A 25-year-old architect named Aiden has been in a secret five-year relationship with Vivian, his mother’s wealthy, well-connected best friend. Vivian once promised to go public with their relationship after Aiden graduated, but she unexpectedly shows up at Aiden’s home with a “new boyfriend” to meet his mother, openly flaunting their romance right in front of him and treating him like a total stranger.
She even makes Aiden pick up their custom engraved commitment ring and select a birthday gift for her new partner.
Devastated and completely disillusioned, Aiden ends the relationship for good. He quietly moves to a new firm where he lands a promotion and a raise, and eventually falls in love with and marries Claire — his sincere, supportive female department director.
When Vivian comes to regret her choices and kneels at his wedding begging for forgiveness, Aiden only says one thing:
“We never started.”
