Chapter 1

During my wedding dress fitting, Julian handed me a yellowed, tattered vintage gown with frayed lace and obvious yellow sweat stains under the armpits.

The makeup artist froze, her hand hovering in mid-air, and the whispers of my friends and family pierced my ears like needles.

His childhood friend Mia popped her head out of the fitting room with a mischievous grin. She was wearing my custom haute couture wedding gown, spinning around in front of everyone.

"Are you guys mesmerized? The real dress is right here!"

My three-hundred-thousand-dollar gown had been stolen and replaced by her. I bit the inside of my cheek so hard I tasted copper, wanting nothing more than to tear her apart.

But Julian just smiled in delight.

"Mia, you're always so full of quirky ideas. This is actually pretty fun. Chloe, just wear that vintage one. It's unique."

I let out a cold laugh, threw the tattered old dress right over Mia's head, and said, "No thanks. Why don't you two get married instead? I'm out."

Julian roared in disbelief, "She just wanted to swap dresses for fun! It's not like she left you naked! Don't forget, we are getting married for our families' sake!"

I replied coldly, "Don't forget, it was your family begging for this merger, not me begging to marry you."