Chapter 1

I spent an entire year working myself to the bone for the Paris Avant-Garde Fashion Showcase. I almost went blind.

All I wanted was to bring the last piece of art my late Grandma Evelyn left me onto the global stage.

But right before the flight, Carter, my boyfriend of five years, canceled my ticket.

He took the couture gown I had hand-sewn with my own blood and sweat and put it on his sob-story assistant.

He said:

"Chloe’s depression is flaring up again. She needs this runway show to rebuild her confidence."

"You’re the talented one, Maya. You’ll have other chances. Just do this to help her out."

He thought I would swallow my pride and step back, just like I had done for the last five years.

But he didn't know. Once you give some things away, they are gone forever. And along with that dress, my love for him was completely drained.

Later, that parasite of an assistant was thoroughly ruined, and Carter’s family empire went bankrupt.

He knelt in a raging blizzard, begging me to look at him.

But I just held the arm of Julian Vance, the sole heir of New York's top financial empire, and didn't even spare Carter a glance.

"Get lost, Carter. Don't get your cheap hands on my dress."