Chapter 2

Harriet's Perspective

Who'd ever consider a "needy parasite" worthy of respect?

But that wasn't me at all.

Damian and I crossed paths during a university club event.

After finishing my Mixed Martial Arts practice, I was famished and borrowed some snacks from my roommate's collection. When she discovered this, she jokingly said I had to address her as "Master" to make amends.

It was all innocent roommate banter, so I played along without much thought, calling her "Master."

That's when Damian intervened, coming to my defense. He criticized her for targeting someone who appeared financially struggling. Then he turned to me and reprimanded me for taking food that wasn't mine.

He had a penchant for playing the hero, always championing fairness.

Following that incident, I adopted the role of a struggling, pitiful girl and stayed close to him daily. We soon began dating, and our relationship became common knowledge on campus. Rumors circulated that I was after his money and that Damian was "supporting" me.

Not wanting to embarrass him, I revealed that my family was actually quite affluent. However, he seemed indifferent to this information.

Our four-year relationship wasn't filled with grand romantic gestures, but it was gentle and stable.

We hardly ever quarreled.

That's why I couldn't comprehend his sudden decision to end things. I needed an explanation.

I spotted Damian on the platform and began approaching him.

Before I could speak, the woman intercepted me.

She was so petite that she had to crane her neck to look at me, while I had to gaze downward to meet her eyes.

"You've got some audacity showing up here!" she hissed.

She lunged forward, attempting to slap me, but I swiftly moved back, avoiding her strike.

Perplexed, I turned to Damian. "You ended our relationship to wed her?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Damian marched over and struck me across the face.

When the woman tried to hit me, I evaded her. But when Damian raised his hand, I remained still.

He'd been unwell recently, and I feared he might harm himself if he overexerted.

Even though he was marrying someone else, I still cared about his well-being. How pitiful was that?

I gently touched my throbbing cheek, tears forming in my eyes.

"So, you're the college girlfriend?" the woman sneered as she approached. Her lips curved into a conceited grin. "A gold-digging floozy like you thinks you can act superior to me? Do you have any idea who I am? I'm Astrid Holden—the richest person in Denver."

Despite her boasting, I disregarded her and kept my focus on Damian. "You vanished without a word. That's just so unjust."

"Unjust? I provided you with a villa, car, and money. What more do you want? Don't create a scene, Harriet. We're finished." Damian's forehead creased with irritation. "You understand how it works for people in my position. Love and marriage are separate matters. I'm thankful for our four years together, but Astrid must be my wife. Can you grasp that?"

I gazed into his eyes and asked softly, "Do you love me?"

I comprehended how marriages functioned in influential families. My parents had an arranged marriage too. They were fortunate—they grew up as childhood friends and naturally fell in love.

As for me...

I was also expected to marry for family alliances. But it wasn't necessary anymore—our family's position in Washington was secure without it.

"Love? Stop being ridiculous, Harriet," Damian said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've known since childhood that I'd marry for my family's benefit. Love has never been genuine to me. The only reason I dated you was because you were attractive and seemed poor enough to be easily manipulated."

His lips twisted into a scornful smile. "There you have it—the truth you sought. Now, depart."

So, what I believed was a tender, profound love between us... was merely a figment of my imagination.