Chapter 1

I'll never forget that afternoon when sunlight streamed through the blinds onto the oak floors of Phoenix's family estate, everything so quiet and peaceful. If I had known what was coming next, maybe I wouldn't have been so eager to help him organize those damned architectural blueprints.

"Be careful, Sera," Phoenix kissed my forehead before heading out, "those papers are pretty old, don't damage them."

I nodded, watching his tall figure disappear through the doorway. Three years—this was how we'd always been together. Intimate but without commitment, tender but never clear.

I told myself this was enough, at least better than what my mother had endured.

The study was filled with various design blueprints and architectural materials. I carefully sorted them by year, the repetitive work calming my nerves. Until I bumped into that antique wooden box.

It was heavy, carved with intricate patterns, obviously valuable. I just wanted to move it aside to make more room for the papers, but my hand slipped and the box hit the corner of the desk.

"Damn!"

The box fell to the floor, its lid popping open. Contents scattered everywhere—some old photos, a few letters, and...

My heart nearly stopped beating.

A six-carat diamond ring sparkled in the sunlight, with "C.S." engraved inside the band. Next to it lay several sheets of letter paper, the first one beginning with words that made my blood run cold:

"My beloved Celeste..."

I picked up the letter with trembling hands. Phoenix's handwriting, no mistake—definitely his script. The date showed it was written two years ago.

'I know you must fulfill your family's obligations, but I'll wait for you. No matter how long, I'll wait for you to come back. You're the only woman who matters in my life...'

Two years ago? Back then I thought we had defined our relationship, I even started fantasizing about our future. But apparently, I was just a substitute, a plaything to pass the time.

Just like the man my mother once waited for.

My mother's words echoed in my mind—her final words as she held my hand on her deathbed:

"Sera, people like us should never dream of loving them. Their hearts only have room for those of equal standing. Blood determines everything, always."

I sat stunned on the floor, still holding that ring. All I felt was the sting. This was who Phoenix had been waiting for, this was the woman he truly wanted to marry. And I was just his entertainment while he waited.

The sound of a phone ringing came from downstairs, followed by Phoenix's excited voice. I shot up like I'd been electrocuted and crept to the staircase.

"Celeste? My God, you're really coming back?"

"The arranged marriage failed? I'm sorry... no, no, I'm not happy about that. I just... I've waited so long..."

His voice carried a tenderness and excitement I'd never heard before. In three years, he'd never spoken to me in that tone.

"Of course I'll pick you up personally! You don't have anyone else in Napa Valley... what? Sera?"

I heard him pause.

"She'll understand, she's always been so reasonable."

Reasonable? That's how I existed in his mind—as someone "reasonable"?

"I'm leaving for the airport right now. Celeste, welcome home."

After hanging up, I heard him hurriedly gathering his things, then the roar of a car engine starting. He just left like that, without even saying goodbye to me.

I stood at the staircase for a long time until it was completely quiet outside. Then I returned to the study and looked at the scattered photos and letters on the floor.

Celeste Sterling in the photos was beautiful like an angel—golden hair, perfect features, and most importantly, she had that elegant bearing that only true nobility possessed.

I calmly put the ring back in the box, organized the scattered letters, and placed the box back in its original position. I tidied up all the blueprints, making sure everything was neat and orderly, as if I'd never touched anything.

Finally, I stood by the window, looking out at the vineyard. The setting sun cast golden light across the rolling hills, beautiful like a painting. But I knew this beauty didn't belong to me—it never had.

I pulled out my phone and sent Phoenix a text:

"Blueprints are organized. Key's under the doormat."

That was it. No questioning, no tears, no hysteria. I would leave with dignity, as I should.

Mother was right—we were born beneath them. But, I wouldn't let that fact destroy me.

I would live my own life, even without Phoenix Blackwood.