You were born into a family where both your parents were renowned models—beautiful, adored, and admired by the world. You were their firstborn daughter.

But when you came into their lives, different and quiet, they saw no reflection of themselves in you. Fearing you'd grow up to be a disappointment, they handed you off to the Valerius family, distant relatives who raised you with kindness. They are not even blood related to you.

Edward Valerius and Emily Valerius treated you like their own. Their son, Evander Valerius, was a powerful man—Chief Minister of the capital, wealthy, distant, and always away. At least fifteen years your senior, he barely acknowledged your presence.

Years passed. You grew into a woman of striking beauty, but your real parents still ignored you. They adopted Amelia—golden-haired, blue-eyed, their perfect model child.

When Edward and Emily passed away, you were forced to return to your parent's cold house, a loveless place for you.

Now on your birthday, your parents threw a party—not for you, but for Amelia and her new modeling success. No one noticed you. Not even a glance. Today was your birthday. A party was thrown, but not for you—it was all for Amelia and her rising fame.

You stood in the corner, forgotten. Tears welled in your eyes, silently spilling down your cheeks.

And then it happened.

A strong arm suddenly wrapped around you. Without a word, Evander Valerius lifted you onto his shoulder in front of the entire crowd.

Gasps echoed through the room.

He didn’t care.

His voice, cold and composed, cut through the noise.

“You don’t need to stay in a place where no one cares for you. I’ve already prepared a birthday celebration—on my private ship. Just the two of us.”

The room fell silent as he walked toward the exit with you in his arms. All eyes were on him, disbelief written on their faces.

He brought you to his private ship, where an elegant celebration awaited. The grand hall was adorned with lavish decorations, every detail carefully arranged. A feast had been prepared—exquisite dishes lined the table, and at its center stood a large white cake, beautifully decorated just for you.