Everyone knew the news: Old Mantel had decreed that I was the heir to his empire.

Whoever married me would inherit it all.

At the engagement party, I stood poised in a custom-made gown, ready to take the stage and announce the union of the Mantel and Vance families.

But then my fiancé, Damian Mantel, strode into the center of the glittering ballroom, his fingers intertwined with my stepsister, Seraphina Vance.

He pulled her to his side, a defiant set to his jaw.

"Seraphina and I are in love," he announced, his voice ringing through the sudden silence.

"She is the only one I will ever marry."

He shot a cold glance in my direction.

"Avery is too headstrong. She is not fit to be Mrs. Mantel."

Just like that, my engagement was transferred to my stepsister.

******

A sea of faces turned towards me, their expressions a mix of pity and scorn.

What Damian didn't know, was the reason Grandpa Orson Mantel had chosen me.

My mother is the matriarch of the Thorne family, a reclusive and powerful dynasty, and one day, I will inherit everything from her.

Since Damian had made his choice, it was time for the Mantel empire to find a new heir.

......

Damian's grip on Seraphina's hand as he positioned her before the stunned crowd.

She let out a theatrical gasp, trying to pull away.

"Damian, we can't," she whispered, loud enough for those nearby to hear.

"Your engagement to my sister... it was arranged by your grandfather himself."

"You're the one I love," he declared, lacing their fingers together more tightly.

"I won't marry anyone else, but you."

He looked up at Grandpa Orson, who sat enthroned on the main dais, his expression a poker face.

"Grandfather, I've always loved Seraphina. She is the only woman I will have as my wife."

The air crackled with whispers.

Everyone here knew Damian and I had grown up together, that I was Grandpa Orson's handpicked wife for his grandson.

But now, in front of everyone who mattered in our circle, Damian was publicly tearing my dignity to shreds.

His tone was absolute.

"Avery and I may have grown up together, but I've only ever seen her as my real sister. Nothing more."

He continued, his voice hardening,

"Seraphina and I are in love. We've been together for some time. In my heart, my wife can only be her. No other woman will do."