Chapter 1

I was stuck at the airport for a whole day because of a torrential downpour. My fiancé completely ignored my pleas for help, instead driving halfway across the city just to bring my stepsister breakfast.

When I voiced my frustration, his response was pure blame.

“Chloe’s always been delicate; can't you be a little understanding?”

“I’m still going to marry you, aren’t I? When did you become so immature?”

His words didn't ignite anger in me, but a cold laugh. Liam Evans genuinely believed marrying him was some grand favor he was bestowing upon me.

But I had never loved him.

The moment I returned home, I was met with a massive downpour. I called everyone I could think of, begging for a ride, but no one could come. My parents and Liam both said they were busy preparing for a party and couldn't leave.

This particular party was supposed to be a welcome-home celebration for me, and also the formal announcement of the arranged marriage between the Davis and Evans families. Given its supposed importance, I swallowed my frustration.

Once the rain finally stopped, I hailed a cab home, only to be stopped at my own front door by a staff member.

“Please show your invitation, otherwise, I can’t let you in.”

Rainwater dripped from my hair, and I stood there, drenched and disheveled, in front of my own mansion. I patiently explained, “I’m Stella Davis, the eldest daughter of this family. This party is meant for me.”

The staff member eyed me up and down. “You're probably just trying to crash and freeload, aren't you? Our daughter, Chloe, is inside with Mr. and Mrs. Davis. This party is clearly for her!”

“And you dare to impersonate our young mistress? I won't be so polite then!”

The accumulated frustration and anger from the entire journey finally exploded. I took a step forward, my voice as cold as ice. “You, a mere employee, daring to speak to me with such disrespect? And threatening to lay hands on me?”

“You're fired, effective immediately. Pack your things and leave the Davis estate!”

Just then, a soft voice drifted from inside the house. “Sister, you’re finally back? Please don’t be angry.”

My stepsister, Chloe Davis, walked up to me, already acting like the lady of the house. “He’s new staff; he’s only been here a few days, so it’s understandable he doesn’t recognize you. Please don’t blame him.”

I looked at Chloe’s feigned innocent face, my stomach churning. Chloe was adopted by my parents when she was young. Because I had always pursued an elite education and spent years away from my parents, Chloe had become their closest child.

But I'd only been gone for a few years. Had everyone forgotten who the real Davis daughter was?

I didn't give Chloe a pleasant look. “Even if he didn't recognize me, he should at least know who this party is for, shouldn't he?”

Chloe lowered her head, her voice laced with a sniffle. “Sister, it’s all my fault… I recently won an award in a design competition and wanted to celebrate. I didn’t realize it would clash with your party. You can blame me.”

It was then that I understood. This wasn't my welcome-home party at all; it was Chloe’s victory celebration.

Chloe’s eyes welled with tears as she pleaded, “Sister, please forgive him this once. His family isn’t well-off, and this job is very important to him. If he loses his job because of me, I’ll feel guilty forever.”

With her saying that, I was instantly cast as the heartless villain, deliberately making trouble for the staff. Guests had already noticed the commotion at the door and began gathering, whispering amongst themselves.

“Chloe is such a kind girl, always thinking of others, even at her own party.”

“I know, unlike some people, who come back and immediately start acting like a demanding heiress, throwing tantrums at the staff.”

The whispers weren't loud, but every word reached my ears clearly.

A familiar figure emerged from the crowd—Liam Evans. Seeing him, a flicker of inexplicable hope rose within me. He would stand by me, unconditionally, just like he always used to.

But in the next second, Liam walked straight to Chloe, gently wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Chloe, your sister might just be in a bad mood after her long trip. Don’t mind her.”

Then, he finally looked at me. “Stella, try not to be so impulsive. Today’s a happy occasion; don’t let a small matter ruin it.”

His words sounded like he was trying to smooth things over, but every single one of them favored Chloe. I looked at him, feeling a sudden profound distance.