Chapter 1

I was on my seventh blind date, all of which were set up by my stepmother.

Levi sat across from me. We were barely making small talk, and the atmosphere was incredibly awkward.

Halfway through the meal, Levi suddenly put down his fork and frowned.

"Miss Lane, there is something I have to be blunt about," he said.

I looked up at him. "Sure, go ahead."

His gaze was complicated, almost resentful.

"My father spent way too much time in freezing water catching lobsters for you. Now his rheumatism is acting up so badly he can't even get out of bed."

He paused, his voice turning accusatory. "Can you... stop asking him for lobsters? He's an old man, and he can't handle that kind of physical strain anymore."

I froze, my fork suspended in mid-air.

"Lobsters? I'm severely allergic to shellfish! I can't touch them at all. Why would I ever ask for lobsters?"

1

Levi was clearly stunned, and his tone turned sharp.

"Allergic? That's impossible! Your mother told us herself!"

He shoved his phone screen right in front of my face. "See for yourself! This is what she sent to my dad!"

On the screen was a chat history with a contact labeled "Linnie's Mom."

The profile picture was a photo of me and my stepmother, Leila, taken during the last holidays. She had her arm around my shoulder, smiling tenderly.

The voice-to-text messages below were crystal clear.

"Mr. Miller, I'm so sorry to trouble you again. My daughter Linnie is just so picky. She's been craving those fresh Maine lobsters like crazy! She's a bit shy, though, and too embarrassed to ask you guys directly..."

"I heard you specialize in this? That's wonderful! If it's convenient, could you get ten crates for her to try? She has a big appetite, so just pick the biggest ones!"

"Whatever you do, don't mention this to Linnie. She's very prideful! Just send them directly to my place, and I'll give them to her. I want to give her a surprise!"

That tone, that fake concern... it was classic Leila, my seemingly sweet and virtuous stepmother.

Looking at those words, the blood rushed to my face in a wave of heat.

Levi saw my expression change and took it as confirmation. His face went cold, and any lingering politeness vanished.

"You see it now, right? Your mom said it herself. She even told us to keep it a secret from you."

He curled his lip in a mocking smile.

"Miss Lane, I thought you were okay at first. But now..."

"I don't think we're a good match. You're way too high-maintenance. My family can't afford someone like you."

With that, he grabbed his jacket and walked out without looking back.

I sat there feeling like I had been doused in ice water.

My mom? Why on earth was she asking for all those lobsters in my name?

She knew perfectly well that I was allergic to shellfish.