Two years ago, after Cedric Hele broke up with Snow Lyson, Joy Letherdale knew her chance had come. She stayed by his side as he drank himself senseless, keeping him company through his loneliness and comforting him when he was down. One night, Cedric knocked on her door, reeking of alcohol. But at the last moment, he called out Snow's name. Joy loved Cedric. She could live with the fact that he still had feelings for Snow, but she couldn't let him humiliate her like that. So she summoned all her strength and pushed him away, holding on to the last shred of her dignity. Cedric said he needed time to think about their relationship. They didn't speak for the next two weeks. Then today, he messaged her and asked to meet. Joy was thrilled. She thought she had finally waited long enough. But… At the hot pot restaurant, Cedric put an arm around Snow's shoulders. "Joy, Snow's back. We're back together." At the same restaurant, Cedric gestured toward a refined-looking man. "Joy, this is Jonah Hoez. He's a good guy. I think you two would make a great match." In that moment, Joy felt as if she'd fallen into an ice cellar. The hot pot steamed around her, leaving her damp with sweat. The air-conditioning was so warm that she'd taken off her down jacket, yet she still felt cold. She wrapped both hands around the cup of hot water the server had just poured, her palms pressed tight against the scalding sides. She even wanted to take a sip. She wanted to see if boiling water could warm a heart gone cold. But before the cup reached her lips, a hand reached over and snatched it away. Joy looked up in bewilderment. The man who had taken her cup was Jonah Hoez.