Chapter 1 How It All Began

The grand hall shimmered under crystal chandeliers, filled with people dressed in elegant gowns and tailored suits. A soft piano tune floated through the air as guests mingled, their laughter blending with the clinking of glasses.

At the center of the hall stood a four-tiered cake adorned with golden icing that read, "Happy 24th Birthday, Frederick." The emcee's voice cut through the chatter.

"And here comes the celebrant!"

A spotlight fell on the grand staircase as Frederick descended. Dressed in a navy tuxedo, his hair slicked back and sharp jawline catching the light, he exuded a calm, commanding presence. Every eye in the room followed him.

He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, fixing his gaze on the woman waiting by the cake. Tatiana, in a striking red gown, smiled softly. Frederick took her hand and kissed it before turning to face the crowd.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. I'm honored to have you here," he began, pausing briefly. Then, he turned to Tatiana. "Tatiana... I love you. You've shown me what it means to truly care for someone, and there's no one else I want to share my life with. Will you marry me?"

A hush fell over the hall. All eyes were on her. Frederick went down on one knee, heart pounding.

Tatiana's expression didn't soften. She shook her head. "No."

The silence was deafening. Gasps spread through the crowd. Frederick's chest tightened.

"You... what?" he whispered, barely audible.

"You heard me," Tatiana said coldly. "I'll never marry you. I don't love you. And this-" she gestured to the ring in his hand "-this changes nothing."

Before he could respond, she turned and walked away, leaving him kneeling in stunned silence.

Frederick awoke with a start, sweat on his brow. It had been a dream-a vivid reminder of a painful past.

"Why do I keep dreaming about it?" he muttered, rubbing his face. Morning sunlight streamed through the window, signaling a new day.

Across town, a small, bustling home stirred with life. Catalina peeked into her brother Calvin's room, frowning at the unheeded alarm clock. This was the third time she had come to wake him.

With a smirk, she left, returning moments later with a bucket of cold water. Calvin leapt out of bed with a yelp, spluttering and shaking.

"Your turn to watch the plates," Catalina said, leaving him dripping on the floor.

Calvin groaned, rubbing his head. "Why does everything have to start like this?" he muttered, thinking of his recent dream of a girl he liked.

Breakfast was chaotic but warm. Their mother, Sarah, bustled between plates, smiling at her children's bickering. "Remember, happiness isn't about wealth-it's about what we have together," she said softly.

Calvin perked up. "Mom! The scholarship results are out!"

Catalina raised an eyebrow. "Let's see if you finally bring home a decent score."

Calvin tore open his letter, and his grin fell. "Zero percent?!"

Nelson, his best friend, groaned beside him. "I have one percent... How?"

The two friends slumped, staring at the papers as if the world had betrayed them.

Elsewhere, in a sleek skyscraper, Frederick's black limousine rolled to a stop outside his company. The most successful skincare brand in Australia, his office reflected his wealth and influence.

Inside, Frederick's cold gaze swept the room. Employees moved swiftly, almost fearful of his presence. A secretary approached to remind him of his schedule, but he barely glanced at her. One wrong look from a coworker, and she froze.

He was a man who demanded respect, and everyone in the room knew it.

Catalina, meanwhile, strode toward her workplace, R-R Investment, her rival company to Frederick's. She ignored whispers about her fashion choices, focusing on the day ahead. As she passed two young women on the street, a brief confrontation reminded her that her confidence often attracted attention-sometimes unwanted.

Inside the company, she settled at her desk, glancing at her phone. She hoped for a call from Roman, her boyfriend, but the screen remained silent.

Roman, meanwhile, was busy with business, though his earlier presence with another colleague hinted at complications Catalina would need to navigate carefully.

By the end of the day, Catalina leaned back in her chair, determination in her eyes. Life was complicated, messy, and full of unexpected challenges-but she was ready to face them.