Chapter 3

I came from an ordinary, working-class background, so after college, I simply joined a local news agency as an everyday journalist.

Seraphina's background, however, was worlds apart from mine. She was the sole granddaughter of the prominent Vance family—the undisputed titan of high society—doted on by everyone since childhood and crowned the city's golden princess.

Back in college, when she randomly decided she wanted to be an actress, her grandfather, Richard Vance, poured millions into producing a movie tailored specifically for her, casting her as the leading lady.

Later, when she wanted to pivot to being a pop singer, Richard hired Grammy-winning producers from overseas just to write tracks for her.

Whenever any negative comments about Seraphina surfaced online, they were scrubbed within seconds.

If a single IP address posted multiple hate comments about her, they would promptly receive a court summons from the Vance family's high-powered legal team.

Seraphina had lived a charmed, effortless life, and Julian leaving the country was the very first real obstacle she had ever faced.

Her second obstacle was the intense pressure from her family to settle down. The Vances had made it crystal clear: as long as Seraphina liked him, anyone could marry into the Vance family.

And then, she came to me.

When I asked her why she chose me, she merely smirked and said:

"Because you're the most obedient."

...

After work, I called Seraphina, planning to pick her up so we could head to the family dinner together. But when the line connected, it was Julian's voice on the other end.

"Seraphina just stepped away to the restroom. Once she's back, I'll have her call you back."

His effortless, casual tone sounded like he was her real husband, making me on the other end of the line feel like insignificant dust.

"Uh..."

Panicking that Seraphina might just run off with him, I rushed to say:

"Tonight is the annual Vance family dinner. Make sure she gets back on time, or her grandfather is going to be furious."

"Sure thing, I'll pass the message along."

Julian's voice was gentle and poised. I hung up in a hurry, my mind spinning into complete chaos.

Seraphina was clearly asleep in bed when I left the house this morning—how on earth was she with Julian now?

I waited, but her call never came. I had no choice but to head to the Vance estate alone.

"Mr. Cole, you're here."

The head butler, Lewis, greeted me. I gave a slight nod. "Lewis."

"Where is Miss Seraphina?"

Noticing I was completely alone, Lewis looked puzzled. "Is she still caught up with work?"

I thought to myself that I had no clue what kind of wild mess she was getting into right now, but I offered Lewis a polite, awkward smile.

"Maybe."

"Is Cole back?!"

Grandfather Richard's booming, authoritative voice echoed across the foyer. My knees almost went weak. I hurried over and greeted him respectfully:

"Good evening, Grandfather."

Richard adjusted his reading glasses, his stern, weathered face scowling into a tight frown.

"Why are you by yourself? Where the hell is Seraphina?"

"She..."

Just as I was sweating over how to cover for her, my phone rang at the perfect moment, saving my skin.

"Go take that."

Richard waved his hand dismissively, and I practically sprinted to a quiet corner.

"Hello, Amy?"

"Cole, we have an emergency! Seraphina got into huge trouble!"