Chapter 3

Damian's official fiancée, Veronica Shaw, had suddenly returned from overseas.

She was the sole heir to the formidable Shaw Corporation, a family as influential as the Sterlings.

Their marriage had been an unspoken pact between their grandfathers for decades.

Mrs. Sterling instructed us to pick her up at the airport, giving the reason that we should "familiarize ourselves with our future sister-in-law."

Truth be told, she just wanted us to be her foils. To make her see how many women Damian had wrapped around his finger, hoping to ignite some jealousy.

Veronica arrived in a custom-tailored designer suit, her makeup flawless.

Her eyes, hidden behind dark sunglasses, swept over us like she was assessing a few eager pets wagging their tails.

Her gaze finally settled on Lily.

Lily had purposely worn the limited-edition dress Damian had gifted her, and her makeup was meticulously applied.

Her obvious eagerness, her desire to impress Damian, was an open book to Veronica.

At the evening reception, Veronica glided towards Lily, glass in hand, a predatory smile playing on her lips.

"Lily, dear, isn't it? Damian told me you're quite good at riding. I've just returned and feel like a bit of a challenge. How about we head to the stables for a little friendly competition tomorrow?"

Lily was thrilled. Damian had never openly praised her like that before, not in front of others.

She accepted without a second thought, believing this was Damian's acknowledgment of her.

The next day, almost all the city's elite received invitations to what was framed as a 'friendly match' but was clearly a calculated public display of power.

Veronica personally chose the wildest, most unpredictable horse for Lily, claiming it was a handsome steed, perfectly suited for her.

Lily was a little scared, but desperate to impress Damian, she forced herself onto the horse.

The race began, and Veronica's horse took an early lead. Lily galloped close behind.

Then, on a sharp bend, Lily's horse suddenly spooked, rearing its front hooves with a piercing whinny, violently throwing her to the ground.

Everyone gasped in shock.

Damian was the first to rush forward, but not towards Lily. Instead, he hurried to Veronica, who had inexplicably slipped from her own horse and merely twisted her ankle.

He held Veronica close, his face etched with tenderness, anxiously examining her ankle, as if his beloved treasure had shattered.

Meanwhile, Lily lay on the ground not far away, her lower leg bent at a sickening, unnatural angle.

Her face was deathly pale from the pain, cold sweat beading on her forehead, yet no one spared her a glance.

She watched Damian and Veronica in their intimate embrace, and the light in her eyes slowly, agonizingly, faded to nothing.