Chapter 2

The brilliant crystal chandeliers lit up the hotel grand ballroom as bright as day.

Today was the anniversary celebration of the Vance Group.

It was also the day Julian had promised to formally propose to me.

I stood quietly at the edge of the stage, wearing a haute couture white gown.

My fingers tightly gripped the sheet music I had spent six months preparing.

Originally, I was supposed to play a song for him tonight on "The Siren’s Lament," the legendary antique violin he had bought at an auction.

But now.

That $45 million masterpiece was resting quietly in Bianca Frost’s arms.

Under the spotlight.

Julian stood in his sharp black tuxedo. His features were cold and handsome, looking like a god.

He was leaning down, gently adjusting the violin strings for Bianca.

Standing together, they looked like the perfect couple.

The guests below whispered among themselves.

"I thought Mr. Vance was proposing to that orphan girlfriend of his, Valerie Sterling, tonight?"

"What do you know? Miss Frost is Julian’s childhood sweetheart. She just got back from her studies in Vienna last month."

"Exactly. A penniless orphan doesn't belong in a prestigious family like the Vances anyway."

"And 'The Siren’s Lament' is a masterpiece. Only a high-born lady like Bianca deserves it."

Every single word.

Like a blunt, rusty knife.

Slowly and cruelly carving into my heart.

I took a deep breath.

I forced down the bitterness in my throat.

I turned around and walked silently into the dimly lit backstage.

There were no spotlights here.

No mocking glances.

Only endless, suffocating coldness.

I sat in front of the vanity mirror, looking at my pale reflection.

Five years.

I had been by Julian’s side for five long years.

From when he had absolutely nothing, to his massive success today.

I thought my warmth could finally melt this glacier of a man.

But the moment Bianca returned.

All my sacrifices became a pathetic joke.

Outside the door, a light patter of footsteps approached.

Accompanied by the sharp click of high heels.

The dressing room door was pushed open.