Chapter One

Natalia was the quintessential "good girl" of the New York elite. The most scandalous thing she had ever done was carry on a secret three-year affair with her brother’s arch-nemesis, Sebastian.

And, perhaps even more reckless, she had allowed him to film countless intimate videos of them.

Inside the Maybach, he stripped her bare and claimed her with a familiar, driving intensity. It was always like this—she, completely exposed and vulnerable, while he remained impeccably dressed in his designer suit, a phone propped up nearby to capture every moment.

His thin lips grazed her collarbone, sending a wave of shivers through her and leaving a trail of dark blossoms against her skin.

"Sebastian..." she whispered, her voice soft and fragile. "Can we... can we stop filming?"

Sebastian paused for a beat, letting out a low, melodic chuckle.

He tilted his head back, his dark, bottomless eyes reflecting her face with a mixture of doting affection and cruel playfulness. "What’s this? Are you shy now?"

"Don't worry, baby. It stays with me. I only watch them when I’m missing you. Come on, sweetheart, just this once? For me?"

The way he drawled "baby" made Natalia’s ears burn. She felt as if she were under a spell, his voice weaving around her until she could no longer find the strength to say no.

Sebastian’s lips crashed onto hers again with an unyielding aggression, systematically devouring her logic and resolve.

The temperature in the car climbed. His movements grew heavier, more desperate, as if he were trying to crush her into his very bones. Natalia’s breath hitched, her fingers unconsciously digging into his shoulders.

After what felt like an eternity, the swaying of the car ceased.

Natalia sat astride him, still reeling from the peak of her pleasure, feeling utterly drained of strength.

Sebastian adjusted his belt with meticulous calm. He looked down at her, running a hand through her hair. "I have a party to get to. I’ll have the driver take you home first, and I’ll come by to see you later tonight, okay?"

Natalia nodded, her voice barely a murmur. "Okay."

After Sebastian stepped out, Natalia dressed herself in a daze.

She was about to call for the driver when she noticed Sebastian’s cardholder had been left behind on the seat. She grabbed it and hurried out of the car.

After inquiring about his private lounge, she stood before the heavy doors. They were slightly ajar. Just as she was about to push them open, a roar of laughter erupted from inside.

"Damn, Seb! You were really going at it. The whole Maybach was rocking when I walked by. Tell us, if Weston knew his precious little sister was that wild underneath you, do you think he’d literally cough up blood?"

Natalia’s world went silent. A deafening ringing filled her ears as she froze in place, feeling as if she had been struck by lightning.

"Hahaha! Sebastian and Weston have been at each other's throats for years. The 'North-South Rivalry' isn't just for show. Why else would Seb stage that whole 'knight in shining armor' act? He saved her just to make sure she’d fall head over heels for him."

"It’s been years now, hasn't it? He must have hundreds of those videos by now. When are you going to leak them, Seb? I’m dying to see the 'Good Girl' stripped down. But honestly, I’m more excited to see the look on Weston’s face when he sees his sister’s performance! Hahaha!"

The group laughed uproariously, oblivious to the shadow standing just outside the door.

Natalia’s mind was a complete blank.

The words echoed in her head, growing louder and more violent until they threatened to shatter her soul.

Sebastian... saving her back then... it was all a setup?

The relationship, the love... it was all just a weapon to use against her brother?

"Seb, why so quiet? You approached Natalia just to ruin Weston’s life so he’d stop crossing you. You didn't actually fall for the girl, did you?"

"Love?" The man who had just called her 'baby' sat in the center of the room, swirling his drink. A slow, mocking smirk spread across his lips. "Weston is my enemy. I only want to destroy him. I was just thinking about the best time to release the footage. Perhaps on Natalia's birthday. I imagine the look on Weston’s face, seeing his darling sister like that, will be quite the masterpiece."

"Classic Seb! Absolute legend!"

The room erupted in cheers of excitement and anticipation.

Natalia’s fingers trembled so violently she could barely stand.

A waiter’s voice suddenly came from behind her. "Miss, why aren't you going in?"

Natalia snapped back to reality. She frantically shoved the cardholder into his hands. "I... I’m not going in. Give this to Sebastian. Tell him it was found on the floor. Don’t tell him I was here."

She turned and ran. Tears blurred her vision as she fled, the cold, calculated words echoing in her ears—

"Weston is my enemy. I only want to destroy him."

Her heart felt as though an invisible hand were crushing it, making it impossible to breathe.

Their entire story—from the very beginning—had been his design.

Years ago, Natalia had ignored her brother's warnings to move to The North for college because it had the best dance program in the country. After graduation, she insisted on staying. Her parents adored her, and her brother, Weston, was a notorious overprotector, but she wanted to prove she could make it on her own.

She was devoted to dance—until she met Sebastian. He was the legendary rival her brother fought over territories and contracts with, a man Weston despised with every fiber of his being.

And yet, that man had saved her twice.

The first time, she had been hit by a car. The driver fled, and people ignored her cries as she lay in a pool of blood. It was Sebastian who stopped his Maybach, scooped her up, and acted as her savior.

The second time, she had been drugged at a gala. Just as she was about to be assaulted, he appeared again, carrying her away. That night, he had been her cure.

When she woke up the next morning, he was standing by the window, lazily buttoning his shirt. He turned around, and those captivating eyes of his stole her heart instantly.

He had leaned down, his face inches from hers. "I’ve wanted to ask since the moment we met... little girl, do you have a crush on me?"

Her mind had raced as she stared at his breathtaking face, unable to find words. He had simply smirked. "No? Then why do you blush every time you see me? And why did you sneak a kiss this morning? I’m fairly certain the drugs have worn off by now."

She had tried to flee in embarrassment, but he pulled her back into his arms, kissing her with a tenderness that felt like a promise.

They had been together ever since.

Through three years of dating, she believed they were soulmates. She had dreamed of taking him back to The South to meet Weston, convinced that she could be the bridge to end their feud.

Now, she realized how pathetic she had been.

She didn't know how long she ran, until the rain began to fall against her face and her phone rang in her pocket.

It was Weston. She took a deep breath and answered.

"Nat, I’ve set up the biggest dance studio in the city for you. I’ve even picked out a fiancé for you. Please, just break up with that guy and come home. You know your mother and I can't stand you being so far away. We just want you back here with us..."

Hearing that familiar, protective voice, Natalia could no longer hold back her tears.

She fought back a sob and managed a nod.

"I’m sorry, Weston. I’m sorry for making you worry all these years. I’m coming home. I’ll do what you say. I’ll meet the man you’ve chosen."

Chapter Two

On the other end of the line, Weston’s voice was laced with disbelief. "Nat? You’re really coming back? You’re willing to meet the person I’ve introduced? What about that boyfriend you were so head-over-heels for?"

Natalia’s voice was hollow. "I don’t love him anymore. I never will again."

After the initial wave of joy, Weston’s protective instincts kicked in. His tone grew cold. "Did he do something to you? Did he hurt you?"

The vile conversation she had overheard flashed through her mind—the videos Sebastian mentioned so casually, the ice in his voice.

She was in agony, but she had to stay sharp.

Weston had protected her since they were children. If he knew the truth, he would burn New York to the ground just to get to Sebastian. She couldn't let him worry anymore. This mess was hers to clean up.

"No, Weston," she forced herself to sound calm. "I just need to settle some things here, and then I’ll be on the first flight back."