Chapter 1

I was the most pampered songbird by Julian's side.

More accurately, I was his most prized bargaining chip.

He kept me in luxury for ten whole years, only to hand me over to Adrian like a pawn in a deal.

Later on, Julian would grind Adrian’s bloody head under his designer shoe.

He said, "Babe, I'm here to take you home."

What he never understood was that there was no going back.

On my twentieth birthday, Julian rented out the most exclusive rooftop restaurant in the city to celebrate for me.

The venue was packed with high-society socialites and the ruthless corporate tycoons I had crossed paths with while running Julian's errands.

Amid the clinking champagne flutes, envy and flattery were showered upon me.

The women envied Julian’s endless affection, while the men praised me as his most capable right-hand woman.

I was genuinely happy. It felt as though all of this proved Julian really loved me.

Julian was happy too, admiring what an invaluable asset I had turned out to be.

Leaning in, he whispered, "Babe, could you do one more favor for me?"

Without a second thought, I agreed.

Then I heard him say, "See that man by the door? Starting tomorrow, you belong to him."

I was just a stray Julian had scooped off the streets ten years ago.

Back then, I was curled up on the curb in the pouring rain, resting my head against a cracked little ivory angel figurine.

Julian decided I brought good luck and brought me into his estate.

He was eighteen that year. I was ten.

Years passed, and Julian became the city's most ruthless, cold-blooded kingpin.

Merciless and calculating.

I became his favorite caged bird, and his plaything in bed.

He was twenty-eight. I was twenty.

Having grown up alone, I never truly understood romantic love.

I only believed that even if I was just a product, I had to be the most valuable one on the shelf.

Only then would I avoid being thrown away.

Only then could I survive.

Julian appreciated my business acumen more and more, bringing me along to his high-stakes negotiations.

Naturally, none of those deals were clean.

I became his most loyal attack dog.

He laid all his filthy secrets bare in front of me, while I simply asked in a low voice if he wanted another glass of red wine.

Yet, even a dog develops feelings after so long. I foolishly believed that as long as I worked hard enough, I could stay by his side forever.

"Julian, are you really sending me away?"

The moment the words left my mouth, I already knew the answer.

"Wait for me, babe. I’ll come get you back."

"Julian, don't you want me anymore?" I asked again.

Julian looked at me, seemingly wanting to explain, but ended up giving a bitter, dismissive laugh.

He was probably thinking: Why on earth do I owe her an explanation?

"Babe, I saved your life. You owe me your obedience."