Chapter 1

For seven years, Theodore gave all his love and attention to Audrey.

I spent three agonizing years waiting for my big moment at the perfume awards, only for him to walk the red carpet with her instead.

He even stole my exclusive fragrance formula and gave it to her.

He always said, "Audrey lost her parents when she was young. She's sensitive. You're my girlfriend, Amber. You need to be the bigger person."

Until the day I threw the non-disclosure denial in his face and walked away.

Later, the flawed formula Audrey stole caused widespread skin burns and allergic reactions, pushing Vance Group to the brink of bankruptcy.

The once-mighty Theodore knelt at my door in the pouring rain, his eyes bloodshot as he begged:

"Amber, I was wrong. Please, come back to me."

I wrapped my arm around the world’s most eligible billionaire and smiled down at him.

"Mr. Vance, your late regrets are worth absolutely nothing."

The air conditioning backstage at the awards ceremony was freezing.

I held the custom-made black suit I had personally designed for Theodore, my fingertips already numb from the cold.

There were only ten minutes left before the red carpet started.

When Theodore’s phone finally went through, it was Audrey’s whimpering voice on the other end:

"Amber, I'm so sorry. I suddenly had a panic attack in the car."

"Theodore was trying to calm me down, and I accidentally wrinkled his suit..."

Theodore took the phone, his voice laced with exhaustion and impatience:

"Amber, Audrey is in a really bad state. I need to walk the red carpet with her first to calm her down."

"I can't wear that suit anymore. Just walk the red carpet on your own."

I looked at my dressed-up reflection in the full-length mirror and asked softly, "Theodore, do you even remember what day it is today?"

There was a brief silence on the other end.

Today was the launch day of "Azure Veil," the perfume I had spent three agonizing years developing.

Today was also the day he had promised to propose to me in front of the entire industry.

"Amber, can you not throw a tantrum right now?" Theodore’s voice sank, annoyed.

"Audrey is a rookie. It's her first time at an event like this, and she's terrified."

"You're already a famous perfumer in the industry. What's the big deal with walking the red carpet alone?"

I didn't say another word and hung up.

I raised my head. On the dressing room monitor, the red carpet live stream had already begun.

Theodore stepped down from a black Maybach.

He wasn't wearing the suit I had prepared.

Instead, he had changed into a pure white tuxedo that perfectly matched Audrey’s white gown. They looked like a perfect match.

Audrey held his arm, her eyes still red and teary, looking like a helpless little deer.

The host smiled and handed them the microphone. "Mr. Vance and Miss Audrey look stunning together today."

"May we ask what fragrance you two are wearing? The scent is incredibly unique."

Theodore looked down at Audrey, his eyes dripping with warmth.

"It's a new scent Audrey developed herself, called 'Frost Kiss'."

"She was very nervous today. As her mentor, it's only right that I give her some support."

The cameras flashed wildly.

Looking at his tender expression on the screen, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand.

"Frost Kiss."

That was a rejected base formula I had mixed in the lab three months ago after pulling several all-nighters.

I had discarded it because the top note was too sweet and lacked depth. I had carelessly left it on the waste shelf.

Now, it had become Audrey's "Frost Kiss," and the tool Theodore used to show his public favoritism.

I tossed the custom suit into the nearby trash can.

Theodore, since you chose Frost Kiss, you will never touch my Azure Veil again.