Chapter 1Three Sweethearts, None for Me

It wasn't until Chloe, the scholarship student, showed up that I realized I was just a placeholder princess. But my father didn't know that.

So, at a business gala, he announced loudly, "Anya, tell Daddy who you like. Bring him over, and I'll welcome my new son-in-law today!"

The entire ballroom turned to look at the three wealthy heirs who had once been my closest friends, my protectors.

But the three of them acted as if they hadn't heard a thing. One was feeding Chloe a piece of cake. Another was making her laugh. The third was watching her with an expression of pure, tender adoration.

The silence was thick with awkwardness. My father's face stiffened.

"Dad," I said quickly, "my boyfriend is studying abroad. I'll bring him to meet you when he's back."

The three of them shot me a look of pure scorn. I knew they didn't believe me. They thought I was just trying to save face.

But the truth was, I really did have a boyfriend.

* * *

The next time I visited their homes, it was to deliver my wedding invitations.

I was having tea with Mrs. Hayes when Liam, her son, came downstairs.

"Liam, darling," she called out. "We were just talking about Anya's wedding—"

Liam, every inch the domineering CEO, shot me a glare. "Anya, who said anything about marrying you? Don't use my mother to pressure me. I've told you I'm not interested. Get it through your head."

He stormed out of the house without another word.

Mrs. Hayes sighed. "That boy only ever hears half of a conversation. Who said you were marrying him?" She looked at me apologetically. "Anya, I'm so sorry. I don't know what's gotten into Liam. He used to adore you. He and the other two were always fighting over who could be nicer to you. I used to think he’d have to fight them off if he wanted to be my son-in-law, but now..."

I just smiled and shook my head. "It's fine. You can't force a connection that isn't there. Well, I should get going."

"Of course, dear. We'll be at your wedding."