Chapter 2

I spent three years acting like Serena's loyal dog, risking my life for her time and time again. Finally, my "sincerity" moved her.

She asked me if I was willing to marry her and help run her father's criminal empire.

I pretended to be overwhelmed with joy, asking her why she finally chose me.

She merely stepped on my chest with her sharp stiletto heel, looking down at me as I knelt on the cold floor.

"Because out of everyone I’ve ever known, you’re the most loyal dog I’ve had."

"You love me enough to be obedient, you’ve got the muscle, and most importantly... you look just like my first love."

Looking up into her stunning, cold eyes, I forced a bitter smile.

"So... I’ve just been a stand-in this whole time."

They say strong men don't cry, but in front of Serena, a powerful man like me let tears slip down his face.

Serena froze. A flicker of complex emotion crossed her eyes before she turned and walked away.

Actually, I had always known. In Serena's heart, I was nothing but a replacement for Kai Sterling.

Showing pain and shedding tears was just a calculated move to make her feel guilty.

She didn't show it on the surface, but I knew she had already fallen for me during our time together.

She just didn't want to admit it yet. She was still playing her arrogant princess games, blind to her own feelings.

So, I had to help her realize it.

Even my subordinates tried to comfort me: "Boss Leo, the princess definitely loves you. She’s just in denial. Look, she’s marrying you now! Even the Don agreed. That shows how much he approves of you as his son-in-law."

Indeed. For three years, I played the submissive partner at home. Outside, I was a terrifying, cold-blooded enforcer, but the moment I stepped through the door, I bowed to her. That kind of contrast could melt even the coldest heart.

Before Serena even realized it, she had started acting cute around me. She would kiss me, hug me, and on those passionate nights, she would actively seduce me.

Through her, I successfully made my way to her father, Victor Vance.

Victor had heard of my capabilities. Seeing how desperately I adored his daughter, he wasted no time in approving our marriage.

Everyone began calling me the Underboss. They assumed that once Serena took over, I would run the family.

For a moment, I was the most powerful man in the Vance syndicate, second only to Victor himself.

Until our wedding day.

Kai Sterling, her first love who had been gone for five years, suddenly crashed our ceremony, covered in wounds.

That day, our wedding was ruined by that useless street punk.

The hitmen chasing Kai burst in right behind him, raising their guns and firing without hesitation.

To save her precious ex, Serena pulled Kai behind her back, and without a second thought, she shoved me forward.

But actually, we had already run into Kai once before the wedding.

The day we met him, I went to an exclusive VIP lounge to bring Serena home.

The moment I pushed open the door to the private suite, my brows furrowed.

I knew Serena played wild, but every time I saw it, it made me sick.

As soon as I walked in, a bunch of women immediately crowded around me, rubbing their bodies against mine.

Serena rarely acknowledged our relationship in public. Most people only knew me as the ruthless Underboss, not as her fiancé.

"Hey, Boss Leo!"

I didn’t stop the women from clinging to me. Even though it disgusted me, seeing the jealousy flare in Serena's eyes was incredibly satisfying.

Serena, who usually hated admitting I belonged to her, slammed her wine glass onto the floor that night. She glared at me, her eyes filled with rage and hurt.

Only then did I brush the women off. I loosened my tie, walked over, and wrapped my arm around Serena's slender waist.

"Ready to go home, babe?"