Chapter 1

Serena was recognized by everyone in high society as the ultimate goddess of innocence, the pure white moonlight in the hearts of countless men.

Raised under strict family discipline, she was deeply versed in traditional ethics and had never so much as touched a man’s hand.

That was until Julian, the famously wild and rebellious young master of the Sterling family, came to pay a visit.

"Hey, so you’re the little antique they’re all talking about? You look pretty obedient."

Meeting her for the first time, he leaned in close with a playful, teasing smile.

Before Serena could even take a step back, the man’s cool, thin lips brushed gently against her cheek.

Her heart raced frantically, but with an unblinking gaze, she slapped him hard across the face, then went back to reading her book as if nothing had happened.

Instead of getting angry, Julian stared at her blushing ears and let out a low laugh.

"You really are interesting."

After that day, Julian seemed to have found a new source of amusement, constantly running over to her estate.

Sometimes he would break in late at night smelling of alcohol, resting his head right against her lap to sleep; other times, he would pretend to pick up a book and slide close to her side, quietly wrapping his arm around her waist to draw her into his embrace.

Every time, Serena would frown and push him away, but whenever night fell, her mind would be completely filled with Julian’s affectionate, bedroom eyes.

She knew she ought to stay far away from this untamed man, but the fluttering sensation in her heart was like a wildly growing vine, long since spiraling out of control.

Later, rumors spread that Julian had been caught in an avalanche while skiing and was missing. Disregarding everyone's warnings, Serena searched for him like crazy, finally discovering him at the foot of the mountain, hypothermic and unconscious.

To save his life, Serena cast aside the reserve she had maintained for years, stripped off her clothes, and held him tightly to transfer her body heat.

But she never could have imagined that someone was hiding in the distance, live-streaming the entire thing.

Overnight, her private photos spread across the internet, her reputation was entirely ruined, and her father grew to despise her, wishing nothing more than to throw her out of the family.

When Julian found out, he ran straight out of the hospital, ignoring his own injuries to kneel at her door, swearing he would take responsibility for Serena.

From then on, he seemed like a changed man, no longer flirting around or seeking wild thrills, devoting his mind entirely to accompanying Serena in her study, reading and practicing calligraphy.

"Serena, I don’t ever want to make you cry for me again. Will you give me a chance, please?"

Thus, the untamed flower was pulled down from her altar.

He taught her how to date, how to kiss, and even brought her to watch educational films, pulling her into practice.

"Serena, try being on top today..."

After yet another passionate encounter, Julian left his phone behind in Serena's study.

Serena picked it up and chased after him to his house, arriving just in time to hear the laughter and shouting coming from inside the door.

"Jules, you’re really something. You actually managed to sleep with a goddess-level virgin like Serena. Teach your brothers the trick, will you?"

"That kind of falsely proud woman falls perfectly for the forced approach," Julian’s voice carried a casual, roguish arrogance. "Throw in a bit of a sob story—the avalanche act looked real enough, didn't it? She willingly stripped off her clothes and pressed herself against me. With a mix of soft and hard tactics, there's no one you can't conquer."

Serena’s mind instantly went completely blank, her blood running ice-cold.

It turned out that the avalanche had been a farce directed and performed by him, solely to conquer her.

"Jules is brilliant!" someone shouted, slamming the table in excitement. "So how is Serena in bed? When you're done playing with her, let the rest of the brothers have a turn."

Julian gave a low chuckle. "Thrilling enough, much more interesting than the ones who throw themselves at you."

Clang.

Suddenly, a woman threw a glass across the room.

"Just play around, don't actually let her cling to you," her tone was filled with utter disdain. "People like her look honest, but they have a knack for being terribly clingy. When the time comes and you can't shake her off, you'll be in trouble."

Serena had heard this voice many times before; it belonged to her stepsister, Mandy.

After her mother passed away, Mandy and her mother couldn't wait to barge into the household, and Mandy made it her mission to oppose her at every turn, cutting her clothes and deliberately putting bugs in her study.

Julian pulled Mandy straight into his arms, coaxing her in a low voice, "Didn't you say yourself that you hated her, that you couldn't stand her high and mighty attitude, and wanted me to seduce her to make her lose everything?"

"Alright, don't be angry. In a few days for your birthday, I'll take a few even more explosive photos of Serena and send them out as a gift to you, how about that?"

These piercing words echoed repeatedly in her ears. Serena covered her mouth and ran without looking back, as if fleeing a horrific nightmare.

It turned out all her fluttering emotions, her struggles, and her resolve were nothing but a meticulously planned trap.

The phone vibrated in her pocket; it was a call from Arthur.

She took a deep breath, fighting down her sobs to answer.

Arthur’s voice was impatient. "Julian still hasn't mentioned anything about an engagement. He's probably just playing with you. Look at your reputation now; you've disgraced the entire family!"

"I've already arranged a school abroad for you. You're leaving next week. Go there and reflect properly, and stop bringing trouble to this house."

Serena remained silent, her vision blurred with tears.

She knew her father had never cared about anything but the family's public face. Now that her reputation was ruined, there was no longer a place for her in this home.

"Fine."

gently squeezed out the single word, her lip bitten until it bled.

Hanging up the phone, a text message from Julian popped up.

"Serena, come over to my place tomorrow night. I've learned a few new positions, I'll definitely make you feel good."

Serena’s expression was entirely detached, the shy love of the past completely vanished from her eyes.

She replied, "Sure."

At least before she left, she would wipe clean all the photos in Julian’s hands, ensuring he would never have another chance to hurt her.

She was going to cut him off completely, leaving absolutely no ties between them.

Chapter 2

The next evening, Serena arrived at Julian’s apartment as agreed.

The moment the door opened just a crack, the man’s towering figure pressed over, violently pinning her against the wall.

Julian’s kiss came swift and harsh, his tongue forcefully prying open her lips.

His hand slid down her waistline, looking as if it were about to slip inside.

Thinking of how he and his friends had casually degraded her, Serena's stomach turned. Forcing down her disgust, she pressed against his wrist. "Don't... my stomach hurts."

His movements didn't stop, his breath burning hot. "It's fine, it'll feel good in a moment. Go lie face down, be good."

Serena lowered her eyes, hiding the coldness in her gaze.

"I think my period started."

Julian’s brow instantly furrowed, all the desire draining from his face.

"Why didn't you say so earlier?"

He let go of her and turned straight toward the bathroom. "I'm going to take a cold shower."

The sound of running water quickly echoed. Serena stood in place, catching her breath, her gaze rapidly scanning the living room until she spotted Julian’s laptop.

She walked over quietly and opened it.

The computer was locked. She tried several passwords in a row, finally unlocking it by using Mandy’s birthday.

Inside was a scrambled file. When she clicked it open, it turned out to be filled with secretly taken private photos of her from every single angle.

Her fingertips trembled, a wave of rage and sorrow surging in her chest, tears nearly falling.

Without giving it a second thought, she worked quickly to delete every single photo, emptying the recycle bin until not a trace remained.

Just then, the running water in the bathroom stopped, and Julian walked out wrapped in a towel to answer a ringing phone.

The loud, laughing voices from the other end came through clearly. "Jules, did the new positions work out? Don't tell us you forgot to take the good photos."

Julian kicked the couch leg in irritation. "No, what a nuisance."

The annoyance of his unfulfilled desires made his tone increasingly impatient.

"Mandy is still here throwing a tantrum and eating her heart out over you, she won't even touch her food. Why don't you bring Serena over and let her blow off some steam?"