Chapter 1She Stole My Heiress Identity

For three years, I loved Justin in secret. I wanted to give him the surprise of a lifetime, and finally, finally bring our relationship into the light.

So I snuck into his apartment, a bouquet of flowers clutched in my hand. I hid myself in his walk-in closet, my heart pounding with the plan to propose tonight.

But I never could have imagined what I would see instead. He wasn't alone. He walked in with another woman—Gigi, his childhood friend.

"Justin, you still haven't broken things off with Judy? You're not actually going to marry her, are you?"

"Of course not," Justin's voice was a soothing murmur as he wrapped his arms around Gigi. "You're the only one I love. The only reason I'm with Judy is for you."

He held her tighter. "If I hadn't kept her distracted all these years, she would have found her birth parents by now. And then, the fact that you aren't a real Tremblay would be exposed for everyone to see."

"Her brother, Adrian Tremblay, has been looking for his lost sister for years. If I hadn't managed to get a sample of Judy's blood and pass it off as yours, do you really think you'd be living the high life as the Tremblay heiress?"

Listening to their conversation, a cold shock paralyzed me.

Every "I love you" Justin had ever whispered to me was a lie. In that single, shattering moment, my heart died.

* * *

Hidden in the darkness of the closet, I witnessed their betrayal unfold. After they’d tumbled into bed, they left without even bothering to straighten the tangled sheets, heading out for dinner as if nothing had happened.

Only then did I emerge from my hiding place, my face already streaked with silent, bitter tears.

I don’t remember how I got home. For years, finding my family had been my one true goal in life, a void I had confessed to Justin was my deepest regret. He would always hold me, his voice a gentle balm, promising that one day, I would find them.

I never imagined that he knew where they were all along. That he had stolen my blood, my very identity, to help Gigi masquerade as a long-lost heiress.

Now, when I thought of Justin, all I felt was a cold, burning hatred.

I collapsed onto my bed and cried until exhaustion finally pulled me into a fitful sleep. I was so, so tired.

When I woke up, Justin was there. He must have let himself in.

He was busy in the kitchen, and when he saw my eyes flutter open, he smiled. "Hey, you're awake. Dinner's ready."

I stared at him, this man who was looking at me with such tenderness. The love in his eyes was so convincing it almost made me question my own sanity. If I hadn't heard those words with my own ears, I would never have believed he was capable of such a monstrous deception.

"Judy," he said as we ate, his expression turning serious. "About that trip we planned... I don't think I can make it."

I’d almost forgotten. A few days ago, he’d been so excited about us getting away together. The flights were booked and everything. Now, he was backing out.

"Fine. Then we won't go," I said, my voice flat. The passion I once felt for him was gone, replaced by a hollow emptiness.

He blinked, clearly taken aback. Usually, a cancellation from him, while met with understanding, would leave me visibly disappointed. This cold indifference was new. He'd never seen me like this.

A flicker of panic crossed his face as he reached for my hand. "Judy, it's just that work is insane right now. As soon as this project is over, I promise we'll go." He forced a smile. "Or... maybe you could go by yourself? The tickets are already paid for. It would be a shame to waste them."

I didn't answer right away, just studied his face. After a long moment, I gave a single, curt nod.

He visibly relaxed, a wave of relief washing over him.