Chatters filled the corridors as a lavish birthday party took place at Lingerfield's most prestigious hotel. The entire staff had put in a lot of effort to make the venue look as enchanting as possible to celebrate the Darving Group's old chairman, Morris Darving.

Celebrities and renowned business owners enthusiastically exchanged greetings outside, but the VIP lounge at the end of the corridor remained still and quiet. It was completely soundproof, so nothing could be heard from outside.

Inside, Tanya Yates scanned her entirety in the mirror and subconsciously grabbed the hem of her dress, which was as white as snow.

Even though the gown suited her well, it belonged to her twin sister, not hers. Tanya was a humble woman who had never worn such stunning dresses and had never attended a celebration of such importance. Thus, her heart kept pounding when she planned to walk outside as if horses were running on her chest.

But then her sister's reassurance replayed on her mind, causing her to stop in her tracks.

She remembered Tina reminding her, "Tanya, only dad knows I have a twin sister, okay? He's pretty drunk, so the driver already took him home. Once you arrive at the venue, talk less and be cautious. If you do that, you'll be fine. I guarantee that no one will realize you're not me."

Tanya was yet to say a word, but Tina spoke again, saying, "Anyway, I have to go now. Remember, don't overexpose yourself to the crowd, especially in front of Leon. I can't rush to your aid if anything happens."

Helpless, Tanya shook her head and composed herself back to reality. She took a deep breath and reached for the doorknob. However, just as she was about to turn it, someone forcefully opened the door from outside, causing her to lose her balance.

Fortunately, the man was able to hold her waist tightly in time.

"Tina, what are you doing here? I've been looking for you," the man muttered with his soul-eating blue eyes.

"I'm not..." Tanya defensively replied, wanting to deny she wasn't Tina. However, her sister's warning flashed in her mind, stopping her from finishing her sentence.

"Not what?" the man chuckled as he asked. After that, he suddenly pressed Tanya against the door and claimed her lips without saying anything.

Things happened so fast that Tanya's mind went utterly blank. Her cheeks reddened with her ears, surprised by what the man did.

Tanya could smell the wine on his breath, stimulating her hormones for some reason. The man smothered her with passionate kisses for a long time before slowly raising his deep mesmerizing eyes at her and holding her chin lightly.

"How can you be so beautiful?" he uttered.

They had already shared one breathtaking kiss, yet Tanya only got to see the man's face now. As soon as their eyes met, coldness traveled across her body.

She recognized him and was a hundred percent sure she wasn't mistaken.

The man before her was Leon Darving: the third grandson of Morris Darving, the heir of the Darving Group, and her sister's date at the party.

Leon was no ordinary man, so Tanya had already seen his pictures on the news and various social media platforms. She had always found him attractive, but she didn't expect him to be more charming and imposing in person.

Nevertheless, Tanya could tell by Leon's appearance that he was already intoxicated. He had already rolled up his sleeves, and his tie was hanging diagonally across his chest.

Suddenly, Leon winked at Tanya like a dangerous wild leopard. The latter, on the other hand, was like a feeble prey caught in his trap, scared but didn't know where to run.

Breaking all laws of personal space, he caressed her face and suggestively smiled as he said, "I can see that you genuinely want to be my wife, Tina."

"I..." Tanya stammered as she spoke.

Blazing with lust, Leon didn't let her finish her sentence. Instead, he lowered his head and swiftly kissed her again. Then, he pushed her onto the sofa.

The night deepened, and so did Leon's kisses. His hand soon traveled on her body, hungrily marking his territory. Eyes steady on her, he bit her bottom lip and removed her panties with a subtle lift of her hips. Not long after, Leon and Tanya's flesh became one.

The situation calmed down shortly after that, and Leon fell asleep.

Tanya, on the other hand, looked at the swaying curtain for a long time, unable to process what had just happened. She couldn't believe she let a man she had only seen on the news take her innocence instead of screaming for help or running away.

Wanting to verify if everything was real, Tanya pinched her skin, causing her to wince in pain. With that, she snapped back to reality.

Determined to escape, she rose from the couch quietly and quickly changed back into her clothes. Since Tina was wearing her sneakers, Tanya had no choice but to wear high heels. But since the latter had never grown accustomed to wearing it, she tripped before she could even walk far enough, breaking her ankle.

Of course, Tanya couldn't help but scream in pain. However, she immediately covered her mouth when she heard Leon's soft grunt behind her.

'I need to get out of here now!' she thought.

Tanya then limped out of the room in a huff. She didn't even glance back at Leon once, not wanting to get caught.

The latter, on the other hand, woke up at eight o'clock in the morning after sleeping like a baby. However, even if the alcohol had successfully replenished his drive last night, it made his head throb in pain the next day.

When Leon opened his eyes, what flashed next to him was a snow-white gown with a scarlet mark at the lower part. It went without saying that people who constantly let themselves drown in alcohol usually forget what happened the night before, but Leon was different.

As soon as he saw the stain on the gown, his eyes automatically glimmered in delight, vibrantly remembering everything.

He then searched the room, but aside from the gown in his hand, he didn't find any trace of Tina inside.

Frowning, Leon lit a cigarette like he always did, reached for his phone, and called his assistant, Eddie Jackson.

Not long after, someone knocked on the door.

It was Eddie, of course. He walked in a dignified manner and handed a paper bag with a brand new shirt and suit as ordered.

"Here are your clothes, Sir. You may now change," Eddie said.

The latter was just about Leon's age, and it was pretty evident that he was Leon's most trusted confidant. In fact, he recruited Eddie himself.

"When did Tina leave last night?" Leon asked after puffing on his cigarette.

"Miss Yates? Sorry, I didn't notice," Eddie apologetically said and added, "Do you want me to look at the CCTV?"

Hearing that, Leon waved his hand, implying there was no need to do that. For him, what happened between them last night had already happened, so it no longer mattered when she left.

Nodding, Eddie assisted Leon in wearing his suit. After that, he handed an ebony box to him, saying, "Mr. Morris told me to give this to you, Sir Leon. He said that if you genuinely fancy Miss Yates, you can give this to her as a gift."

Leon nodded at Eddie's words and directly opened the box. As soon as he did that, he saw a golden rose inside. Its details were neatly crafted, and it looked unmistakably expensive.

Because of that, Leon couldn't help but think, 'Seems like grandpa wants Tina to be his granddaughter-in-law.'

Leon, unlike typical children, didn't go through a vibrant childhood. When he was young, his grandfather, Morris, had subjected him to a thorough, rigorous, and demanding education and training. Morris had set high expectations not just for him but also for his cousins. Of course, Leon struggled to get ahead as one of the youngest. It had been challenging for him to outdo everyone and become the heir of Darving Groups, a billion-dollar business.

Thus, his goal was to marry a woman with an impressive background and secure his heirship.

That was when Tina came into the picture. The Yates family had ensured that Tina would receive nothing but the most excellent education. Because of that, the latter had been molded into a fine, talented, and outstanding lady since childhood. Tina was even announced as the most promising new designer when she participated in the International Jewelry Design Competition. So, with her unparalleled achievements, Leon chose to pursue her among thousands of famous ladies in the city.

Choosing a woman to marry was usually a decision that had to be thought of several times. Of course, achievements alone shouldn't be enough basis to decide quickly. However, Leon's hesitations instantly dissipated into thin air upon remembering that Tina even gave him her virginity last night. He thought they could work it out.

Decided and determined, Leon turned to Eddie and instructed, "Eddie, search for the Yates family's address. I want to pay them a visit."

Eddie, of course, didn't ask further questions and directly sent the address to Leon's number in no time.

Leon fixed himself in the hotel room, wanting to look decent. After that, he drove straight to the Yates family's villa, which was not far from where the Darving family was. Unsurprisingly, their villas were in the northern part of Lingerfield, where all houses were secluded and elegant.

While Leon was on his way, Nathanael Fuller called and asked, "So, how was it? Did you have a blast with Tina last night? You did, right?"

With that, Leon sneered and replied, "I'm sorry to step on your confidence, but you've misjudged her, Mr. Fuller."

Traces of mockery sounded in Leon's tone, so Nathanael instantly understood what he meant.

"Come on, man! You're hallucinating. Based on my experience, women like Tina, who looks noble, are thirsty and untamed. She's not as innocent as you think, dude. If you don't believe me, be bold and try," Nathanael explained in confidence.

However, Leon only hissed and said, "I've tried, and you're wrong."

"Wait, what?! That's impossible!" Nathanael exclaimed in disbelief.

Leon and Nathanael had been best friends for over a decade. The latter, unlike the former, had long been considered a notorious womanizer of Lingerfield's high-class society, so he had all sorts of experiences with women.

Because of that, Leon didn't bother to argue. He knew Nathanael would only stand firm on his ground. Also, if it weren't for the latter, Leon would have been more gentle with Tina last night. He wouldn't have torn her gown or had sex with her on the couch.

Unable to believe it still, Nathanael frustratedly said, "How is that even possible? Don't tell me she's a virgin?"

"She is, though," Leon directly replied, smiling.

With that, Nathanael fell into silence for a moment. After a while, he exclaimed, "What the hell, dude?! Really?"

"Why? Do you think I can't distinguish a virgin?" Leon asked, raising his brows even though Nathanael couldn't see him.

The latter was still a little doubtful, but he laughed anyway. He said, "Alright, man! I believe you. Well, you've found your girl! Take good care of her, and don't let go. I hope you can get married as soon as possible."

"You're useless!" Leon exclaimed and dropped the call as traces of annoyance flashed on his face. Still, they faded when he remembered his intimate moment with Tina last night.

Leon then kept driving his black Bentley down the boulevard and up the hill ahead until he saw the white carved gate of the Yates family.

On the right side of the same boulevard, Tanya limped unhurriedly.

It was only September morning, so it was still hot. Beads of sweat then formed on Tanya's forehead, causing her to stop in her tracks and catch her breath.

The Yates family's building was on Lot 18, but she told the taxi driver it was on Lot 28. Because of that, she had to pay an extra six bucks in fare and even walk backward. Tanya, however, couldn't blame anyone but herself for making a mistake.

Right at that moment, Leon turned his car on the corner and caught a glimpse of a familiar face.

'Tina?' he called in his mind.

After that, he honked his horn and pulled over.

Tanya, on the other hand, wiped her sweat and prepared to move on. When she was about to take a step, a tall man blocked her way.

'Mr. Darving...' she inwardly called upon seeing Leon's face, her mind a mess.

"Where are you going, Tina?" Leon asked as he tried to get a better view of Tanya's face, who deliberately avoided his gaze.

Unprepared for the sudden encounter, Tanya remained silent in nervousness. She didn't dare say or do anything that might put her and Tina in a problematic situation.

Hearing no response from her, Leon narrowed his eyes and looked closely at Tanya. Then, he confidently concluded, "You're not Tina, are you?"

Tina was well-known as Lingerfield's most famous fashionista. Exaggeration aside, people would always turn their heads and check her out regardless of where she was. Tina, admiringly, had always spoken and moved like a queen, constantly exuding class and confidence. She had always looked dazzling, even when she wore nothing but jeans and a shirt.

Some twins had distinguishing features that differentiated them, but Tanya and Tina looked immensely identical. The former's lips, eyes, nose, and even body resembled Tina's entirely.

The two, however, had temperaments that were utterly different from one another. That was also why Leon knew the girl in front of him was not Tina, even though she looked an awful lot like her.

Unsure of what to say, Tanya ignored Leon's question and lowered her head. She tried to leave, but the latter stopped him.

"You know Tina, don't you? How are you related to her?" Leon asked in his deep, majestic voice, which was different from how he sounded last night.

"I— I'm her sister," Tanya truthfully replied. When her gaze fell on the silver buttons on Leon's shirt, her body warmed increasingly for no reason.

"Tina has a twin sister? How come she didn't mention anything about you?" Leon asked in disbelief upon hearing about it for the first time.

Not wanting to appear suspicious, Tanya cleared her throat softly and explained, "Tina and I didn't grow up together. I got lost when I was two years old and was later adopted. I only got to meet her last month."

Only after speaking did Tanya realize she didn't owe him any explanation. Perhaps, it was hormones that urged her to open up.

Uninterested in staying any longer, Tanya nodded and said, "I don't mean to be rude, but I have to go, Mr. Darving. It was nice meeting you."

Still, Leon didn't get out of her way. Instead, he knitted his brows suspiciously and asked, "How did you know who I am?"

Tanya panicked inwardly for a second, realizing this was supposed to be their first encounter. However, she immediately composed herself and thought of an excuse.

"You are the successor of the Darving Group, right? You're Leon Darving, and my sister was your date last night," Tanya calmly replied.

"You're quite updated, huh?" Leon said with a smirk.

"Well, my sister mentions you a lot," Tanya said in defense, not wanting to raise suspicion.

Leon had never been fond of smiling and being soft in front of others, but since Tanya was Tina's sister, he spoke moderately.

He said, "She does? Then maybe I'll be your brother-in-law sooner or later."

Tanya felt uncomfortable hearing Leon's words, so she diverted her gaze elsewhere. It wasn't that she didn't want to hear him talking about her sister, but his mere sight reminded her of the intimate moment they shared last night.

Thinking about what happened, Tanya's cheeks inevitably warmed.

"I'm sorry, but I have something urgent to attend to. I don't have time to chat," Tanya reasoned and hurriedly turned to leave.

Leon didn't plan to stop her, but he saw her limping as she walked. Concerned, he walked after her, grabbed her by the arm, and made her face him again.

Tanya, on the other hand, stood frozen on her spot because of Leon's touch. There were traces of fright and vigilance on her face, which the latter didn't understand.

Leon thought, 'I didn't expect her to be so timid.'

After brushing off that thought, he said, "You seem to have hurt your leg. Let me give you a ride."

"No, I'm fine. You don't have to bother," Tanya readily refused.

However, Leon only said, "Didn't you say you have something urgent to attend to?"

Tanya glanced at the black Bentley parked on their side. After hesitating for a few seconds, she inwardly exhaled a breath of helplessness, thinking, 'Fine. I brought this to myself.'

"Right. Thanks," she said.

Tanya got in the car, and Leon wasted no time. He quickly turned the engine on and drove. The sun rays, on the other hand, seeped through the car's window, highlighting Leon's picturesque face.

Tanya stared in the rearview mirror in awe, clutching the cloth bag in her lap, not daring to make a sound.

Suddenly, their eyes met.

'He's looking at me!' Tanya thought as she averted her gaze in panic.

Leon, on the contrary, only shrugged and continued driving. His eyes remained focused on the road, but he kept thinking how Tina and Tanya could look so alike anywhere he looked. He even thought that he wouldn't be able to recognize who was who if the two had the same temperament.

When Leon was about to give up on looking for a difference, his sharp eyes suddenly caught something.

Looking at the rearview mirror, he saw two purplish red marks on Tanya's neck right below her ear.

Of course, Leon was a man who knew what that was.

With that, only one thought surged in his mind.

'No wonder people have always said not to judge a book by its cover. Tina was liberal and bold, but she was a virgin. Her sister, on the contrary, looks timid, but she seems to have a wild side.'

Unable to endure the silence any longer, Leon faked a cough and asked, "Were you at the party last night? Tina and your father are there, but I don't think I saw you."

With last night's party being brought up, Tanya blushed and coughed.

'Shit!' she inwardly remarked.