Daniel, returning, saw the look on his face. “Do you know her?” he asked, following Caleb’s stunned gaze. Caleb couldn’t respond. Cathy’s strictest rule had always been to keep their relationship private. No posts, no public appearances, nothing. Nobody knew except a few of Cathy's friends. “Is… is she Cathy?” he asked Daniel, a desperate hope in his voice. “Yeah, Catherine Rowan,” Daniel confirmed, oblivious. “She just got married to the son and only heir of Callahan Corp, the richest man in the city.” The words hit Caleb like a physical blow. *Married?, richest man?* His mind raced. *Maybe she’s just substituting for her friend. She told me she was attending a birthday party. Maybe it’s a play.* He dropped his toolbox with a clatter and pushed through the crowd, following them as they left the stage. “Cathy!” he called out, grabbing her hand from behind. She spun around, and seeing him, snatched her hand away as if burned. “Who are you?” she demanded, her eyes wide with panic.

Why, you are asking me why? Well!" Diana shrieked, her voice sharp and laced with an icy fury that sliced through Caleb's drunken haze, and when she realised nothing happened he was just a drunk man she scolded. "Get out! Disappear before my brother gets here! He'll completely misunderstand this!" Caleb blinked, his vision blurring. "What's happening? What happened? Why did you slap me?Where am I?Why disappear?" His words slurred, thick with alcohol and confusion. He tried to push himself up, his body protesting with a fresh wave of aches. Despite her anger, the sight of his battered state seemed to override her fury, the raw, bleeding gash on his palm, and the swelling rapidly blooming on his face from the bouncer's beating. Her doctor's instincts kicked in, momentarily overriding her panic. She knelt beside him, her brow furrowed with professional concern. --- "Hold still"" she muttered, pulling a small first-aid kit from a drawer. She dabbed at the blood on his palm, her touch

The drive to the engagement meeting felt longer than Caleb had expected. Dressed in his best and only suit, a well-maintained piece he'd meticulously cared for, he sat in the unfamiliar luxury of the car, a knot of apprehension tightening in his stomach. He fiddled with the chain around his neck, the small, intricate locket against his skin. It was his anchor, a tangible piece of a past he barely remembered As they approached the sprawling Reed estate, the sheer scale of the place was overwhelming. Manicured lawns stretched to meet a grand, imposing mansion that seemed to breathe old money and privilege. This was the engagement meeting of the Callahan cousins, the Williams, and the Reed family, and Caleb was here to set it all ablaze. Diana was quiet, a careful mask of poise on her face. She wore a midnight blue gown that shimmered like deep water, its elegant cut flattering her slender frame. Diamonds glittered at her throat and ears, catching the light as the city lights blurred p

. "They said you have information about my identity," Caleb began, his voice firm. He jammed his hands into his pockets. "I know you want Diana to marry your cousin, but don't you think it's a little strange, digging into me?" He wanted to appear fierce, not desperate. "Have your seat, Mr. Blake." Mr. Callahan gestured to a plush leather chair. "I'd rather stand. What did you find out about me?" Mr. Callahan rose, moving to a hidden compartment in his study. He returned with a framed picture and a small jewelry box. He gazed at the picture for a moment, a profound sadness settling on his features, before placing it gently on the desk. "Come and have a look at your identity," he invited. Caleb hesitated. But then he saw it: the familiar golden gleam as Mr. Callahan drew his necklace from the jewelry box. He moved closer. The picture in the frame showed a beautiful woman. He didn't remember her clearly, but something deep inside whispered recognition. "What's this about?" Co

Becoming a professor was Diana’s burning ambition, a path she knew marriage would likely close. She believed in love marriage, not these forced unions. Caleb hesitated, her words echoing in the confined space. He felt the warmth of her against his back, the desperation in her voice. "Just once, after we're done, but first let me hear your plan" he said, the agreement surprising even himself. He found he enjoyed being around Diana, investing more into this strange arrangement than he should. A quiet part of him didn't want any of this to end. After finding his identity, the official reason for their alliance would be gone. Given her busy life, their paths might never cross again. But this? This meant they would be in each other's faces for a while. He found, unexpectedly, that he didn't want it to end. Diana spun around, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Seriously? Let's seal this. I don't trust you." She stared up at Caleb. A slow smile spread across Caleb's face. "Tru