Chapter 1Two Heirs, One Bride

Steve was the imposter.

After the true heir’s return, he was cast out, left destitute and disgraced. It was then that he and I began our clandestine affair.

I, touched by his plight, offered him considerable care and support. Who would have thought that as soon as he found his footing in Port Royale, he would sever ties with me, clinging instead to the wealthy heiress?

"It's over, Eleanor. You’re older than me, and your career is stagnant. Let’s just call it quits and part ways amicably."

I had no objections, a sigh of relief escaping my lips. After all, just yesterday, the Patton family had inquired if I would consider an alliance with their true heir. At the time, I’d been racking my brain for a graceful way to dump Steve.

* * *

Faced with such a convenient breakup, I certainly wouldn't refuse.

My gaze lingered for a moment on Steve’s tightly clenched jawline before shifting to the dainty girl beside him.

"Thank you, Eleanor, for all these years of looking after Steve… I hope my sudden visit isn't too much of an intrusion."

The hand holding my wine glass slowly lowered to rest beside my right thigh. The girl opposite me looked very young, with platinum blonde hair, clutching a designer cloud bag.

"Not at all. A few of us ladies were just having dinner together. Feel free to join us."

I offered the polite response without a flicker of emotion. My friend beside me, however, couldn't sit still. She leaned in and whispered, "What are you doing, Eleanor? She just stole your boyfriend, and you're being nice to her?"

I simply smiled, giving her a reassuring yet indifferent look. Then, the girl’s voice drifted over again.

"Oh, that won't be necessary. My main reason for coming was to explain to you, miss. You might not know Steve’s background, but he was originally the eldest son of the Patton family. Something happened, and he was cast out, forced to associate with… well, with descendants of nouveau riche families like yours."

"So…?"

"So, Steve choosing me means he’s returning to his rightful place. I hope you don't think he’s betrayed you, and please, don’t try to cling to him."

A strange, awkward tension filled the air. A few people almost snorted with laughter. Only after I cleared my throat did silence return.

I placed my wine glass on the table and addressed the girl.

"Whether he betrayed me or not, I can distinguish. Also, what’s your name?"

"Me? Oh… it’s fine if you know. It’s Iris Vance."

At her reply, the scorn in my eyes deepened. So, it was the Vance family. Last month, her father had hosted a dinner, inviting my mother and me, hoping to secure the Azure City project in the Northern District. A dog begging for scraps from our family, yet so eager to strut and preen in public.

"Alright, I understand. If there’s nothing else to say, then please leave."

With my dismissal, Iris snorted, picked up her bag, and strode out of the private room, her high heels clicking. Steve, dressed in a grey shirt, followed behind her. He hadn't uttered a single word, as if still grappling with my casual acceptance of the breakup and his betrayal.

I gazed at that face, a face I’d found so incredibly appealing, and offered a final, knowing smile.