"You should thank me." Hendrick Wilson's sarcastic voice filled the car.

"I don't think that's necessary, since this was all my plan," Rose Wilson replied coldly.

She cast her gaze out the window rather than look at her father.

"I don't want to hear any refusal from her," Hendrick continued. "Because that would tarnish my family's name."

Rose didn't respond. She kept watching the street as the car slowed down and stopped at a fine-dining restaurant in the city center.

The click of her heels echoed down the hallway until the sound stopped at the door. Hendrick raised his hand, signaling her not to open the door just yet.

"This meeting feels like an arranged marriage to me."

Rose could clearly hear the conversation taking place inside. She let out a heavy sigh and immediately puffed out her chest so her father wouldn't look down on her.

"Tonight, your relationship with Liana Collin must end." A firm tone now came from inside.

"Task... he already has a woman." Hendrick mocked Rose in a whisper.

"That's easy for me to get rid of," Rose silenced her father.

"I will refuse this marriage." That firm refusal made Rose uncomfortable.

"You have no right to choose."

"Father!"

That shout prompted Rose to act.

"Open it," she ordered the servant, who immediately obeyed.

The door opened. She could feel the awkward atmosphere and the sharp stares that immediately turned toward her as she walked toward the chair that had been set out for her.

Rose let her father take the lead in this meeting by keeping both herself and Levin Stuart out of it, he remained seated, looking displeased. She put a piece of steak in her mouth and ignored the questioning gaze that kept fixed on her.

"It's time for you two to get to know each other better." Hendrick turned his attention to Levin. "Go outside and talk."

"All right, Father." Rose set down her cutlery and stood up from her chair.

For the first time, she met Levin's green eyes. Rose raised one eyebrow, signaling him to stand.

"All right, Mr. Wilson." Reluctantly, Levin approached Rose.

Rose accepted Levin's outstretched arm. She gently took it and began to step outside.

The night wind blew hard enough to scatter the leaves in the middle of the restaurant. Her steps halted as the man stopped. Rose looked back, where the large window in her father's room with Mr. Stuart faced her.

"Please, call off this wedding." Levin released his embrace.

Rose walked over to the pond nearby. "Why does it have to be called off?"

"I already have a woman I want to marry." Levin's conviction sounded so strong.

She turned around and looked at him again. "Why didn't you tell my father?"

"It'll be easier to call it off through you." Levin's answer made her smile slightly.

"I'm sorry if I don't see things your way." She took a step closer.

"What do you mean?" Levin furrowed his brow.

Rose stopped right in front of Levin, standing close enough to touch him. "Because I love you."

A breath of disbelief escaped Levin's lips. He took a step back. "We're not close enough for you to pull a joke like that."

Rose could feel Hendrick's gaze from behind the window. She closed the distance between them again. "Do I look like I'm joking?" Her eyes stared at him intensely, and her voice softened. "I truly love you, Levin Stuart."

An exasperated sigh brushed against her beautiful skin.

"If this marriage goes through, I'll hate you."

"That's fine, as long as you're by my side." She simply smiled in response to the threat. "It seems you don't know what's going on at your company."

"My company is doing just fine, Miss Wilson." The man assured her.

"It seems you don't know anything." Rose raised her right hand to brush away the leaves clinging to Levin's shoulder. "Mr. Stuart has suffered a massive failure in his invasion right behind you."

"What?" The shock made Rose fold her arms across her chest.

"You can ask your father about that directly. Most importantly, our wedding has been set for tonight," she said with a triumphant smile.

Levin shifted his gaze toward the window, where he saw the two parents shaking hands. Rose could sense the pent-up anger from Levin.

*****

The sound of the door slamming shut echoed behind Levin, triggering the outburst of anger he had been holding back.

"What have you been doing behind my back? What kind of betrayal have you committed that led you to sell me out to the Wilson family!" His rage reverberated throughout the living room.

"I did this for our family," Mr. Stuart countered. "I wanted to defeat The Wilson Group and give this victory to you."

Levin clutched his brown hair. He didn't want to shout anymore. "Why didn't you involve me?"

"Because you wouldn't be able to defeat The Wilson." Mr. Stuart's should cut him to the quick.

"Don't you trust me?" He patted his chest, which felt tight. "I'm Levin Stuart, your son! I'm the one who saved this company from ruin. How could you betray me like this?"

"If you're so confident," Mr. Stuart grabbed Levin by the collar, "prove to me that you can defeat them."

"How can I defeat them when you've already destroyed your own company?" He roughly shook off his grip.

"Accept this marriage and take everything they have," Mr. Stuart gripped Levin's shoulders tightly. "That's the only way to save Stuart Corp. Do you understand? Leave Liliana and focus on your marriage."

He shook off that hand again. The disappointment he felt made it hard for him to speak. "You... you're the worst father."

Levin left the room, carrying immense anger and disappointment.

*****

The sound of Rose's D'Orsay heels echoed through the VIP room. She took short steps as she walked past the dresses on display, but none of them caught her eye.

"Can you make the most beautiful dress for my wedding?" she asked the designer who had been walking behind her the whole time.

"Of course, Miss," the designer replied simply. "I'll get everything ready right away."

Rose walked over to the sofa and sat down. As she was reading the boutique's catalog, her personal secretary approached and whispered something that made her smile sweetly.

"Leave us."

John understood the order and asked everyone to leave the room as soon as Levin entered.

"You seem so serious about this wedding." Levin didn't want to beat around the bush.

"Sit down, help me pick out a dress that suits me." Rose patted the sofa next to her.

"I'm here to call off this wedding." Rose could sense the anger Levin was carrying.

She closed the catalog in her hand and looked at the man. "Are you going to choose it while standing there?"

That repulsive smile was directed at her. "I don't want to be near a woman like you."

"All right," Rose stood up. "We'll pick out the dress while standing."

She watched Levin take a deep breath. "Don't you have ears?"

"Can't you see these beautiful ears of mine?" Rose jingled the diamond earrings she was wearing. "My ears only hear what I want to hear."

"Call off this wedding." The anger finally burst out.

"Even if you refuse and scream as loud as you can, this wedding will still take place." She changed her tone to a colder one.

"Don't you mind spending your life with someone who doesn't love you?"

"That doesn't matter to me, as long as I still love you."

That answer triggered a laugh that was loud yet sharp. "You're going to love someone who doesn't want you-who even hates you?"

"Of course, because I'll make sure my love for you is greater than your hatred of me." She proudly declared her feelings.

The laughter turned into a look of hatred. "You're utterly repulsive, Rose Wilson."

"This repulsive woman is going to be your wife, Levin Stuart." She folded her arms across her chest. "Didn't Mr. Stuart tell you what would happen if this marriage is called off?"

"I didn't-"

"I'll tell you." She began to move toward him. "The Wilson Group will acquire everything owned by Stuart Corp, without exception." Her steps stopped right in front of Levin.

"Take whatever you want; I don't care." Those eyes came closer, challenging him. "Because I won't fall because of that."

A smile spread across her beautiful face. "Youre too arrogant to see what will happen to your family or even to yourself. The relationships you've built will kneel at my feet and turn away from you. And in the end, you'll all end up in prison."

"Prison! What are you going to do for my family?" Levin tugged at the collar of the midi dress she was wearing.

Rose raised her left hand and gripped the muscular arm wrapped around her. "It's not me who's doing it, but your father who started it all."

The grip began to loosen. "You're so full of yourself and arrogant that you can't see what your family is facing."

"How do you know what's going to happen to my family?" The strong hand finally dropped.

He brought his face close to his opponent's ear. "Because your family is under my control."

That painful whisper made the green eyes tremble in disbelief. His broad chest felt tight and hot.

"You don't need to see your lover. Let me be the one to end it all."

The sound of D'Orsay's footsteps retreating felt like a hammer blow to Levin's body, which stood frozen in place, unable to move in the face of the reality he had to confront.

To Be Continued~~~

"Very soon, we'll witness a lavish wedding between The Wilson Group and Stuart Corp. What do you think about this-two major companies merging-will it lead to a monopoly in-" The big screen went dark.

Rose glared at John. "Why did you turn off the TV? I was watching Liana Collin talk about her fiancé's wedding."

"It's time for you to meet Mr. William." The announcement made Rose sigh heavily.

Before leaving the table, she slipped a thick folder into her bag. "I have to fix everything."

Rose got out of the car and walked straight inside, her steps both graceful and haughty; she passed several tables until she finally reached the one where Mr. William was waiting for her.

"You're late, Miss." William took a sip of wine from his glass.

John pulled out a chair for Rose to sit down.

"This place is different from the agreed-upon meeting spot." She motioned for John to leave them alone.

She felt William's condescending gaze. "I wanted to buy you a drink to celebrate your wedding."

"This drink isn't worthy of my lavish wedding." Rose pushed the wine glass away from her.

"So what's the equivalent of your marriage?" William was starting to get interested in this meeting.

Rose took one of the folders from her bag and placed it in the middle of the table.

"I want you to withdraw your report as a congratulatory gesture for my marriage."

William picked up the folder. "You want to save your husband's family."

A small smile appeared on her beautiful face. "Why would I do that?" She leaned back and folded her arms across her chest. "I'm here to take over the hydrogen core."

"You want to take over this failed project?" William gently tossed the papers he'd been reading onto the table.

"Edward has caused you great and painful losses." Rose leaned forward. "And I'm here to make up for all of that."

The man began to push his wine glass away. "What is a young lady like you going to do?"

"Edward Stuart undertook this massive project with blind greed; he rushed through everything, making things difficult for the very people who had helped him." Rose sat up straight. "But unlike him, my intelligence will save this massive project from ruin by assembling a competent team, so that success is all you'll hear about."

William nodded. "What if I turn down your offer, Miss Wilson?"

A smile returned to her face. "I won't suffer the slightest loss from your refusal, because for me, finding a more competent investor is easy." Rose leaned back in her chair. "On the other hand, if you reject me and file a lawsuit against Stuart Corp, only massive losses will come your way."

The man's fingers tapped the glass tabletop. "What kind of profit would I get?"

Her smile widened; every word she spoke was filled with certainty. "I'll return what you've given me twofold, or even more, along with the interest. And your name will grow with the success of this project."

"What will you do if this project fails again?"

Rose shrugged. "I don't know, because the word 'failure' doesn't exist in my life."

William nodded, then took a sip of wine and raised his glass. "I'll follow you."

Rose gestured for William to finish the wine in his glass as a sign of their agreement.

*****

The evening light touched Rose's sleeping skin; as the car came to a stop, her eyes slowly opened. An employee tapped on John's window to let him know a journalist was waiting for him.

The corners of his mouth turned up. "Show her to my office."

"Yes, ma'am." The employee promptly carried out her instructions.

The steam from the coffee created a warm atmosphere between Liana and Rose.

"Did you come as a journalist?" Rose blew gently on the coffee before taking a sip.

The soft clink of the mug against the glass table echoed clearly in both their ears.

"Or as the girlfriend of my fiancé."

Rose's sharp eyes picked up on the tension Liana was feeling.

The woman took a deep breath and met her gaze with confidence. "I'm here as Liana, Levin Stuart's fiancée."

She gave a small smile in response to that boldness. "What do you want to talk to me about?"

"Why do you want to marry him?" That disapproving tone pricked Rose's ears.

She crossed her legs and leaned back. "Because I love him."

A small, mocking smile was clearly visible on Liana's face. "Can someone like you even feel love?"

"Of course. Even though I look like an angel to you, I'm just an ordinary human who can fall in love with a handsome prince like Levin." That reply sparked anger in her conversation partner.

"I'll rephrase my question, because someone like you wouldn't understand what love is."

Rose raised her hand, gesturing for Liana to continue.

"What is The Wilson Group's purpose in merging with Stuart Corp, which is currently suffering massive losses?" The woman's weary eyes turned sharp.

"Now you're asking as a journalist." Rose leaned forward to take another sip of her now-lukewarm coffee. "My answer will remain the same, Miss Collin. This merger happened because I, Rose Wilson, love Levin Stuart."

A frustrated, disbelieving sigh escaped the woman's small mouth.

"Now it's my turn to ask you, Liana Collin." She folded her arms across her chest, her face fierce. "Which choice will you make: let go of your lover, or become a mistress?"

"What?!" The anger grew more intense.

"My lavish wedding is just two days away; you need to make up your mind soon."

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see his clenched fist.

"Are you going to give me your answer now?" She raised an eyebrow, demanding a response.

The trembling lips finally parted. "It seems our conversation must end here."

The woman stood up and left, leaving the coffee untouched.

Rose let out a heavy sigh, her body slumping backward. She closed her eyes, letting exhaustion take over her body.

The sound of the door opening and approaching footsteps forced his eyes open again.

"Do you need another cup of coffee?" John already understood his condition.

"Please." He stood up. "I have to finish my work."

He staggered over to his desk and turned on his laptop to get back to work.

*****

With just one day to go before her wedding, Rose was still too busy; her fingers were still busy signing papers and checking every document on her desk.

A knock on the desk managed to catch her attention. "What is it, John?"

"Your last appointment today: dinner with Mr. Stuart."

A relieved smile immediately spread across her weary face. "Thank you for reminding me." She took off the glasses she was wearing.

"How do I look? Do I look bad?" She stood up and checked the wrap dress she was wearing.

"You look fine. You just need to fix your hair." John handed her a comb.

She immediately smoothed out her black hair. "I'm ready, let's go."

The car, which had been driving along, began to pull over. Rose took a deep breath before getting out and entering the restaurant. A small smile returned to her face when she saw the man waiting for her; her steps felt light as she approached the table.

"Did you meet Liana?" That greeting left Rose speechless for a split second.

Before answering, she motioned for John to leave them alone; the warmth she'd felt earlier now faded.

"You should have let me sit down first."

Levin gestured for her to sit down. She took a seat, her gaze cold.

"What were you talking to him about?" The question created a huge wall between them.

"Did you order food for me?"

"Answer my question!" The man was annoyed.

"I'll order the best steak and wine for us." He ignored the gaze fixed on him.

"Why don't you just ask him yourself?" Rose raised her hand to call the waiter. "He's the one who came to see me."

"Did you hurt him?" His firm voice caused a slight tightness in her chest.

He picked up the glass and swirled the wine inside. "She was the one who asked me, and I asked her what choice she would make."

"Choice? What choice did you offer her?" The man leaned forward.

"She had to choose between letting you go or becoming a mistress." Rose sipped the expensive wine.

"What?!" Levin clenched his fists to keep his anger in check.

"Why are you all so shocked?" She set down the tall glass, "Isn't the choice obvious?"

Rose folded her arms on the table. "Do I have to explain your situation now?" Her defiant gaze made the man flinch.

"Tomorrow is our wedding day, when you'll become my husband-in the eyes of God and everyone else. If you don't like the label of 'mistress,' you should end your relationship."

"I'll end my relationship with you." That statement took Rose by surprise.

She leaned back against the chair, her eyes gauging the man's resolve. Her fingers trembled beneath the table.

"I'd rather rot in prison than marry you." Those words felt like a knife piercing deep into his chest.

He hid his pain behind a smile. "You shouldn't have said that before I gave you this gift."

Rose took a thick folder from her bag and held it out to the man. "I'll still be waiting for you at the altar tomorrow."

She stood up, a suffocating feeling building inside her.

The streetlights along the road seemed so dim; Rose closed her eyes.

"John, will that happiness come tomorrow?" Her beautiful face began to glisten with tears.

To Be Continued~~~

Rose hid her fingers, which kept fidgeting nervously, and put on a calm face for everyone in the room. Her eyes glanced at the clock as it kept ticking.

"This beautiful gown really enhances your beauty," praised the stylist who was helping her put on the gown.

"Thank you." She forced a smile.

"Now I'll put the crown on." The stylist placed the crown, which was attached to a long veil, on her head.

The veil gave her just enough space to close her eyes and hope for Levin's presence.

"Please leave us alone."

That deep voice made her turn around. A sigh of relief and a happy smile appeared as the man walked toward her.

That piercing gaze made her happiness retreat.

"Do you accept this marriage?" His voice returned to its calm, cold tone.

"I will destroy you." That strong resolve weighed heavily on her chest.

A small, trembling smile accompanied the shrinking distance between them. "It would be easier if you loved me."

Levin roughly grabbed the back of her neck, so close she could feel his hot breath. "Loving you will be my downfall."

Rose could clearly see the hatred in his green eyes. "We'll see who falls first."

His grip slowly loosened; the man took a step back before turning and walking away.

Rose took a deep breath before the grand doors opened; her feet began to walk steadily down the aisle lined with flowers, and she could feel all eyes fixed on her without exception. Levin's gaze felt so dark.

Her steps halted when she reached the altar; she released her father's hand and took Levin's cold outstretched hand. For the first time, their hands were intertwined.

The wedding ceremony began; the atmosphere in the grand ballroom grew quiet and solemn, with only the officiant's voice audible.

"Levin Stuart, do you take Rose Wilson to be your lawful wife, to live together in the sacred bond of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and cherish her, in good times and in bad, and be faithful to her for the rest of your lives?"

Rose glanced sideways, her heart racing as she waited for Levin's answer.

"I do."

A sweet, relieved smile spread across her beautiful face.

The officiant asked her the same question.

"I do."

The officiant asked them to exchange vows; now their eyes met, their hands once again intertwined.

"I swear, as long as I'm with you, I will make the most of my time." Levin gripped Rose's fingers very tightly. "To love you."

He held back the pain radiating from his fingers. "I swear, to love you sincerely and with all my heart."

His sincere gaze stood in stark contrast to the hatred that continued to be directed at him.

The officiant presented a pair of rings he had blessed. "These rings are a circle and a symbol of love that has no beginning and no end. May these rings remind you of the vows you have made today."

That symbol of their vows now rested on each of their ring fingers.

"Now that you have committed yourselves to one another through sacred vows and the exchange of rings, I hereby declare you husband and wife. You may kiss your wife."

"I refuse to kiss her."

That refusal startled everyone and caused a murmur to ripple through the crowd.

Rose clenched her trembling hands and gave the officiant her sweetest smile. "We'll do it in our private room."

Her reply was enough to ease the tension that had arisen, but not enough to silence the voices.

*****

Their first night together finally arrived, after a long and exhausting day. Rose turned on the shower, hoping the warm water would wash away the heaviness she felt from the rejection she'd received.

She walked into the living room wearing her nightgown; seeing her husband's weary back, she poured two glasses of wine to accompany them.

"Have a drink." Rose placed one glass among the scattered papers.

That glance made her smile slightly. "There's no poison in it."

Those green eyes returned to the document Rose had given him the other day.

"Did you like the gift I gave you?" He took a sip of the wine in his hand.

Levin took off his glasses and stared at her intently. "I'll fix the gift you gave me."

"No need," she set her wine glass on the table. "I gave it to you so you'd know how much you mean to me."

"What did you say?!" His deep voice began to rise.

"This hydrogen core is incredibly precious and valuable-just as you are to me." Rose folded her arms across her chest. "I will make up for your father's failure and make it even greater and priceless."

Her honesty only deepened the hatred in the man's beautiful eyes. "I won't fall into your trap again."

"There are no more traps for you, because you've sworn to love me."

"I will love your destruction." That sincerity wounded her heart.

Her smile widened to keep her tears from falling. "I'm glad my ruin has become your goal."

'Drtt..Drt.'

Levin's phone screen lit up, showing an incoming call from Liana.

Rose clutched her nightgown as Levin picked up the phone at the end of the table.

"Are you going to make that smart woman your mistress?" She was afraid her husband would leave her alone on their wedding night.

"I won't let you belittle her." Levin refused the call, staring at her.

She breathed a sigh of relief; that hatred was keeping her husband from leaving.

Sunlight touched Rose's sleeping face through the open window; the light woke her. She got out of bed and walked over to Levin, who was still asleep on the sofa.

She crouched down to be at eye level with him, her brown eyes tracing every contour of Levin's peaceful face; she hugged her knees, savoring the deeply soothing atmosphere.

*****

The hotel restaurant had already set out the breakfast menu for the guests who were beginning to arrive, and Rose made her way to a table.

"Stop staring at the elevator-my husband isn't coming," she said as she sat down across from Liana.

The woman gave her a sharp look. "We're not close enough to have breakfast together."

"An angel like me doesn't eat breakfast in a place like this." She crossed her legs with an air of arrogance.

"Please, prepare the best breakfast this restaurant has to offer for him." She ordered John, who was standing behind her. "Did you sleep well?"

"That's none of your business." Liana emphasized every word that came out of her mouth.

A small laugh escaped Rose's lips. "You're so funny, Liana. How is this none of my business?"

Her expression changed as she leaned forward, her gaze looking down on the person she was speaking to. "You called my husband on his wedding night."

"Wake up, Miss Wilson-he doesn't love you." The woman challenged her. "He rejected you on his wedding day."

That reality left her speechless for a split second. "Then who does he love?"

"He loves me, and I won't let him go." She hated seeing the smile on the woman's face.

"Really? If he loves you, why doesn't he answer your calls?" Rose leaned back. "Or run to your room."

Liana couldn't respond.

"Now I know what choice you've made." She puffed out her chest, rebuilding the confidence that had wavered. "You want to be a kept woman."

She deliberately raised her voice to catch the attention of the people who had been watching them for a while, and it succeeded in frightening her conversation partner.

"Why are your eyes trembling like that?" Rose leaned in closer. "Isn't this your choice?"

A cart filled with food stopped near their table, and murmurs began to rise from the eyes fixed on them.

"This is the best breakfast for you." Rose stood up from her seat. "Enjoy it."

Rose left the restaurant without looking back even once.

****

The sun was shining brighter and brighter as they made their way to the executive lounge, where they would have breakfast with Hendrick Wilson.

Before the door opened, Rose wrapped her arm around Levin's, seeking the strength to face her father.

"No matter what happens, you must stay silent and nod. Don't provoke his anger."

Before her husband could respond, the door swung open, and the tension in the room immediately engulfed them. Rose sat between Hendrick and Levin.

"Did you have a good first night?" Hendrick asked the waiter to serve his meal.

"We spent-"

"I wasn't asking you." Hendrick's firm tone cut him off.

He could feel Levin's gaze fixed on him. "We had a good night."

"Really?" Hendrick moved his knife to cut a slice of beef on his plate. "Then why didn't you play your part properly at the altar?"

The question terrified Rose; she clutched her trembling hands under the table.

"Is he too ugly for you? So much so that you don't want to kiss him?" The question took Levin by surprise.

He was a little at a loss for words. "We aren't close enough to do that."

"Why is your life so miserable, Rose?" Hendrick put away his utensils and looked back at his daughter. "You love a man who doesn't appreciate you-who even hates you."

For the first time, he saw the usually strong Rose fall silent. "I'll make up for my mistakes."

"You married her because you were afraid of falling into poverty." Hendrick raised his dinner knife toward her. "You're using this foolish woman to save your company."

"I'm not like that." Rose's trembling hand held her back from fighting back.

"Then what are you like?" The knife returned to its place. "What was your purpose in marrying him?"

"He entered into this marriage to love me, Father." Rose raised her gaze. "His purpose was to love me."

To Be Continued~~~