Chapter 1

In the three years we dated, Linnea Croft never let me touch her.

She claimed her family was deeply traditional and that intimacy had to wait until marriage.

Yet, at her childhood best friend's solo exhibition, dozens of explicit nude portraits of her were put on display for the world to see.

From the age of eighteen to twenty-five, every single year of her youth had been captured on canvas.

Rage boiled inside me, and I almost tore the paintings right off the wall.

Linnea grabbed my arm and sneered, "What do you know? This is pure art. You really are just an uncultured country boy."

I walked out, returned the diamond ring I had bought to propose to her, and called my mother.

"Mom, I accept the arranged marriage with Fairmont Global."

1

The moment I hung up, Linnea chased after me into the gallery hallway.

"Preston, why are you walking so fast? Didn't you promise to take me to meet your parents today?"

I was supposed to introduce her to my family today. Instead, she had excitedly dragged me to Gavin Sawyer's art show.

Now, none of that mattered anymore.

"My parents said they're busy today," I replied flatly.

Linnea frowned, her tone laced with irritation. "Are you still throwing a tantrum over something so petty? Is that why you canceled?"

"Fine, whatever. I had no interest in visiting your broke family anyway. It works out since I need to accompany Gavin to a charity gala tonight."

Before I could speak, Gavin caught up with us.

"Is everything okay between you two?" he asked smoothly.

Linnea cast me a dismissive glance. "What could be wrong? Some people just have fragile egos."

Gavin looked at me, barely concealing the smug triumph in his eyes. "Preston, you don't mind, right? Linnea and I are just friends."

Friends? A bitter smile touched my lips.

For three years, she wouldn't let me hold her hand for too long, yet he had painted every inch of her bare body. And they called that friendship.

Linnea gave a mocking chuckle. "Gavin, you're being too cautious. Preston never goes against what I want."

I said nothing.

Catering to her every whim had become second nature to me. If she asked for something, I always delivered.

Over time, my devotion had turned into enabling.

And in the process, she had completely erased me from her heart.

Without another word, the two of them walked away arm in arm, not bothering to spare me a second glance.

The sight felt like glass grinding against my eyes.

Five years of love, reduced to a bad joke.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. My mother had sent a photo of Sienna Montgomery, the heiress to Fairmont Global.

"Sienna is finishing her degree abroad. We'll host the wedding over there to show our respect, and you two can settle overseas afterward."

"Sounds good, Mom. I'll follow your arrangements."