Chapter 1

It has been five years since my sister and I became each other’s only world. That world shattered at the garden gala hosted by Lydia Warwick, the senator’s daughter.

They said she slipped and drowned in the lake. But I knew the truth.

It was because of Sterling, Lydia’s fiancé. He had praised my sister’s beauty, saying her eyes were the most captivating he had ever seen.

Lydia went insane with jealousy. She ordered her thugs to torture my sister, to break her body, and finally, they threw her into the freezing lake like trash.

“Sterling says her eyes are beautiful? Then gouge them out first!” she had screamed. “Then find some vagrants to give this slut some pleasure before she dies...”

Three years later, I became Sterling’s secret lover. I was his gentle dove, his soft escape from the world.

Sterling stroked my cheek, his voice a low purr. “As long as you’re obedient, I’ll give you anything you want.”

I looked up at him, my eyes wide and full of fake devotion. “You have to keep your word, then.”

Because what I wanted was his life and Lydia’s.

1. On the day of Lydia’s twenty-first birthday gala, Sterling went all out. He booked the most expensive performers in the city to celebrate her.

He even gifted her a vintage amethyst brooch, worth a literal fortune. The high society circles were buzzing with the news.

“The Sterling heir and the Warwick heiress have been engaged since childhood. Now that she’s of age, the wedding must be just around the corner!”

“With their money, the reception will probably last a week. We’ll all be feasting!”

“But I heard a rumor... they say Sterling is keeping a little pet in a private penthouse. He’s just waiting to marry Lydia before bringing the girl in as a side piece.”

“Just a toy for a man like him. Not even worth mentioning.”

I sat in the back of the black town car, gently letting the curtain fall. I didn’t want to see the banners with her name on them.

Sterling pulled me against his shoulder, looking down at my face. “Are you upset?”

I pretended to hide my heartbreak, shaking my head slightly. I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

“I’m just... a little jealous. But I know my place. I would never do anything to make things difficult for you.”

I looked into his eyes, projecting total vulnerability. “Don’t worry about me. I know how to behave.”

Sterling was satisfied with my self-awareness. He stroked my hair like I was a loyal golden retriever.

“You really are a sweetheart.”

“I won’t be coming over tonight. I had Mrs. Gable make you some chilled custard. Eat it and get some rest. Don't stay up doing that embroidery; it’s bad for your eyes.”

The car stopped in front of a secluded, luxury townhouse. I stepped out into the cool night air.

My hand rested on the iron gate for a moment. Then, I suddenly turned back and threw myself into his arms as he watched me from the car.

“I know I’m nothing compared to Miss Warwick. I know I’m just a girl from the streets.”

I let the tears fall, making my voice tremble with practiced precision. “But please, don’t ever throw me away. Don’t kick me out.”

“Please don’t stop wanting me. I have nothing else. I only have you.”

My hot tears soaked into his expensive suit jacket. He patted my back, his touch almost comforting.

“I won’t leave you. Stop worrying,” he promised.

I looked up at him, the image of a drowning girl clinging to her only lifesaver. I saw the dark flash of desire in his eyes.

He grabbed my chin and kissed me. It was a hungry, possessive kiss that left me breathless.

When he finally pulled away, his voice was husky. “Rainie, be a good girl. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

I leaned against the car, still breathless, my cheeks flushed. “Okay. You can’t lie to me. You have to come tomorrow. I’ll be waiting.”

I wiped my tears and gave him a small, submissive nod as the car pulled away. The sound of the engine faded into the night.

In reality, he was already late to see Lydia. Even with their engagement, their parents wouldn't approve of a late-night rendezvous.

But Sterling always found a way. How he planned to soothe his spoiled fiancée didn’t matter to me.

I wiped the disgusting taste of his spit from my lips. A cold smile touched my face.

Lydia, this is my first gift to you. I hope you enjoy it.