New York City.“She’s going to love this gift.” Zane Christopher, twenty-five, smiled with pure joy as he gazed at the red velvet box in his hands. Today marked the fifth anniversary of his relationship with his girlfriend, Lucy Bair.The diamond inside sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight, and Zane couldn’t stop imagining the look of happiness on her face when she finally saw it.He pedaled his bike toward the towering Étoile Entertainment building. After parking it by the gate, he walked up to the receptionist and gave Lucy’s name.“There are no job openings here. Please go somewhere else,” the pretty woman said, her tone sharp as her eyes swept over his worn white shirt.“I’m not here for a job,” Zane replied patiently. “I need to see Lucy Bair. I have something for her, and it’s important that I give it to her in person.”“Miss Lucy can’t be disturbed. She’s in rehearsal for the fashion show later. You can leave it with me—I’ll make sure she gets it.”“This is really important.

Two days later. Late afternoon.“Eat this. After that, you need to take your medicine,” Zeeva said as she placed a tray of fish soup and vegetables on Zane’s lap.“Thanks.” Zane began eating. For the past two days, he’d done nothing but lie in bed or sit up, struggling to walk. The boredom was suffocating.But the moment he looked at Zeeva, all of that boredom vanished.His eyes wandered to the pink-haired woman, who was focused on reading a stack of papers.“Why didn’t you just ask your assistant to bring me food? That way you wouldn’t have to leave your work behind.”“I don’t want anyone finding out that I’m hiding a man.”“Why not?”“I’m a model. I can’t afford any rumors about us spreading around.”Zane’s eyes widened. A model? What a strange coincidence.“Why do you look so shocked?”“I-I just didn’t expect to meet a celebrity in person,” Zane stammered.“You don’t even recognize me?” Zeeva sounded slightly offended.“O-of course I do!” Zane lied through his teeth.Zeeva shot him

The Next Day.“How the hell did you get my number? Who gave it to you?!” Zeeva snapped, her voice sharp with irritation.She and Zane were standing in a narrow, moss-covered alleyway—deserted and grimy.“And why did you drag me to this disgusting place? Are you planning to hurt me?! I even offered you money yesterday!”“I don’t want your money.” Zane’s voice was cold, serious.“Then what?” Zeeva shot him a suspicious glare.“I want to propose a deal.”“Are you insane? Do you think you can afford me?!”“Keep your voice down. Do you want someone to see us and start spreading rumors?” Zane warned, his eyes darting around nervously. He had chosen this place for her protection.“I don’t have time for your nonsense,” Zeeva hissed, her voice low but cutting. “Say what you need to say, and make it quick.”“I want you to marry me.”SLAP!“Ow!” Zane rubbed his stinging cheek, glaring at her. “Why the hell did you hit me?”“Are you out of your mind?! I already have a fiancé! Just because I let y

The next day, at Danzel’s office.“I can’t believe you betrayed me, Zeeva. Was I not enough for you?” Danzel put on his best heartbroken act.“Oh, please. Isn’t this coming from the same man who cheated on me with that rookie actress?” Zeeva’s tone dripped with sarcasm.Danzel chuckled. “Are you jealous?”“Tch! Don’t flatter yourself. I wouldn’t waste my time being jealous of you.” Her expression radiated pure disgust.“My relationship with Lucy is just business. We’re using each other for profit,” Danzel explained casually.“Just like us, right?” Zeeva let out a bitter laugh. “I actually feel sorry for her. She fell right into your trap. But forget that, I didn’t come here to discuss your love life. I’m here to end our agreement. From now on, you and I have nothing to do with each other, professionally or personally.”His smile vanished. “Did that guy pay you millions to make you bold enough to threaten me?”“Threaten you? Why would I be afraid of cutting ties with you?”Danzel’s fac

The dinner atmosphere was anything but harmonious after Zane’s unexpected arrival. Everyone sat in strained silence, picking at the lavish dishes in front of them.Zane had just learned two things that hit him like a brick, Lucy and Zeeva were cousins, and worse Danzel was Zeeva’s former fiancé, the one Alfredo had once mentioned.How could he not have known?Ding!Zeeva glanced at her phone as a message popped up.[No wonder you’d stoop so low as to marry him. You’re just repaying a debt, the same way you did with me before. I never thought you were such a cheap woman, throwing yourself at any man who does you a favor.]Zeeva’s eyes darkened as she shot a glare at Danzel across the table, only to find him smirking smugly.When the awkward meal finally ended, it was time for gift-giving.“Here, this is from me and Lucy, Ms. Liana,” Danzel said smoothly, handing over a branded designer bag. Samuel’s family presented an elegant jewelry box.“Thank you so much.” Liana beamed as she accep