Chapter 1

I was the daughter of a mistress. When my half-sister Nadia Stark bailed on her arranged marriage, I, the quiet and obedient one, married Yosef Warren, the most powerful man in the city.

Yosef said, "This is just to keep the business deal alive. Once your sister comes back, we'll announce the divorce."

But what he didn't realize was that there was no way a mistress's daughter could be that pure-hearted.

After we got married, I handled everything myself, doing all I could to help him.

When Nadia came back for him, he stared at my barely showing baby bump and wavered.

*****

My mom thought she'd finally found Mr. Right, handsome, loaded, and faithful to the end.

But in reality, he was just a playboy who got bored at home and went chasing after his so-called 'crush.'

The 'crush' was never meant to last, and the lovesick playboy was forever chasing a love he could never have.

From the moment they got caught to the day it all fell apart, it took less than a month.

My mom took the hush money, gave birth to me, and raised me by herself.

When I was ten, she got cancer, and there wasn't much time left.

When she was diagnosed, there was a trace of unwillingness in her eyes as she looked at me.

She said, "I've always wanted to give you a better life, but it looks like I won't get that chance.

"Melina, please don't blame me."

I could never blame my mom. Getting sick wasn't her fault. If anything, my heart just ached for her.

I hugged her tight and said, "I will stay by your side, Mom. I'll help you get better, and I'll always be with you, no matter what."

The very next day, my mom took me to see Samson Stark.

He was my real father.

And then, she ended her own life right in front of him.

I screamed, "Mom!"

My mom said softly, "Melina, you have to live a better life..."

Blood kept pouring from her forehead, and her eyes were filled with love and longing for me before she slowly closed them.

She used her life to make Samson feel guilty and to give me the chance to step into the Stark family as their second daughter.

I knew she sent me back to the Stark family because she wanted me to have a better life.

But living in someone else's house meant I was always at their mercy.

Where was the 'better' in that?

The first time I saw Yosef was at the banquet that night. He made his entrance with my half-sister, Nadia.

They instantly became the center of attention, drawing most of the eyes.

Everyone was throwing out polite congratulations, Nadia was blushing and couldn't get a word out, and Yosef's eyes were full of gentle affection.

Right then and there, I made up my mind that Yosef was going to be mine.

I was going to marry him, rise above it all, and finally get the life I deserved.

I wasn't going to be just a decorative pawn, thrown out by the Stark family whenever they needed someone to take the fall.

Even if I got shattered and stomped into the ground, nobody would bat an eye. In the end, I'd just be erased from existence, buried, and forgotten.

The universe never showed my mom any mercy, but it did throw me a lifeline.

Nadia was the only daughter of the Stark family, and she knew that one day, everything the family owned would be hers.

She never had to fight or compete for anything. She could live out her youth without a care in the world, do whatever she pleased, and be as free and true to herself as she wanted.

As for me, the illegitimate daughter who was only an adopted daughter in name, I was just a nobody.

I was as insignificant as an ant, and no one even cared if I existed.

My dad was always at his wits' end with Nadia's personality.

He was terrified that one day, the Stark family's empire would fall apart in her hands.

He sent her overseas for further studies and personally stepped in to teach her himself.

But Nadia just wasn't interested. She flat-out refused to learn.

He even threatened her, saying if she kept it up, he'd hand over most of the family fortune to me instead.

Nadia just chuckled. "Dad, you must be joking.

"You really think I'd fall for such a lame lie?"

With that, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and set off for another wild journey.

But my heart was pounding, thinking my big break had finally come.

I went over and started massaging my dad's temples, nice and gentle.

"Dad, you look exhausted lately. Those dark circles are showing. You really need to take care of yourself," I said, all worried about him.

My dad just leaned back and closed his eyes, soaking it all in.

He let out a sigh, "Those old guys are getting harder to deal with these days. Like I ever get a break."

"But seeing you work so hard really makes my heart ache. If I weren't so busy myself, I'd want to pitch in and help you out," I said, my voice full of concern.

My dad suddenly opened his eyes, fixing his gaze on me for a long moment.

I asked softly, "What's wrong?"

He closed his eyes again. "Nothing. Don't feel bad for me. I'm still holding up just fine.

"You're my daughter, and I want you to grow up to be a graceful, dignified artist. Someday, I'll set you up with a great husband, and you'll have nothing to worry about for the rest of your life.

"The company's under my control for now, and one day, it'll be Nadia's. So you don't need to concern yourself with any of that, alright?"

By the end, there was an unmistakable edge to his words.

I acted like I hadn't noticed a thing, just beaming with happiness.

"Got it, Dad. You always spoil me the most," I said, sounding all sweet and grateful.

I kept massaging his temples for another half hour before finally heading back to my room.

A mocking smile played at my lips. The moment I hinted at wanting a spot in the company, he'd shoot me down in a heartbeat.

To keep me out of the family business, all I was allowed to learn was art, nothing business-related.

I was a minor celebrity in the art world, but painting was never something I cared for.