Chapter 1

When Jake Miller called off our engagement, everyone said my life was over.

I’d spent five years with him, and my reputation was already in tatters from trying to keep up with his lifestyle.

No one wanted anything to do with a woman like me anymore.

When Jake found a new girlfriend, everyone around me expected me to come crawling back, begging him to take me back like a lost puppy.

But what they didn’t know was that I’d voluntarily agreed to an arranged marriage in Silverport, substituting for my younger sister.

Before I left, I returned the keepsake box Jake had given me when he pursued me, along with the blank promise card he’d hand-delivered to me years ago.

I left with nothing.

It wasn't until the day before Jake’s engagement that he suddenly asked, "She’s been quiet for so long. Is Lana Reed dead?"

Meanwhile, I, who had almost fainted moments ago, was being kissed awake by my new husband. "Be a good girl, Lana. We agreed on four times, not one less…"

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The day Jake suddenly said he wanted to get married.

I hadn’t seen him in three months.

The last time we met, I'd overheard him telling his friends he was bored with me.

The entire room had erupted in laughter.

They laughed at how I’d followed him for five years, compromising my standing just to please him, only to end up abandoned.

Life at the Reed household had been hell for the past three months. A few days ago, my father, Mr. Reed, had been especially violent in his drunken fits, and the bruises on my back still throbbed.

So, when Jake suddenly called me today, a flicker of hope ignited in my chest.

I specifically wore the emerald bracelets he’d given me when we got engaged and rushed over.

By the time I arrived at his villa, Jake was already a little tipsy.

He was lying back with his eyes closed, his head resting on a young girl's lap.

She looked like she was still in college, incredibly innocent.

Seeing me enter, the girl who was massaging Jake’s head scrambled to get up, flustered.

But Jake grabbed her wrist.

"Stay where you are."

He didn't even open his eyes, just tightened his grip.

She was pulled closer to him.

Then, she docilely lowered her head, letting him kiss her deeply.

He released her hand, then pinched her chin.

The kiss was deep, and the sound was unmistakable.

I stood by the entrance, clutching my purse, feeling utterly helpless for a moment.

I finally managed to compose myself, feigning indifference, and looked out the window. "I’ll just stroll in the garden for a bit and come back later."

As soon as the words left my mouth, Jake sneered.

The girl beside him, sensing the shift, quickly stood up. "Maybe I should go out first, and let Miss Reed come over."

This time, Jake didn't stop her.

He held her hand, playing with it for a moment, then reluctantly let go. "It’s cold outside. Don’t get chilled."

The girl smiled sweetly, nodded, and her long, dark hair fell, covering most of her blushing face.

As she passed me, she politely greeted me as "sister" and asked how I was.

I nodded back, offering a faint smile.

She was so young, with clear, shy eyes, much like my younger sister, Chloe.

"Lana Reed, come here."

Jake leaned back on the sofa, patting the empty space beside him.

The intricate, ornate crystal chandelier cast colorful light, highlighting his chiseled face and striking features.

The light and shadow made him seem almost ethereal.

I felt a momentary trance, mixed with an indescribable ache.

Jake’s charming, 'peach blossom' eyes were shimmering, and the alcohol had flushed the corners of his eyes a faint red.

Kiss marks dotted his collarbone and the side of his neck, visible through his loosened shirt.

"That girl you just saw is Amber Stone."

I nodded. "Yes, I know."

"What do you think of her?"

I thought for a moment, then answered earnestly. "Very innocent, very pure, very well-behaved."

Jake nodded. "Doesn't she remind you of how you were five years ago?"

I froze.