Kendrick is a billionaire who is well-known in the business world and has wealth, power, and influence. His family is the number one family in the country Y, and their words are formidable. But despite his success, he felt empty until he met a simple young mixed-race woman named Amelia, who was half his age. They fell in love and married, despite Kendrick’s parents disapproving of their relationship, calling her a gold digger for marrying a man half her age. Amelia’s inability to conceive a child put a strain on their marriage despite her regular check-ups and help from doctors; Amelia silently changed doctors only to discover that she had been fed with anti-fertility drugs without knowledge. After realizing the cause of her inability to conceive, she decided to play along to find the culprit. Amelia’s mother-in-law, who constantly caused trouble by sending the woman she cherishes to Kendrick’s side, made their marriage worse. At age 48, with his grandmother’s pressure on Kendrick to find a woman who could give him a child, Kendrick saw no other option and proposed a divorce, breaking Amelia’s heart. She left the country feeling hurt and lost and promised herself to come back and show them how strong she could be, not knowing that she was carrying twins. Amelia raised her children with love and determination in Country M, which is actually her true home, where her parents had been waiting for her return and reclaimed her real name, Amara Ulberti. While raising her twins, Amelia took over her family’s business empire and continued her jewelry designs under her pseudonym, ‘Heir.’ As the heiress of the wealthiest family in Country M, Amelia chose to live a humble life away from the spotlight by going abroad for further studies. This is how she made friends with Nerissa and eventually met Kendrick. While abroad, she follows every lead of the Imperial Necklace, an heirloom of her maternal grandmother. This piece holds immense sentimental value and is the only key to revealing her mother’s origin. However, the necklace, a symbol of her grandmother’s family’s history and love, disappeared just as her grandmother was to pass it over to her mother before her grandmother’s passing. With the Imperial Necklace on Amelia’s hand, what identity could Amelia’s mother have, which would also be Amelia’s true origin? What other identity could Amelia have? Four years later, Amelia returned to the Y country for business as Amara Ulberti. Her unexpected transformation astounded everyone, particularly her ex-husband, who regretted his hasty decision to divorce her. Kendrick realized how much he loved Amelia and desperately wanted to reconcile. Amelia’s transformation as she re-entered the spotlight, the once-labeled gold digger, now commanded respect and admiration from everyone who questioned her. Her strength and resilience demonstrated that she was more than the billionaire’s young wife; but ‘A Once-in-a-Lifetime Kind of Woman.’ As Kendrick attempted to mend their shattered relationship, Amelia remained calm. She revealed her true identity as a wealthy heiress without seeking approval from anyone. She had overcome obstacles, grown stronger, and achieved success, demonstrating that she was not just a regular woman. Without Amelia’s knowledge, her twins, together with her parents, followed her to Y country with their motives. Despite the twins’ desire for their parents to reconcile, they decided to keep their true identity hidden from their biological father. The twins excelled in their respective fields at a young age, with one becoming a top hacker and the other a business prodigy. They formed a formidable team that no one could underestimate. They watched from a distance as their mother and father danced around their emotions, hoping for true love to blossom once more. Kendrick’s parents began to regret their harsh judgments. They realized that the woman they had dismissed as an ordinary gold digger was actually a powerful heiress with a legacy to uphold. When Kendrick saw his ex-wife thrive without him, he realized the gravity of his error. He desperately wanted to reconcile and make amends for his previous actions. Amelia and her twins, however, were aware of his true intentions and decided to test his sincerity by keeping their father-son relationship a secret further. Despite the misunderstanding and pain caused by their concealment, the twins, along with their grandparents, continued to observe and devise tactics to reveal Kendrick’s true emotions. However, regardless of whose children the twins were, Kendrick’s love for their mother was evident. He pursued Amelia with unwavering determination, willing to make amends and begin again. Will Amelia’s other identity, however, affect her relationship with Kendrick?
Chapter 1 MEETING AMELIA
Kendrick Yang, CEO of the KY Global Group of Companies, has been known for its superiority in business for the last four generations, which makes the Yang Family the most prominent family in Y Country.
Kendrick, the sole heir of the Yang family, finds himself in a unique predicament. The Yang lineage, known for producing only one child per generation, has now reached a critical point. At forty-five, Kendrick's family is pressuring him to marry, arranging countless blind dates that only serve to frustrate him.
Kendrick, despite his family's expectations, is not one to settle for less. He yearns for a partner who can match his ambition, not just someone to fill a societal role. His dedication to work and his relentless pursuit of perfection leave him with little time for socializing.
With his usual business at work, Kendrick was checking several contracts his assistant, Alu, had presented to him when his phone rang.
“Kendrick, tonight is Nerissa's party! Remember to come!” Beryl exclaimed.
Beryl is Kendrick's childhood best friend, while Nerissa is Beryl's only sister, who holds a special place in Beryl's heart, and he spoils her a lot. His reminder to ensure Kendrick's presence at her party is a testament to their close bond.
“Yes, I will be there,” Kendrick said and hung up.
“Alu, prepare a gift for Nerissa's party tonight.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Buy two gifts. I remember Nerissa is celebrating with her best friend tonight.”
“Sir, what is the occasion, if I may ask?”
“Both girls finished their PhD, and it's their celebratory party.”
“Understood.”
Kendrick is a perfectionist when it comes to work; he exhibits exemplary discipline, diligence, and dedication in all he does. He is competitive, achievement-oriented, and ambitious. He has a strong desire for success and productivity, and he always has a sense of urgency, which makes him impatient.
Moreover, Kendrick is highly organized and proactive in all aspects, and his high standards are equivalent to perfection. He thrives on every challenge and is motivated by the pursuit of advancement and success.
Kendrick would feel anxious and stressed when he identified any inefficiency or lack of organization; he would exhibit the need for strong control over the situation.
These traits are what put Kendrick at the top.
At exactly eight in the evening, Kendrick steps out of his Rolls Royce while Alu opens the door for him to arrive at the Le Club.
The party was already in full swing when Kendrick joined.
Grabbing a glass of red wine from the waiter, Kendrick walks over to meet with Beryl, who is chatting with their two other friends.
“Kendrick! I’m glad you are finally here! My sister has been bothering me all night, asking why you have not come! Five more minutes, and she would already run amok if she doesn’t see you!” Beryl jokingly said.
“Come, and let me show you to her!” Beryl pulled Kendrick with him to find Nerissa.
Nerissa is with her best friend and other fellow graduates at the bar.
“Nerissa!” Beryl called her out.
When Nerissa saw her brother with Kendrick, she ran like a child, throwing herself at Kendrick.
“Brother Kendrick!” She excitedly shouted.
Kendrick has been used to Nerissa’s childish and spoiled act and has indulged her.
“Brother Kendrick, let me introduce you to my best friend!”
“You change your best friend every time we meet.” Kendrick laughingly retorted.
“No, no, no... She’s been my best friend for the past three years. But she is too introverted; she hates attending parties and meeting people, which is why you have not met her! But not tonight; I made sure she was present by putting our celebration together!” Nerissa happily said at the same time, pulling Kendrick to the end of the bar.
Kendrick was surprised to see a girl of Nerissa’s age. Still, unlike Nerissa, this girl was wearing a simple white dress, her hair neatly combed in a ponytail, and she was without makeup. It’s the purest temperament that she exudes that catches Kendrick’s attention.
“Brother, this is my only best friend, Amelia! Amelia, this is my brother Kendrick I have told you about!” Nerissa introduces them. “Oh, and you already know my brother Beryl; never mind him!” Nerissa happily added.
Amelia smiled and extended her hand to Kendrick.
“It is good to meet you finally, Sir. I have heard so much about you from Nerissa.”
As Kendrick listened to Amelia’s sweet voice and felt her hand in his, he couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his heart. It was a sensation he had never experienced before.
‘No, she is just a girl.’ Kendrick reminded himself.
On the other hand, Amelia’s ears had turned red, and she felt Kendrick holding her hand.
‘How can a man in his forties look this young and majestic?’ Amelia, who has never been interested in men, felt her heart flip when he felt Kendrick’s hand touching her.
“It is good for Nerissa to have a friend like you,” Kendrick said while still holding her hand.
“Brother! What do you mean by that?!” Nerissa whined.
Kendrick chuckled upon hearing Nerissa and shuffled her hair like a kid.
“Ah! You ruined my hair!”
“Come on, let’s go back to our friends. They have not seen you for a long time; they especially came just to see you.” Beryl declared.
Kendrick nodded without his eyes leaving Amelia.
“I have prepared a gift for you and Nerissa,” Kendrick said to Amelia.
“Thank you.” Amelia shyly replied.
“Then, I’ll go back to our friends.”
“Um,” Nerissa uttered, giving a wave while blushing.