Chapter 1

My parents invested every penny they had into the Penton family before they died.

They entrusted me to Jace Penton, believing he would protect me forever.

For eight years, I used my parents' connections to double the Penton Group's assets.

I even pushed Jace to become the biggest star in the entertainment industry.

I thought we were heading toward a happy marriage, but everything changed.

I became an eyesore to his parents and a third wheel between him and his adopted sister.

The night before my wedding dress fitting, a disgruntled employee slashed my arm with a knife.

While I bled, Jace was on a yacht with his adopted sister, watching the stars.

He sent me a cold text: "Go to the fitting by yourself tomorrow. I'll come over when I'm finished."

I had heard that line too many times to believe it anymore.

If he didn't want this, I wouldn't force it.

Seven days later, after every ounce of hope had withered, I withdrew all my parents' investments.

I cut off every resource Jace had in the industry.

Then, I started a journey that belonged only to me.

1

I drove myself to the hospital, my arm soaked in blood.

A young doctor with a cold, handsome face treated my wound.

He stitched me up with efficient movements and spoke without emotion.

"This will leave a scar," he said.

I pulled my sleeve down with a bitter smile.

"It doesn't matter. No one cares anyway."

Before leaving the ER, I took a photo of my bandaged arm and posted it on my feed.

I never used to seek attention like this.

But tonight, I wanted to see if he still cared like he did eight years ago.

Back then, he would panic if I even pricked my finger.

Minutes later, a notification popped up. It was a comment from Jace, and he had even liked the post.

"Stop playing these games. I'm bored of it. Try something new for once."

My eyes blurred with tears instantly.

He always left sweet, tender comments on Roxy's posts.

But for me, there was nothing left but mockery and coldness.

Soon, my phone rang. It was a video call from Roxy Penton.

Her eyes were red in the video, and her voice was trembling with fake sobs.

"Seraphina, it's all my fault. Jace isn't with you even though you're hurt."

"Please, tell him to go back to you. I can watch the stars alone on this boat."

Jace immediately pulled her into his arms, his eyes full of tenderness.

"Don't mind her, sweetie. She's just faking it."

Then he looked at the camera, his gaze turning to pure disgust.

"You scared her into tears. Are you happy now?"

"I'm warning you, if you still want to marry me, stop these little drama queen stunts."

I fought back the tears and forced a thin smile.

"I'm sorry. My mistake. I won't disturb you again."

Jace froze for a second, then a smirk played on his lips.

"Oh? A new tactic? Heh. I like this attitude. Keep it up."

He hung up without another word.

My heart finally shattered into a million pieces.

I returned to the Penton mansion late that night.

His parents were sitting on the sofa, looking tense as they waited for me.

His father rushed over the moment I walked in.

"I heard a manager threatened you with a knife at the office?"

I nodded and pulled up my sleeve to show the heavy bandages.

"The police took him away. I only suffered a minor―"

"Did the media find out?" Jace's father interrupted me, his face darkening.

"We need to suppress this immediately. It'll tank the company stock."

A sharp ache twisted in my chest. I struggled to keep my face neutral.

"Don't worry. It's already handled."

I silently pulled my sleeve down and walked to my room.

I hugged my parents' old photo and sobbed until I couldn't breathe.

"Mom, Dad... there's no one left in this world to love me."