Chapter 1

I was a replica of Jayden Parker's beloved, Louise Green—a fact that was an open secret in our circle. Five years ago, to shed her "golden girl" image, Louise abandoned Jayden and everything he had given her, resolutely leaving for Ashbourne to continue her studies. I seized the opportunity to take her place in Jayden's life. With my careful mind and seemingly obedient demeanor, I became his personal secretary. I managed every aspect of his work and personal life—and fulfilled his desires. Gradually, I became the most important woman in his world. After each encounter, he would reward me handsomely. In a gentle tone, he would say, "Ariana, you must behave, and I will give you endless wealth and luxury." But I knew clearly that I was nothing more than a "toy". Life went on, monotonous and unchanging—that was, until news broke of Louise's high-profile return to the entertainment industry. At her comeback press conference, Jayden sat in the audience personally, while every major figure in the industry came out to support her. As for me, I became the target of public scorn. Outside, the criticism poured down endlessly, and even the housekeepers at home began to treat me with neglect. One day, a housekeeper accidentally spilled hot water on my hand. Before I could say anything, she cut me off, "Ms. Green is coming back. Do you really think Mr. Parker will still take your side?" I returned to the bedroom without a word. That night, Jayden walked in and saw me turning away, quietly sobbing. "Ariana, what's wrong?" he asked calmly, his voice betraying no emotion. He lay down and held me, catching a glimpse of the posts I had been scrolling through. I buried my face in his arms, hiding my tear-streaked eyes. "Mr. Parker, I know my place, but I can't control my love for you." Jayden was visibly moved and stroked my face with his right hand. I pressed my face into his palm in response. Just then, Jayden's assistant, Steve Harrington, called. "Mr. Parker, there's a new event for Ms. Louise, and the schedule needs your review." Jayden got up at once and began to dress. As he turned, I caught his wrist. His gaze stalled, his expression unreadable. "Jayden, you need to take care of yourself. Otherwise, I'll worry…" At that, his eyes softened, bending down to kiss my forehead. "Be good. I had some new things added to the studio for you." I lowered my gaze, tears gathering in my eyes. "Mr. Parker, I'm not asking for anything else. I only ask that you leave me a place where I can look up to you… Please don't abandon me." He leaned down and took my hand. "As long as you obey me, there will always be a place for you by my side." His hand slipped beneath the covers, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. I wavered between resisting and giving in, unintentionally exposing the arm I had burned. Jayden paused for a moment, but made no move to ask about it. Instead, he continued his actions over me. A flicker of disappointment passed through my eyes before I surrendered to him. Jayden bit down on my lips, feigning ferocity. "You're really killing me!" I laughed softly and brushed a kiss against his jaw. "So, Mr. Parker… Will you allow me?" Jayden stood and straightened his clothes, a teasing smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "If you want it, I'll allow it." I watched him leave, but my body began to tremble uncontrollably. Thinking of that kiss just moments ago, I could no longer hold it in and rushed to the bathroom to vomit. I kept rinsing my mouth and fingers. Everything in the bathroom had been knocked to the floor by my hands. Bottles and jars lay shattered everywhere. Along with them, my heart—already riddled with cracks—shattered, too. I bent down to clean up the mess, only to slice my palm on the broken glass. The pain jolted me awake. Staring at the blood on my hand and my disheveled reflection in the mirror, I could no longer hold back. I buried my face in my hands and sobbed uncontrollably. I was at my limit. Every nerve in my body was screaming in revolt. But I knew the moment hadn't arrived. This was merely the beginning.