Chapter 1

I had just returned from Paris after finishing my degree in fashion design. My grandpa, Arthur Vance, insisted that he had set up a family alliance agreement for me years ago.

The moment I landed, he dragged me straight to the Sterling estate to discuss the engagement.

Finding the conversation in the parlor incredibly boring, I slipped out alone to wander around the Sterling family’s massive garden.

Suddenly, a woman rushed out of nowhere and slapped me hard across the face.

"Where did this trash come from? How dare you steal my things!"

I cupped my stinging cheek and stared at her in utter shock.

The woman tilted her chin up, her expression dripping with aristocratic arrogance.

"That pigeon’s blood ruby ring on your finger is my birthday gift from Julian Sterling! A dirt-poor girl like you? You think you’re worthy of wearing that?!"

I opened my mouth, about to tell her it was mine, when she slapped me again, even harder.

"Do you even know who I am? I’m Julian’s future wife! The future Mrs. Sterling! This entire estate will belong to me!"

I pulled out my phone and, right in front of her face, opened Snapchat to message the guy labeled 'Fiancé.'

"Julian Sterling, there’s a dog biting people in your yard. Are you going to leash her, or should I?"