Chapter 2

2

"God, I'm a genius."

Thinking about our airtight escape plan, I couldn't help giggling into my pillow.

As long as I could lounge around, gossip, and travel with Josie, life was good.

Looking back, Kellan had singled me out out of nowhere, forced me into his world, and dragged me to a high-society family dinner.

That night, I overheard his henchmen whispering, "Damn, she looks so much like Miss Vivienne."

The realization hit me instantly: I was stuck in a tragic substitute-trope romance.

I was just a homebody gamer girl who loved peace and quiet. Why did fate have to play me like this?

I had put up a fierce fight, refusing to submit to his dark charms.

Until I saw Josie at that same dinner table―my absolute best friend since childhood.

Six months earlier, her family had forced her into an arranged marriage with a prominent business heir, and she had gone completely off the grid.

"Josie! I missed you so damn much!"

While everyone stared at us in shock, Josie and I bawled our eyes out in a tight embrace.

Only then did I learn that Kellan, the terrifying mob boss who ruled the underworld, was Ezra's full-blooded brother.

They couldn't be closer―one took their father's last name, and the other took their mother's.

I immediately turned to Kellan with the sweetest smile I could muster, "I've changed my mind. I'll stay."

...

"Hey, why are you drooling in your sleep?"

Halfway between waking and dreaming, Kellan returned from whatever dangerous business he had been running.

He leaned over and gently wiped the corner of my mouth.

"Hehe... hehehe..."

I was still basking in my dream of escaping to freedom with Josie.

A warm, broad chest settled against me in the darkness.

Familiar muscular arms pulled me effortlessly into his embrace, pressing my cheek against his firm pecs.

Whatever.

I might as well enjoy his insanely hot body one last time before leaving.