Chapter 1

Cecilia Jensen was a classic example of one who went from rags to riches.

Originally a bar girl in a club, she became a daughter of the wealthy Jensen family overnight. Then, she was engaged to Henry Gibson, the heir of the Gibson family. News of her encounter was the talk of Jacksonburg for several days.

However, only Cecilia knew she wasn't actually one of the Jensens. It was all part of Henry's setup so he would have the right to inherit the Gibson family.

Meanwhile, she was only one of his many lovers whom he lavishly spent a fortune on. She was merely known as his so-called fiancée and was the most favored.

Currently, she was in front of her wardrobe, choosing an outfit. Later that night, Henry would be taking her along to meet a big shot. It had to be someone related to the housing project in the Northern District.

Most of the time, Cecilia was like an accessory to Henry.

The party was held in a private manor. As she followed him around, she acted demurely. Frequently, the other guests would inquire when their wedding would be held. Henry gave them a vague answer that was both smart and socially acceptable.

After all the standing, Cecilia felt slightly tired. She bent to massage her ankle.

Henry looked down. "You can have a seat over there if you're tired. The key person for the day isn't here yet. I'll come get you when he's here."

"Sure." Cecilia was actually quite curious to know who could be that important that Henry would regard him so highly.

She wasn't used to wearing high heels. Now that she had his word, she was glad to stop keeping up her act. Limping, she entered their private lounge.

After taking off her high heels, she checked her heels, which were abraded. She frowned. Sighing heavily, she leaned back and closed her eyes to rest.

When she heard the sound of the door opening, she remained motionless. The lounge was reserved for her and Henry, and only the bracelets they wore could open it.

Her eyes were closed, and her lips were slightly curved. She wore a white dress. Her legs were long and slender, bent slightly as she leaned on the sofa. With her glossy hair cascading over her shoulders, she was captivating.

Hands covered her eyes, and she smiled.

"Henry, stop it." Her coquettish voice could make anyone weak at the knees.

Someone bent forward and kissed her forehead. Cecilia rose slightly and naturally wrapped her arms around his neck, allowing him to keep her eyes covered.

Bennett Spencer slowly planted kisses on her eyes, nose, cheeks, ears, and lastly her lips. He gently caressed her lips and traced them with his fingers.

Cecilia shuddered all over and let out a soft hum. Chuckling, he leaned in for a kiss.

Just then, Cecilia opened her eyes. As her eyelids brushed against his palm, he fiercely bit her lips. "Layla, I'm back."

Layla?

That was her name when she worked as a bar girl at Bryndale. Why would anyone call her that here? That voice sounded familiar.

"Layla…" Again, she heard the familiar voice, and her eyes widened.

Bennett gently nibbled her earlobe and removed his hands. Almost immediately, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head.

"Y-You…" Scared, Cecilia was at a loss for words. She had a feeling that he would kill her.

"What's wrong? Did you assume I was dead?"

His words pierced through her like daggers, tearing her heart apart. She felt her body stiffen as her breathing became shallow.

Bennett restricted her leg movements by kneeling on them. As he felt beneath her dress, he asked, "Layla, where's that thing? How did you take it off?"

Cecilia shuddered. She knew what he was referring to.

It was a chastity belt he'd custom-made for her. Three years ago, he loved making her wear that belt when she was with him.

He hated it when others touched his belongings, and that included women he considered his.

"How dare you!" With his finger on her chin, Bennett forcefully tilted her head up.