Chapter 1

"Dayana, you've been laying low for five years now. Your X followers have dropped off a cliff. The Nacre Prize deadline is almost here. Are you really not signing up?" asked Matteo Robbins, Dayana's assistant.

No wonder Matteo kept pushing. Dayana Mueller was a prodigy, winning awards left and right before she was even out of her teens. But when Spencer Richardson offhandedly complained that their hectic lives were making their kid suffer, Dayana didn't hesitate.

At the height of her career, she gave it all up, moved back home, and traded the spotlight for home-cooked meals.

"If you're really not up for it, just pretend I never brought it up. I'll handle everything at the studio," Matteo said.

Dayana sat on the couch, her gaze locked on the wedding photo on the wall, her lips parting slightly.

"I'm in," she said.

Matteo had already braced himself for another rejection. After all, every year for the past five years, the answer had been the same.

On the other end of the line, there was a loud clatter as he got so excited he accidentally knocked over his cup. "Really? You've changed your mind? That's awesome, seriously awesome!

"So when are you coming back? We need to throw you a welcome party! Oh my god, I'm so happy. I have to tell everyone right now..."

Matteo was chatting away again, but this time, Dayana didn't feel annoyed. Instead, she just felt guilty toward all the colleagues and friends who'd always supported her.

"I'll come back once I've sorted things out here. Just wait for me," she said.

As she hung up, the front door opened, and Spencer walked in. Dayana glanced at the clock. He was home early today.

"Wait for you? Where are you going?" he asked, sounding puzzled.

"Just meeting up with a friend for a bit," she replied.

Spencer nodded and walked straight past her into his study.

As Dayana turned around, she realized Spencer wasn't alone. Their daughter was holding hands with his secretary, Natasha Davies, as they walked in together.

Dayana's eyes went straight to the necklace around Natasha's neck. Even though only a bit of it peeked out, she recognized it instantly. It was the one she'd designed for Spencer and personally put on him when they first started dating.

Natasha clearly caught Dayana staring. She casually pulled the necklace out and flaunted it right in front of Dayana, making sure she got a good look.

"Dayana, this is a birthday present from Mr. Richardson. Isn't it pretty?" Natasha said.

Natasha stepped up, deliberately trying to get under Dayana's skin.

Dayana didn't even look up, not paying Natasha any mind. But Dayana's daughter, Kate, wasn't going to let it slide.

"Hey, Natasha's talking to you! What's the matter, are you deaf or just dumb? I know what's up. You're just jealous Dad likes her more than you. Too bad, you're just not good enough for him," Kate scoffed.

Dayana stood up, pulled Kate over, and was ready to set her straight. The kid was getting more and more out of line.

Natasha had been acting all high and mighty at first, but suddenly she darted forward, shielding Kate behind her, and ended up on the floor herself.

"Dayana, please don't hit the kid! It's all my fault. I shouldn't have worn this and made you upset. I'll stay away from now on," Natasha said, putting on a show of remorse.

Dayana frowned at Natasha. She couldn't figure out what game Natasha was playing.

"Spencer's not even here. Who are you trying to impress? Save the act for someone who cares. Just get out of my sight," Dayana shot back.

But instead of getting up, Natasha gave herself a few hard slaps, leaving her cheeks red and puffy.

Before Dayana could say a word, Spencer came out fuming, shoved her out of the way, and helped Natasha up with exaggerated care. He hurried to the fridge, grabbed some ice, and held it to her face.

He was all concern and tenderness, fussing over Natasha like she was made of glass. Dayana had never seen him act so sweet before.

"Dayana, are you freaking crazy? You know Natasha's got health issues, and you still go after her? What the hell is wrong with you? She's my assistant. Hitting her is like hitting me," Spencer snapped.

Dayana opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to explain herself, but Spencer cut her off before she could get a word out.

"Don't say a word. I don't want to hear your excuses. Kate, you tell me. What happened just now?" Spencer pressed.

All three of them turned to Kate at once. She fidgeted, sneaking a timid glance at Dayana, then just stood there, hesitating, unable to get a word out.

Anyone looking on would totally think Dayana was intimidating her into silence, too scared to tell the truth.

Spencer gave Dayana a hard glare, then crouched down and gently coaxed Kate.

"Dad, Mom tried to hit me! Natasha only argued with her because she was trying to protect me. Mom told me not to say anything, but I was really scared. And she said Natasha didn't deserve to wear her necklace at all," Kate whimpered, her voice full of fear.

Dayana stood there, completely isolated, like she was the villain everyone hated.

"Dayana, what could you possibly say now? This is your own daughter. Would she really make something like this up? I can't believe you. You really broke my heart," Spencer said.