Chapter 1

My sister wanted my fiancé.

My own family stripped me naked and sold me in a secret auction.

By the time Adrian finally came for me, I had already lost my mind. He carried me away without a word.

The next day, our family empire crumbled. My parents met a violent end. My sister? She ended up with him—my fiancé.

While I was recovering, Adrian became the city’s most feared man—and he never left my side.

Just before our wedding, I went to surprise him with my recovery news.

But then I heard moans.

“Shut up,” he growled. “If Stella hears you, you’re dead.”

Then my sister’s moans flooded the room—hot and heavy.

I froze.

Swallowing my tears, I ripped the curtain open.

"Adrian, I found you!"

The intimate atmosphere evaporated in an instant.

I let my face go stiff at the sight of them tangled together.

They sprang apart. Adrian quickly yanked his jacket over a disheveled Chloe.

"Why are you hitting that lady?" I asked, tilting my head. "She's crying."

Chloe scoffed, a sneer twisting her flushed face.

"Still a complete idiot."

Adrian scrambled into his clothes. His gaze landed on my blank, innocent expression, and a wave of palpable relief washed over his features.

"Stella, don't worry about her. She's just a staff member. Hubby will take you to try on pretty dresses now."

I squirmed, pushing myself away from Adrian's embrace. My reaction was strong. "Let go of me! You smell disgusting! I don't like it!"

Adrian's face froze for a second. He quickly recovered, kissing my forehead. "Okay, it's Hubby's fault."

He gently placed me on a chair, then immediately went to change. He only reappeared after ensuring not a trace of any "bad smell" remained.

Mr. Davis brought out dozens of wedding shoes. I shook my head at every single pair. "I don't like them."

Adrian barely glanced at them, just lifted a finger. "Next."

Just then, Chloe, fully dressed, emerged from the dressing room. "Adrian, I want her to help me try them on!"

Adrian's hand, resting on my waist, tensed.

Chloe's face twisted into a scowl. But when Adrian nodded, her reaction was explosive. "You want me to try on shoes for a fool?"

Her shriek made me flinch.

Adrian's expression turned stone cold. He subtly raised a hand, and Mr. Davis moved to forcibly bring Chloe over.

"It's your privilege to assist Stella with her shoes. If you refuse, get out of the city immediately."

Chloe's face went from pale to ashen. Finally, she begrudgingly knelt, helping me try on the heels.

The moment her hand touched my ankle, I kicked her hard, sending her sprawling. I burrowed into Adrian's arms, crying. "Ouch! Her nails hurt!"

Adrian frowned, his gaze flicking to Chloe's perfectly manicured nails. "Cut your nails."

Chloe's suppressed fury ignited. She snatched the high heel off the floor and slammed it down. "Adrian, if you want to humiliate me by siding with her, just say it! I wasn't born to be a doormat!"

With that, she ran out, sobbing.

"Adrian, is the pretty lady angry?"

Adrian patted my back, comforting me. "Don't mind her."

His voice was ice-cold, yet his eyes tracked Chloe's retreating figure with an intensity that chilled me.

Halfway through the wedding dress fitting, Mr. Davis entered, his face pale, and whispered something into Adrian's ear. Adrian, unfazed, continued to tap his cigarette, but his expression grew darker and darker.

A moment later, he tugged at his tie, unable to sit still any longer. "Stella, something's come up at the office. I'll have Mr. Davis take you home for now."

I dropped the wedding dress I was holding, rushing to grab his hand. "Adrian, please don't go? Today is-"

"Stella, be good. Don't be difficult." Adrian stroked my head, then hurried away without a backward glance.

My unfinished words died in my throat. Mr. Davis picked up the wedding dress and came over. "Madam, let me help you try it on."

I caught his slightly pitying gaze. I lowered my head, my voice barely a whisper. "No need. I don't like it." And then, even quieter, "I won't need to try one on ever again."