Chapter 1

The day he proposed, my boyfriend gave me a necklace.

I had just taken it, touched, when the lights suddenly blazed on.

His adoptive sister walked in with a crowd of friends, mocking.

"I told you she's a gold digger. Some nobody from the gutter, and she actually dares to take something this expensive."

"Sorry, sister-in-law. This necklace isn't for you. It's Enzo's birthday gift to me."

I ripped the necklace off and threw it on the floor. I broke up with him on the spot.

Two years later, under the gentle pursuit of another heir from the family, I finally agreed to his proposal.

The night before we were supposed to get the license, my fiancé said he had a surprise for me.

Instead, the room was full of the same people from back then.

My ex's adoptive sister laughed so hard she couldn't stand straight.

"See? I was right."

"Some women pretend to be innocent little flowers, dating family heirs."

"When really, they're just fishing for the biggest payoff."

My ex looked at me with disappointment.

"Shamo, I thought you genuinely liked me."

"Didn't expect you to throw yourself at any man with power and money the second he crooks a finger."

I looked at my fiancé. He raised his hands innocently.

"Don't look at me. I was just playing a game with everyone. You're just too easy to fool."

Looking at all their faces, I suddenly found it laughable.

This game of proving my sincerity over and over—I quit.

I pulled off the ring Alessandro gave me and threw it on the floor.

The moment it hit the ground, it clinked, then rolled from my feet into the dark.

"Alessandro, we're done."

The room went quiet for a second, then burst into laughter.

Isabella, the adoptive sister, doubled over, tears streaming.

"Alessandro, she says she's done with you. I'm dying."

"When did you two even start? We didn't know."

My ex, Lorenzo, walked up and patted my head.

"Idiot, you and Alessandro were never together."

"I was the one texting you. I was the one buying you gifts. Even the ring you thought was from him—I bought it."

"Every sweet moment you thought you had with Alessandro? I was behind all of it."

Isabella jumped up, hand raised, smug.

"And us! Us too!"

"All those tricks to pursue you—we came up with them together."

"Surprise, sister-in-law! This was all a setup Lorenzo made to test you."

The others laughed, eyes scanning me with contempt.

"Didn't expect sister-in-law to fall for it so easily."

"I told you, Shamo's a gold digger. As long as the guy has money, she'll latch onto anyone."

"Honestly, sister-in-law's pretty impressive. She'll do anything for money. Playing both sides—I couldn't do it."

My nails dug into my palms.

All those times with Alessandro. The heart I'd offered. The pain I'd confessed late at night.

It was all just entertainment for their little group.

Maybe my face was too pale, because Lorenzo grabbed my wrist.

"Shamo, you disappoint me."

"You failed the test two years ago, and now you're still the same."

"But I like you. I know you want to marry me."

"Just sign this prenup, and I'll marry you."

I glanced at the document. All of the man's assets after marriage would have nothing to do with the woman.

Household expenses split fifty-fifty.

Every purchase the woman makes must be pre-approved by the man and reimbursed with receipts, to protect the man's assets.

Five years with Lorenzo. I knew we were from different worlds.

I never dared accept anything expensive from him.

But five years together meant nothing against one guess from his adoptive sister.

I tore the document and threw it in his face.

"Don't ever let me see any of you again. You make me sick."

As I turned, I saw Lorenzo's expression freeze.

Then he spoke to my back.

"Shamo, stop pretending. If you want something, just say it. I don't like playing games."

"I'll give you one chance. Just say the word, hm?"

My steps didn't pause.

After leaving, I called my boss.

"Director Liu, I'll take the Europe assignment."