Chapter 1
The day before Valentine's Day, I flew into Greville, planning to give my fiancé Randy Pearson a big surprise.
We'd been together for seven years, and once he wrapped up this career-boosting assignment, we were finally going to tie the knot.
The taxi driver was a total chatterbox, giving me the lowdown on Greville and its people.
He said, "Hey, are you here to see your boyfriend?"
"You came at the perfect time. Our city's got this big Citywide Romance Contest going on, hosted by Pearson Group. Talk about romance!" he added.
I smiled and nodded, feeling sweet inside. Randy was set to take over Pearson Group.
Suddenly, the driver pointed out the window. "Look! That's Randy, the heir to Pearson Group, and his fiancée. Don't they look perfect together?"
I followed his finger and saw a massive LED billboard on the street. Randy was holding some girl I'd never seen before, kissing her like they couldn't bear to part.
Below the photo, a bold line of text burned into my eyes, [A Match Made in Heaven, Citywide Romance.]
I froze.
So, it turned out my fiancé had another fiancée waiting for him in a different city.
I immediately shot off a message to my dad.
I typed, [Dad, call off that investment in Pearson Group.]
*****
My phone buzzed, and a message from Randy popped up on the screen.
Randy: [Babe, I picked out the engagement ring. The company's got a huge project for Valentine's Day, and I really can't get away. I'll be back in Nevodon next week to be with you.]
He even attached a photo of the Citywide Romance Contest event plan, as if that would prove he was innocent.
I ran my finger across the screen, feeling a cold chill seeping through me.
I couldn't help but admit that he really was a great actor.
His message was only half the truth, because the work part was real.
Truth was, he really did use work as a cover to pull off a grand, citywide declaration of love for another woman.
The taxi pulled up in front of the Pearson Group branch.
As soon as I walked into the lobby, I caught the sound of lively laughter coming from near the elevator.
A bunch of glamorous women were crowding around a girl, fussing over her like she was royalty.
It was the same girl from the poster, Molly Richardson.
"Molly, you're so lucky!" one of them gushed.
"Mr. Pearson really pulled out all the stops to announce you guys to the world. Now, everyone in Greville knows you two are together," another chimed in.
"Seriously, Mr. Pearson's the chairman's handpicked heir. He's got billions waiting for him!" a third added.
"Only Mr. Pearson could pull off something this epic! He's basically the king of romance in Greville," someone else exclaimed.
"You're so lucky. You just started your internship here, and you're already dating Mr. Pearson and getting this epic official reveal," another said.
"Wow, you really went from ordinary to queen. Just don't forget us when you marry Mr. Pearson," one of them teased.
Molly couldn't hide how pleased she was, but she still pretended to be humble, waving her hand like it was no big deal.
She said, "Oh, Randy just loves the spotlight. Once we're married, I'll put in a good word for all of you.
"Isn't the sales director spot still open? Lily, I think you'd be perfect for it."
Lily Kim's face instantly lit up.
"Thanks, Molly. I knew you'd never forget your besties," Lily said, grinning.
The compliments started flying again, everyone hyping Molly up like she was a superstar.
I stood off to the side, quietly watching the whole scene.
Randy was just average. My dad never saw him as anything special.
My dad and I made a seven-year pact, just to see if Randy would stay loyal.
Randy's fox of a father dug up every last detail about me not long after I joined Pearson Group.
He gave his blessing to our engagement and used it as the perfect excuse to name Randy his successor.
It was a deal that made everyone happy, but in the end, Randy just couldn't keep up the charade.
The elevator chimed, signaling its arrival.
Just as I was about to step inside, someone suddenly shoved me hard out of nowhere.
I stumbled, nearly losing my balance.
"Are you blind or something? New around here?" Lily snapped.
Yep, it was Lily again. She looked me up and down with a nasty glare.
"Don't you know you're supposed to let Molly go first? Seriously, you have no manners," Lily snarked.
I steadied myself and gave them a frosty glare.
No one had ever dared to make me move for them.
"The elevator's for everyone, and I got here first. Why should I step aside?" I fired back.
Lily was about to mouth off again, but Molly marched over, looking totally fed up.
Molly snapped, "Which department are you with? What's your name?
"Do you have any idea who I am? I'm Randy's fiancée, the future queen of Pearson Group.
"Just for mouthing off to me, I could kick you out of here right now."
"Oh, really?" I pulled out my work badge and waved it right in front of her.
I said, my voice cool and steady. "Louise Moreno, Marketing Manager at Pearson Group's Nevodon headquarters.
"So, tell me, what makes you think you can kick me out?"
Molly froze, snatching my badge and locking her eyes on the name, her face stiff with shock.
"Louise Moreno..." she muttered, her voice trembling.
Suddenly, she raised her hand and slapped me across the face without warning.
Smack!
The sharp sound echoed through the lobby.