The Charismatic Zane with System

New York City.

“She’s going to love this gift.” Zane Christopher, twenty-five, smiled with pure joy as he gazed at the red velvet box in his hands. Today marked the fifth anniversary of his relationship with his girlfriend, Lucy Bair.

The diamond inside sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight, and Zane couldn’t stop imagining the look of happiness on her face when she finally saw it.

He pedaled his bike toward the towering Étoile Entertainment building. After parking it by the gate, he walked up to the receptionist and gave Lucy’s name.

“There are no job openings here. Please go somewhere else,” the pretty woman said, her tone sharp as her eyes swept over his worn white shirt.

“I’m not here for a job,” Zane replied patiently. “I need to see Lucy Bair. I have something for her, and it’s important that I give it to her in person.”

“Miss Lucy can’t be disturbed. She’s in rehearsal for the fashion show later. You can leave it with me—I’ll make sure she gets it.”

“This is really important. Please, just let me see her for a moment. I promise it won’t take long.” Zane’s voice carried a hint of desperation.

“You’re so stubborn! And besides, Miss Lucy would never want to meet with a poor guy like you! Get out! You think I’m stupid? I know you’re just some obsessed fan trying to sneak in! I’m sick of people like you!”

Zane sighed in frustration and walked back to the parking lot to call Lucy. He tapped his phone nervously.

Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot answer at the moment. Please try again later.

He exhaled sharply, staring at the screen in disappointment. For weeks now, Lucy hadn’t answered any of his calls.

Deep down, Zane knew this might end in disappointment. But what choice did he have? He couldn’t bear the aching loneliness anymore—it had been almost three months since he’d last seen her, thanks to her packed schedule.

Sometimes he regretted paying for all her training, turning her into a famous star. That success came at a cost—their time together.

He looked again at the velvet box in his hands. With a heavy heart, he turned to leave and head back to his apartment—until a voice stopped him.

“I love you, my honey.”

Zane froze. That voice… it was unmistakable.

“Lucy?” He looked around, scanning for the source. The sound was coming from a sleek car parked nearby.

He moved closer and could faintly make out a silhouette of a woman draped around a man’s arm inside. Even from the shadows, he knew it was her.

Shock hit him like a tidal wave. His chest burned. What is she doing with that man? Is she… cheating on me?

He shook his head furiously. No. Lucy loves me. She must be rehearsing for a movie scene or something.

Step by step, he edged closer, straining to see through the tinted glass. Nothing but dark shapes met his eyes.

“You’re so handsome, baby. I’m lucky to have a boyfriend like you,” Lucy’s sweet voice cooed again.

Zane tried to stay positive, but the more he listened, the more it tore him apart. His heart splintered at every word of affection she gave another man.

Is she really cheating? His chest felt like it was being crushed.

With one swift motion, Zane yanked the car door open. His eyes widened in disbelief as the velvet box slipped from his grasp, hitting the pavement. His pulse stopped cold.

“Lucy…!” His jaw clenched, fists curling tight.

“Zane!” Lucy’s face went pale as she shot up from Danzel’s lap, scrambling to fix her half-open red dress. “S-since when were you here?!”

The woman jumped out of the car, shutting the door to block Danzel from view.

“What the hell are you doing with him?! Who is he?!” Zane’s fury erupted.

“H-he’s…” Lucy glanced nervously at Danzel, now standing confidently beside her. “He’s just—”

“I’m her boyfriend!” Danzel declared boldly.

“Danzel!” Lucy gasped. “What are you saying? Are you crazy?”

“No point hiding it anymore, babe.” Danzel wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, his eyes burning with smug arrogance. “Now that he knows, stay away from her. You’ll only ruin her career.”

“You bastard!” Zane swung his fist at Danzel.

“Stop it! Don’t you dare hurt him!”

“Why the hell are you defending this jerk?!” Zane’s voice cracked with anguish.

“Danzel is right! He’s my boyfriend now!” Lucy’s tone was sharp, final.

Zane froze. He stared at her like she’d just stabbed him in the chest. “Have you forgotten everything I did for you? Your success, it’s all because of me! How could you betray me like this?”

“I’ve been using you from the start. I never loved you. Who would date a useless, broke loser like you anyway?”

The words shattered him. Lucy, the only reason he’d fought so hard to survive after losing his parents and growing up in a filthy orphanage, was now ripping his soul apart.

“Life is about being realistic, Zane. You’re just too naive. With Danzel, my future is secure,” she added coldly.

Danzel smirked in triumph. “You made the right choice, babe.” He sealed his victory by kissing Lucy on the lips, right in front of Zane.

“YOU BASTARD!” Zane lunged and punched Danzel hard, sending him crashing into the car.

“Stop it, you psycho!” Lucy shoved Zane and slapped him across the face. “How dare you hurt my boyfriend! Leave now, or I’ll call the cops!”

“I’m your boyfriend, not him!” Zane roared, consumed by despair.

Danzel chuckled darkly, wiping the blood from his lip. “I’m the one who made her famous, not you. Imagine the scandal if people found out America’s darling was dating some pathetic nobody like you. Is that what you want? To ruin her life?”

“You—” Zane lunged again, but Lucy blocked him.

“Enough, you jerk! Don’t you dare touch Danzel! Get out! I never want to see you again!”

“But—”

“And he’s right! You’re poor and worthless! Without him, I’m nothing! That’s why I’m ending this. We’re over!”

“Stop saying that! It’s not funny! I’m the only one who truly loves you—not him!”

“I don’t care! Get out of my life forever!”

Zane stood frozen, like lightning had struck him. His eyes wide, his lips trembling.

“Are you deaf?! Get out before I have security drag your sorry ass out of here!” Danzel snapped.

“I’m not leaving without Lucy, damn it!”

“You’re pathetic!” Danzel made a quick call, and moments later, several burly men appeared. They beat Zane mercilessly, leaving him bloodied and broken before dumping him by a trash bin.

Those bastards…

When they finally left, Zane staggered to his feet, limping through the pouring rain, soaked to the bone.

He wandered aimlessly down the street, hollow and lost, his will to live crumbling with every step. His entire existence felt meaningless now.

“I swear… I’ll make them pay!”

[Congratulations! You have obtained the Prosperity System]

[First Mission: Kiss a Model]

[Reward: Mystery]

“What the hell…?”