Game Over: No Restart

Imagine dedicating your life to someone, only to discover you were never truly seen. Serena Jansen's world shatters in this captivating **romance** as she confronts the devastating reality of unrequited love. For over a decade, Serena poured her heart and soul into Zach Foster, nurturing their relationship since childhood and supporting his ambitions with unwavering dedication. Her 23rd birthday, also their fifth anniversary, was meant to be a celebration of their enduring bond—a carefully curated evening featuring a homemade dinner, his favorite wine, and a custom-baked cake crafted with weeks of painstaking effort. But the anticipated romantic evening turned into a nightmare when Zach's dismissive message arrived: "Something came up at work. Don't wait for me." The sting of his absence deepened when a social media post revealed Zach enjoying a concert with Wendy, a seemingly innocent girl Serena had once befriended. The cufflinks he wore—a bespoke gift from Serena—were a cruel confirmation of his betrayal. This was not an isolated incident. Zach consistently prioritized Wendy, excusing his actions by claiming she was fragile and needed his protection. Serena's role gradually shifted from cherished partner to an overlooked and underappreciated girlfriend. The weight of this emotional neglect became unbearable when Zach returned late, feigning apology with a birthday gift, only to rush out again after a frantic call from Wendy. Wendy's subsequent smug messages, flaunting her night out and the diamond bracelet Zach gifted her—a bracelet Serena had once admired—pushed Serena beyond her breaking point. The jewelry's hidden meaning, "eternal happiness for the truly loved," exposed the harsh truth: Zach's heart belonged to another. The pain of rejection ignites a fire within Serena. She recognizes that her kindness and sacrifices have only enabled others to take advantage of her. On her birthday, alone with her thoughts, she decides to reclaim her life and her future. No longer willing to settle for second place, she accepts an arranged engagement proposed by her father. It's a strategic move, not a romantic one. With her family's legacy at stake, Serena is ready to play a game far more intricate than love. Is Serena truly ready to sacrifice love for power, and can she navigate the treacherous world of family politics without losing herself in the process?