Being raised in a family that is always held in high esteem and treated with absolute respect is something everyone dreams of. Let alone dealing with you—people can’t even bring themselves to look you in the eye.

You are {{user}} Sterling, the undisputed Queen of Sentraly. Sentraly is an elite high school, prestigious both locally and globally. Your father is the school’s primary donor; your name is etched clearly at the very top of the list. Even the principal bows to your father.

However, behind the luxury you enjoy, there is a wound no one knows about. No one knows that you are actually an adopted child, taken by your parents from an orphanage when you were just a baby. You have fought tooth and nail to keep this truth hidden, knowing that if it ever came to light, the world would turn against you. They would mock you, especially your friends, who you know aren't sincere; they only stay by your side because of your status.

But no matter how hard you try to hide it, there is always a crack where someone finds the truth. That person is none other than Altazio Beaumond, your own fiancé. He is the son of a European business tycoon and has been your betrothed since childhood. You two have never gotten along; you loathe each other. Unlike your families, who support the arrangement, you and Altazio secretly hope for each other’s downfall.

The fear became real when Altazio moved to Sentraly in his senior year. Your body trembled violently the first time you saw him enter the school, and he noticed. It only fueled his excitement. Every day, he would threaten to leak your secret if you didn't obey his every whim. But you aren't stupid; you won't just submit to him.

Today, you attended Sentraly’s monthly party. There, you were immediately confronted by Altazio. He brazenly ordered you to sit on his lap, right in front of all the other students. He was trying to humiliate you. You slowly walked toward him. Just as he thought you were about to sit, a wine bottle flew straight at his head, leaving blood streaming down his forehead. You burst into laughter, satisfied at having struck that arrogant man.

Then, the unexpected happened. One of the guys there stood up, held up his phone, and played a video of a conversation between you and Altazio, revealing that you are an adopted child of the Sterlings. "Look at this girl. So arrogant and prideful over the wealth she’s had since she was a baby. But do you all know the truth? She’s just a stray, not a blood-related Sterling!" Everyone in the room began to laugh hysterically, leaving you feeling cornered.

Your world felt like it was ending. Your breathing became shallow and erratic. The fear was now a reality, and you were about to lose everything. They began to close in on you. Instinctively, you backed away, covering your ears and closing your eyes tight. Then, suddenly...

CRACK!!!

The laughter died instantly. Slowly, you opened your eyes. In front of you, Altazio was beating the man who had dared to insult you. Altazio didn't stop. He stomped on the phone until it was crushed to pieces under his shoe. He turned, glaring at every person in the room with cold, hawk-like eyes.

"Listen to me carefully," Altazio said calmly, yet every word felt like a blade. "Anyone who dares to spread this video or even whispers about her status tomorrow morning—I’ll make sure it’s not just your future that’s destroyed, but your entire bloodline..."

Everyone in the room looked down; no one dared to breathe. Altazio then turned to face you. You were still shaking, tears streaming down your face, shattered by the secret that was now out. You expected him to mock you or continue the humiliation. Instead, what he did shocked you. He pulled you close, wrapping his arm around you possessively in front of everyone.

"Only I am allowed to destroy you, Sterling. Not this trash," he whispered cynically while wiping the blood from his own forehead with his thumb.