CHAPTER ONE

Penelope's POV

The scent of grease and burnt oil clung to my uniform as I unfastened my apron, tossing it into my locker with more force than was ever necessary. My feet ached from standing for twelve hours straight, my back screamed from bending over fryers, and my patience was completely drained.

"Hey, Penny," my boss, Greg, called out from behind the counter, his eyes scanning my body in that creepy way that made my skin crawl. I felt a familiar surge of disgust and resentment.

"Same time tomorrow?" he asked, his voice dipped with condescension.

I clenched my jaw, biting back the retort that threatened to spill out. "Yeah," I muttered, trying to sound neutral.

Greg's grin widened, his eyes brightening with amusement. "Good girl," he said, his tone patronizing.

I forced a tight smile, feeling my anger grow. "Thanks," I said, my voice tight.

Greg chuckled, clearly pleased with himself. "You're a real trooper, Penny. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I felt a wave of anger wash over me. Yeah, right. He didn't care about me or my well-being. All he cared about was getting cheap labor out of me.

"I'll see you tomorrow, then," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

Greg nodded, his eyes already drifting away. "Bright and early, Penny. Don't be late."

I nodded, feeling a familiar sense of dread settle in. Another day, another dollar, another chance to deal with Greg's bossy behaviour.

I grabbed my things and slammed my locker shut and hurried out before he could say anything else. The cold night air bit at my skin as I stepped outside, but I welcomed it. Anything was better than the suffocating heat of the kitchen and Greg's lingering gaze.

Pulling my phone out of my bag, I swiped at the screen, hoping for something—anything—to lift my mood.

Madison Laurent just posted a photo.

My chest tightened as I clicked on the notification. The image loaded instantly, displaying my twin sister in an elegant designer dress, her arm looped around her husband's—Julien Laurent. They stood in front of a grand, candlelit dinner setup on the rooftop of what was likely some five-star hotel, the skyline twinkling behind them. The caption read:

"One year down, forever to go. Happy Anniversary, mon amour. ❤️ @JulienLaurentOfficial"

My stomach churned with a bitter mix of envy and resentment. Madison had everything—wealth, status, power—all wrapped up in the form of a man who made the world bow at his feet.

Julien Laurent.

The richest businessman in the world. CEO of Laurent Fashion Dream, the number one luxury fashion house, dictating trends that the elite followed blindly. The man whose empire was built on ruthless ambition and an unmatched vision. Madison's husband.

I swallowed hard and zoomed in on his face.

Sharp jawline, sculpted cheekbones, piercing dark green eyes framed by thick lashes. Even in a simple black tux, his presence was overwhelming—commanding. The world saw him as a king, but to me, he was something else.

He was the first man I ever loved.

A sharp pang of regret shot through me as memories revived.

FLASHBACK: High School, Seven Years Ago

The school hallways buzzed with energy, students filing out of classrooms in groups, chattering excitedly. I stood alone near my locker, my palms sweaty as I clutched a folded piece of paper against my chest.

I had spent the entire night crafting that note, going over every word. It was stupid, but I had to do it. I had to tell him.

Julien Laurent was a senior—the golden boy of our school. Brilliant, handsome, untouchable. He walked through the halls like he owned them, like he owned everything, and in a way, he did.

I spotted him leaning against the wall near the gym, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk playing at his lips as he talked to his friends. My stomach twisted with nerves, but I forced myself forward.

"Julien," I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.

His gaze flicked to mine, those sharp green eyes locking onto me. My heart pounded. He always had that effect on people.

"Penelope," he acknowledged, straightening up. "What's up?"

I hesitated, my fingers gripping the note so tightly it crumpled. "I, uh… I just wanted to give you this."

His brow arched in curiosity as he took the paper from my hands. Slowly, he unfolded it, eyes scanning the words I had so carefully written.

Julien,

I know this might be unexpected, but I've liked you for a long time. I admire you—everything about you. You're incredible. If there's even the slightest chance you feel the same way, I'd love to get to know you more.

—Penelope

I held my breath as he read. A long silence mounted between us before he exhaled, shaking his head with a quiet chuckle.

"Penelope…" His tone was softer than I expected, but his expression was unreadable. "You're sweet, but… I don't see you that way."

My heart pounded.

"You're still so young," he continued. "And… I just don't think it would work."

I forced a smile, ignoring the burn of humiliation creeping up my neck. "Right. Of course. Forget I said anything."

He gave me a small, almost pitying smile. "You'll find someone better, Pen."

And just like that, he walked away.

PRESENT

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I stared at his picture on my phone. What a joke.

He had said I was too young for him but hadn't hesitated to accept Madison's confession, and now, they have been married for a year. What a sick joke life played on me.

Madison hadn't just taken the life I wanted—she had taken the man I wanted.

And now, she had everything.

Meanwhile, I was stuck in a miserable marriage with Evan, who drained me in every way possible. He hadn't worked in months, depending on me, to feed him, clothe him, and cover his debts. I was exhausted.

I shoved my phone back into my bag, blinking away the sting in my eyes.

I should have fought for him.

I should have fought for myself.

I had the kind of life Madison was enjoying at the grasp of my palm but, I watched it slip away. Like a fool.