“Dad, I agree to move to Haven State for the arranged marriage. Let’s do it quickly before I change my mind.”
Her father, Joe Stone, replied instantly. “Good girl, I’ll have it sorted within a month at most!”
Just an hour ago, Tara Stone had been in the backseat of a luxury car, her soft sighs slipping out as Leo Carter kissed her.
His phone rang, and he answered in Genovian, his tone impatient.
“Calling at a time like this?”
The voice on the other end chuckled. “What’s up? Busy with something important? How much does she resemble Nina Lucas?”
Leo absentmindedly stroked Tara’s delicate face. “About seventy percent similar. If you don’t get to the point, I’m hanging up.”
“Wait, don’t! Nina’s flight lands tomorrow. She’s returning to revive her career back home. I thought I’d give you a heads-up. Nice of me, right? Your first love, your ‘one true love,’ is back. Think you’ll finally ditch the stand-in? What if she won't leave you?”
Leo replied coldly, “There’s no problem money can’t solve.”
Tara, her head lowered against the seat, felt her tears streaming uncontrollably.
Leo had no idea she understood Genovian.
Three years of heartfelt devotion, and to him, she was nothing more than a dog.
“Dad, I agree to move to Haven State for the arranged marriage. Let’s do it quickly before I change my mind.”
Her father, Joe Stone, replied instantly. “Good girl, I’ll have it sorted within a month at most!”
Tara Stone quietly wiped away her tears and put down her phone.
An hour earlier, she had been kissed so passionately by Leo that soft moans escaped her lips.
Inside the luxury car, the soundproof partition was raised, ensuring the driver couldn’t hear what was happening in the backseat.
Leo’s lips pressed against Tara’s, prying them open.
Tara loved him deeply, recklessly, to the point of losing herself completely.
They had been together for three years and had tried everything, everywhere. Doing it in the car had become routine.
Leo’s phone rang.
The interruption darkened his expression, but when he glanced at the caller ID, he still answered.
Tara caught a glimpse of the name on the screen. It was a foreign name in Genovian, a rare language that few people in the country understood.
Leo muttered coldly, “Calling at a time like this?”
The person on the other end laughed. “What’s up? Busy with something important?”
Leo gripped Tara’s slender waist, signaling her to stay still. His voice was calm and lazy. “If you already know, get to the point.”
The caller chuckled. “How much does she resemble Nina Lucas?”
Leo casually ran his fingers over Tara’s delicate face. “About seventy percent similar.”
The man laughed and swore. “You’ve got skills. What’s so good about her?”
Leo kissed Tara’s neck, his tone indifferent. “She’s pure, like an obedient little poodle. Her eyes are clear but she is naive.”
The man’s breathing grew heavier.
Leo frowned, annoyed. “Stop being a pervert. If you don’t get to the point, I’m hanging up.”
The man hurriedly said, “Nina’s flight is tomorrow. She’s coming back to restart her career!”
Leo froze, his breathing heavy. “Really?”
“Yeah, she wants to keep it low-key, but I thought I’d give you a heads-up. Nice of me, right? Your first love, your ‘one true love,’ is back. Think you’ll finally ditch the stand-in? What if she won't leave you?”
Leo’s voice turned cold. “There’s no problem money can’t solve.”
With that, he tossed the phone aside and resumed where he had left off.
Tara’s head hung low near the seat, her eyes catching the phone on the floor mat. The call was still connected.
Leo had no idea she understood Genovian.
Her family had business ties in Genovia, and she had spent more than five years learning the language. She was fluent.
Tears streamed down Tara’s face, soaking into her hair.
Three years of heartfelt devotion, and to him, she was nothing more than a dog.
The sunlight was beautiful, as if summer had arrived early.
A luxurious three-story European-style villa basked in the morning light.
Leo descended the staircase slowly, fastening the diamond buttons on his tailored shirt with a casual elegance.
He was the second son of the Carter Corporation, one of the world’s top 100 companies. He managed several entertainment and media subsidiaries for the family business.
His tall, lean figure exuded an effortless detachment, a hallmark of a successful man with a naturally cold and lazy demeanor.
Three years ago, Tara had been a college freshman. The first time she saw him, she was instantly captivated.
He had noticed her too, his eyes lighting up as he began pursuing her. She resisted for three months before finally giving in.
Since then, her world had revolved around him—her thoughts, her heart, her everything.
But now…
Tara turned her head indifferently.
Leo didn’t notice anything unusual. He cupped her face and gave her a firm kiss. “I’m heading to the office for a meeting. Be good and wait at home. I’ll bring back some desserts for you.”
With that, he turned and left.
His tall figure seemed to carry a hint of urgency as he walked away.
Tara let out a bitter smile and started sorting through her belongings.
First, she gathered all the couple-themed items—matching mugs, toothbrush holders, keychains, scarves, T-shirts, plush toys—anything that symbolized their relationship. One by one, she tossed them into the trash.
Though scattered throughout the villa, there was more than she had realized. Cleaning it all left her drenched in sweat.
After dumping a box full of items, she returned to the living room just as the TV was broadcasting a news segment about international superstar Nina’s return to the country.
The airport lobby was packed with fans, their screams and shouts echoing non-stop.
Nina, with her voluminous wavy hair, tall and striking figure, and flawless features, smiled and waved at the cameras, setting off another round of excited cheers.
As the camera panned, Tara caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner of the airport lobby.
*Beep, beep, beep.*
The sound of notifications came from the computer.
Leo never had the habit of logging out, and his messaging app was still open. Curious, Tara walked over and clicked on the screen.
Nina: “Leo, where are you? I didn’t see you.”
Leo: “I went back to the car. There were too many fans, and it’s not convenient for me to show my face.”
Nina: “Alright, let’s meet at the hotel then.”
Leo sent an “OK” emoji.
Nina: “It’s been five years! I can’t wait to see you again.”
Tara let out a mocking laugh and went back to sorting through her belongings.
Leo returned home earlier than usual, the faint scent of alcohol lingering on him. His normally aloof and cold demeanor softened, with traces of a rare smile in his eyes.
He held a large bouquet of red roses in his hands and greeted her in a deep, magnetic voice. “I’m back.”
Tara was curled up on the couch, uploading pictures of expensive items to an online secondhand marketplace, planning to sell them and donate the money.
Hearing his voice, she closed her laptop and looked over.
Leo walked over, shoved the roses into her arms, and wrapped both her and the bouquet in his embrace. He kissed her lips lightly. “What’s wrong? Miss me?”
Tara pressed her lips together in silence, lowering her gaze to smell the roses.
Like a magician, Leo pulled a long rectangular box from the wrapping paper around the flowers and opened it.
He had these naturally expressive almond-shaped eyes and his glance were always tender and heartfelt. Right now, as he focused on her, his gaze was completely irresistible.
Tara glanced inside the box and saw the diamond necklace she had admired days ago while shopping with him. It was worth over three million.
She had only paused to look at it for a moment, but he had gone out and bought it today.
Noticing her daze as she stared at the necklace, Leo leaned in to kiss her cheek. “So happy you’ve gone speechless? Let me put it on you!”
Tara’s slender, fair hands gently traced the necklace as she said calmly, “Roses and diamonds… I almost thought you were proposing.”
Leo’s hands paused, and he gave her a sidelong glance.
His tone cooled slightly. “When I propose, it’ll be with something even better.”
Tara gave a bitter, sarcastic smile. “How much longer do I have to wait?”
The smile disappeared from Leo’s face, replaced by a coldness in his deep eyes.
Tara turned her gaze away and reached up to remove the necklace.
Leo grabbed her hand, leaned in, and pressed his lips to hers, pinning her against the sofa.
Her body went rigid, and she turned her head to avoid his kiss, placing her hand against his. “I… I’m not in the mood.”
Leo’s voice was commanding and icy. “Don’t play hard to get. Your period just ended.”
With that, he tightened his grip on her hand.
Tara’s heart skipped a beat.
At that moment, Leo’s phone started ringing.
Tara quickly pushed him. “Your phone is ringing. Answer it.”
Irritated, Leo reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
From her position beneath him, Tara could see the screen clearly.
The caller ID read: Nina.
Leo immediately flipped the phone face down on the sofa and cast her a casual glance. Seeing her expression unchanged, he stood up and said, “I’ll take this call.”
He adjusted his pants, grabbed the phone, and headed upstairs.
A short while later, he came back down, now dressed in a tailored suit. “A buddy of mine ran into some trouble. I’m going to help him out. You should go to bed.”
He left without noticing how much of the villa looked emptier, missing many small, familiar items.
Leo hadn’t been home in three days.
He called, saying he was tied up with work.
Tara felt calm, almost detached. But she couldn’t resist checking Nina’s social media.
Nina updated it every day.
Day 1: A photo of two hands holding wine glasses for a toast. The caption read: “Some connections, like fine wine, only grow better with time.”
The other hand belonged to a man.
Tara recognized that slender, elegant hand and the custom-made couple’s ring on his finger. She had the matching one.
Taking off her ring, Tara laughed bitterly to herself. “I wore this so long I forgot I still had it.”
Day 2: A photo of a beach sunset. The caption read: “I’d love to grow old here.”
Tara recognized the two palm trees in the photo, leaning against each other. They had planted those trees together on the beach by his seaside villa. She had tied a simple ribbon around one of them, thinking it would make a sweet memory.
Day 3: A photo of a bustling airport crowd. In the background, Leo’s tall, unmistakable figure stood out.
Nina’s fans went wild, asking if she was in a relationship.
She replied to them all with the same line: “No, just reminiscing in familiar places.”
Tara pressed down the ache in her chest.
She continued carefully packing up items she had sold, shipping them to buyers, and donating the proceeds to a celebrity charity foundation.
For the more valuable jewelry that wasn’t selling online, she visited an auction house.
She also stopped by her university to finalize her withdrawal from her graduate program and went to apply for her travel documents, including her visa and biometric verification.
She started deactivating unused social media and shopping accounts, leaving only two active until her flight. She planned to shut those down before boarding.
Today was her birthday.
Just after midnight, a flood of messages and calls came pouring in—from family, friends, classmates, and professors.
But not a single word from Leo.
Tara glanced up at the photo on the wall.
In it, she was nestled in Leo’s arms, smiling blissfully like she had the whole world.
But Leo’s face was cold, his deep eyes devoid of any warmth.
She let out a self-mocking laugh and dragged a chair over to take the picture down.
Just then, the door opened.
Leo walked in, his sharp, handsome face dark with anger, his entire presence radiating a cold, unapproachable energy.
Leo saw Tara climbing up to reach something and quickly walked over, frowning. “What are you doing standing up there?”
Tara gave a faint smile. “Why are you back?”
Leo lifted her off the chair and kissed her lips. “Silly girl, did you forget what day it is?”
A sudden ache gripped Tara’s heart, and she couldn’t stop her eyes from turning red.
Leo cupped her face, kissing her eyelids gently. “Don’t feel bad. I remembered, okay?”
Tara lowered her long lashes and gave him a slight push, resisting his touch.
He pulled her tightly into his arms and chuckled softly. “What’s this? Thinking there’s no gift? Come on, let’s go see your present.”
He took her hand and led her to the front door.
When he opened it, there in the yard was a red luxury car.
The car, worth over a million dollars, was perfect for someone her age.
Placing the keys in her hand, he smiled indulgently. “Here’s your birthday present. Do you like it?”
Tara smiled faintly. “I like it.”
What she wanted to ask was, “Is this my severance package?”
Leo leaned down and kissed her ear, his hands roaming lightly over her through the thin fabric of her clothes.
His breathing grew heavier as he bent down to lift her, heading toward the house.
Tara frowned, already thinking about how to refuse him. Before she could speak, his phone rang again.
She couldn’t help but feel a little bitter. She didn’t even need to come up with an excuse. There was always a phone call to interrupt.
Setting her down, he ruffled her hair and said, “Go change into something formal. I’ll take you somewhere later.”
Tara seized the opportunity like a lifeline and hurried upstairs.
As she reached her room, she heard him answering the call behind her: “Hey, Nina…”
In her room, Tara changed into a deep sapphire-blue silk dress.
The dress fell just below her knees. The front revealed only a hint of her collarbone, while the back was cut low, though her long, dark hair provided some cover.
She applied light makeup, put on a pair of pearl earrings, and went downstairs.
Leo was still on the phone. When he saw her coming down, his gaze froze.
Sapphire blue was a notoriously unforgiving color, but Tara’s fair, flawless skin made it look regal and elegant.
The fitted silk dress was equally unforgiving, revealing even the smallest imperfections, yet Tara’s figure was perfect, with no flaws at all.
Her delicate features and refined demeanor shone effortlessly, drawing all attention without the need for extravagant jewelry.
Leo hung up the phone, slipped it into his pocket, and reached out to wrap an arm around Tara’s waist, planting a quick kiss on her lips, as if he couldn’t get enough of her.
“Why aren’t you wearing the diamond necklace?” he asked.
Tara gave a soft smile. “It’s too expensive.”
Leo sighed, shaking his head. “It’s meant to be worn. I’ll get you an even better one tomorrow.”
Tara held up the car keys in her hand. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to take the new car for a spin.”
Leo chuckled, affectionately ruffling the back of her head. “Alright, let’s go.”
Once inside, Leo took the passenger seat and set the GPS.
Tara noticed the destination was a high-end private club on the outskirts of the city—members-only, with an annual fee of half a million.
They had visited the same place last year for Leo’s birthday. It was just the two of them then. They stayed for two days and didn’t leave the room once.
He had ended up with a nosebleed from the exertion, and she wound up in the hospital.
Frowning, Tara guessed he was planning something similar for her birthday this year.
But she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm. Instead, she felt disgusted.
The whole drive, she focused on thinking of a way to excuse herself. Before she knew it, they had arrived.
The automatic gates opened, and the red luxury car glided in, stopping in front of a two-story building with a classic, vintage design.
Leo stepped out first, holding Tara’s high heels in his hand as he walked around to her side. He placed the shoes on the ground by the driver’s door.
Tara took his arm for balance as she got out of the car, slipping on her heels.
The moment she stood up straight, a loud “Bang! Bang!” rang out.
Tara jumped in surprise.
Suddenly, a shower of red rose petals rained down from the sky, floating gently around them like something out of a dream.
Leo pulled her close, shielding her in his arms.
The two of them—an undeniably striking couple—stood together as rose petals rained down around them.
Laughter erupted around them.
“Happy birthday, Tara!”
“Happy birthday!”
“Tara, you’re gorgeous! No wonder Mr. Carter keeps you hidden!”
“You two are such a perfect match!”
Tara stood there, stunned, completely taken aback.
