Kaia Domont sat in the taxi a little grin on her face as she texted Aldon Graves

[Me got landed, I’ll be at City Hall in half an hour]

Today was the day. They were finally tying the knot.

Five years together from college sweethearts to fiancês, now just a signature away from being husband and wife.

As she settled into the backseat, the morning sunlight bathed her fur skin, adding a touch of gentle allure.

The driver caught a glimpse of her beaming face in the rear–view mirror.

“Straight off the plane to City Hall? That eager to get married?” he joked.

“Yeah, it’s Valentine’s Day. Had to book the slot half a month ago.” Kaia laughed.

He chuckled, “Romantic. My daughter couldn’t even get it today, so she’s doing it tomorrow.”

“Congrats to her,” Kaia said warmly,

“Same to you!”

But even after she got there, Alden still hadn’t texted back.

With a slight pout, she dialed his number.

It rang. And rang. And rang.

Just as she was about to hang up, he picked up.

“Hello? What’s up?” he said, sounding totally flat.

Kaia’s grip on the phone tightened.

“Where are you, Alden? I’m at City Hall. They’re calling couples in, we’re…”

“I’m not coming, Kaia.” Alden cut her off.

She froze, disbelief written all over her face.

“What? We planned this–Valentine’s Day…”

“Yeah, I know. But something came up. Let’s do it another day. The date doesn’t matter.”

Doesn’t matter? I fought hard to get this slot half a month ago!

Just then, a female voice came through the phone. “Alden, you still on the phone? They’re waiting for us

Downstairs. Breakfast is getting cold.”

Kaia’s heart sank. She knew that voice. Too well.

It was Luna Thorne, the adopted girl of the Graves family for eighteen years.

Wait, she’s back in town?

Before Kaia could even react, the call cut off.

She just stood there, a bitter smile pulling at her lips.

He said he was tired. Went to bed early.

Turns out he was with her. The whole night.

Not long after, a text message popped up on her phone.

[Kaia, was that you on the phone? I just flew in yesterday, and Alden threw me a little welcome–back party. He got wasted and crashed here. Nothing sketchy, I swear! Wanna grab breakfast with us?] – Luna

Kaia stared at the screen, her stomach twisting.

Without hesitation, she typed back.

[Drop me the address. I’m coming.]

Outside the private room at Redblossom Restaurant, Kaia froze.

She could hear them. All of them.

Familiar voices floated through the door.

“Aren’t you supposed to be marrying Kaia now, Mr. Graves?”

“Yeah, didn’t she book that slot way ahead? Just for today? Wow. Desperate much?”

“What’s so special about today?”

“Valentine’s, dumbass.”

“Come on, Mr. Graves doesn’t love her. Everyone knows he’s only got eyes for Luna,” someone scoffed.

Then Luna’s voice chimed in, all sweet and fake.

“Stop it, guys,” she said with a shy smile. “Alden’s like… my brother.”

Kaia’s face turned ghostly pale. She desperately wanted to hear what Alden would say.

Through the small crack in the door, she saw him.

Alden, looking relaxed as ever, was slouched in his seat, arm resting possessively behind Luna’s chair.

From where Kaia stood, it looked as if he was lovingly holding the woman he adored.

Then, Alden’s husky voice slowly rang out.

“Do you really just see me as a brother, Luna?”

“Are you… really not going to marry Kaia today?” Luna asked hesitantly.

“No. Not marrying her. She’s not part of my day,” Alden replied, calm and cold.

A few people around the table cooed in mock sympathy.

Luna shifted slightly in her seat, her shoulders trembling under the teasing.

Alden leaned in close, lips near her ear.

“Luna,” he murmured, “no one matters more than you.”

Cheers. Laughter. Someone even clapped.

But for Kaia, it felt like a sharp dagger piercing through her heart, leaving her in deep pain

Who would’ve thought I could never melt his icy heart?

Always second place. No matter what I’ve done, I’m never his number one.

How ridiculous. How pathetic.

Just then, someone returning from the restroom stopped at the sight of her.

“Uh… Kaia, you’re here? Why not come in?”

The door swung open. And now everyone saw her.

Saw the ghost of the woman Alden was supposed to marry.

An awkward silence hung in the air–until someone tried to lighten the mood.

“Hey, Kaia! Have you had breakfast? Come join us!”

Alden withdrew his hand from Luna’s chair, frowning slightly.

What are you doing here?” he asked impatiently.

Kaia took a deep breath and walked slowly towards them.

“Why? Am I not allowed?” she said, her voice calm, but tight.

Luna immediately stood up to offer her seat

“Kaia, you’re here! Come and sit here. I saved a spot for you!”

“Stay put.” Alden pressed Luna’s shoulder down.

That small gesture cut Kaia like a blade.

“Yeah, just stay put. I’m not here for breakfast,” she said, her

voice flat.

Alden’s tone turned sharp. “Kaia, what’s going on? I told you— we’ll get the license another day.”

“There won’t be another day, Alden. No license,” she sneered.

“What did you say?”

“I said…” She smiled, slow and sweet. “We’re done. You said it yourself Not marrying me. So let’s call off the engagement. Go be with her. That’s what you want, right?”

For a second, Alden froze, eyes wide with disbelief.

“How could you—”

“She means that much to you? Fine. Take today’s appointment. A wedding gift for you lovebirds.”

With that, Kaia threw the crumpled number slip onto the floor.

“Kaia! Can’t we talk about this when we get home?” Alden warned in a low, firm voice, “Luna just got back.”

Right then, someone clicked their tongue.

+2 Bonus

“She’s bluffing. Everyone knows she’s head–over–heels in love with Mr. Graves! Heck, if it weren’t for Sir Graves, Luna would

be the bride!”

Luna, trying to hide her delight, pretended to be panicked.

“Ignore them, Kaia. Alden and I are just like siblings!”

The word made Kaia sick.

Siblings? Again?

What kind of brother will ditch his fiancée on license day to throw a welcome–back party for his sister?

“Yeah, some brother,” Kaia scoffed. “More like a lover.”

Alden’s jaw clenched, veins popping in his forehead.

“Enough, Kaia! Apologize to Luna. Now!”

Kaia shot him a steely look and then raised her right hand, palm

out.

I, Kaia Domont, swear to God–I’ll never marry Alden Graves. Break this vow, and may he stay childless. Forever!”

Kaia dropped her words, spun around, and left, leaving everyone in the room sharing awkward looks.

Someone forced a laugh. “Heh, Kaia sure knows how to crack a joke.”

“Don’t be mad, Mr. Graves. Just sweet–talk her later. She’ll cool off,” another chimed in.

But someone else scoffed, “Sweet–talk? Please. Don’t spoil these women, Mr. Graves. They’ll walk all over you.”

“Shut up.” Alden snapped, his voice was like ice. He was utterly annoyed by all the chatter.

Luna watched him, unease crept on her.

Since when has Alden started defending Kaia?

Has she stolen his heart during the years I’m away?

“Alden, if you’re worried about making Kaia mad, I’ll go and apologize to her, okay?” she said softly, biting her lip.

Then, she playfully poked his waist with her index finger, her voice full of charm.

“Don’t be angry. Look, you’ve scared them all,” she murmured.

She used to poke Alden’s waist under the table when they were kids, and it always melted his heart.

Sure enough, his icy look softened a bit.

“I’m not mad,” he said gently. “Luna, I’d never get mad at you over someone else.”

Luna lowered her eyes sweetly, her cheeks turning pink.

“Me too, Alden.”

The room burst into teasing laughter, and just like that, the tension Kaia left behind disappeared.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Kaia headed straight for the house she once shared with Alden.

This place was a wedding present from Alden’s grandfather, Allen Graves.

The maid, Serena Bills, blinked in surprise.

“You’re back,” she exclaimed. “I thought you’d be getting your marriage license today. Where’s Mr. Graves?”

Kaia didn’t answer. She stormed past and went straight upstairs.

One suitcase was enough–she’d never brought much here anyway.

As she passed by Alden’s study, her eyes landed on the tablet lying on his desk.

Once, when she’d wanted to watch some shows on it, he’d exploded with anger for no reason.

She’d assumed he just disliked people touching his stuff.

But today, she’d clearly saw Luna laughing with his phone in her hand.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Kaia stepped into the study.

With her slender fingers, she pressed the power button on the tablet.The screen lit up. Password required.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to give it a try.

The first password she entered was Alden’s birthday.

As expected, it was incorrect.

She didn’t give up. Next, she tried her own birthday. But alas, it was still wrong.

One more try. Her mind scrambled for clues… until it landed on one–Luna’s birthday.

September 23rd.

With fingers slightly shaking, she typed in “0923“.

As she’d dreaded all along, the screen flashed–unlocked.

Instantly, a bitter, acrid taste welled up in her throat.

To her dismay, there were no apps on the tablet.

Guided by an unsettling hunch, Kaia opened the photo album.

Then, her heart stopped cold. 3,344 photos. Each single one screamed Luna and Alden’s shared moments.

Luna’s beaming selfies. Dozens of shots with Alden–smiling, laughing, always close. And Kaia? He’d dodge every time she raised a camera. They only had one photo.

Their wedding portrait. Hanging in the bedroom like some sick joke.

“Hey, Alden,” Allen’s voice came through the phone, “did you and Kaia get the marriage license? Haven’t seen anything in the group chat.”

Alden paused.

“Something came up that day,” he said, keeping it vague. “We didn’t get it done. Totally slipped my mind to tell you. We’ll do it after your birthday bash.”

“Make sure you do,” Allen said. “I’ll sleep better once it’s done.”

Then, he added, “I heard Luna’s back.”

Alden’s jaw tightened, memories flooding back.

Five years ago, Luna had flown overseas after Allen tried to set her up with someone she didn’t want.

She’d vanished overnight–no goodbye, no explanation.

He never found out exactly what went down between her and Allen. All he knew was, Allen canceled the engagement, and Luna disappeared.

That year, things had been super tense between Alden and his family. It only started to get better after he got engaged to Kaia.

“Yeah,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Looks like it.”

Allen seemed satisfied with that. “Well, I’ll have your dad call her. It’s not right. She’s back in town and hasn’t even come home.” Then his tone sharpened.

“Alden, no matter who’s back, you and Kaia have to get that license ASAP. You got me?” Alden’s eyes darkened. “Sure, Grandpa.”

After ending the call, Alden rubbed his temples, a sigh threatening to escape his lips. Tomorrow was his grandfather’s birthday party.

Alden stared at the dead chat with Kaia. Nothing since the day, he’d stood her up.

He then typed: [Grandpa’s birthday party is tomorrow. Are you back from your business trip?]

An hour later, all he got in reply was a simple question mark. Irritation flashed in Alden’s eyes.

He texted, his fingers moving quickly on the screen:

[Kaia, enough with the tantrum. Don’t you realize how important Grandpa’s birthday party is?]

On the other side, Kaia had just stepped out of the shower. Reading Alden’s message, she let out a derisive laugh. She shot back: [Mr. Graves, we’re done. I won’t be there. Bring whoever you want.]

Alden’s patience snapped.

[Playing hard to get again? Who said we broke up? I’ll pick you up at seven tomorrow evening. You know how nice Grandpa has always been to you. Don’t ruin his birthday.]

Kaia scoffed, typing: [I’ll go, but pay me first.]

Along with the text, she sent a bank account number.

She added: [Just label it as “service fee“.]

Alden’s face darkened. What the hell was she pulling now.? But he didn’t have time for a pointless argument. He wired a million dollars without blinking.

Kaia received the money immediately and sent a meme, “Thanks, boss. You’re so generous!”

Clearly, she didn’t want to waste another word on him.

**** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **

Kaia showed up at the villa on time, wearing a form–fitting lavender dress. Her slightly curly, long hair was casually tied up at the back of her head with a white silk ribbon. Her skin was smooth and shiny. Despite her bright and attractive face, she exuded an air of coldness and aloofness. Strangely enough, the lavender dress softened her sharp features a bit.

As soon as Alden opened the car door, he saw Kaia striding into the courtyard. It was the first time he’d ever seen her in a form-fitting dress. The cut outlined every curve of her body, and for a moment, he couldn’t look away. She was stunning, with a deadly allure that made his heart race and his body heat up.

Alden frowned slightly and said in a gruff tone, “Go upstairs and change your clothes.”

Kaia let out a soft scoff. “Why should I?”.

“It’s Grandpa’s birthday banquet. Dressing like this…” He paused for a second, adding, “You’ll draw too much attention.”

Kaia gracefully opened the back–seat door. “That’s the point. I’ll dress shabbily at your funeral next time.”

Alden gritted his teeth and hissed, “Kaia!”

But she ignored him and slid into the back seat.

Alden got into the driver’s seat and coldly ordered, “Sit in the front. I’m not your chauffeur.”

Kaia glanced at the pearl earrings on the front–seat blanket, and her eyes darkened.

“No thanks. It’s kinda dirty. I don’t want to ruin my dress.” Alden wondered if she was on her period these days, acting so moody.

But her period is usually at the end of the month, isn’t it?. Time was ticking away. Alden knew he couldn’t afford to squander a single second.

As the eldest grandson, being late to such an important event was a no–go.

***** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **

As soon as he parked, Alden smoothly offered his arm to Kaia. Kaia shot him a look full of disdain.

However, today was Allen’s birthday banquet.

Just as Alden had mentioned before, Allen was always the biggest supporter of their engagement. She couldn’t let him down and cause a scene on this special day.

Kaia rummaged through her handbag and fished out a silk scarf. She wrapped it around her palm gently, then slowly lifted her gorgeous eyes.

“Fine, let’s go,” she said nonchalantly. That simple act made a vein on Alden’s temple pulsate wildly. “Kaia, don’t overdo it. Are you looking down on me?” he snapped.

Kaia gave a faint smile and shrugged. “Is it that obvious?. “Well, I’ll be more discreet later then.”

****** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ******

As soon as they stepped into the banquet hall, all eyes locked on them.

Alden was incredibly good–looking. Standing there with his tall, upright posture, he immediately became the center of attention.

There was a faint smile on his face, yet it held a tinge of coldness. As Allen Graves‘ eldest grandson–the heir of New York’s most powerful and prestigious family–everyone wanted a piece of him.

Alden leaned in, hand resting lightly on hers through the silk scarf. “Be good,” he murmured. “I need to talk to the Star Innovation CEO. Entertain yourself.”

Kaia gave a little smirk and quickly yanked her hand back. Her palm had been sweating after being covered by the silk scarf for so long.

Alden was mildly irritated, but he had more pressing matters at hand. With a frosty look on his face, he turned and walked away.

As soon as he was gone, some annoying people swarmed around her. “Look who it is–the fiancée Mr. Graves can’t seem to dump.”

“Yeah, didn’t someone swear a few days ago that she’d stop pestering Mr. Graves?”. Kaia glanced at the sarcastic woman and sneered, “What, is he infertile or something?”

The woman just wanted to rile Kaia up; she would never dare to insult Alden. “What are you talking nonsense about?”.

Kaia’s eyes glittered with mockery. “Yeah, I did swear. But if he’s infertile, then I’d be breaking my vow, right? Since he’s not, why don’t you give it a try?”

“You!” The woman glared at her angrily. Her friends beside her also stared with wide–open eyes. Is Kaia crazy? Did she just imply that someone should seduce her fiancé?

“Humph, you’re just being cocky now. Wait till Luna shows up later, and you’ll be eating your words!”

Kaia had almost forgotten. On a night this important, Luna wouldn’t miss it. She was the Graves family’s beloved adopted daughter, after all.

****** ***** ****** **** ***** ****** **** ***** ******

“Kaia! Mom and I have been calling you for days. Why haven’t you answered?”. Kaia turned slowly and saw her sister, Kimberly Domont, storming toward her, clearly pissed.

Next to Kimberly stood her stepmom, Sally Domont, looking all noble. Sally smiled and said, “Kaia, you said you were getting your marriage license with Alden. Why no updates in the family group?”

Kaia averted her gaze, then pulled out her phone.

“Oh, that? I accidentally left the group. You three seem fine without me anyway,” she said casually.

Her father, Tobias Domont, was absent today.

Ever since her real mom died when she was three, and Tobias remarried just three months later, she’d realized her dad had turned into a cold–shouldered stepfather, showing no affection for her.

“Kaia, what’s that supposed to mean? Can’t you show some respect for my mom?”. Before Kaia could reply, she noticed Kimberly’s eyes brighten up.

“Luna’s here! Mom, I’m gonna go over there,” Kimberly exclaimed excitedly.

Sally smiled gently. “Be careful, honey. Don’t trip.”

Then, she turned to Kaia, trying to smooth things over. “Don’t take Kimberly too seriously. She’s impulsive. And Luna’s her best friend–it’s been five years since they last saw each other. No wonder she’s hyped.”

“By the way, does Alden know his sister’s back in town?”. Everyone in their circle knew how much Alden adored his adopted sister.

His affection was so obvious, it almost fooled people into thinking…

If Luna hadn’t been adopted, maybe Alden’s fiancée would’ve been her.

However, no one dared to voice such thoughts in front of the Graves family. Years ago, Allen had shut down those rumors in public–making it clear Luna was always his granddaughter.

Kaia pressed her lips tight. She said nothing. Sally still loved poking at her, but Kaia wasn’t that fragile girl anymore. Seeing Kaia quiet, Sally just smiled.

Then, she spotted Alden rushing over and grinned even wider. “Kaia, I never thought Alden would still care about Luna this much after five years.”

Another piece of Kaia’s heart shattered. She shot back, “Yeah. But do you think Alden has any idea that Luna’s best friend also has a huge crush on him?”

Sally’s face paled instantly. “Heh, Kaia, you’re joking. Kimberly wouldn’t go after your man,” she stammered, trying to brush it off.

Kaia flashed a sweet smile. “It doesn’t matter. I’m over him anyway.” Sally stared at her in disbelief. “Kaia, you…”

She stole a glance at Kaia and then at the man approaching from behind. Just then, Alden’s voice rang out.

“Kaia, who are you saying you’re done with?”

His message was a mix of threat and warning