CHAPTER 1

I didn't cry. Not even a single tear dropped. Because crying means I lost, and I'm done losing.

My gaze slowly dropped to my finger. The ring. A symbol of my eight-year relationship with Francis. Eight years of promises and lies.

For a moment, I couldn’t move. Then I laughed—soft, empty.

“Eight years…” I whispered.

Without another thought, I pulled it off.

My fingers trembled, but I paid it no mind. Not this time. Without a second thought, I threw it away.

“Let's see where the both of you end up after I'm done,” I said as I stared at the shattered ring promise from Francis.

The next morning, I acted like nothing had happened. Like I hadn't watched my world shatter just hours ago.

I stepped into a boutique and bought new clothes. I stared at the mirror and saw myself. Clean, sharp, confident. A version of me they wouldn't recognize.

By the time I arrived at the bank, I was already composed. Blazer fixed. Hair tied into a perfect bun. Makeup flawless.

"Good morning, Ma'am Lilary!"

"Good morning," I replied, calm and steady.

Inside my office, I finally let myself breathe. My secretary entered after a few minutes.

“Good morning, ma'am. Mr. Dominic Hemenez is scheduled to deposit a large sum of money today.”

I nodded and dismissed her.

A smile slowly crept up on my face.

Perfect. Just what I need to start my plan.

“It's like the heavens are on my side. How fortunate."

I checked my phone to gather information about Mr. Hemenez. But my smile faltered at what I saw.

Missed calls. Messages. Voicemails. All from the same person. Francis.

I stared at his name. For a second... it hurt. Eight years of memories we spent together came rushing to me.

My chest tightened. My grip tightened around my phone. An eight-year relationship, thrown away just like that.

Then it didn’t. I didn't open anything. Didn't reply, and most of all, I didn't care.

Because why would I, if I already have my eyes on someone else?

Someone more useful.

Dominic Hemenez.

A multi-billionaire CEO.

I ignored his calls and messages and looked up more information on the internet.

I need more information. I need to impress him. I need him to say yes.

A small smirk formed on my lips as I stepped outside the bank and patiently waited for him to arrive.

Calm and ready.

Then, a black BMW pulled up. The air shifted, and my breath got caught in my throat.

People were already looking even before he stepped out.

Whispering. Watching.

And when he finally stepped out, everything went still.

Tall. Imposing. Untouchable.

Just like what I had expected.

Dominic Hemenez. He didn't just walk—he owned every step, the kind of man who could ruin lives without even lifting a finger.

My eyes followed him. Observing and calculating.

I approached him first. "Mr. Hemenez," I said, offering a polite smile.

"I'm Lilary Cruz. I'm the bank manager. I'll be assisting you personally today."

His gaze landed on me. Sharp. Heavy. Observant. Too observant.

For a split second, it felt like he could see right through me. Like he knew I was up to something.

Inside my office, he handed me the cheque, and our fingers brushed. And just like that, a shiver ran down my spine. Again.

I tightened my grip slightly. For a brief second, I hesitated.

Is now the right time? Am I really going to do this?

Then, memories of last night's event flashed in my mind. My expression hardened, and just like that, all the hesitation disappeared.

"Mr. Hemenez," I started. My voice didn't shake. Good.

"Marry me."

A deafening silence followed. Heavy. Unexpected. Unbelievable.

But I didn't take it back. I had already made up my mind… because this is just the beginning.

“You're either brave… or stupid.”