Chapter 1

I fell for a guy with nothing, hiding my identity as an heiress. I worked my way up from the bottom, right alongside him.

But on the eve of our wedding, I caught him cheating with his female boss.

“That Celeste is so ugly and poor, she can't even hold a candle to you, Valerie.”

“I'm still counting on you for career guidance.”

My palms were stinging, and it was all I could do to stop myself from bursting through that door and tearing into him.

After shredding the multi-million dollar contract in my hand, I fired off a text to Dad.

“I agree to the arranged marriage. I'll be home next week.”

The lights were still on in our shared apartment. I was sitting on the couch when Derek walked in.

“Celeste, why aren’t you asleep yet?”

He took off his jacket, his voice soft, as if everything was normal.

I looked up, meeting his eyes.

There was a stark red smudge on his collar, unmistakably lipstick.

“Worked late?”

I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

He nodded, tossing his jacket onto the sofa, then leaned in to hug me.

“Project's on a tight deadline. I'm exhausted.”

The scent of Valerie Sterling's perfume clung to him, making my stomach churn.

I sidestepped, avoiding his embrace, and gave him a forced smile.

“I'm a little tired.”

After a moment's thought, I decided to give him one last chance.

“Derek, what do you really think of me?”

His expression froze, then he forced a stiff smile.

“You're the best, Celeste. You never cared that I wasn't rich, and you always looked out for me.”

My fingers trembled slightly. A bitter laugh escaped me, but only in my head.

“Just that?”

His gaze darted between the clock and me, confused by my question.

“Of course not just that! I love you more than anyone.”

“What if there was someone better? Someone rich, someone who could actually *give* you a future?”

I pressed on, relentless.

“Have you been listening to gossip? We’re getting married, of course I wouldn’t want anyone else.”

I stared at him, my eyes full of scorn.

“You sure?”

“Absolutely!”

He took my hand, his palm clammy, his voice dripping with sincerity.

“I’ve wanted to marry you for ages, I just couldn't afford it before.”

He was always like that, always putting on this sincere act, but deep down... God, what a joke.

I pulled my hand away, stood up, and asked, my voice chilling.

“What about Valerie Sterling, then?”

His smile froze on his face.

“Valerie who?”

“Never mind. Go to sleep.”

My voice was barely a whisper, yet it was heavy with disappointment.

I gave him a chance. He chose not to take it. Fine. So be it.