I agreed to return home and inherit the family fortune. That meant ending my relationship, even though he was the only man I had ever loved. But before I could walk away, I heard him casually announce—in French, in front of everyone—that his wedding was already set for two weeks later. My fingers tightened around the glass as every eye turned to me. In that moment, I realized it wasn’t just my secret between us—it was his betrayal.

Chapter 1

"Mom, Dad, I've decided. I'll come back to inherit the family business."

Hearing their daughter finally relent, Dylan Ramirez and Ruth Ramirez were overjoyed on the phone. Remembering the boyfriend she'd dated while hiding her identity, they asked, "Is he coming back with you?

You haven't told him your real status, have you?"

"No. I'll break up with him."

At the mention of Jacob Rivera, Melissa Ramirez's voice dropped unconsciously. "I'll wrap things up here in a week."

After a few more words, Melissa hung up, pocketed her phone, and returned to the private room.

The room was packed and noisy. Conversations paused when she entered, but she walked straight to Jacob's side as if noticing nothing.

Distracted from his chat, he glanced at the quiet Melissa beside him, his tone lazy. "Baby, why'd that call take so long?"

Before she could answer, another voice cut in.

Though no Frenchman was present, someone spoke French: "Bro, when are you and Barbara Davis getting marrie