“No, I am screwed.”

Mabel turned another corner, breathless, refusing to slow.

Then she stopped.

A wall rose in front of her, the street ended there.

She exhaled sharply and turned back. The men had already stopped a few steps behind her.

“Now cooperate,” one of them said.

Mabel took a step forward, exhaustion finally winning. Her head spun.

She blinked once—

and collapsed.

Mabel Alkiza, a lady of the renowned Alkiza family of Eryda, had come to Orenvell only to meet her friend, Irene. Instead, she was chased through unfamiliar streets by men hired by Irene’s lover—for reasons known only to him.

She had entered the city quietly, hiding her real identity.

After all, she had been declared a runaway.

The room was warm.

Mabel shifted slightly, aware that she was awake but unwilling to open her eyes. Nothing made sense. She remembered running, the dizziness, the fall—and now this. The bed beneath her was soft, the blanket heavy and warm, nothing like what she had expected.

She swallowed as her thoughts raced.

"What… is going on ?...I thought they would interrogate me...This is a bed. And the blanket feels expensive."

A voice cut through her thoughts—sharp, calm, and unmistakably cold.

“I believe you’re awake. If you could open your eyes and sit up, we can talk.”

Mabel flinched, then slowly opened her eyes. She pushed herself upright, blinking as her vision adjusted.

A man sat across from her.

Dark black hair. Amber eyes. His expression was composed, unreadable, his gaze fixed on her as if he had been waiting.

She blinked again, slower this time.

"Who… is this man? He’s....He’s good-looking."

The man tilted his head slightly. “Edric Thorne, Miss Alkiza.”

Her brows drew together.

“Thorne?...He knows my identity."

Her chest thudded once.

Edric exhaled quietly. The man standing behind him stepped forward and handed him a document. Edric glanced at it briefly before looking back at her.

“You are Mabel Alkiza,” he said evenly. “Daughter of the Alkiza family. Currently in Orenvell under a false name.”

He met her eyes fully now.

“Why?”

Mabel swallowed and exhaled—but said nothing.

Edric blinked once. “Miss Alkiza, Lovis asked me to have you removed from the city.” His tone remained level. “Now that I know who you are, I must ask , what is the heiress of the Alkiza family doing here?”

Mabel stayed silent, her gaze fixed on her hands folded tightly in her lap, jaw clenched.

Edric’s eyes narrowed.

“Miss Alkiza.”

His voice cooled further, edged with command.

Mabel finally exhaled, as if gathering courage, and muttered, “Washroom.”

Edric paused.

“What?”

Mabel lifted her eyes and repeated herself, clearer this time, but unmistakably embarrassed.

“Where is the washroom?”

Edric blinked.

Behind him, the other man coughed awkwardly.

Edric gestured toward the door at his side. “There.”

Mabel hurried out of the bed, stumbling once as her feet slid into the oversized slippers placed neatly beside it. She stumbled again, steadied herself, and rushed toward the door without looking back.

As the door shut sharply behind her, Edric leaned back slightly.

“You’re certain she’s Mabel Alkiza?” he asked.

The man behind him straightened. “Yes. It’s confirmed. That’s why Sir Lovis wants her out of the city, though…” He hesitated. “I have my doubts as well.”

Edric nodded once, saying nothing more.

Mabel stood at the washroom basin, washing her hands, her face burning with embarrassment.

"What the hell, " she thought. "I should be terrified. Instead, this is what I am horrified by. Of all the moments… damn my timing."

She closed her eyes briefly and exhaled, forcing herself to calm down.

"A Thorne," she reminded herself. "I’ve heard the Thorne family is dealing with internal disputes."

She inhaled slowly, steadied herself, then lifted her head.

With one last breath, Mabel turned toward the door and stepped out.

Edric remained silent, leaning back in his chair, not even glancing at her. He waited.

Mabel hesitated before walking back and sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped together in her lap.

“So,” Edric said calmly, breaking the silence, “answer my earlier question.”

Mabel blinked. “I came here to meet my friend, Irene. I don’t know why her lover is wary of me—or why I was brought here.”

Edric raised an eyebrow. “Lovis Margot and the Alkiza family do not get along. There is an ongoing business dispute.” His gaze sharpened slightly. “Did you really think no one would discover your identity in Orenvell? That is rather naive for a member of the Alkiza family.”

Mabel’s brows twitched, her jaw tightening once.

“Lovis believes you came to gather information through his fiancée,” Edric continued evenly. “That is why he wanted you sent out of the city.”

He tilted his head. “It is also circulating that you are a runaway.”

Mabel exhaled slowly and looked straight at him. “Yes. I ran away.”

Then, firmer, “And I am not the heiress of the Alkiza family, so stop calling me that.”

She paused, then added, “I have nothing to do with business. So… release me.”

Edric’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you trying to fool?”

The cold edge in his voice made her flinch.

“It was never officially announced who would inherit the business,” she said quickly. “There were three candidates—and I was eliminated.” Her fingers curled into the fabric of the blanket. “Yes, my name circulated. I was considered the most likely. But that is over.”

She swallowed under his unbroken stare.

“I ran away,” she finished. “If I had anything to do with the business, I wouldn’t be hiding in another city under a false name. So…”

She lifted her chin, just slightly.

“May I leave now?”

Edric studied her in silence .

After a long moment, he leaned back and crossed his arms. “Fine. I’ll assume you’re telling the truth.”

Mabel exhaled in relief, about to speak—

“But,” Edric interrupted calmly, “Lovis won’t.”

She stiffened.

“If you step outside now and his men see you,” he continued, “he’ll question me. And I dislike unnecessary complications.”

Mabel blinked. “Then I will just leave the city quietly.”

Edric shook his head. “You can’t leave quietly. Looks like the sheriff and police are searching for you—a runaway lady of Alkiza.”

Mabel’s brows drew together in tension. "He’s right…"

If she were caught by the authorities, she’d be charged for traveling under a false name. And her father? He probably wouldn’t lift a finger.

Her thoughts raced, and before she could panic further, Edric exhaled. “I shall take you back to Eryda. Consider it a favor you must repay later.”

Mabel shot him a sharp look. “Favor? Aren’t you the one who brought me here, kidnapped me for Lovis, and was asked to get me out of the city?”

Edric smirked, tilting his head slightly. “But then again, Miss Alkiza, you are the one at a loss. Caught by the police, facing a trial… what will happen to your reputation as a member of the Alkiza family, a renowned noble, huh?”

Mabel’s stomach twisted. He was right. She exhaled, turning her head away.

Edric stood and said, “Well then. We will leave tomorrow.”

He glanced at the man standing behind him and said as he walked toward the door. “Cael, ask someone to bring Miss Alkiza food and whatever else she needs. We should treat our renowned guest warmly.”

Mabel shut her eyes once, jaw tight, irritated by his tone. The mockery was clear.

Cael nodded and stepped forward. “Miss Alkiza, I am Cael. Pleasure to meet you. You can tell me if you need anything.”

Mabel nodded faintly.

Cael hesitated for a moment, then added, “Um… please don’t mind our master. He generally treats ladies politely. Perhaps he is in a foul mood lately that’s why.”

Mabel blinked, murmuring quietly, “Yes.”

He nodded once and left the room.

After the room fell quiet, Mabel sighed and stood, walking toward the window. Evening had settled outside; the streets below rustled with the movement of carts and motor vehicles, their lights flickering against the encroaching dusk.

She blinked and, after glancing around the room once more, realized it was a hotel room—a luxury one at that.

"Right. The Thorne family runs hotel businesses too."

She exhaled and turned back to the window, her thoughts racing.

"Unlike the Alkizas, whose influence lies solely in the jewelry trade, the Thornes operate multiple enterprises—hotels being one of them."

Edric sat at his desk, the office quiet and dim. The door opened, and Cael entered, handing him a document.

“Master, she was telling the truth. The Alkiza family has three potential heirs. After further investigation, I confirmed that Miss Alkiza has indeed been eliminated.”

Edric spoke without lifting his gaze. “Why?”

Cael hesitated. “It appears to be related to her mother’s death… and her father’s remarriage.”

Edric hummed softly, still reading.

“Unlike her cousins,” Cael continued, “she graduated from Elite Albus Academy with excellent scores.”

Edric finally spoke, interest faint but present. “The academy where admission is earned purely through competition? I have heard nobles and commoners study there together , selection based solely on merit.”

Cael nodded. “Yes. That’s why most nobles avoid it.”

Edric hummed again.

Cael cleared his throat. “And… the old master asked me to inform you that your time is thinning. His patience as well. He said—find a bride soon if you wish to inherit the business.”

He exhaled after delivering everything in one breath.

Edric finally looked up at him.

Cael swallowed and added quickly, “Those were his words. Not mine.”

After a pause, Cael spoke again, “Also… it appears your brother, Sir Cassian, has already chosen someone. Lady Briar of the Dennis family.”

Edric leaned back in his chair. “He’s moving fast.”

Cael muttered under his breath, “And you’re not even trying.”

Edric shot him a sharp look. Cael straightened immediately.

Rubbing his brow, Edric said, “Just why does he insist the heir must marry first?”

Cael replied carefully, “Among all Thorne enterprises, the hotel business holds the greatest influence. Perhaps he wants to ensure the one inheriting it is… settled.”

Edric scoffed. “He decided this out of nowhere. Everything was running smoothly , I have managed this business for years. And now Cassian thinks he can take it because of this ridiculous condition of Grandfather’s.”

Cael sighed. “He’s unpredictable but stubborn. You’ll need to act quickly.”

Edric dragged a hand down his face. “You say that as if finding a bride is as simple as signing a contract. Honestly, contracts are far easier.”

Cael blinked. “Still, you don’t have much time. Sir Cassian plans to announce his engagement during the Founding Ceremony's charity banquet, two months from now.”

Edric exhaled sharply. “Outrageous. I’m about to lose everything over marriage.”

Cael shrugged. “You didn’t take it seriously for months.”

The office fell silent for a while. Cael glanced at Edric, who sat rigid, tension evident in his posture.

He exhaled before speaking.

“Master… the old master is getting older. It’s reasonable that he wants stability. And in the end, it’s just marriage. Why don’t you choose a candidate and well, since you don’t want a real one fake it.”

Edric looked at him, one brow arching.

“What?”

Cael coughed lightly. “I mean, the condition is marriage. Nothing more. Just marry someone on paper. Once your position is secure, you can divorce.”

Edric’s eyes narrowed. “And who, exactly, do you think would agree to such an absurd arrangement?”

“Someone desperate,” Cael replied calmly. “If it works in their favor as well, then it becomes a deal. You just need to find someone who meets three conditions.”

He paused, meeting Edric’s gaze, silently asking permission to continue.

Edric leaned back, crossing his arms. “Go on.”

Cael continued, “First—someone with a respectable background. Second—someone capable, educated, and presentable. And third, most important… someone who benefits from this arrangement too. Someone willing to take the risk.”

Night had settled in.

Mabel sat on the chair, quietly eating the meal that had been brought to her.

“Sigh… He said we’ll leave tomorrow. Is he really going to accompany me? Favour, my ass. This man is unbelievably infuriating.”

She finished her food quickly and leaned back against the chair.

“Dad and that woman are going to drown me in taunts… I don’t want to go back yet.”

Closing her eyes, memories rushed in uninvited.

She had argued with her father..again. His new wife hadn’t missed the chance to interfere, turning the argument into complete chaos. In the end, Mabel had stormed out of the mansion with nothing but three thousand varl in her pocket. It was supposed to be a rebellion that lasted three days—just long enough to cool off.

But then Irene had asked for help with her research thesis, unaware of the fight or Mabel leaving home. What was meant to be a short escape stretched into two weeks of defiance. And now she was declared a runaway—with no money left.

Mabel exhaled slowly.

“I could have left Orenvell in disguise… but I don’t even have the money to travel.”

She had been planning to ask Irene for help—but now…

“…. I really do have to accept a favour from that man.”

She stood up and began pacing the room, restlessness settling deep in her chest.

“And it’s not just that. Since I’m no longer in line for the heir position and have no financial backing…”

Her jaw tightened.

“Dad will try to marry me off soon. I know it.”

She grabbed her hair, tugging at the strands in irritation.

“I’ll show him… and that woman. They really think they can control me.”

She tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling, her voice sharpening until it nearly broke into a scream.

“Damn it. I just want to escape that ridiculous house—get away from that woman, her daughter, and Father. I swear I’ll never show my face there again. What do they even take me for? Shameless fools.”

She huffed out a breath—

A knock sounded.

“Miss Alkiza.”

She froze.

Her eyes widened in horror as she slowly turned toward the door, throat dry, heat flooding her face. She recognized the voice instantly—calm, cold, unmistakable.

Edric.

She patted her cheeks as if to erase the moment, then quickly opened the door.

Edric blinked once before speaking. “I only came to inform you that we’ll be leaving in the morning. I have business in Eryda as well, and since its important I’ll need your cooperation during my meeting. After that, I’ll take you to the Alkiza manor.”

She nodded stiffly. “Yes…”

"See ? " she muttered inwardly. " this man is so cunning ... He has business there anyway, dragged me along because of Lovis, and still calls it a ‘favor’ I have to repay."

Edric gave a brief nod and turned to leave. Then, as he walked away, he added coolly,

“Also, keep in mind that this corridor isn’t restricted. Hotel staff pass through here often. If you’d rather not have the entire hotel informed of how frustrated you are, I suggest keeping your voice down.”

She froze again, brows lifting as irritation and embarrassment tangled in her chest.

“Damn it…”

She slammed the door shut.

Edric glanced sideways as the door shut with a sharp thud. He exhaled softly.

He had heard everything.

Her words echoed in his mind.

Escape that house… get away…

“She sounded almost desperate,” he thought.

His steps slowed as something clicked into place.

"Desperate. Good background. Well-educated. "

Edric blinked slowly and released a quiet breath, as if trying to dismiss the thought before it rooted itself.

He entered the hotel’s private suite and began changing his clothes when a knock broke the silence.

“Come in.”

Cael stepped inside. “Everything is prepared.”

Edric hummed in acknowledgment. As Cael turned to leave, Edric spoke again.

“Cael.”

He stopped. “Yes, Master?”

“You investigated Mabel Alkiza,” Edric said evenly. “What’s her situation at home? Is she… not on good terms with her father?”

Cael blinked, brows lifting slightly. “That’s sudden, but yes. Their relationship is strained. Since she’s been removed from the line of inheritance, her standing in the family isn’t good.”

He studied Edric, whose expression had gone distant. Cael’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“…You’re planning something, aren’t you?”

Edric exhaled. “Yes. She fits all three criteria.”

A brief pause.

“We’ll see tomorrow whether she agrees.”

Cael tilted his head. “You sound awfully calm for someone considering marriage.”

Edric slipped into his night robe, fastening it without hesitation.

“It’s just a contract,” he said coolly. “Nothing more.”

....

The sun was already up when Mabel tightened the zipper of her dress brought to her last night and glanced at her reflection in the mirror.

"Hm… this fits well, " she thought absently.

A knock broke the quiet.

“Miss Alkiza, are you ready? Master is asking for you for breakfast.”

Mabel blinked. “Huh… with me?”

A short while later, she followed Cael through the private suite. Her gaze wandered as they walked , everything about the place was refined, muted luxury. They stopped at the dining room, where Edric was already seated, waiting in silence.

Cael gestured for her to enter, then quietly withdrew.

Mabel walked in and sat across from Edric.

“I hope you rested well, Miss Alkiza,” he said calmly.

She nodded. “Yes.”

They began eating in silence. Mabel glanced at him once, unease stirring in her chest.

"I have a feeling he wants to talk about something…"

A few minutes later, Edric lifted his teacup, took a slow sip, and spoke.

“Miss Alkiza.”

Mabel paused and looked up. “Yes… Mr. Thorne?”

Edric blinked once, his expression calm.

“Let’s get married.”

Mabel froze.

Her eyes widened as the words registered a little too late. She choked on her tea, coughing violently as she struggled to breathe.

Edric remained silent, calm, as if he had expected that reaction.

Mabel finally steadied herself and stared at him as though she were looking at a runaway lunatic.

“What..?!”

Edric spoke evenly. “It’s a contract marriage. I need a wife to secure my position in the Thorne hotel division. You...” he paused briefly, “ ..will benefit as well. It’s temporary. Once everything is settled, we divorce.”

She blinked, eyes still wide, brows knitting together. After a moment once the words truly sank in she asked, “And how exactly is this beneficial for me?”

Edric replied calmly, “You want to distance yourself from your household. You also need financial security. I will pay you for playing the role of my wife, and you’ll receive a generous alimony after the divorce.”

Her expression twisted. She looked down, thoughts spiraling.

"So… he heard everything last night.And now he’s using it...Great. He really is that cunning."

Then another thought followed, heavier, more honest.

"But he’s not wrong."

He would pay her. Finding a job would take time, and her father would make sure no respectable firm hired her. It would “tarnish” his precious reputation.

"So this is my only way out...Marriage…..But to a man I met just yesterday."

Edric watched her quietly, sipping his tea. “Take your time.”

She looked up at him.

He reached into his pocket and placed a card on the table. “You can meet me anytime. Show this card to my men. My landline number is written there as well.”

Edric stood. “I can’t give you much time, though. Try to give me an answer within a month.”

She nodded, still taken aback.

Edric hummed, seemingly satisfied.

The journey was unusually quiet. Inside the motor vehicle, Mabel stared out the window while Edric and Cael exchanged brief conversations about business matters. The train ride that followed was just as silent , Edric sat reading the newspaper, while Mabel remained still, occasionally glancing at him, her thoughts clearly tangled around his so-called contract.

It was late afternoon when they reached Eryda. The station was crowded and noisy. Edric led her toward the waiting vehicle outside, and they soon set off again.

Throughout the ride, Edric finally spoke to her.

“We’ll need to stop at a place called Berl Boutique,” he said calmly. “If we go directly to Alkiza Manor, it will take time, and my meeting there is important.”

Mabel replied evenly, “You mentioned that last night already. I agreed to cooperate. It’s fine.”

He hummed in response, saying nothing more.

As they arrived at the boutique, Edric, accompanied by a few men moved toward the inner corridor without a backward glance.

Mabel remained behind, settling onto a couch near the wide window. She leaned back, fingers curling into the fabric of her dress as her thoughts spiraled.

"He’s a stranger," she thought. "Even if it’s just a contract… I need to think carefully."

The Thorne name carried weight , too much weight. And from what she had heard, there were internal conflicts brewing within the family. That urgency of his, the sudden proposal , it must be due to this reason.

After a while, Her gaze drifted absently toward the street.

Then she froze.

Her eyes widened as a familiar figure stepped into view,..Rebecca.

Her stepsister walked toward the entrance, laughing lightly, a group of friends clustered around her.

Mabel’s breath hitched.

She stood abruptly and hurried toward a nearby counter where silk scarves were displayed in neat rows.

“P-Please,” she said quickly, grabbing one at random, “that scarf how much?”

The receptionist blinked at her sudden urgency. “Three hundred varl.”

Mabel nodded at once. She counted out the coins almost all she had left. With the remaining money, she ordered a fruit juice, then quickly wrapped the scarf around her face, lowering her head.

Rebecca and her friends entered moments later, their chatter filling the boutique as they settled at a table not far away.

Keeping her posture casual, Mabel carried her drink and chose a seat close enough to hear. She tilted her head slightly, pretending to stare out the window as she listened.

Rebecca laughed lightly. “Yes, she ran away. God knows where she is, it’s been weeks.”

One of the girls arched her brows. “So the rumours were true? Even if it wasn’t announced, people are already talking.”

Rebecca leaned back, crossing her legs. “It’s true. She fell into depression after losing her position and Father’s trust.”

Mabel’s jaw tightened, her fist curling in her lap.

Rebecca sighed, a hint of satisfaction in her tone. “She’s always been stubborn and proud. The mansion feels peaceful without her. Father is furious though who knows what he’ll do if she comes back.”

They laughed softly.

Mabel muttered a string of inaudible curses under her breath.

That was when she saw him.

Edric was walking toward her. Perhaps it was her posture, or the familiar dress beneath the scarf, but he recognised her immediately. His brows narrowed in confusion as his gaze fixed on her covered face.

He opened his mouth. “Miss Al...”

Before he could finish, Mabel rushed to him, grabbed his arm in panic, and whispered urgently, “Let’s go. Fast.”

Edric stiffened caught off guard both by her sudden grip and the force with which she pulled him along.

Behind them, Cael raised a brow, watching the scene unfold with growing amusement.

As Mabel hurriedly dragged Edric toward the exit, Rebecca and her friends watched.

“Whoa,” one of them muttered. “That woman looked weird from the start. She’s so possessive, he must be her husband. Did you see how she pulled him?”

Another girl nodded. “Yeah, she looks like the type who bosses her man around. Pity though he’s good-looking.”

They chuckled.

A few steps behind, Cael barely managed to suppress his laughter.

As they stepped outside, Mabel quickly released his arm and stepped back, muttering,

“I’m sorry… someone was inside.”

Edric nodded but didn’t say anything. He simply walked toward the vehicle. She blinked, watching his retreating back, a thought slipping through her mind.

"Is he offended…? "

She shook her head and followed him.

By the time they reached Alkiza Manor, the sun was sinking toward the horizon. The vehicle stopped near the main gate. Mabel stepped out and said softly,

“Thank you…”

She turned toward the gate and walked in. The guards tried and failed to hide their surprise, glancing at her and then at the vehicle, clearly curious about who had accompanied the lady of the house.

As the car disappeared down the road, Mabel glanced back. The mask of indifference she had worn finally crumbled; her shoulders tensed. She looked at the mansion and inhaled slowly.

"He must be furious."

Blinking once, she walked toward the door.

Inside, the mansion was quiet. The head maid came into view, her brows lifting in surprise.

“Miss… you are back.”

Mabel nodded. “Yes. Where is Father?”

“He’s out. He’ll be back soon.”

Mabel nodded again and walked toward her room, releasing a quiet breath of relief as she went.

The ride back was silent.

Cael glanced at Edric in the back seat and muffled a laugh.

Edric spoke without looking up. “What is it?”

“Oh, nothing, Master,” Cael replied, still amused. “It’s just that the ladies at the boutique assumed you and Miss Alkiza were husband and wife.”

Edric glanced at Cael and said flatly, “That woman is troublesome.”

Cael coughed lightly. “So… did she agree to your contract marriage?”

Edric looked out the window. “Not yet. I gave her time to think.”

Cael nodded. “And… if she refuses?”

Edric exhaled. “Then I’ll find someone else.”

Cael hesitated. “Well… and..um ..Master.”

Edric turned his gaze to him, sharp and impatient. “What now? Be clear.”

Cael straightened. “Lady Kate has returned.”

Edric blinked once, then shifted his eyes back to the passing scenery outside the window. He didn’t say a word.

Cael released a quiet breath, relieved by his master’s lack of reaction.

.....

The night had settled over the mansion.

Mabel rose slowly from the couch, sensing that the hour of her father’s return has come. She stepped into the corridor and stopped at the railing, peering down.

Below stood Merove Alkiza, speaking in a low voice to the head maid. Behind him were Jane, composed as ever, and Rebecca, who had clearly just returned. All three lifted their gazes toward her.

Merove’s brows drew together, fury unmistakable.

“So,” he said sharply, “you’re finally back. Come down. Now.”

Mabel exhaled, resignation, and descended the stairs.

Merove strode toward her, anger radiating from him. His hand rose instinctively.

Mabel flinched, eyes squeezing shut.

Nothing came.

She opened her eyes slowly. Merove’s hand hovered for a moment before dropping to his side, his jaw clenched hard, restraining himself.

“You have crossed your limits this time,” he said coldly. “Where were you for the past two weeks?”

The sharpness of his tone made her shoulders tense.

“With Irene,” Mabel replied quietly.

Merove’s eyes narrowed.

“In Orenvell.”

She nodded.

Silence followed , thick and suffocating.

Behind Merove, Rebecca’s lips curved upward, amusement flickering in her eyes as she failed to hide it. Jane, as usual, remained impassive, her expression calm.

Merove exhaled through his nose.

“I’ve had enough of your childish defiance,” he said. “Go back to your room. The Founding Ceremony is approaching. Esteemed guests will arrive soon, and I will not tolerate any more embarrassment. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Mabel replied, her voice barely audible.

Merove studied her for a long moment before asking,

“And who escorted you back?”

Mabel hesitated, then answered softly,

“Irene’s family.”

Merove blinked once, as if weighing the response, then dismissed her with a curt gesture.

“Leave.”

Mabel nodded and turned away.

As she walked back up the stairs, her steps were steady, but her expression was tight, fragile, it was clear she's trying hard not to cry.

Merove turned and strode toward his room , his steps brisk and heavy with restrained anger. Once he disappeared down the corridor, the hall fell into an uneasy silence.

Rebecca leaned closer to Jane, lowering her voice.

“Mom… why didn’t Dad hit her? I was sure she’d get slapped this time.”

Jane exhaled softly, her expression composed.

“She’s still his daughter—his beloved one at that. He was worried sick for days. After finally seeing her return safely, he wouldn’t be able to raise his hand against her.”

She turned to Rebecca, her gaze sharpening just slightly.

“And didn’t I tell you already? If you can’t get along with her, then stay out of her way. Don’t provoke her unnecessarily.”

Rebecca opened her mouth but Jane continued calmly,

“I want peace in this house, not petty conflicts and childish victories.”

Rebecca lowered her gaze and nodded.

“Yes… I understand.”

....

The room was quiet, broken only by Mabel’s muffled sobs.

Everything had begun months ago, after her father married Jane.

At first, Mabel had accepted it. She told herself her father deserved companionship after years of loneliness, and Jane, at least on the surface, was polite , measured, distant, but never openly unkind. Mabel responded in the same way, maintaining courtesy without warmth.

Rebecca, on the other hand, had never hidden her dislike. Their interactions were sharp, often tense, but nothing Mabel couldn’t endure. Jane remained neutral through it all, never openly taking sides, never intervening beyond quiet reminders to “keep the peace.”

Then, one month later, everything shattered.

Mabel found out—by accident—that her father had known Jane long before her mother’s death. Not only known her, but met her. Spent time with her. And after her mother passed away, those meetings had only increased.

The realization clawed at her chest.

The thought formed slowly, horrifically:

"Was he dishonest with Mother? "

Unable to bear it, Mabel confronted him directly.

He didn’t deny it.

He didn’t explain it either.

He stayed silent.

That silence was worse than any answer.

From that day onward, their relationship fractured. Conversations turned clipped. Disagreements erupted over the smallest things. What followed was not loud conflict, but a cold, suffocating distance , a silent war that eventually cost her, the right of inheritance.

Mabel wiped her face and stood, moving toward the window. The night outside was still, indifferent.

“Not like I care about the inheritance,” she muttered bitterly. “I just wanted a peaceful life.”

She exhaled, eyes softening as another thought surfaced.

“Abel will take over anyway.”

Her younger brother—currently out of the city, working at a firm to gain experience. One of the remaining potential heirs.

A hollow laugh escaped her.

“And now,” she murmured, “Dad wants Rebecca involved too.”

She stood there for a while, blinking as the cold wind brushed against her cheeks. Her gaze drifted to the table, where the card Edric Thorne had given her lay.

She exhaled softly.

"We’ll see."

The next day began tensely. At breakfast, the table remained subdued, broken only by light, measured conversation between Merove and Jane.

Merove finally looked at Mabel.

“Come to my study after breakfast.”

Mabel met his gaze briefly. “I have plans. I’m going out with Susan.”

Silence fell.

Merove’s eyes narrowed. “Planning to run away again?”

Mabel took a slow sip of her tea, unbothered. “No. I’m going out for some fresh air. This mansion feels suffocating.”

Another pause. Rebecca glanced at her, brows lifting slightly in thinly veiled curiosity.

“So,” Merove said coolly, “that’s why you disappeared for weeks? Because the mansion was too much for you?”

Mabel set her cup down and stood. “Think whatever you want, Dad.” She turned away. “If it’s urgent, I’ll come to your study this evening.”

With that, she left the dining room.

Merove watched her retreating figure and let out a breath.

“What has happened to this girl?”

Jane blinked, her tone even. “You did remove her from the line of inheritance.”

Merove scoffed lightly. “She was never interested in it to begin with. Abel is capable now, and Rebecca wants to compete as well. Things will settle.” He paused, then added flatly, “I’ve already begun considering potential matches for her.”

Jane said nothing, her expression sharp but edged with amusement.

---

The street buzzed with chatter as Mabel walked toward the pastry shop, where her academy friend Susan stood waiting.

“Susan.”

Susan turned, her eyes lighting up. “Finally! Come on..let’s eat pastries first. Then I want to show you an interesting place.”

Mabel sighed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Sure.”

After eating and chatting for a while, they wandered through the streets ,quieter now, yet still crowded, until they stopped before a darkened building looming ahead.

Mabel frowned slightly. “Where are we going? It looks like a stadium… or a playground?”

Susan chuckled. “Neither. This is where casual fights happen. Men come here to fight, people place bets, it’s kind of exciting.”

Mabel blinked, arching her brows. “Where did you even find a place like this?”

Susan shrugged, already stepping forward. “Come on, let’s go in.”

Mabel exhaled, a spark of excitement stirring in her chest, and followed her inside.

They took seats near the middle, where the view of the ring was clear.

Susan reached into her bag, pulled out two cans of juice, and handed one to Mabel. Mabel took it and began to open it casually.

Then the referee’s voice rang through the arena, announcing the arrival of the fighters.

Both girls straightened instantly, excitement flickering in their eyes. The fighters stepped into the ring, shirtless, wearing only trousers, a colored ribbon tied around one wrist for identification.

Mabel blinked, her gaze drifting around , until it froze.

Her breath caught.

She leaned forward, squinting, disbelief flashing across her face as recognition struck. Her eyes widened.

It was Edric Thorne.

She sucked in a sharp breath, nearly choking, and immediately ducked her head, eyes blown wide in shock. A second later, she straightened abruptly, stole another look and then bent forward again, burying her face in her lap.

Susan jolted at the sudden movement, staring at her in confusion.

“Mabel,” she whispered urgently, “what’s wrong with you?”

Mabel remained ducked, hiding her horrified expression, her mind spiraling.

"What the hell… this man actually does this?

I thought he’d be the type to play the piano in his spare time… not something like this."

The bell rang sharply, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She straightened at once, eyes drawn helplessly to the ring.

The fight erupted—fists clashing, bodies colliding. A blow grazed Edric’s cheek, blood streaking across his skin. He wiped it away with the back of his hand and struck back without hesitation.

Mabel blinked rapidly.

The match ended swiftly. Edric stood victorious as the referee raised his hand, the crowd erupting into applause.

People surged to their feet, blocking the view.

Susan snapped, “What the hell , let us see!”

Mabel swallowed. “Let’s leave. It’s over.”

Susan grumbled but stood anyway. As they turned to go, Mabel glanced back toward the ring. Edric was stepping out, rolling his shoulders, completely unfazed.

She stared longer than she should have.

Susan tugged her arm. “Hey, let’s go. What, you want to meet that guy?”

Mabel blinked, startled, and immediately started walking.