By Saturday afternoon, Derek Russell's beach villa in the coastal city of Avaldos was alive with quiet anticipation. The estate, owned by Russell Automobile Holdings, was one of the most exclusive in the country. Only nobles or royalty could purchase homes there; even immense wealth was not enough without the right connections. The Russell brothers owned the largest and most outstanding villa in the estate, a symbol of their unrivaled influence.
Inside, Lilian Asienwegher sat before a grand mirror while two makeup artists worked diligently on her face. Under normal circumstances, Lilian would never have endured such stress. But today was different. Today, she intended to outshine everyone and prove to the world that she was the real Lilian Asienwegher—not the counterfeit parading under her name.
On the bed lay three custom‑made dresses from one of the world's most renowned designers. Lilian contemplated them carefully.
Turning to the artists, she asked, "Please, help me. Which of these three do you think suits me best?"
The two women examined the dresses, but each pointed to a different one. "This one is good!" said one, pointing to the first. "This one is beautiful!" said the other, pointing to the third. They looked at each other's choices, then agreed both were stunning. In the end, they admitted defeat—the three dresses were equally exquisite.
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Lilian decided to try them all. Each fit her perfectly, accentuating her figure in ways that made the artists marvel. Finally, she chose by color: the most dazzling red gown.
It was sleeveless, long, and decorated with shimmering red stones. A dramatic veil, fixed on one shoulder, cascaded to the floor like a bridal train. Unless she held it up, it swept behind her with regal elegance.
Her dark hair was styled into a graceful bun, with two curled strands framing her face. She adorned herself with an expensive jewelry set and golden sandals with seven‑centimeter heels. Looking at her reflection, she admired the artistry of creation itself.
At that moment, Derek entered majestically, dressed in a golden custom‑made suit with a red tie that matched her gown. Standing behind her, their reflections in the mirror looked like a couple sculpted by heaven itself.
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Lilian was taken aback by the sight. Unable to resist, she picked up her iPhone and snapped several selfies of them together. Derek placed his large palms on her slender waist, posing with her in different positions. They looked so perfect it seemed they were about to kiss.
When she finished, she smiled faintly at Derek, whose eyes remained locked on her with unrestrained desire. His Adam's apple rolled as he showered her with compliments, pressing kisses across her face, down her neck, shoulders, and bare upper chest.
"You look breathtakingly gorgeous," he murmured hoarsely. "I feel like devouring you right here and now."
Lilian's body stiffened. She quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze in the mirror. Instinctively, she moved from his embrace, forcing a smile. "We need to leave, or we'll be late."
Derek felt the sting of disappointment. He could sense her restraint, her hesitation to yield to him. He knew the bond between them was undeniable, but Perry's shadow still haunted her. Derek was determined to help her let go of the past and embrace their future wholeheartedly. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "Yes, we should go."
---
Lilian carefully lifted the silk train of her gown and walked beside Derek to the awaiting Rolls‑Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. He placed his hand protectively over her head as she entered, then joined her on the other side.
Their car led a convoy of two other luxury vehicles and three more behind them, driving toward the seashore.
When they arrived at the venue, Derek helped her out of the car. Hand in hand, they entered the ship.
Inside, the celebration began as guests took their seats. The hotel's allure was undeniable, but Lilian's attention was fixed elsewhere—on the people opposite her, seated beside the president. They were clearly members of the Kimberly household.
Her eyes narrowed as she watched Avery Macdonald acting coquettishly before Bryan Kimberly and Old Mr. Kimberly.
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Derek, observing her closely, leaned in. "Let's go say hello to Mr. Kimberly."
Lilian looked at him in a daze. What is he up to? Didn't he hide me from the Kimberly family? Why now?
Without waiting for her agreement, Derek took her hand and began walking toward the president and his family.
But Lilian twisted her hand free, speaking calmly—not coldly, but not warmly either. "Go ahead. I need to use the restroom."
Without waiting for his response, she turned and hurried in the direction Bryan Kimberly had gone.
---
Unbeknownst to them, a silhouette lingered in the shadows, watching everything unfold.
Perry Jerome had heard about the Kimberly family's celebration party. Determined to see Lilian, he had maneuvered his way into obtaining an invitation. But when he saw the "Lilian" walking beside Bryan Kimberly, his eyes narrowed.
The more he looked, the more certain he became—she was a fake. The Lilian in his memory would never behave so coquettishly.
As he wrestled with the realization, his gaze shifted. Not far from Bryan's car, a Rolls‑Royce La Rose Noire Droptail was parked. From it emerged none other than Derek Russell.
And the next person who stepped out left Perry speechless. In that instant, he finally grasped the clearer picture of the entire ordeal.
At first, the news of Avery Macdonald's death had spread widely. Perry himself had helped the Russell brothers circulate it, which gave both Avery and Derek an advantage. Now, seeing Derek arrive with the real Lilian, the truth struck him like a blade.