the screen and tried our birthdays and anniversary dates. None worked.

I suddenly remembered a post on that mistress's profile:

[He always remembers my birthday. So touching.]

I checked the calendar and changed the last four digits to that woman's birthday.

Enter.

[Login successful.]

Seeing the backend interface load, I couldn't help but laugh.

Shiven Smith, oh Shiven Smith, you really are devoted.

The account password starts with my name but ends with your mistress's birthday.

Just like you as a person—wearing human skin on the surface, but rotten to the core inside.

After logging in to the backend, I saw that "touching VCR."

It really was well-edited, full of our photos and videos together.

I replaced it with another video I'd prepared.

The filename was identical, the duration roughly the same, but the content was worlds apart.

Once done, I logged out of the account and cleared all access traces.

That woman's post updated again:

[I heard he's going to propose to that stupid woman.]

[But it's just to make money to support me. That diamond ring brand is paying him a huge promotion fee.]

[He says after the proposal, he'll take me to Europe, using that woman's money.]

I looked at the screen, the anger in my heart burning out, leaving only resolve.

Since you want to put on a show, I'll build you a stage.

On the day of the proposal, the venue was filled with flowers.

A huge screen stood in the center, and onlookers packed the plaza.

Shiven wore a crisp white suit, his hair styled to perfection, the very picture of a refined gentleman.

In the backstage dressing room, he adjusted his bow tie in front of the mirror, his face wearing a smug smile.

I stood in the corner, watching him take out his phone to video call that woman:

"Babe, where are you? Hidden well? Make sure you're not spotted."

"I'm in the second-floor viewing area. Best view in the house. Waiting to watch you perform like a monkey."

Shiven laughed lewdly:

"After the proposal, I'll come find you at the hotel."

"Let you experience what the groom's really capable of."

His words and actions were all captured by the dressing room camera.

The livestream countdown began. Staff came over to tell me to get ready.

I smoothed my skirt and put on a perfect smile.

Shiven stood center stage, holding a microphone, gazing tenderly toward the entrance:

"Today, I'm going to propose to perhaps the woman I'll love most in this lifetime."

"Three years of long-distance, over a thousand days and nights, we've finally made it to today."

Thunderous applause erupted below. Livestream comments flooded the screen, and the viewership shot to the top of the charts.

I walked toward him step by step.

He knelt on one knee, holding up a diamond ring, his eyes reddening:

"Marry me. Let me take care of you for the rest of your life. Will you?"

I took the microphone, looked into his eyes, and said softly:

"Sure. But before I put on the ring, I've also prepared a surprise for you."

"Everyone, please look at the big screen. This is my three-year anniversary gift to you."