Chapter 1

When I came to, I found myself in an operating room.

The doctor spoke to me coldly, "Miss Larson, I heard you were dumped because of your weight and sent abroad by your stepmother to be disposed of. Want revenge?"

His whisper in my ear was like the devil himself, tempting and seductive.

I clutched at my excess flesh, "I want to change. I want to be thin!"

The hatred in my eyes seemed to satisfy him. He clapped his hands and began prepping for surgery.

"Your body's been wrecked by drugs, so we need to do some minor procedures. Sleep now."

For some reason, looking into his eyes made me feel incredibly safe.

Three days later, I stared at my oversized body in the mirror, covered in bandages, wishing I could grab a knife and end my stepmother right then and there.

"Stay calm. Don't cry. It'll mess with your recovery," he said.

I pushed down my emotions and looked at him. "Why are you helping me?"

He chuckled softly, "Let's just say I can't stand people like them either."

His eyes were striking – almond-shaped with a sharp glint. I knew I'd never seen him before.

"Look, this isn't charity. Your body will take a year to recover. After that, I'll give you a new identity, and you'll work for me."

I took a deep breath, "I won't do anything illegal."

He leaned in close and whispered his request. I was shocked.

He…

"Alright, I accept. But you have to help me get revenge too."

He shook his head, "I won't help you, Ruby. Your revenge is yours alone."

I laughed bitterly. How could I possibly get revenge? One was a CEO, the other a CEO's wife. They were way out of my league.

"Fine," I agreed, silently forming a plan as I watched him.

After my stitches were removed, I sought out Runa's fashion designer mentor, David Harrison.

The receptionist stopped me, "I'm sorry, Mr. Harrison doesn't see anyone without an appointment."

I took out a letter and a notebook from my bag. "Could you please give these to Mr. Harrison?"

I slipped five hundred dollars under the notebook. She felt it and looked at me hesitantly, "I'll try."

As she turned, I saw Runa coming out of the elevator. I understood immediately. If Runa was here, David must be here too.

"Please, I'm counting on you," I said. Then the receptionist took my notebook and entered the elevator.

—-

Before five minutes had passed, my phone rang.

I glanced at the caller ID - it was David.

"Hello? Who is this?" I answered.

The person on the other end seemed too excited to speak, just laughing.

The call ended without them saying a word.

Shortly after, the receptionist came down to escort me upstairs.

There, I saw David gazing at my notebook as if it were a priceless treasure.

"What's your name? No, no, never mind - did you design all these yourself?" he asked eagerly.

I nodded, "They're just some of my ideas."

His excitement grew even more. "Some? You have more?"

I remained silent, just watching him. I knew full well how much this designer loved my work, and I was aware of his standing in the fashion world.

He leaned forward, eager to shake my hand. "Would you mind taking off your mask so I can see your face?"

I shook my head. I sneaked out of the hospital. If Dr. Bates found out, I'd certainly be in trouble.

"Mr. Harrison," I said, "I hope my designs can make waves in the fashion industry. More than that, I want to challenge the monopoly of certain business tycoons."