Chapter 1

Winona Jensen knew David Langley meant well. But she lowered her gaze to the silver ring on her finger, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes. "There's no need to inform him. I've already decided to break up with him."

As she spoke, the unlocked wooden door creaked and swung open slightly. Logan Carrington stepped inside, dressed in a black T-shirt. He was tall and lean, his profile sharply defined.

"Who are you talking to?"

Winona glanced up at him, then quickly found an excuse to end the call. "Just talking to my roommate about post-graduation plans."

Logan didn't press further. He walked over with a smile and pulled out a bracelet from his pocket, holding it up in front of her. "I worked a part-time job for a month to buy this for you. Do you like it?"

Winona glanced at it and replied flatly, "It's pretty."

Her unexpected indifference caught Logan off guard. In the past, she would eagerly accept whatever he gave her and embrace him with affection.

He studied her face carefully. "You don't like it?"

Winona shook her head. "I do like it. It's just too expensive. Don't buy gifts for me anymore. Let's save the money instead. Didn't we agree to buy a house and get married after graduation?"

So, that was it. She was upset because he had spent money recklessly again.

Logan couldn't help but chuckle. He gently ruffled her hair. "It's fine. Worst-case scenario, I'll just pick up a few more part-time jobs. Whatever other women have, you should have too."

Winona glanced at the clock on the wall with a smirk on her face and went to wash up.

After the door closed, she walked to the mirror and noticed Logan's phone on the sink buzzing with a new message. She picked it up and tapped the screen, only to see a familiar profile picture pop up with a message.

"Logan, thank you for the latest Bvlgari necklace you gave me today. I love it."

The lighting in the attached photo was dim, but it couldn't hide the dazzling sparkle of real diamonds.

Winona smiled quietly at the cheap bracelet that cost 9.99 dollars tossed on the table. It had even come with free shipping.

Steam billowed, filling the air. She stared at the gradually blurring face in the mirror as fragments of memory slowly surfaced in her mind.

Logan transferred to the finance department of Stellanridge University two years ago, instantly drawing attention with his striking looks. However, he unexpectedly started pursuing Winona, an ordinary girl who only stood out for her excellent grades.

The two of them got to know each other and began dating just like any typical young couple, enjoying moments of holding hands, sharing kisses, going out on dates, and taking leisurely walks together.

A year ago, the two of them moved out of the dorms and started renting a low-cost apartment for 700 dollars, officially living together. They promised to buy a house and get married after graduation.

To fulfill that promise, Winona took on part-time work whenever possible, juggling three jobs a day to make their dream come true sooner.

Yet, three days ago, during a delivery run to a bar, she unexpectedly encountered Logan, who was supposed to be at work. He stepped out of a sports car, laughing and chatting with a group of his friends as they swaggered into the bar.

She passed by with her helmet on and happened to overhear their casual chatter.

"Logan, how much longer are you gonna keep up this act with your poor girlfriend? If she ever finds out who you really are, her eyes would probably pop out of her head."

"Well, what can he do? Logan has been crushing on Naomi Ashford. If Naomi hadn't insisted on dating some cheap nobody, Logan wouldn't have gone and picked Winona just to spite her."

"Cramming into that dump with a poor woman… I'd go insane. But not Logan. Josmere's golden boy stuck it out for three years just to stay close to Naomi. Now that's commitment."

Amidst the ridicule and taunts, Logan sat comfortably, casually sipping his drink and remaining silent.

At that moment, Winona realized her boyfriend, whom she thought was from a similar background to her, was actually the golden boy of Josmere. And Naomi, her best friend, was actually the socialite of Josmere.

Naomi had also transferred to their department two years ago. When she first arrived, she was unfamiliar with the place and a bit spoiled. Winona had been the only one willing to look after her. Over time, the two of them grew close.

From the very beginning, Winona knew Naomi had come to this university for her boyfriend, a guy named Edmund Brown. What she never expected was that Logan transferred to Stellanridge University for Naomi.

Ultimately, it became clear that the person Logan genuinely loved from start to finish was none other than his childhood sweetheart, Naomi. He chose Winona as his girlfriend solely to get back at Naomi, seeing her as a suitable choice because she was some poor nobody.

She could barely recall how she had left that bar. All she knew was that she wandered aimlessly through the rain all night, getting herself soaked to the bone. She was dazed and lightheaded, feeling as if she had left half her life behind on the pavement.

When she got back, the fever hit. Her dreams twisted between sweet memories of their love and nightmares of betrayal, over and over again.

She held out alone in that shabby little apartment for three days. Logan never came back.

The fever broke, and her body finally cooled. However, when she gazed at the photo Naomi had shared and caught a glimpse of Logan's hand feeding her oatmeal, an unexpected stillness enveloped her.

That was the moment her heart gave out. She was tired of being forced to go along with someone else's love story.

She and Logan were never from the same world to begin with. There was no point in forcing her way in.

If Logan wanted to keep up the act, so be it. This time, Winona would be the one to make the first move and walk away.

Chapter 2

After her shower, Winona was towel-drying her hair as she handed Marcus' phone over. "You left your phone in there."

Logan's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he looked at her slightly flushed face and delicate skin still glistening with water. He tossed the phone onto the bed and pulled her into his arms. His hot breath brushed against her neck, and a hazy tension filled the room.

Winona pushed away the hand that was wandering around her waist, her voice cool and restrained. "Not tonight. I'm not feeling well."

Logan received the message and chose not to press further. Instead, he willingly retrieved the hairdryer and assisted her in drying her hair.

By the time they were done, it was already late. Winona felt drowsy and went straight to bed.

Not long after, Logan turned off the lights and got into bed as well, murmuring a soft, "Good night."

Winona kept her eyes closed and didn't respond. The night passed dreamlessly.

The next morning, Logan was woken by the sound of rummaging. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Winona tossing things into the trash bin—cups, shirts, a keychain, a phone case...

She had carefully chosen each item, all in matching pairs. They were things she once loved. He wondered why she was throwing them away.

Logan was instantly wide awake. He slowly pushed himself up. "They're not even broken. Why are you getting rid of them?"

"They're old. I'll get new ones later," Winona replied offhandedly, making up an excuse. Then, she held the box and walked out the door.

As she was heading back upstairs, a call came in from her landlady, Elena Carter. "Winona, why are you suddenly ending the lease? Did you have a fight with your boyfriend? He's been working many part-time jobs day and night just for you.

"When your favorite restaurant closed, he even tracked down the chef to learn the recipes so that you could still enjoy the food. In the middle of winter, he walked miles just to get you that apple pie you love. He's such a good guy. Don't do anything you'll regret."

Hearing the heartfelt concern, a faint, bitter smile tugged at the corners of Winona's lips.

Before learning the truth, she had never once doubted Logan's sincerity in being with her. After all, everything he did for her was real.

Maybe that was exactly why it hurt so much—because she had genuinely been moved by it all. That was what made it impossible to accept that she had been deceived for two whole years.

She offered him a heart that was even more genuine and pure than his own. Ultimately, it proved to be worthless—nothing more than something cheap and disposable.

She let out a bitter smile and shook her head. "Elena, there's no future for me and him. Could you please help process the lease cancellation?"

When she returned home, Logan was in the middle of changing clothes. Just as Winona closed the door behind her, her phone started ringing again.

A few seconds later, Naomi's tearful voice echoed through the small room. "Winona, are you busy today? Can you come keep me company? I just had a fight with Edmund…"

Logan froze at the side, his fingers still in the middle of buttoning his shirt. He recognized the voice instantly and instinctively leaned in.

Through the mirror, Winona caught sight of the tense, worried look on his face. She replied softly, "Just wait a bit. I'll go this afternoon—"

Before she could finish, Logan cut her off, saying, "What's there to wait for? She must be a mess after a big fight. Let's go now. I'll drive you."

Winona stared at him steadily, then asked a question he never expected, "Aren't you supposed to be working a shift at the cafe this morning?"

Chapter 3

Logan was caught off guard. He froze for a few seconds before fumbling for an excuse, saying that the cafe was closed today.

Then, he grabbed Winona by the hand and rushed them out the door to get to his electric motorcycle. He sped along the roads, as if he couldn't wait another second.

Winona glanced at the misbuttoned shirt that had slipped his notice. Her mind drifted back to the last time Naomi had fought with Edmund. Logan had been just as eager then, urging her to comfort Naomi as quickly as possible.

She had doubted his intentions and had tested him before. But after hearing her suspicions, he simply looked at her innocently and rubbed her cheeks. A helpless smile tugged at his lips.

"What are you even thinking? It's only because Naomi is your best friend that I'm trying to be nice to her too. I just don't want her drama to end up affecting your mood. If she weren't close to you, I probably wouldn't even know her name."

His words were sweet, and his emotions were well-timed. Winona felt deeply moved and completely reassured after that time, so she never doubted him again. Looking back now, she felt utterly ridiculous.

…

Naomi's small rental apartment was dark and messy. It was clearly the aftermath of a fight, with things knocked over and scattered about.

Naomi sat on the floor, hugging her knees and sobbing uncontrollably.

Seeing her crying like that, barefoot on the cold floor, Logan's concern was written all over his face. He rushed over and helped her up, crouching to slip her slippers back on. Then, he reached for a tissue and tenderly wiped away her tears.

"There, there, don't cry anymore. If your eyes get all swollen, you won't look as pretty."

After all, they were childhood friends who knew each other inside and out. And just like that, Naomi stopped crying almost instantly.

Winona stood quietly at the door, taking it all in in silence. Once Naomi calmed down, she asked, "What was the fight about this time?"

At the mention of it, Naomi's anger flared right back up. "All I did was go on a little camping trip and buy a dress. I just spent a bit of money. That's all! And he just blew up at me!"

Seeing the branded logos on the shopping bags scattered across the floor, the words Winona had planned to say caught in her throat. She had once believed that Naomi, much like herself, came from an average family. She was just reckless with her finances. This perception was the reason Winona consistently went out of her way to look after Naomi.

Yet, it was clear that her spoiled tendencies as a socialite had returned.

She didn't want to waste any more energy on something so petty, so she simply watched coldly as Logan pulled out all the stops to cheer Naomi up.

After a round of comforting, Naomi changed into fresh clothes and agreed to go out with them to clear her head. Their destination was the largest amusement park in Josmere. It was usually crowded but oddly empty today. Even so, Winona wasn't surprised.

Before they had gone to pick up Naomi, she had overheard Logan on the phone, requesting the park to close for the day.

She silently followed behind the two of them, watching as Logan unveiled the surprise he had carefully orchestrated.

Costumed mascots appeared in groups, each bringing fresh flowers. Seeing them lit up Naomi's face with a radiant smile. She stood there like a princess, basking in the attention and affection as if the whole world revolved around her.

In the darkness of the haunted house, she clung to Logan and screamed without holding back. She released all the pent-up pain and frustration from her troubled relationship.

In the tunnel of the high-speed water coaster, Logan gripped her hand tightly, shielding her from the crashing waves with his own body.

Meanwhile, Winona was pushed to a corner by the crowd of mascots and was nearly trampled on while trying to stay on her feet. Despite her fear of the dark, she wandered alone through the haunted house, getting bruises from bumping into walls and furniture.

The strong spray from the water ride drenched her, and the lingering cold made her cough all day. Even so, Logan didn't look back at her even once—not a glance.

She trailed behind them like a shadow. She was utterly invisible and thoroughly ignored.

Chapter 4

Night fell, and fireworks began to shoot up from the gradually quieting amusement park. The colorful bursts of light were like countless comets streaking across and illuminating the dark sky.

Naomi had cheered up considerably, her eyes sparkling as she exclaimed in delighted surprise, "I thought they only lit up fireworks for festive occasions! Why did they light them today?"

Logan eyed her lovingly, a grin tugging on the corners of his lips. Winona knew he had arranged for the fireworks show; she saw him texting nonstop while they were getting ice cream earlier, presumably to set up the whole thing.

However, Naomi did not stay until the end of the surprise fireworks show that had been elaborately planned for her. Halfway through the show, she got a call from Edmund, who said something on the other end that made her face light up. She ignored Logan's attempts to get her to stay and left on her own.

Logan watched Naomi leave until she had vanished entirely from his sight, looking so disappointed. His expression was as dark and grim as the burnt-up fireworks on the ground. He seemed upset that he had worked so hard the entire day, only for the woman of his dreams to be intercepted by someone else.

Without warning, he kicked the box of fireworks that had yet to be released into the sky. When Logan turned around, his eyes, full of anger and disappointment, met Winona's calm ones.

It wasn't until they had locked gazes that he remembered she had been here the entire time, and he quickly hid all his inappropriate emotions. He hurried toward her and pulled her into his arms. "Aren't the fireworks pretty, Winona?"

The fireworks blooming across the sky spelled out the letters "N" and "A". Winona hummed mildly in response, then shoved Logan away.

Logan froze. Worried that she might have sensed something, he frantically explained himself, "Today, I—"

But Winona did not give him the chance to explain. He could spare the pretty, self-righteous excuses. She feigned nonchalance and put her hands together. "They say if you wish upon fireworks like you do with shooting stars, your wishes will come true. Let's make a wish."

Logan went along with the convenient excuse. He said his wish out loud, presumably to cover up the pains he had taken to cheer Naomi up today. "I wish to stay with Winona forever and ever, and that we'll save up enough money after graduation and get married."

Winona had heard these wishes many times before, and she had always teared up. But this time, she felt nothing. She just closed her eyes as she quietly made her wish. "I wish Logan and I would never see each other again after I leave him."

When she was done, she opened her eyes to find Logan staring at her with amusement. "Why didn't you tell me what you wished for, Winona? What was it about?"

Tearing her gaze from him, Winona smiled. "Wishes won't come true if you say them out loud."

Winona made time to sign the paperwork on campus, then headed to the shop where she worked part-time to tender her resignation. The manager accepted her resignation and told her to see through her last shift for the day.

She worked the entire morning and made dozens of deliveries. By the end of it, her head was spinning from the blazing sun.

Winona's first order that afternoon was a delivery to a prestigious address. She set down her helmet, which was burning hot from the sweltering heat. The heavy order weighed her down, and she strained to knock on the door.

A few minutes later, the villa front door opened, and a familiar voice sounded. "Coming!"

She looked up to find a pair of familiar eyes staring at her. The eyes widened at the sight of her, various emotions flickering through them. Uneasiness, surprise, and panic flashed across Logan's face like a montage.

Chapter 5

"What are you doing here?" Winona asked first, her composure a stark contrast to Logan's rattled demeanor.

It was actually a good chance for Logan to come clean. He could have told Winona right there and then about his identity, but what came out of his mouth was yet another lie. "It's my friend's birthday, so he had a bunch of us come over to… celebrate."

Winona backed up a few steps and took in the large, palace-like villa. She mused breezily, "I didn't know you had such a loaded friend."

The more he spoke, the more likely he'd fumble. As such, Logan changed the subject. "When did you take up delivery work? It's tough work, especially in this scorching weather."

Winona glanced at her arms, tanned from all the hours she spent under the sun, and said blandly, "Your birthday is next month. You said you wanted a new laptop, so I figured I'd make some extra money and surprise you with one."

That had been her original plan, but now that she had learned she had been duped, she realized how foolish she was.

For some reason, Logan grew nervous when he heard Winona's explanation. He followed her gaze and noted the bruises on her sunburned arms. A strange look flickered in his eyes.

He was born into money and grew up with it. Prior to this, he had never met a young lady who would go on delivery runs just to afford a birthday present for him.

His heart suddenly tightened. He was about to say something when his buddies, who had outstayed their welcome, sauntered over to see what was keeping Logan at the door. "Hey, Logan, what's taking you so long—"

When they saw Winona, they exchanged a brief look among themselves, then quickly covered for Logan. They switched their respectful tone for an impatient one. "Come on, man. Zachary invited us to this drinking party to celebrate his birthday. At least hurry with the takeout."

"Is this your girlfriend? Why don't you have her come in and drink with us?"

Chuckling noisily, they hauled Winona into the house.

Winona surveyed her surroundings as she entered the house, spotting many familiar items. Among them were the figurines in a display case, the teddy bear with the rose on the couch, and the crystal ornaments in the glass cabinets.

All these were the same items she had seen on Naomi's Instagram.

Winona had found it strange that Naomi was receiving such expensive-looking gifts despite coming from an average family. As it turned out, the gifts were from Logan. They either came in sets of blue and pink, male and female, or big and small. It was clear that these were his-and-hers items.

Winona eyed each gift assessingly. At last, her gaze fell on the dog.

The snow-white poodle bounded down the hall in a blue little skirt, but it was not the dog's endearing appearance that caught Winona's attention; it was the tie that had been fashioned into a bow around its neck.

The tie featured blue floral prints and a Louis Vuitton monogram. At its end was a small embroidered "LV" as well. It was hard to miss.

Winona had worked part-time for half a year and slept for no more than three hours a night just to come up with the money for that tie. It had been a gift for Logan in honor of their second anniversary.

She had wanted to give him the best. It had been the first time she mustered the courage to step into a designer boutique with her hard-earned money. But Logan didn't appreciate the gift at all and instead adorned his puppy with it like the tie was worth nothing!

Nails digging into her palms, Winona felt her breath coming up short.

Logan had been watching Winona since she entered the house, terrified that she might notice something amiss. When the drunken gang rowdily demanded that they play a game, Logan quickly pulled Winona over to distract her.

They had only just sat down when his phone rang. He was about to decline when he saw the caller ID. After a few seconds of hesitation, he decided to take the call on the balcony. Right as he disappeared through the balcony doors, the game started.

"Alright, gather around, everybody! Let's play 'Never Have I Ever'!"

Winona wanted to decline the invitation, but the others pinned her to her seat.

"Never have I ever owned a beachside villa! Put a finger down if you haven't!"

"Never have I ever bought the latest Maserati sports car! Put a finger down if you haven't!"

"Never have I ever bought the most expensive collectible during a premium auction and kept it at my place! Put a finger down if you haven't!"

Winona had not done any of the things that these heirs and heiresses mentioned. After all, she did not belong to their world.