Chapter 1

That year, Claire Aniston's parents died in a car accident. Soon after, the Aniston family went bankrupt, and Claire's grandfather suffered such a shock that he was rushed to the ICU.

Before he passed, he entrusted his network, his resources, and his only granddaughter, Claire, to George Bennett, a man who had once shared a life-or-death bond with him.

Afterward, George took Claire back to the Bennett family and made a solemn vow: she could choose any descendant of the Bennett family as her spouse.

But Claire stubbornly fell for Calvin, the illegitimate son. Although Calvin always treated her with indifference, her persistence finally paid off—he eventually agreed to marry her.

The engagement party that evening was dazzling, crowded with the city's most prominent families.

After chatting with several young women of high society, Claire realized she hadn't seen Calvin. She went upstairs to find him, but as she passed his room, a sound stopped her in her tracks—an intimate, unmistakable sound that made her cheeks burn.

Frozen, she slowly pushed open the door, only to witness a scene that stole her breath.

Calvin, shirtless, was bent over a woman.

The woman clung to him, gasping, her arms wrapped around his neck. "Calvin, I love you so much."

Calvin's movements grew more intense.

"I love you too, Iris. Even if I marry Claire, I won't touch her. You must understand… I'm marrying her only for you. As long as you get to live in this house, I'll see you every day."

Claire's body trembled uncontrollably.

She could not believe it—her fiancé was involved with her half-sister. And today, of all days, it was their engagement party!

She had known Calvin didn't love her, but she had stubbornly believed it was only because of his cold nature—that once married, he would eventually love her.

Now she realized the truth. Her devotion had been a cruel joke.

Calvin had loved Iris, the illegitimate daughter, all along. The day her parents died, Iris had been sent to the Bennett household. Though her origins were shameful, Claire had pitied her, renting her a place to live and raising her without worry. She had never imagined that this sister would one day seduce the man she loved most.

And Calvin's agreement to marry? It had only been to legitimize Iris's entry into the Bennett family.

Claire finally understood: no matter what she did, Calvin would never spare her a glance. Illegitimate son and illegitimate daughter—they were a perfect match. It was time for her to step aside.

Claire pressed a hand to her lips, stifling a sound, as tears streamed relentlessly. Her steps wavered. Her mind was blank, and she didn't even realize how she had made her way downstairs.

Inside the bedroom, Iris Aniston watched Claire leave, a smile curling at her lips. Her goal at the Bennett house wasn't just to take Calvin—she wanted everything Claire had. It was what the Aniston family owed her.

Claire stumbled down the stairs and collided with George.

Seeing her tear-streaked face, the old man grew anxious. "Claire, why are you crying? Did Calvin upset you?"

Claire's eyes, still red from crying, met his. "Grandpa George, my mind's made up. Calvin doesn't love me, and I won't force him. I'm not marrying him."

George was stunned. "But you've loved Calvin all these years. I let you pick from all the Bennett heirs, and you chose him. I poured resources into him—his business, his future—all so your life would be secure… and now this?"

Claire shook her head, tears falling. "He's in love with someone else. A forced marriage wouldn't make anyone happy."

"Don't cry, sweetheart. If not him, then we'll find you another from the family…"

"Fine. Change the groom—but keep the wedding date."

George had always indulged her; she could have whatever she wanted.

"Have you picked someone?" he asked.

"I'll draw lots," Claire said, her heart numb. She didn't care who she married anymore.

George frowned. "A lottery? Leaving your marriage to chance… isn't that too reckless?"

"Grandpa George, every eligible Bennett is more than suitable. No matter who I marry, I won't be settling, right?"

"Alright," George finally nodded. "As long as you're happy, Claire."

Claire wiped her tears. "Then in seven days, on the original wedding date, we'll hold the draw. Whoever is chosen will marry me."

"Claire, as long as this is what you want, I'll always treat you like my own granddaughter. I just want you to be happy."

Claire nodded, her eyes glistening. "Thank you, Grandpa George."

She would go through with the wedding—but she would not be marrying the groom she once chose.