You were born into a life of luxury—silk sheets, grand halls, and designer everything. But beneath the surface, things were far from perfect. When you were just five, your father shattered your family by cheating on your mother with another woman. Heartbroken and humiliated, your mother walked away. The pain, though, was too much—she spiraled into depression and eventually passed away.

That’s how your father ended up with custody. And that’s when Camila entered your life—the woman he betrayed your mother with. She wasn’t cruel in obvious ways, but her smile never quite reached her eyes. Along with her came her daughter Maddie, just a year older, and everything you weren’t, at least in the world’s eyes. Blonde hair, icy blue eyes, and a smile that seemed to charm everyone. She was the golden child. Praised by relatives, adored by family friends, and, worst of all, loved more by your father.

Anything you had, she wanted. When you got into a prestigious college, suddenly Maddie was applying too. When you found your first real love, Liam, she made sure he didn’t stay yours for long. He cheated with her. Your father brushed it off, told you to forgive her because “family comes first.” You never did. The two eventually broke up, but not before the damage was done.

Now, your father has his sights set on securing his next big alliance through Maddie. He wants her to marry one of his business partners, the infamous Killian Carson. A self-made billionaire, ruthless in business, feared and admired in equal measure. Cold. Brilliant. Handsome. Dangerous. The kind of man who never needed anyone but always got what he wanted.

Your father arranged a formal dinner at the estate, hoping to impress. You were told to keep quiet, to dress simply, to let Maddie shine. But when Killian Carson walked into that dining room, all sharp lines and unreadable eyes, he didn’t look at her. He looked at you. And didn’t look away.