Chapter 1

“Dad, I agree to move to Haven State for the arranged marriage. Let’s do it quickly before I change my mind.”

Her father, Joe Stone, replied instantly. “Good girl, I’ll have it sorted within a month at most!”

Tara Stone quietly wiped away her tears and put down her phone.

An hour earlier, she had been kissed so passionately by Leo that soft moans escaped her lips.

Inside the luxury car, the soundproof partition was raised, ensuring the driver couldn’t hear what was happening in the backseat.

Leo’s lips pressed against Tara’s, prying them open.

Tara loved him deeply, recklessly, to the point of losing herself completely.

They had been together for three years and had tried everything, everywhere. Doing it in the car had become routine.

Leo’s phone rang.

The interruption darkened his expression, but when he glanced at the caller ID, he still answered.

Tara caught a glimpse of the name on the screen. It was a foreign name in Genovian, a rare language that few people in the country understood.

Leo muttered coldly, “Calling at a time like this?”

The person on the other end laughed. “What’s up? Busy with something important?”

Leo gripped Tara’s slender waist, signaling her to stay still. His voice was calm and lazy. “If you already know, get to the point.”

The caller chuckled. “How much does she resemble Nina Lucas?”

Leo casually ran his fingers over Tara’s delicate face. “About seventy percent similar.”

The man laughed and swore. “You’ve got skills. What’s so good about her?”

Leo kissed Tara’s neck, his tone indifferent. “She’s pure, like an obedient little poodle. Her eyes are clear but she is naive.”

The man’s breathing grew heavier.

Leo frowned, annoyed. “Stop being a pervert. If you don’t get to the point, I’m hanging up.”

The man hurriedly said, “Nina’s flight is tomorrow. She’s coming back to restart her career!”

Leo froze, his breathing heavy. “Really?”

“Yeah, she wants to keep it low-key, but I thought I’d give you a heads-up. Nice of me, right? Your first love, your ‘one true love,’ is back. Think you’ll finally ditch the stand-in? What if she won't leave you?”

Leo’s voice turned cold. “There’s no problem money can’t solve.”

With that, he tossed the phone aside and resumed where he had left off.

Tara’s head hung low near the seat, her eyes catching the phone on the floor mat. The call was still connected.

Leo had no idea she understood Genovian.

Her family had business ties in Genovia, and she had spent more than five years learning the language. She was fluent.

Tears streamed down Tara’s face, soaking into her hair.

Three years of heartfelt devotion, and to him, she was nothing more than a dog.

The sunlight was beautiful, as if summer had arrived early.

A luxurious three-story European-style villa basked in the morning light.

Leo descended the staircase slowly, fastening the diamond buttons on his tailored shirt with a casual elegance.

He was the second son of the Carter Corporation, one of the world’s top 100 companies. He managed several entertainment and media subsidiaries for the family business.

His tall, lean figure exuded an effortless detachment, a hallmark of a successful man with a naturally cold and lazy demeanor.

Three years ago, Tara had been a college freshman. The first time she saw him, she was instantly captivated.

He had noticed her too, his eyes lighting up as he began pursuing her. She resisted for three months before finally giving in.

Since then, her world had revolved around him—her thoughts, her heart, her everything.

But now…

Tara turned her head indifferently.

Leo didn’t notice anything unusual. He cupped her face and gave her a firm kiss. “I’m heading to the office for a meeting. Be good and wait at home. I’ll bring back some desserts for you.”

With that, he turned and left.

His tall figure seemed to carry a hint of urgency as he walked away.

Tara let out a bitter smile and started sorting through her belongings.

First, she gathered all the couple-themed items—matching mugs, toothbrush holders, keychains, scarves, T-shirts, plush toys—anything that symbolized their relationship. One by one, she tossed them into the trash.

Though scattered throughout the villa, there was more than she had realized. Cleaning it all left her drenched in sweat.

After dumping a box full of items, she returned to the living room just as the TV was broadcasting a news segment about international superstar Nina’s return to the country.

The airport lobby was packed with fans, their screams and shouts echoing non-stop.

Nina, with her voluminous wavy hair, tall and striking figure, and flawless features, smiled and waved at the cameras, setting off another round of excited cheers.

As the camera panned, Tara caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner of the airport lobby.

*Beep, beep, beep.*

The sound of notifications came from the computer.

Leo never had the habit of logging out, and his messaging app was still open. Curious, Tara walked over and clicked on the screen.