Chapter 1

Jade's life turned upside down when Lucas's first love showed up out of the blue.

She packed up and flew to the States with their son in tow.

Everyone said they didn't give a damn about her.

Everyone called her a useless trophy wife, running away with her tail between her legs.

Until one day, when she finally stood tall and crushed them all under her heel...

0

Lucas's first love was back in town.

Back in high school, he met Ruby at a writing competition.

People said she was pretty, smart, and lively, from a well-off family to boot.

Young love blossomed quickly, and they even promised to go to the same college.

But fate had other plans. Lucas got into Stanford, while Ruby... well, I'm not sure where she ended up.

At first, I thought they broke up because of the long-distance thing. That is, until our mutual friend spilled the tea: "Jade, you won't believe this. That girl threatened to kill herself if Lucas didn't give up Stanford and stay with her in China!"

Blackmail? Suicide threats? Giving up Stanford?

I couldn't help but chuckle. This plot seemed straight out of some cheesy online novel.

Lucas and I grew up together. Our families had been business partners for three generations.

When my dad's mistress showed up and had the nerve to call my mom, she flew back to the States in a rage. That's how I ended up at Stanford with Lucas.

After years apart, he'd grown even more handsome. But maybe because we were too familiar, I never felt that spark with him. Instead, we had this unspoken understanding.

Just like our parents' relationship.

I thought my mom would divorce my dad, but she didn't.

She told me, "Love and marriage are different beasts. They've been married for years, built trust, intertwined their companies, and established a stable social circle. It's not something you can easily cut ties with. Besides, the fact that woman showed up herself proves how stupid and incapable she is. If your dad had any real intention of being with her, she wouldn't have needed to do that."

"But Dad still cheated," I said quietly, lowering my head. "You always told me, 'Once a cheater, always a cheater.'"

Mom smiled thinly. "Well, the day she claimed your dad was with her at a hot spring, he was actually with me in Hong Kong visiting your grandparents."

I was speechless.

"Jade, whether you end up marrying a business partner or not, remember this: don't let emotions cloud your judgment. Never act rashly."

"Then why did you rush off to America in such a huff?" I asked.

Mom smiled again. "How else could I have convinced you to give up Barcelona and come to Stanford?"

0