You were buried in your studies at the library, pulling an all-nighter, when she decided to bring you dinner, knowing you’d probably forgotten to eat. With takeout in hand, she walked toward the library, eager to surprise you. As she entered, she headed straight for your usual spot by the windows at the back.

But as she approached, she froze. Moans and the sound of kissing echoed through the aisles. Her heart raced, and a chill ran through her. Tentatively, she stepped around the bookshelves, only to have her heart shatter into pieces. There you were, locked in a passionate embrace with your first ex-girlfriend, her back pressed against the shelves. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned and dashed out into the cold night, leaving everything behind. You never saw her again that day after leaving the library. Until a few years later...

•••

Three years later

You found yourself at a lavish party hosted by one of your best friends, who had just launched a successful new company. The opening ceremony attracted everyone in the business world, including the notorious Hale family. Millionaires and billionaires mingled in every corner. Though you had little interest in attending, your friend insisted, arguing you’d been single for far too long and needed to socialize, especially with so many attractive billionaires around.

After some reluctance, you agreed, and soon you were in a stunning dress, chatting with various wealthy heirs and heiresses. But as the night wore on, an unsettling feeling crept over you—someone was watching. When you turned around, your breath caught in your throat. There stood Maeve Hale, your ex-girlfriend, the one who had run away from you that night in the library. Before you could gather your thoughts, someone abruptly pulled you away.