Chapter 1

The atmosphere in the private room fell into a strangely tense silence for a few seconds.

Just when everyone thought the young woman was about to be coldly turned away, Peter Sullivan chuckled lightly and pulled her into his arms in one swift movement.

He said with a smirk, "You're the first one bold enough to try this. What's your name?"

His low and dulcet whisper was seductive and intoxicating. Following his question, the atmosphere in the room became heated with sexual tension.

"I… I'm Sammy Evans," replied the young woman shyly as she sat on Peter's lap.

Then, she turned around to flash me a provocative smile.

My expression stiffened. I tried to smile, but I failed spectacularly, and it faded into a grimace.

"Sammy, huh?" I murmured her name under my breath with trembling lips.

Sammy was Samantha Hartley's nickname.

Samantha had been Peter's first love, who had unfortunately passed away at a young age.

This was such a fitting coincidence. No wonder the moment she walked in, I felt like I had no chance of even being a match for her.

Around me, everyone exchanged glances. The gazes that fell on me were uncertain and somewhat tense. But I could feel the gloating amusement they were withholding as they watched the scene unfurl.

"You've already got her in your arms, Mr. Sullivan. The vibe's just right, so how about a kiss for the crowd?"

"Exactly! Don't just let her sit there. Give us a little mouth-to-mouth action and pour her a drink!"

For once, Peter ignored the crude jeers of his friends. His hand gripped her waist tightly and pulled her closer to him in a protective way.

Then, he downed the glass of liquor offered to him effortlessly before countering, "She's new to places like this. Don't scare her."

"Aww! You're already getting protective of her. Mr. Sullivan, this public display of affection is killing me!"

"Shh, keep it down. Can't you see that Mrs. Sullivan is still sitting there?"

Once again, all eyes turned to me. I lowered my head, pretending nothing was happening around me. I tried to minimize my presence as much as possible.

Peter shot me a cool and indifferent glance. "Stop looking at her. She's no different from a maid in our household. She has no say over what I want to do."

My fingers tightened around the hem of my dress. I felt a bitter lump in my throat, but I didn't dare say a word.

So it turned out that to Peter, I was nothing more than a maid.

What more could I say?

Some people simply didn't need to do anything at all to get everything I once longed for.

On the other hand, even after I drank to the point of suffering gastrointestinal bleeding on behalf of him, and landed in the hospital for a gastric lavage, all I got in return was three words. "We're even now."

Pushing those thoughts aside, I stood up abruptly and walked toward Peter.

Sammy's eyes widened like a frightened deer. She looked panicked, as if I were about to hurt her.

Peter's expression soured as he glared at me. "What are you up to now?"

I didn't utter a word in response and tried hard to control the slight tremor coursing through my body. In the next moment, I took off the engagement ring I had once treasured more than anything and slid it onto Sammy's finger.

All I had to say was, "Congratulations on finding Sammy again. I'm just returning what doesn't belong to me anymore."