Chapter 1

My former influencer best friend, Amber, suddenly brought me up during her livestream. "Chloe, my twenty-fifth birthday is coming up. I’ve moved past everything that happened between us. I really hope you can make it to my party."

I had already stepped back from the internet and wanted nothing to do with her drama. I sent her a direct message on Snapchat: "Thanks for the invite, but I have other plans. Sorry."

I didn’t expect her to screenshot my DM and blast it live to her viewers. "Looks like Chloe still holds a grudge against me."

Instantly triggered by her playing the victim, her followers flooded the comments with hate.

"Amber already forgave her! Why is she acting so entitled?"

"She has zero followers left anyway. If Amber didn't pity her, who would even remember her?"

"If she hadn't pissed off that major brand back then, Amber wouldn't have been canceled and cyberbullied for a month. Amber rebuilt her own fame, while Chloe still acts high and mighty. What a hypocrite."

I sent her another DM, keeping it firm: "Happy birthday in advance, but I won’t be coming."

This time, Amber replied in seconds.

"Didn't we promise to watch each other find happiness? My top donor is also my boyfriend, and he's going to be there. I really want you to witness our love."

Before I could decline, she sent a video.

It was a clip of her and her mysterious sugar daddy acting all sweet together. "He’s a hotshot CEO. I’m only letting you see this before I officially reveal him to my fans tonight."

With just one glance, my blood ran cold. The man in the video was Logan—my fiancé.

Swallowing the sharp pain in my chest, I typed back: "I'll be there to witness your happiness."

Logan walked through the door just then. When he saw me sitting in the living room, he froze, visibly panicking as he tried to hide the gift box behind his back. Realizing I was staring right at him, he forced a casual smile, walked over, and kissed my forehead. "Babe, why aren't you out shooting content today? Something came up at the branch office, so I have to head out of town. Sorry I can't stay."

He set the box on the counter, his eyes lingering on it with reluctant hesitation.

Then, putting on a dramatic act, he turned to me. "I was planning to surprise you, but you caught me red-handed. Here—a custom watch and some treats. Try it on!"

I let out a soft chuckle and pulled the lid off. Inside sat a flashy watch completely encrusted with pink diamonds.

It wasn't my style at all. I had always preferred understated elegance over loud, gaudy bling. It was painfully obvious this hadn’t been bought for me.

Before I could ask, Logan scrambled for an excuse. "You always dress so quiet luxury, so I thought I'd get you something bold for a change. But if you don't like it, that's fine—I'll just return it and get something else."

He reached out eagerly to snatch the box back.

I pressed my hand firmly over his, smiling straight into his eyes. "Actually, it's perfect for a party. Thank you, babe. I love it."

Logan's smile stiffened, turning into an awkward grimace. "Glad... glad you like it."

I opened the bakery box next. To stay in shape, I hadn't touched sweets in months.

Inside were eight glazed donuts.

"I saw that viral trend on TikTok, so I grabbed them," he said smoothly. "All the donuts are yours."

I looked down, playing along. "Thanks, Logan. You're the best."

We grew up together. He had always been desperate to climb the social ladder, but hard work only gets you so far without connections. To prove his worth to my wealthy parents, I founded a company, handed him the CEO title, and quietly funneled high-paying clients and contracts his way.

Even with his mediocre skills, my background made his business soar.

I never imagined the resources I handed him would become his budget to spoil another woman.

Logan grabbed his suitcase, looking back at the watch on the table three times before heading to the door.

I acted oblivious and gave him a playful wave. "Go on, silly. It's not like we won't see each other again. Why so clingy?"

He had no choice but to leave. At the door, he gave his routine sign-off: "Love you, babe. Be back soon. Kiss kiss."

I didn't say it back. Blinded by his own lies, he didn't even notice my silence, mechanically going through the motions before rushing out.

The second the door clicked shut, I dumped the donuts straight into the trash can.

If it wasn't meant for me, it was garbage.

I drove over to the luxury hotel Amber booked for her party.

She was wearing a gown from the same luxury fashion house as mine, except hers was last season’s couture.

Around her neck was a necklace that looked sickeningly familiar.

A month ago, during a rare weekend we spent relaxing, Logan pointed at an actress on the Met Gala red carpet and asked if I liked her jewelry.

I thought he was planning a surprise for me, so I smiled and told him it was gorgeous. Knowing the piece cost seven figures and not wanting him to struggle financially, I went behind the scenes the very next morning and secured him a multi-million-dollar contract.

Now, reality gave me a brutal slap in the face.

His surprise was meant for Amber all along.

A cluster of local influencers buzzed around her like flies.

"Amber, that couture dress is insane! I heard only two A-list celebs have ever worn this brand. Are you secretly an heiress or something?"

"Wait, isn't that necklace identical to the one the pop star wore last month? That’s a one-of-five collector's piece! I can't believe I'm seeing one in real life."

Amber giggled, waving her hand modestly. "Stop it, you guys! I'm just a normal girl. My boyfriend bought all of this for me. He promised an even bigger surprise later tonight."

She lowered her head with a shy, practiced blush.

The crowd squealed with excitement.

"We finally get to meet your mysterious billionaire daddy!"

"I'm so jealous of you, Amber! Flawless career and the perfect man."

"Can't wait to see how he flexes his wealth tonight!"

Ever since Logan and I got together, I never bothered checking how much his company made. My personal investments earned more than his entire business was worth.

He had been working late every night. I thought he was grinding for our future. Turns out, he was busting his ass to shower Amber with luxury gifts.

And he did it knowing damn well that Amber and I had a falling out.

Fine. If he wants to play dirty, I’m ready to burn it all down.