Chapter 1

My boyfriend, Wallace Vance, was the most ruthless designer in the fashion industry. He showed no mercy, not even to me, his exclusive runway model.

When my weight went over by less than half a pound, he kicked me straight off the runway.

“Alice, this is business, not a game,” he said coldly. “I won’t give you special treatment just because you’re my girlfriend.”

I respected his work ethic. Or at least, I tried to.

Until today. I had to leave the gym early because of a sudden dizzy spell from low blood sugar.

When I walked into our apartment, I saw Juliet, my curvy best friend, trying on Wallace’s brand-new couture gown.

Wallace was looking at her with a look of pure adoration—a look he had never given me.

“I spent months designing this collection specifically for your body,” Wallace cooed, his voice dripping with sweetness. “You’re going to be the most unique star in the modeling world.”

Juliet pouted, wrapping her arms around his neck. “But Wallace, I’m so much bigger than Alice. I’ll look like a joke next to her.”

“Alice has the standard runway body, but you? You’re my real muse,” Wallace whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “She doesn’t even compare to you.”

A cold sweat broke out over my skin. My hands shook as I unlocked my phone and sent two texts to my dad.

[Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage with Leo Sterling.]

[Also, pull all James Group funding from Wallace’s fashion brand. Effective immediately.]