Chapter 1

1

Three years ago, Preston sent me away to live abroad for the sake of his so-called white moonlight.

The first year, I snuck back, hoping for a reconciliation. He chased me away without mercy, warning me never to return.

The second year, I fell critically ill. I sent him a message from my hospital bed, begging to see him one last time.

Preston never replied.

In my third year abroad, I got married.

Preston had no idea. When the three-year term was up, he finally decided to send someone to drag me back.

"It's been three years. Even a stray cat should have learned to be obedient by now."

"When you get back, you'd better treat Chloe with respect. If you cross her again, it won't be as simple as just sending you away."

I didn't say a word. I simply accompanied my husband back to the country for business.

When Preston saw me walk into the Sterling Group's headquarters and heard the staff fawning over me as "the boss's wife," his face turned deathly pale.

"Ellie, you swore you'd love only me for the rest of your life. How could you marry someone else?"

As our car entered the city, I took a deep breath. My heart felt heavy with conflicting emotions.

If not for my husband's business trip, I would have sworn never to set foot in this city again.

Silas had gone ahead to the office, leaving a few security guards to escort me.

Halfway there, our car was intercepted.

I rolled down the window, and a familiar face stared back at me.

"Ms. Miller, the young master sent me to take you home."

Ever since my parents died in that accident, I haven't had a place I could call home.

Besides, I'm a married woman now. Keeping my distance is only natural.

"I didn't come back to see him. Tell the young master not to waste his time on me."

The butler paused, stunned. "You know the young master's temper, Ms. Miller. Please don't make this difficult for me."

We grew up together, so I knew exactly how stubborn and arrogant he could be.

But I was no longer the girl I was three years ago. I wouldn't sacrifice my own happiness for his ego again.

After sending the Sterling family's people away, the car arrived at the villa Silas owned in the city.

I waited for hours, but he didn't return.

A bodyguard eventually informed me that Mr. Sterling had been kept at the family estate by the patriarch and that I shouldn't wait up.

I finished dinner and went to bed early, sinking into a dream filled with memories from the past.

Preston and I had been engaged since we were children.

My mother used to say that when he was a toddler, he ignored all his toys and money just to grab my hand and refuse to let go.

His father saw our connection and arranged the marriage right then and there.

I grew up knowing I would be his bride. He was incredibly protective of me; as long as he was around, no one dared to bully me.

As we grew older, he spoiled me rotten.

He remembered every offhand comment I made.

Whenever my father scolded me, he would stand in front of me to take the heat.

He always saved the best food for me.

Anything I showed even the slightest interest in would magically appear in my room the next day.

It was easy to fall for a man like that.