EPISODE 1

“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.”

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