Chapter 1

In the hospital corridor, the atmosphere was like ice.

Serena felt her chest tighten and wondered how this sudden news would change her life.

"Are you deaf? I'm telling you again! THE WEDDING is in the THREE DAYS later!"

The women yelling angrily was Michelle, Serena's stepmother.

She stood there with distant and disgusted expression even on her exquisitely made-up face, her voice full of ruthlessness and mockery, looking very impatiently at the quiet and silent young woman in front of her.

Serena froze in place with her head down, the news like a pot of cold water suddenly poured over her head, catching her off guard.

She slowly looked up at the hideous woman in front of her and snapped softly,

"Me?"

Faced with Serena's insensitivity, Michelle couldn't hide her displeasure.

She scowled as if Serena was a lowly, insignificant person, her words filled with coldness and sarcasm,

"Don't you dare put on a pity face! Thank your good father for that! Otherwise you wouldn't have been able to marry Matthew Harrington, bitch!"

Harrington?

Serena knew that the Harrington family were the richest family in all of Hustleburg, if not the country, synonymous with wealth and power.

It sounded like the perfect marriage.

But it was Matthew.

Word on the street was that he suffered from a severe health condition and was on the brink of death.

It had been a long time since he'd been seen in public, and the rumors seemed to hold a grain of truth...

And the so-called 'good father' Michelle was talking about had no qualms about using her like a cheap commodity for a good cause.

Serena chuckled softly at the realization.

She had once believed that her father was deceived by her stepmother, and that he had distanced himself from her out of necessity.

But now, it was clear she had been overly naive.

Michelle noticed the change in her expression as she raised her hand to remove her sunglasses and looked at Serena with disdain,

"What, happy now? All right, it's as good as it gets for someone like you, a bitch."

Serena looked up with a mocking expression and retorted, "It's about time you fought for something good for your own daughter, isn't it?"

It was the first time Serena tried to fight back, she felt the fire burning inside her, but in the very next second...

SLAP--

A resounding slap struck Serena's face, causing her head to snap to the side and her cheek to burn for a brief moment.

Michelle didn't hesitate to raise her voice to threaten her, "Who the HELL do you think you are? The way you're talking to me RIGHT NOW, you should have been DEAD long ago!"

“I'm warning you. We've already promised them. When the time comes, even if we have to tie you up, we'll do that!"

Serena lowered her gaze, her hand gently caressing her numbing cheek, her courage and anger seemingly shattered by the blow.

Michelle, perhaps thinking that verbal threats were not enough, raised her chin slightly and swept her eyes in the direction of the hospital room,

"Bitch, I strongly advise you to be on time, and If you attempt to escape, I will have the dialysis tubes removed right now and then I will have Alex FUCK you!"

Alex, Michelle's son, had long lusted Serena's beauty.

If Michelle hadn't wanted her husband to get suspicious, she would have let Alex rape her!

Serena's fists clenched, a mix of anger and despair surging through her like a tidal wave, but with an underlying sense of powerlessness.

Michelle had a firm grip on Serena's vulnerability, and she couldn't fight back.

She needed their support to cover her grandmother's medical bills, which was the root cause of her inability to escape this hell.

Just yesterday, Serena had turned down the opportunity to pursue her J.D. to work and earn money more quickly.

But evidently, her grandmother couldn't wait any longer.

Serena gazed down at her shoes, took a deep breath, and finally gritted her teeth, accepting her fate. "I'll be there."

"Wouldn't it have been easier if you had been this reasonable from the start? That old woman in there might have suffered a little less, and it would have been easier for you," Michelle sneered, as if expecting Serena's capitulation, and she donned her sunglasses once more.

"After you get married, your punk husband will be responsible for the remaining medical bills."

With that, she turned and sauntered away, leaving behind an air of arrogance.

Only when Michelle's figure had completely vanished at the end of the corridor did Serena turn around.

Suddenly, her legs felt weak, and she bent over, leaning against the doorframe.

Through the window, she saw her grandmother on dialysis, barely clinging to life.

"Granny, I'm sorry."

She hadn't kept her promise, and yet she had given in...

***

Three days later, the wedding day finally arrived.

However, there was no wedding.

The Harrington family simply sent a chauffeur to pick up Serena.

There was no ceremony, no beautiful cake, no exquisite wedding dress, no well-wishing guests, and even the groom didn't show up.

But Serena didn't mind.

This marriage wasn't worth celebrating, and the fewer people who knew, the better.

It would make the impending divorce easier to handle.

The driver expertly stepped out of the car and took Serena's luggage from her hand.

He glanced behind Serena and asked, "Madam, is there any other..."

"No more luggage, that's all," Serena interrupted him matter-of-factly.

A hint of surprise flashed in the driver's eyes.

Even if Serena's family wasn't considered wealthy, they were still a business family.

How could she have only one suitcase?

Many girls would have 3-4 suitcases filled with luxury clothes for a trip, not to mention a situation like this...

Serena found it ironic to see the shock in the driver's eyes, as no one would believe the life she had endured all these years.

The driver sees Serena's indifferent expression and realizes that he's offended the new owner a bit, he quickly puts away his shocked expression and raises his hand,

"Madam, please"

Serena nodded gently and walked down the steps to get in, but that's when Michelle called Serena to a halt.

"Serena!" her tone was full of warning and threat, though she did her best to hide it.

She forced out a fake smile that looked like the driver's and said quietly,

"There's something I want to talk to her about."

The driver responded quickly, "Of course," picked up Serena's suitcase, approached the car, and promptly took his place in the driver's seat to avoid hearing any further exchange between them.

Michelle wiped away her false smile and spoke vindictively to Serena, "Do as you're told, or I can't guarantee your grandma's well-being!"

Serena stared coldly at the loathsome woman in front of her, her thoughts drifting to her cold and heartless father.

She knew exactly what they expected from her, but Serena had made up her mind.

She was leaving this place, and someone would take care of her grandmother's medical bills.

There was no reason to comply with their demands.

Thinking of her granny, Serena recalled something crucial.

With a spring in her step, she inquired, "Where's my mother's bracelet?"

Her granny had mentioned that her mother always wore a bracelet, a significant and cherished possession for Serena.

The bracelet held substantial value, but her mother had sold it to support her father Stephen when he was starting his business.

When her father's business had prospered, he had repurchased the bracelet.

It wasn't just a piece of jewelry.

It symbolized a significant part of Stephen's business belonging to Serena's mother, and one day she intended to reclaim it.

Serena had asked her father for it countless times, and he had promised to give it to her on her wedding day.

Now the day had come.

Michelle regarded Serena with disdain and callously replied, "The bracelet is missing.!"

"Missing?" Serena narrowed her eyes inquisitively.

Michelle remained unfazed by Serena's probing and continued to issue orders, "That's irrelevant. You..."

Recognizing Michelle's obstinate attitude, Serena realized that trying to obtain the bracelet today would be futile, and she didn't want to engage in a fruitless argument.

Without waiting for Michelle to finish her sentence, Serena rolled her eyes and briskly entered the black Spyker, commanding, "Just go."

The car quickly started, pulling away, and Serena observed Michelle's frozen expression in the rearview mirror, a small smirk playing at the corner of her mouth.

She is not going to be manipulated again, NEVER!

Chapter 2

The car navigated through half of the city and soon arrived at the Harrington family's residence, known as the Harrington Grand Estate.

The gates swung open, and the grand mansion loomed majestically within, serving as the abode of some of the most influential figures in Hustleburg.

It was a place of opulence and excitement, held in high esteem, yet also renowned for its cold and unforgiving ambiance.

For Serena, it was akin to moving from one kind of torment to another.

As she drove around the expansive garden, she noticed a sleek black Bentley parked not far away.

The occupant of the Bentley remained still, but the driver promptly exited and approached it with an air of respect.

Serena couldn't help but cast a curious glance at the slowly lowering car window, revealing the man's side profile.

His presence exuded a regal aura, his impeccably tailored suit lacking even the slightest wrinkle. His handsome and aloof side profile appeared sharply defined amid the interplay of light and shadow. He maintained an aura of stern composure.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, the man slowly raised his eyes, their detached pupils resembling a star on a winter's night.

Serena inadvertently caught her breath at the sight. In terms of looks, the man was nothing short of perfection.

Within a moment, the man withdrew his gaze, as though Serena was no more than a passing breeze. It was as if a second look would be entirely unnecessary.

***

"Sir, will you be having your meal at here today? It's..." the driver began, but before he could finish his sentence, he heard Matthew's curt response, "No."

His voice was icy, carrying an unwavering determination.

There was no room for hesitation, indicating that he had made up his mind well in advance.

The driver respectfully nodded, understanding that there were to be no further inquiries.

As he watched the Bentley gradually depart, he remained in silence for a moment before recollecting Serena in the car behind him. He promptly opened the door.

"Madam, please exit the vehicle. Mrs. Tara is waiting."

Serena acknowledged with a nod and ceased her contemplation, following the driver as they made their way to the entrance of the grand main building.

The maid welcomed her inside.

A girl in her mid-twenties gracefully descended the ornate handrail staircase, and a flicker of disdain crossed her eyes as she laid them upon Serena.

Serena immediately recognized the young woman.

Anyone living here must be the youngest daughter of the Harrington family, Nina Harrington.

Nina had stylish, curly brown hair, donned a casual dress, and stopped her strappy heels to regard Serena with an air of haughty indifference.

Nina casually confronted Serena, "That's quite rude of you. You've just been married, how can you keep us waiting like this?"

For a moment, Serena was taken aback.

She had arrived here according to her family's schedule, so how could she possibly be late?

It was evident that Nina was deliberately making things difficult for her, displaying her impatience and disgust.

In a place like this, even if her husband was suffering from a serious illness, others would merely perceive her as being haughty.

There was no one here she could confront.

Serena narrowed her eyes and offered a patient smile as she explained,

"Good evening, Miss Nina. I believe I may have been a little slow as I crossed the main city center. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Nina wrinkled her nose and, without a word, made her way to the main hall.

Serena thanked the maid who guided her and followed Nina's lead, heading for the elegantly dressed noblewoman seated on the couch.

This was her mother-in-law, Tara Winters Harrington.

Serena approached and offered a slight bow, saying, "Good evening, madam."

Tara, upon hearing the address, remained unmoved.

She scanned Serena from head to toe with a critical eye and frowned.

Nina, red-faced, crossed her arms over her chest and protested,

"Mom, I just don't understand. How could Grandpa allow a woman like her marry to my brother? For a man like him, there are countless women who would love to marry him! And they would be so much better than her!"

Tara pursed her lips. She couldn't fathom Mr. Richard's intentions.

Given their family's status in the country, even if Matthew had those rumors swirling around him, there were plenty of women who would want to be with their family.

So why had her father-in-law chosen Serena?

While Tara had seen that Serena was indeed beautiful and well-educated, her humble background concerned her.

What made her qualified to be Matthew's wife?

He's the family heir!

Tara's face took on an icy demeanor, and the more she thought about it, the more vexed she became.

She felt an urge to confront Mr. Richard overseas and challenge his decision.

Serena, left standing with no one offering her a seat or making conversation, did not seem particularly surprised or bothered.

She stood there with her eyes lowered and her brows furrowed, displaying modesty.

The air in the room grew heavy and stifling, and Nina's gaze on Serena grew increasingly irritated.

"Our family cannot accept someone of your status.

When my brother returns, believe me, he will divorce you instantly!"

Serena couldn't help but chuckle softly and met Nina's gaze, a smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"Miss Nina, please don't worry. If Mr. Matthew wants to, I won't have any objections."

Nina cocked her head, searching for a reaction from Serena.

However, Tara saw through the act—it was a fake show of submission.

Tara glared at Serena, her lips tight, and delivered a harsh statement,

"Remember what you said, Serena. You're not worthy of my son. When Matthew's grandfather returns, you can tell him that you want to divorce."

"Until then, Pay attention to your behavior. I won't allow our family's reputation to be tarnished by you."

Not worthy...

It wasn't the first time Serena had heard such sentiments.

Her face remained calm, but her heart ached, as Tara's words seemed to resonate with her painful memories.

There had been a time when she had tried desperately to break free from the constraints of her social class, only to realize that some people were born to shine like the sun.

Even if she stood on her tiptoes , she could never break through the barriers of class.

One mistake had been enough for her.

So she responded dryly, "Madam, I see."

It appeared that her expectations were correct; this was another kind of hell.

Chapter 3

Infinity Realm Inc.

The top-floor office exuded an icy chill, and Matthew's eyes displayed emotions hidden from the onlookers.

"Is this the best solution you could devise after two hours of deliberation?"

His voice was deep, frigid, and commanding, and his furrowed brows made the few people in front of him break out in cold sweat.

"Boss, we will work diligently to come up with a flawless solution as soon as possible."

Several individuals wiped the sweat from their foreheads, their lips parched.

"Tomorrow at the latest, get out."

Matthew massaged his forehead, inexplicable irritation gnawing at his heart.

A few of them wished they had wings to escape the office immediately.

The office hasn't been quiet for long, the mobile phone in Matthew’s pocket rang, there was no need to wonder who was on the other end of the line.

"Grandpa," he answered meekly after pressing the answer button.

"Where are you now?" Richard's voice was gruff, tinged with irritation.

"I'm at the company."

"The company?!" Richard's typically moderate voice escalated in volume. "You ungrateful brat! Today is your WEDDING day, do you remember?"

Matthew's visage remained cold and apathetic, unruffled. "It was arranged by you, not by me."

Richard's fury pained him, and he coughed several times.

Sensing the commotion, Matthew's tone softened involuntarily. "Grandpa, remember that you can't get too agitated."

Richard took a sip of water, calming himself. "Don't keep your wife waiting. She is a good girl, and despite being born into such a family, she still made it to a top school. She is a good girl!"

"Matthew, you're not so young anymore. I've never cared about the rumors surrounding you in the outside world over the years, but now that I'm growing old, you should at least consider my feelings."

As Richard continued, his anger grew, and his coughing intensified.

"Cough-cough-"

Matthew pursed his lips and interrupted, "All right, Grandpa. I'll return tonight."

With those words, he hung up before Richard could respond.

Shortly after contemplating the situation, he pressed the button for the landline on his desk and directed, "Nathan, prepare a contract for me..."

***

Soon Matthew returned to where he had just left off.

He always says what he wants and never changes his decision, so when the maids saw him return they all looked at each other in surprise.

A maid quickly approached and inquired, "Sir, should we prepare dinner for you?"

"No need." Matthew cast a cursory gaze around the vacant dining room and spoke dispassionately. He handed his coat to a nearby maid.

He was not back to dinner.

Matthew took a long stride toward Serena's room. The door to the room was ajar and not locked, and this detail furrowed his brow. He gently pushed the door open.

The room appeared spacious and unoccupied at first glance, with the sound of water running in the bathroom. Through the frosted glass, thick mist lingered, indicating that Serena had been in there for a while.

He couldn't believe she had taken a shower without locking the door.

Matthew closed the door behind him and made his way to the large, floor-to-ceiling window on the side.

Click...

Shortly after, the bathroom door swung open, and Serena stepped out, her hair tousled. She was surrounded by a thick cloud of steam that still hung in the air.

Four eyes locked on each other, Matthew impassive, Serena taken aback.

Seeing Matthew face-to-face, Serena froze, her hands temporarily immobilized.

Serena had seen this man before, but this close encounter made her notice his handsome, three-dimensional features more distinctly.

His face, illuminated by the overhead lights, appeared even more dazzling.

Serena did not know the identity of the man in front of her, looking at the aura emanating from his body, coupled with the fact that he was able to freely enter and leave this place.

He's supposed to be a big shot.

Serena approached him respectfully. "Sir, is there something you need from me?"

Matthew loomed over her, noticing the rapid succession of emotions in her eyes – surprise, confusion, and then a swift return to composure.

Her forced composure, however, seemed even more genuine.

Her crystal-clear eyes, with pupils as bright and lively as a fawn's, were an unexpected contrast to her calm demeanor.

Matthew glanced at her briefly, his gaze now showing more warmth.

"Sign this."

He gestured to a white document on a side table, an elegant fountain pen resting on the glossy paper.

Serena felt an odd mixture of emotions and didn't know what to say.

Instead, she walked over, picked up the contract, and began reading.

The document was a very formal agreement, explicitly defining the nature of her engagement to Matthew.

It made it clear that they would divorce at the end of a two-year period. During these two years, Serena would have access to limitless wealth and enjoy the privileges associated with her status, but only if she maintained a low profile.

This was Serena's understanding, and it was far from what she had expected.

She had assumed that such a wealthy family wanted her to bear a child for her ailing husband, and she had been anxious about it.

However, her nominal husband, Matthew, appeared willing to leave her alone despite his mother's disgusted attitude.

With this contract, her worries had dissolved. It was just for two years, so she only needed to endure.

Serena carefully examined the contract. She's sure there's no catch in this contract. So was it Matthew's decision to propose this contract?

Feeling somewhat perplexed, Serena blinked her eyelashes and turned her gaze toward the man who had barely spoken since her arrival, looking both cautious and inquisitive.

"Sir, is it my husband make this decision?"

Chapter 4

Matthew hesitated for a brief moment, a rare phenomenon for a man who had always been cold, unwavering, and unyielding.

He thought he was the only one who didn't care about this marriage, he now realized that this woman was just as uninterested as he was, and that she had married into it without even knowing who her husband was from beginning to end.

For the first time in his life, With an uncharacteristic hint of hesitation, Matthew responded, "Sure."

Serena nodded, and, without questioning the man's identity, leaned in to sign the document.

In Serena's limited knowledge, all she knew was that she had married a man who was transparent to the entire family, powerless, and had grown up outside to recover from his illness.

The man before her was not only healthy, and he had a compelling aura that could only be seen in someone with power.

If this was Matthew, how could he have married her? She surmised that he might be a cousin of her husband.

Serena's skin was very good, her face had a hint of scarlet color from the steaming heat, she was writing with her head down, her long hair parted to one side, revealing a section of white neck as slender as a swan's neckline, glowing brilliantly.

Matthew looked away and down at the desk. Her handwriting was beautiful, her strokes smooth, and it was obvious that she had practiced.

Serena put down her pen and smiled slightly, "Please help me tell my husband that I will honor all the terms, and in two years, this will all be over."

Her attitude was so determined and not at all hesitant, she shouldn't put on a show.

As Matthew took the contract, he pulled a black Centurion card out of his suit pocket and handed it to her, "This card has no PIN code, and there's no spending limit. You can use it as you wish."

Serena didn't refuse, she wasn't one to pass up an opportunity, especially since she had nothing now, even her granny's medical bills depended on her father and stepmother for support, and they could change their minds at any time.

This card would serve as her security, ensuring she wouldn't be threatened by anyone in the future.

With a fluid movement, she accepted the card in the palm of his hand.

"Please thank my husband for me."

Matthew lifted his eyes to look directly at the woman he had been forced to marry for the first time.

He had seen many women who were noble on the surface and hated to kneel to power in their bones, and he had also seen many women who climbed to power at any cost.

But Serena was different.

She didn't pretend to be indifferent to money or to the constraints of marriage imposed on her. Her true thoughts were evident. She did not hide her true thoughts.

"Is there anything else?"

It was a veiled parting shot, and Matthew withdrew his gaze and turned to leave.

BANG-

The door closed behind him, without the slightest hesitation.

Matthew's eyes flashed with inexplicable meaning.

On his wedding night, he was asked to leave the room by his wife, no one would believe it.

Matthew headed downstairs when a voice suddenly called out to him.

"Brother?"

His younger sister, Nina, a glass of milk in her hand, saw him with a hint of excitement in her eyes, but it faded in an instant.

She looked upstairs, "You've met the woman Grandpa forced on you? Brother, hurry up and talk to Grandpa about the divorce, I can't take it for another day!"

Matthew was already on his way to the door, pulling his jacket over his body.

"Matthew!" Seeing that her brother was ignoring him, Nina followed him, wearing an expression of displeasure and some annoyance.

"She's your sister-in-law ."

He conveyed that Nina should at least show some respect for her sister-in-law.

Nina's face darkened and her expression froze.

She had admired her brother since she was a child and wished it was a fine woman standing beside him, not that hick! Gold digger!

Without any pause, Matthew proceeded to his car and left. He appeared as composed as ever, maintaining his cool and aloof demeanor.

Nina stomped her foot in frustration and returned to her room.

"Damn it, Matthew! You're not my brother anymore! Asshole!"

He wanted her to accept a woman whose background and status were beneath hers as her sister-in-law, don't even think about it!

---

Author's Notes: Centurion Card, colloquially known as the Black Card, is a charge card issued by American Express. It is reserved for the company's wealthiest clients who meet the Black Card. It is reserved for the company's wealthiest clients who meet certain net worth, credit quality, and spending requirements on its gateway card, the Platinum Card.

Chapter 5

The morning of the next day.

Serena didn't realize she'd been misunderstood again, and when she sat down at the table in the morning, she noticed that Nina's eyes were swollen beyond recognition, and the shadows under her eyes couldn't even be covered by concealer.

Out of politeness, she asked caringly, "Are you okay?"

Nina didn't appreciate it.

" Who do you think you are to me? My sister-in-law? I'm telling you, don't be delusional! Take that time to care for your own sister!"

Her sister? Was she referring to Samantha?

Seeing Serena frown and remain silent, Nina picked up her newly purchased Hermes bag and added with a sense of pride, "I SLAPPED her yesterday! Hmph, she dared to take the bag from me! Who does she think she is! Does she really think her sister great just because she’s married to my brother? The next time I see her, I'll slap her again! Tell her to watch her step!"

In reality, it was Samantha who had insulted her brother, and she couldn't resist giving her a taste of her own medicine. But Nina wasn't going to pass up the chance to demonstrate her authority to Serena.

"Serena, let me tell you, if you don't divorce my brother, I'll make sure Samantha faces torment every day!"

Nina nonchalantly brushed aside her harsh words and left the house without having breakfast.

She didn't notice that Serena, who is fallowing her, raised an eyebrow.

Nina was really doing her a favor!

Serena immediately took a cab to the hospital with a light heart.

***

On the other hand. Wilson Manor

Samantha had been throwing a tantrum upstairs since she got home in the wee hours of the morning.

She angrily tossed all her makeup off the dresser, scattering it across the floor. Her face still bore a visible slap mark, contorted with resentment.

"Samantha!"

Michelle entered, witnessing the chaotic scene on the floor. Instead of reprimanding her daughter, she extended a comforting hand.

"Nina is the youngest daughter of the Harrington, what do you have to fight with her now? Just wait, Serena is in their family now, I asked her to set you up with Jordan Harrington! If you could marry Jordan, the bitch like Nina would just be at your mercy!"

Samantha's body lurched, her face even more humiliated at the thought of Nina's words.

"Are you relying on that LOSER Serena? She's just a NERD! What a WASTE of such beauty on her! Nina doesn't care about her! She can do nothing!"

Samantha said, feeling angry again, tears streaming down her face.

Michelle's lips curled into a knowing smile. "No matter how unpopular she is, there's always a chance to see Jordan. I will remind her again, Samantha, Mom will do the best for you. Don't worry, you're so good, you'll get more than that bitch."

Samantha's face flushed with embarrassment, her hands trembling as she thought of the man she had encountered that day. She didn't know who he was, but his captivating look had left a lasting impression.

There might be a chance to meet him again in the future, right?

Michelle noted her daughter's infatuated expression and her face darkened. "Do you have feelings for someone?"

Their target was Jordan, and no other man would suffice.

"Mom!"

Samantha's face flushed and she bowed her head slightly, "I've only met him once."

"I don't care who it is. You can only marry Jordan Harrington!"

Samantha bit her lip, but the memory of that handsome stranger lingered. Despite not knowing his identity, she was certain she would cross paths with him again someday.

Michelle tenderly stroked Samantha's head and sighed, "If you're infatuated because he's good-looking, let me tell you, Jordan is handsome as well. Marrying him is your best opportunity. If you succeed, you can have everything you desire."

Samantha didn't say anything. She had a hunch that she liked that man very much. He was different from all the other men.

After meeting him once, she couldn't get enough of him.

"I got it, Mom."

Samantha offered a superficial response, but deep within, she couldn't stop thinking about that unforgettable day. She didn't even care about the slap on her face anymore.