Chapter 1

I am Valentino King, the prodigal son who has finally come to my senses. Everyone around me placed bets that my newfound commitment wouldn’t last more than two weeks. Yet, I was constantly updating Paris on my whereabouts, linking all my apps to her phone, and planning our wedding with grand gestures.

Then my grandfather passed away, and at the funeral, I saw Paris watching as I walked in hand-in-hand with Camila, my widowed sister-in-law, presenting a wreath in honor of my grandfather as his grandson and granddaughter-in-law. Catching Paris's gaze, I remained shamelessly proud.

"My brother left us suddenly, leaving Camila alone and unsupported. I just want to give her a little extra care; don't make a scene," I declared. "She's carrying the King family's heir. Our wedding should be postponed."

Everyone expected Paris to make a dramatic scene at the funeral, but she simply smiled and calmly removed her engagement ring, handing it to Camila. "Why don’t we combine the funeral with a wedding today? I could be your witness."

The moment I finished speaking, all eyes turned towards me, filled with surprise, ridicule, and disbelief. How could we part so easily after so many years of love? To them, it seemed like I was just throwing a tantrum.

Even Valentino thought the same: "Paris, you can act up all you want usually, but at an occasion like this, must you embarrass me?" I laughed coldly. If embarrassment was truly a concern, why was he still holding Camila’s hand so tightly?

"Grandfather valued family duty above all. He worried most about your marriage when he was alive. Now there’s a perfect chance to ease his mind." With that, I headed towards my grandfather's urn but was grabbed by Valentino.

His face turned dark. "You know well Grandfather favored you as my future bride. My feelings for Camila are out of responsibility."

I stared back coldly, pointing to the ring on Camila's finger. "So, giving her our engagement ring was just another part of your duty?"

Just a week ago, he was excitedly discussing ring designs with me. Yesterday, my phone buzzed with a notification about the custom ring's arrival. My best friend was there at the time, certain he would propose that very day. She gathered friends and family, lavishly decorating my room, waiting to capture the proposal moment.

I picked out my outfit, applied makeup, and waited with anticipation from morning till nightfall. But Valentino was nowhere to be found. I kept telling myself: Valentino's grandfather has passed, and he's preoccupied with family matters.

Even my friend reassured me: "Everyone knows you're Valentino's cherished one. That ring would never end up on someone else's finger, surely?"

Yet here it was—on another's hand. Valentino sensed my spiraling emotions and softened his tone slightly: "Camila liked the ring too. I'll have another identical one made for you."

"My brother is gone; I have to prioritize his widow. Can't you show some understanding?" His words stung like a slap, jolting me to reality. He had promised the ring was one-of-a-kind, just like my irreplaceable place in his heart.

Was I the only one valuing those vows? I gave a bitter laugh. "I won’t settle for what others have."

"Valentino, let's break up."

He hadn't expected me to say that and grasped my shoulder tightly. "This isn't the time for playing games. What will people say about Camila if you act this way?"

I stared at him blankly. Just then, Camila ran over apologizing, "Paris, don't be upset. I truly have no choice; the baby needs to be registered."

"It's all Valentino's brother's fault, passing too soon and leaving us—unwelcomed widow and orphan."

Valentino, filled with empathy, tried to stop her next words, but she clutched my grandfather's urn, swore nothing was happening between them, stumbled, and the ashes scattered across me.

"Paris, I know you resent me, but surely you wouldn’t have pushed me?" She sat on the ground, eyes filled with innocence. I wanted to explain, but Valentino stood between us.

He first consoled Camila softly, then turned to me coldly: "Have you had enough drama? Giving her the ring was my choice. Marrying her is my decision. Since when did you start taking your anger out on the innocent?"

"If anything happens to Camila's child, you and I are done."

If he had bothered to really look at me, he'd notice my tear-stained eyes and the bruises on my hands, where I was cradling my stomach protectively. But he didn't.

My heart sank, along with the life growing within. The crowd's whispers and condemning stares felt like needles piercing me.

In a daze, I recalled Valentino years ago, promising to make me the happiest bride in the world, surrounded by envy. The chasm between dreams and reality widened as he held Camila, walking further away from me.

Unable to withstand it any longer, I collapsed backward.