Chapter 1

My sister and I fought over Preston for over a decade.

But Preston still preferred my talented, accomplished sister.

I threw myself into learning every art form imaginable, desperate for just one glance from him.

At twenty-five, I graduated from Oxford with a degree in Finance.

But when I came home, Preston still pushed my hand away.

"I only love Jade. Stop wasting your energy."

I stood frozen.

My best friend pulled out tissues to wipe my tears.

I dodged them, confused.

"Why do I find him so boring now? He's just good-looking. I can't even understand why I liked him in the first place. Have I fallen out of love?"

My friend smiled.

"You've moved forward, while he's still stuck in the same place."

My sister Jade and I got out of the car at the same time.

Without warning, Jade stumbled sideways.

Preston rushed forward without hesitation to catch her.

Jade leaned into his arms, silently flashing me a mocking smile.

Everyone around us lowered their heads, smirking.

Because they knew what came next—I would yank Jade away, scream at her for faking, accuse her of stealing Preston's love.

Then Preston would scold me for being immature, making me cry.

That was the usual script.

But after waiting a moment, I still hadn't moved.

Over the years, I'd nearly driven myself insane trying to get Preston to notice me.

I'd studied, started businesses, built social media platforms.

After experiencing corporate tactics and even meeting people in politics—

Jade's little stumble seemed ridiculous.

"Good thing you didn't fall."

I said calmly, handing the gifts to a servant.

"My parents asked me to bring these for your parents."

Jade's expression soured.

Preston frowned at me.

Inside the house, I discovered there were only four chairs in the dining room.

Preston's father, Preston's mother, Preston—that was already three chairs.

Jade suddenly laughed.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I forgot to mention you were coming. They didn't prepare a seat for you."

"Why are you explaining?"

Preston looked at me coldly.

"It wasn't intentional. Just go get yourself a chair. No need to make things difficult for her."

Always like this.

Preston always stood unconditionally on Jade's side.

But strangely, I truly felt nothing about it anymore.

I couldn't even understand why I'd fought so bitterly with my sister over him.

"Mr. Gallagher, I haven't said anything yet."

Preston froze.

In the past, I would have been red-eyed and screaming by now.

"You're upset."

Jade stepped forward with tears in her eyes, grabbing my hand. "Let me grab you a chair. No need to be upset."

She moved to get one, but Preston grabbed her arm.

He looked down at me.

"This is the Gallagher house, not a place for you to throw your weight around.

"If you're not willing, then don't eat."

Some servants couldn't help but laugh out loud.

I heard someone whisper, "Watch—Miss Smith will definitely fetch that chair herself."

"Of course! She'll do anything to sit closer to our young master."

"No need."

I smiled lightly.

"I only came to deliver gifts from my parents anyway, not specifically for dinner.

"I happen to have other plans. Enjoy your meal."