Chapter 1

On the day of our college graduation, my parents held up their cameras, taking photo after photo of my boyfriend and my best friend.

Through the lens, Ethan smiled and kissed Chloe on the cheek.

He even dropped to one knee, pulling out a ring to fake a proposal.

My parents stood by, watching with warm, indulgent smiles.

Yet, I was their actual daughter. And Ethan was the guy I had been dating for four years.

Dressed in my graduation gown, I stood alone in the corner.

I waited for a long time, but my mom never once called my name.

Once Chloe finished her photoshoot, she sighed and complained about not finding a good job yet.

Naturally, Ethan forgot all about me, immediately leaning down to comfort her.

"Come work at my company. Be my personal assistant. What do you say?"

My brother, Marcus, walked over with a cold bottle of water.

He only handed it to Chloe, then wrapped a possessive arm around her shoulders, giving Ethan a sharp glare.

"Chloe, come to my company instead. Be my personal assistant!"

Two men, fighting over my best friend.

My parents laughed, saying we were all just one big family anyway.

I stood to the side, my fingers tightening into fists.

It felt as though Chloe was their real daughter, and Ethan was her boyfriend.

Since that was the case, I would sign the job contract for the place furthest away from home, and never come back.