Without the Fake Young Master, Her Perfect Image Crumbles

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My engagement to Penelope Kim, the socialite heiress of a prominent family, was set when we were children. Because of this, I, Liam Kane, had controlled Penelope in every aspect of her life since we were kids. Every time I reined her in too tightly, Penelope would fiercely retort: Liam Kane, you just wait. This lady will break off this wretched engagement sooner or later.

Later, I unexpectedly discovered I was a fostered son, not a biological one. I decided to keep a low profile. I stopped asking about Penelope's affairs, stopped forcing her to go through the motions with me. When Penelopes friends realized I hadn't interfered in her life for over half a month, they threw a party to celebrate. To my surprise, Penelope completely lost it, yelling: "Mind your own business! Are you all happy now? He's found some other girl out there!"

1.

Liam, Penelope is out carousing with Blair and her crowd again.

The music in the club was deafening. My friend, Ethan Kim, was giving me the lowdown on Penelope, but my mind was miles away. I took his phone.

The video showed Penelope in a striking burgundy slip dress, lounging languidly against a sports car, a slender cigarette between her fingers. She was surrounded by a group of socialite friends, each with a tall, handsome guy by their side. I watched it calmly, then just as calmly handed the phone back to Ethan.

Its fine. Let her be.

Whats gotten into you? Ethan pressed a hand to my forehead. Youre not running a fever. He squinted. Are you even the real Liam Kane?

Ethan, I shot him a look, do I need to bring up that time you wet your pants at six years old to prove it?

With that, I grabbed my jacket and headed out. It wasn't surprising Ethan was reacting so strongly to my change. After all, ever since my engagement to Penelope was set when I was eight, Id been controlling her every move.

Before, I had every right to. Now, I wasnt so sure. Because I might not be Penelope's fianc for much longer.

2.

Just three days ago, Id stumbled upon the truth: I wasn't the biological son of my current parents. Id been swapped at birth. It wouldnt be long before the real son of the Kane family was found. My fate, as a fostered son, was painfully clear.

Over the years, relying on my status as the Kane family heir and Penelope's fianc, Id offended quite a few people. Many in our circle were just waiting to see me fall from grace. Especially Penelope. Ever since our engagement, Id used the influence of Grandfather Kim to control her, setting strict rules. After she turned eighteen, I even laid down three ironclad commandments:

First: No smoking, no heavy drinking, no brawling, and no hanging out with questionable friends.

Second: No staying out overnight; she had to be home by midnight.

Third: We were to fulfill our engagement duties, at least three times a week.

Each time I tightened the leash, Penelope would lash out, Liam Kane, you just wait. This lady will break off this wretched engagement sooner or later.

I never took her seriously. But now, it was different. High-society engagements were always about matching status. No matter how much Grandfather Kim liked me, he would never let his granddaughter marry a man who couldn't advance her familys interests. This engagement was doomed.

To avoid Penelope kicking me while I was down once my true identity was revealed, I had to cut my losses. I would stop interfering in her life.

3.

Instead of seeking out Penelope, I headed home early. No sooner had I walked in than Penelope returned. Hearing the commotion in the entryway, I instinctively looked up. Our eyes met, and Penelope, guilty, tried to avert her gaze, but then defiantly held it. She jutted out her chin, her voice deliberately loud: Liam Kane, thats right. Tonight I not only partied with Blair and the others, I also smoked and drank.

I didnt argue with her as I usually would. I merely uttered a soft Hmm, and rose to go to my room.

Liam Kane

Penelope closed the distance in a few quick steps, grabbing my wrist. Her dark eyes bored into mine, her tone tinged with a faint anxiety: Did you hear me? I smoked and drank tonight.

I know, I said, looking at her calmly. You dont need to tell me. As long as youre happy.

Alright, Liam Kane. Her lips quirked into a small smile, a certainty in her voice. I know youre still mad. My bad for not going to the dinner party with you last time. She looked me up and down. You havent spoken to me in three days.

No, I havent

Before I could finish, Penelope cut me off: Its fine if Im on top tonight.

With that, Penelope began to unzip her dress. Her figure was exquisite, curves graceful, skin luminous, utterly tempting. I had spent countless nights lost in her. She took my hand and pressed it to her waist. Then, with a haughty turn of her head, a faint blush crept up her ears.

Consider yourself lucky. You can touch me anywhere you want tonight.

I glanced at the date, remembering it was our designated night. Usually, I had to remind her. Tonight, Penelope was shockingly proactive.

Penelope, Im not in the mood tonight.

I dropped the words and practically ran back to my room.

4.

I woke up late the next morning. Penelope, uncharacteristically, hadn't gone out. She sat on the sofa, legs crossed, casually engrossed in her phone. Seeing me emerge from my room, she put away her phone, cleared her throat softly, and said nonchalantly, Liam Kane, arent you tired of your old clothes? Im free today, I can go with you to buy some new ones.

No, thanks. I have plans with Ethan today. I refused without a second thought.

Seriously, Liam Kane, how long are you going to stay mad? Penelope rushed over, grabbing my wrist, her brows furrowed. She pursed her lips, a hint of impatience in her voice: Im already giving you an out. Are you planning to complain to Grandfather again next time?

So that was the reason for Penelopes unusual behavior today. It was my fault for having done that so often in the past.

Relax, relax, I quickly waved my hand, denying it. No more. Youre right, I used to control you too much. All three rules I set are null and void. From now on, you can do whatever you want. I wont interfere in your life.

Really. Fearing Penelope wouldn't believe me, I quickly held up three fingers in an oath. I swear.

Liam Kane, you Penelope stared at me in disbelief, her eyes beginning to glisten with unshed tears. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her chest heaving uncontrollably. Finally, she turned her head away coldly, her voice stiff: Fine, whatever.

Then, the door slammed shut with a bang.

What?! Why was she angry now?

I met Ethan at a coffee shop and told him about my identity. Ethan was stunned for a long moment before he reacted.

So you think you and Penelope will break off the engagement, which is why youre not controlling her like before? He pondered. But have you ever considered that Penelope might have feelings for you and wont break it off easily?

Penelope doesnt like me. I tugged at the corner of my mouth, a self-deprecating smile. Just last week, she told me herself she doesnt like me. I just found out how much she despises our engagement.

5.

After all these years with Penelope, it would be a lie to say I had no feelings for her. The night I discovered I was a fostered son, I was desperate to find Penelope to vent my emotions. But I accidentally overheard her conversation with some friends:

Penelope, are you really content to be controlled by Liam Kane your whole life?

Everyone says youre completely under his thumb, totally manipulated by one man.

Dont tell me youve actually fallen for Liam Kane?

Impossible! Penelope declared emphatically. This lady would never fall for him, of all people. Liam Kane is only tall and handsome; hes absolutely not my type. If it werent for Grandfather insisting on our engagement, I would never have given in to him.

I stood outside the private room, a myriad of indescribable emotions surging within me. Any lingering fantasies I had about Penelope shattered then and there. I left the club calmly and walked a long way home by myself.

Penelope said this herself. I looked at Ethan, my lips pressed together. Shes itching to break off our engagement.

Ethan opened his mouth, his gaze at me full of unsaid words, but in the end, he said nothing.

I told him my concerns. Ive always been proud. Once the news broke that I was a fostered son, and if the Kim family called off the engagement, I would surely be mocked by everyone in our circle. So, I decided to break off the engagement with Penelope before the real heir was found.

6.

Without my interference, Penelope hadnt returned home for days. Usually, if she wasnt back by midnight, Id either bombard her with texts or go find her myself.

Tonight, as I was getting ready for bed, Penelopes friend suddenly sent me a video.

[Brother-in-law, Penelope is insisting on hiring male models tonight. Maybe you should come check on her?]

I opened the video. Penelope was lounging on a sofa, a handsome young man standing before her. My heart clenched. So, she took my words to heart that quickly.

[Okay, I understand.]

I put my phone down, and another video came in. Penelope, draped around the young man, slipped a credit card into his hand: My fianc doesnt care anymore. So, bring out all your tricks.

My eyes stung, and I immediately blocked Penelopes friend.

Before breaking off the engagement, I planned to move out of Penelopes place. This was originally the marital home the Kim family had prepared for Penelope and me. Since the engagement was ending, there was no need for me to stay.

After looking at apartments for a few days, I finally found a satisfactory layout and was going to sign the contract today. As I stepped out of the elevator, I ran into Clara Hayes, a former university classmate. We chatted and laughed as we walked out.

But as we exited the apartment building, I bumped into a familiar figure.

Penelope was staring intently at Clara and me, her eyes filled with incredulous anger and unease. Her gaze fixed on my face, her eyes inexplicably red. She gritted her teeth and demanded, Liam Kane, who is she? Dont forget, you have a fiance.

Not for long, I murmured barely audibly.

Penelopes pupils constricted. She rushed over, pressing her hands on my shoulders, her fingertips turning white from the force. Her breathing was ragged, and a thin layer of angry tears began to well in her eyes: Liam Kane, are you really going to abandon me for this woman?

My lips parted, about to speak, but Penelope yanked me into her car. Her lips crashed onto mine, then she bit my earlobe hard: Liam Kane, were childhood sweethearts! Who the hell is she?

Get out! I pushed Penelope away directly, but her kisses moved to my collarbone.

Liam Kane, you want me to get out? Penelope ran her hand down my thigh and kissed me there, threatening: If you dare to get out of this car, Ill kiss you right in front of her.

Later that night, Penelope wore something sexy, exposing her delicate collarbone. Liam Kane, check me out.

She took my hand and pressed it to her waist, explaining: I didnt touch anyone else that night. You blocked Blair, so I rushed back immediately. She paused, then added, Liam Kane, you clearly care about me.

Hearing that, I softened a little. Maybe Penelope did still care. I raised my hand to push her, ordering, You still smell of alcohol. Go shower again.

Penelope wanted to argue but dutifully headed to the bathroom.