Chapter 1

"Thank you for attending our presentation on the products we offer. We are open to any questions and further discussions. Thank you for your time and attention."

Applause accompanied a woman bowing to show respect to the people in the room. Kimberly had just finished presenting the products produced by the company where she works.

Kimberly is a marketing manager at a small company in Materra City. This time, she was tasked with the presentation by her boss and best friend, Nicholas. They have been friends since high school, and their friendship has now reached seven years.

Nicholas' company is a family business that has been running for over 20 years. He hired Kimberly not just because they were friends, but because Kimberly's abilities were unquestionable.

After graduating from college, Kimberly worked as a salesperson for a real estate company, and her sales were the highest in the company. Recognising her potential, Nicholas immediately offered her the manager position when he took over the family business. Moreover, Kimberly's major in college was relevant to the field he needed.

"You're truly amazing, Kim. I'm sure everyone was impressed with your presentation. We should celebrate after this," Nicholas patted Kimberly's shoulder multiple times, showing how proud he was of his friend. There was always admiration in his every gaze.

Kimberly smiled proudly, flipping her hair. "Of course. You won't regret hiring me. Your sales will increase, and your company will profit multiple times over." Not to belittle herself, but the girl was becoming even more arrogant. However, it was normal for the two friends. No one felt disadvantaged or offended.

Nicholas burst into laughter, amused by his friend's arrogance. And not forgetting to tousle Kimberly's hair when he felt fondness. Whenever he did that, Kimberly would protest, her lips pouting.

"You always mess up my hair. Do you know I have to spend more than an hour styling it?" She complained while walking towards the lobby.

Usually, they would continue to celebrate Kimberly's successful presentation. If the results were out and they won, they would celebrate again. Fortunately, they finished the presentation in the afternoon, and Nicholas planned to take Kimberly to a bar right away.

They were standing, waiting for the car to arrive, when Kimberly said she couldn't join Nicholas this time. She had just looked at her phone and had a radiant smile on her face.

"Let's postpone it for another time. Harry is on his way to this hotel. I'll go home with Harry." Kimberly couldn't hide her happiness at the thought of seeing Harry again. She had been waiting for this moment for more than three months.

"Harry?" Nicholas frowned upon hearing the name Harry. "Isn't he abroad?"

Kimberly nodded. "He just returned and wants to meet me," she said with a wink, playfully.

Harry is Kimberly's boyfriend, and they have been dating for a year. Harry works for an international company with branches in several countries. However, they rarely met because Harry was often assigned to oversee branch offices for several weeks to a month, which was the longest assignment.

"Oh... alright. We'll celebrate another time." Just as Nicholas finished speaking, his car arrived. A valet came out and handed him the keys.

"How long until Harry arrives?" Nicholas asked from inside his car. He was about to drive off but wanted to make sure Harry was really coming.

Kimberly looked at her phone to check the time. "Maybe five more minutes. Don't worry. Go ahead, I'll be fine!" Kimberly knew Nicholas was worried about her, but Harry would arrive soon, so there was nothing to worry about.

Although it was a bit difficult, Nicholas finally nodded and drove off. He waved before leaving.

Shortly after, a white car arrived. A man got out, carrying a large bouquet of flowers deliberately covering his face. Kimberly furrowed her brows, finding the man very peculiar. How could he see if he covered his eyes like that? Who was he planning to surprise?

But it turned out she was the one surprised when the man suddenly kneeled in front of her. Her surprise grew as he moved the large bouquet to the side, revealing his face.

"Harry?" A mix of shock and joy washed over her. "Is that your new car? I didn't recognise it." Kimberly accepted the flowers and sniffed their fragrance. "Thank you," she said, inhaling the scent.

Harry was slightly annoyed as Kimberly's response was flat despite their long separation. "Don't you miss me?" Harry asked, arms outstretched, ready for a hug.

Seeing her sulking boyfriend, Kimberly stepped forward and embraced Harry. "Of course, I missed you so much."

Harry wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. After a moment, he released her. "You must be hungry. I know a new restaurant that's delicious. I'll take you there," Harry said, turning to open the car door for Kimberly.

"How did you know about the new restaurant?" Kimberly walked towards the car, her forehead creased in confusion. It seemed odd because Harry had just returned from abroad.

"Ah, my friend told me. Come in! I'm starving."

Kimberly got into the car without any suspicion. She knew Harry had a group of friends from high school who often shared information. It seemed Harry had also heard about the restaurant from them.

Throughout the journey, Harry never let go of Kimberly's hand, occasionally kissing the back of her hand to show how much he missed her during the three months. Kimberly just smiled and allowed her boyfriend to do so.

In this relationship, it was evident that Harry's love was greater. Kimberly tended to be indifferent and never showed her emotions. She was an independent woman who never relied on others. She never asked Harry for anything, even though he had a substantial income. Harry often complained, hoping Kimberly would be more dependent on him. But Kimberly never paid attention to it because that was simply not her nature.

After dinner, Harry escorted Kimberly home. It was a three-story classic-style house with a spacious yard. There was a large garden filled with lush trees and colourful flowers, making it look beautiful. In the middle of the garden, there was a fountain whose murmuring sound seemed to welcome every guest.

Harry walked Kimberly to the front door. After hugging Harry, Kimberly entered her house. However, as she passed by the door, she saw Deborah peeking from behind the window. She stopped, surprised to see Deborah there. With a cynical tone, Kimberly reprimanded her.

"It's unfortunate to see you in this house. Why are you here, and what are you doing there?" Kimberly pointed towards the window with her chin. "Peeping on someone else's lover and planning to steal him?" There was clear hatred in every word Kimberly spoke. She truly despised Deborah and wished she didn't exist.

Deborah's face tensed. She knew Kimberly never liked her, and she also knew the reasons why. Despite always trying to get closer to her, Kimberly always kept her at a distance.

"Can't you ever be kind to me?" Deborah's eyes glared sharply. "I've always given in to you, but you never acknowledge me. Why do you hate me so much?" Deborah became very emotional when facing Kimberly. Throughout her life, she tried to be a good younger sister, but Kimberly never acknowledged her.

Kimberly rolled her eyes lazily. "You should know why I hate you so much." Kimberly ignored Deborah and chose to continue walking. But a few steps later, Deborah shouted.

"You're too arrogant, Kim! Do you think you can get everything you want, huh?" Her chest heaved, and all the muscles in her neck were visible, as if she would explode in a moment.

Kimberly grunted in annoyance and turned around. "Of course." Kimberly raised the corner of her lip, smiling sarcastically. Then she turned back and climbed the stairs to her room. She no longer paid attention to Deborah, who continued to curse behind her. For her, there was no need to be kind to someone hypocritical.

“Just watch, Kim! You'll cry one day because of your arrogance! Mark my words!” A loud shout escaped Deborah's lips. She was fed up with Kimberly's insulting behaviour and considered her a parasite.