Lydia wrapped her arms around Quincy. “I joined York Corporation to gain some experience. And with your help, I’ve learned so much. But I always knew I’d leave one day. Quincy, I want to see you reach your full potential, not be limited by someone else’s shadow. Do you understand what I’m saying?”She wanted him to succeed, but if he chose to stay, she wouldn’t push him. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why he would limit himself when he had the ability to go so much further.“I understand, but Lydia, I’ve committed to following Mr. York for life. I’ll do my best to gain your father’s approval. But if, in the end, he still doesn’t accept me...”Before Quincy could finish, Lydia’s face turned serious. “Quincy, you’ve been through so much. Just because my dad says no, you’re going to give up?”She was frustrated. They had been through so much together. And now, just because her father disapproved, he was ready to walk away?Quincy pressed his lips together and spoke softly, “It’s
Quincy had proposed to Lydia at Gemma’s first month celebration, and Nash hadn’t forgotten. The two of them were more than just his right and left hand, they were a perfect couple.“Honestly, it might not happen,” Quincy confessed.Nash immediately realized that Lydia’s parents were the issue. Usually, it was the groom’s parents who were eager for the wedding, especially considering Quincy wasn’t exactly young anymore.Nash gave Quincy a supportive pat on the shoulder. “Time reveals all. Here’s what we’ll do. I’m giving you some time off. Go win your girl. If her father wants you to take over the family business, go for it. I’ll bring up a new team here. None of this is more important than your life.”Nash meant every word. Quincy had been with him for over a decade, not just as an assistant but as a friend, a brother, and family. If a better opportunity came along for Quincy, Nash would not only be happy for him but would even help pave the way.“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t
Mrs. Fay hadn’t expected Quincy to be so determined. She decided it was time to lay everything out clearly. “Quincy, if you were a parent, given the choice between someone already successful and someone still trying to make it, who would you choose?”“I’d choose the former,” Quincy replied honestly. “But Mrs. Fay, I’m asking for a chance. I’m not just some aimless dreamer.” He sat upright, his posture radiating confidence and resolve.He was impressive, handsome, articulate, with the demeanor of a true professional. His presence alone reflected his time spent working alongside Nash. No matter how capable Quincy was, he couldn’t measure up to Nash. Nash had the entire York family behind him, along with the powerful connections from Nina’s father and his own influential background. Even though Nash deeply trusted Quincy and valued his contributions, Quincy was still just an assistant. There was no way Nash would ever hand over the York Corporation to him.Quincy, for his part, w
Mrs. Fay’s expression turned stern as she addressed Lydia sharply, “I’ve arranged a blind date for you, and your date will be here soon. If you don’t want your father to lock you up at home, you’d better cooperate.”Though she sat calmly on the sofa, her piercing gaze and commanding presence left no room for argument.Just then, Mr. Fay, who had been pretending to be ill, emerged from the room.“Your mother is being kind. If it were up to me, I’d be even harsher. If Quincy keeps showing up, I won’t hesitate to have him thrown out.”Lydia’s breath caught in her throat. She never imagined these words could come from her own parents. They were well-educated, successful people, yet here they were, saying such things and even trying to force her into a blind date.What did they take her for?Some commodity to be traded?Lydia let out a bitter laugh. “The Fay family is already powerful. Just how much is enough? When will you ever be satisfied?”She scoffed bitterly. “And why not go a
Mr. Fay clutched his chest, his voice pained. “Lydia, you’d go this far for a man? You’d hurt your parents like this?”Mrs. Fay, equally panicked, pleaded, “Lydia, put the knife down. Your father’s health isn’t good. Please, don’t make him worry anymore!”But Lydia didn’t lower the knife. Instead, she let out a bitter laugh. “You’re asking me not to hurt him, not to hurt you. But what about me? Have you thought about the fact that you’re hurting me? I’ve always been the obedient daughter, doing everything to make you happy.“Even when I took the job as a secretary at York Corporation, it was because you wanted me to gain some experience. But now, what’s it turned into?“I never dated in college, never had a boyfriend. Now I’ve finally found someone I love, and Quincy treats me so well. Why can’t I be with him?“Is Quincy such a terrible person?”If he were, Nash wouldn’t have trusted and mentored him all these years. Quincy was capable and respected in the industry, with many com
“You went to see Lydia. Did you hit a wall with her parents? What do they want? Are they looking for York Corporation’s help?” Nash, having experienced his fair share of similar situations, could easily guess what was going on with Quincy.Quincy sighed, trying to shut down the conversation. “Mr. York, it’s over between Lydia and me.”Nash was taken aback by how quickly things had ended. Quincy had just proposed to Lydia, and it was clear they had feelings for each other. Lydia wouldn’t have accepted the proposal if she didn’t care deeply for him. It seemed like this so-called “breakup” was more about her parents’ interference than anything else.Nash, having been through his own share of challenges, saw how special Quincy and Lydia’s relationship was and didn’t want it to end over something like this.“Lydia loves you, and you love her. Just calling it quits, don’t you think that’s a waste?” Nash put down the papers he was holding and walked over to Quincy. “You’re not a kid
As Lydia stared at Quincy with questioning eyes, his usual calm demeanor cracked slightly, revealing a trace of pain. He turned his head away, avoiding her gaze. "Your parents are right," he said quietly. "They're just looking out for you. I'm just an assistant. I can't give you the life you deserve.""You don't really believe that! If you did, why can't you even look me in the eye?""Lydia…""Look me in the eye and tell me it's over. If you can't do that, I won't believe a word you say."With that, Lydia walked away.Not long after she left, Nash returned to his office and found Quincy sitting with his head hung low. "This is the first time I've seen you like this. Didn’t go well, did it?"Quincy forced a bitter smile. "She wants me to look her in the eye and tell her it’s over. But I can't do it."Nash sighed and put a hand on his shoulder. "If that's the case, stop hesitating. If her parents don’t think you’re good enough, prove them wrong. Start your own company and show t
The number of employees in the company gradually increased, and once they realized that their bosses were a loving couple, they all admired their relationship.“Our Vice President and President have such a great relationship!”“No kidding, but I wonder why they haven’t gotten married yet.”“Maybe they’re just focused on their careers. Both of them are in a phase of career growth, so it might not be the right time for marriage. But I think it’s just a matter of time.”Every day was busy, but Lydia couldn’t hide the smile on her face, no matter how hard she tried.Seeing her like this, Quincy felt even more grateful for his decision. Thankfully, he hadn’t given up and had made the right choice. He was also increasingly thankful for Nash, who had helped him.Nash, however, didn’t think much of it. “Compared to what you did for me back then, this help is nothing.”As they chatted, they walked outside.At that moment, they saw Lydia holding a bouquet of red roses.She was wearing a
Vera watched as Leonard stumbled out of his house in nothing but a pair of pants, rushing toward the fire. Disgust churned in her stomach, but more than that, she worried about Sera’s safety. The darkness of the night concealed the emotions on her face, and no one noticed anything unusual. Women in this village were nothing more than tools for childbirth—no one paid them much attention. Especially now, with the fire raging, no one was thinking about her. The village chief had come by to ask how the fire started, but she had convinced him with a quick excuse. With all the men busy putting out the flames, Vera quietly slipped away toward Leonard’s house. Inside, Sera had been startled by the commotion outside. But the moment she saw Vera rush in, she understood immediately. “Was this you?” Sera’s eyes widened. “You set the fire?” Vera grabbed her hand. “There’s no time to talk about that!“We have to go—now. Do you know where the other women are being held?
Vera put on her best obedient act. “Of course, I know that. I was just making conversation. I’ll be sure to keep my distance from him.” That was all Chloe needed to hear to feel reassured. She was starting to think she had made the right call by letting her son bring this woman home. After ordering Vera to wash the rice, Chloe busied herself with other tasks. By the time Vera finished, the sky had already darkened. Her thoughts drifted to Sera’s situation, and her chest tightened. Tonight was the night. If she didn’t act now, who knew how long these women would remain trapped here? *That evening, Vera carried a few bottles of liquor up from the cellar. Chloe’s eyes widened in distress. “What are you doing with those? Put them back! “We only drink those on holidays and special occasions.“It’s not like we’re throwing a wedding right now. This is a waste!” Vera hesitated deliberately. “But I heard the doctor say he can fix Peter’s leg.“I though
“First, we get a free doctor for my son, and now, a beautiful wife just lands right in our lap!“God must really be smiling on the Cooper family!” Caleb’s frown deepened at the mention of a "wife." He had read enough news stories to know how these situations usually played out—women lured into remote villages, tricked, and trapped with no way out. He decided to dig deeper. “That’s some unbelievable luck. Where exactly did this beautiful wife come from?” Alice perked up, practically beaming. “She got lost in the mountains! I found her and brought her home.“My brother’s crippled, and no woman wanted to marry him, so I asked her to stay and repay us by becoming his wife.“She agreed!” Caleb’s expression turned colder as he listened to their casual justifications. This was nothing but moral coercion. Chloe beamed with excitement. “It’s just a shame she’s got such delicate hands—doesn’t look like she’s ever done a day of real work. We’ll have to break her i
Vera tilted her head, looking up at him with an obedient expression. Peter grinned, his crooked teeth showing. As he set down the basket of supplies, he chuckled. “You really know how to read the room.“Who would’ve thought I’d get this lucky?” He patted his bad leg and let out a loud laugh. “Even with this bum leg, I still managed to land a beautiful, obedient wife.” His eyes darted around the room. “Where’s my mom and Alice?” Vera pointed outside. “A doctor came to the village—he’s doing free check-ups.“Everyone lined up to see him. Your mom went too. She said he’s really skilled, and there’s a chance he could fix your leg.” Peter’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re serious? If he can actually fix my leg, my life would be perfect.” Vera nodded, playing along. “Yeah, you should go check it out.” “Good idea.”The thought of finally having his leg fixed filled Peter with excitement. He hurried toward the door but paused to issue a warning. “
“Everyone in this village is in on it. There's no way to escape during the day, and at night, they lock us inside the houses.“There's no chance to get out.” Even as the woman spoke, Vera’s eyes remained firm with determination. “You can’t think like that. As long as we escape, there’s hope.” The woman let out a bitter laugh. “You’re too naive. There was another woman who was sold here before. She tried to run.“She actually made it to town—only to be caught and dragged back.” Vera stood up, her fists clenched. “We can’t give up. If someone made it that far before, then there’s still a chance. We just have to be smarter.“For now, you should just play along.” Vera turned to her, her expression serious. “If you keep resisting, they’ll just keep beating you.“It’s better to make them lower their guard first.” The woman didn’t respond. Instead, she changed the subject. “Didn’t you ask me to teach you how to cook?“Let’s do that now. We can talk about escapi
Vera shuddered at the thought of the woman locked up, beaten like an animal. How many others were trapped in this village, suffering the same fate? It was unbearable to think about. By the time Vera had finished her water and eaten most of the pastry, Leonard returned—dragging a woman behind him. Her head was bowed, her frail body swallowed by a coarse, tattered dress. Her hair was a mess, and she didn’t even dare lift her eyes. Leonard shoved her forward. “Go on! The girl wants you to teach her how to cook.“Behave yourself, or you won’t be eating when you get home.” Vera’s heart twisted in pain at the sight of the woman trembling. She gripped the chair for support as she slowly stood up. Stepping forward, her lips trembled slightly as she gently took the woman’s hand. “I just got married into the family. I don’t know how to cook yet.“Would you be willing to teach me?” The woman didn’t say a word. A single tear slipped down her cheek, hitting
Leonard stared at Vera eagerly, his eyes full of anticipation. Vera said, “That’s right. Mrs. Watson is always saying how capable you are, a real manly man. I don’t know why, but for some reason, your wife just doesn’t appreciate you.“A man like you deserves better.” It was the first time someone had ever spoken highly of him, and Leonard slapped his thigh with excitement. “That ungrateful woman!“A man like me!” Leonard huffed, growing more indignant. “You won’t find another like me, no matter how hard you look.“If only more people had your kind of good sense.”Vera smiled without saying a word and casually glanced inside the house. “By the way, where’s your wife?” Leonard snorted, his expression instantly darkening. “That ungrateful wench is locked up out back. She never listens.” Vera’s expression hardened immediately. “Why even bring her up? Just ruins the mood.” Leonard quickly perked up and waved Vera inside. “You’re already here, but you haven
“That’s true.” Chloe scoffed, then pointed a finger at Vera before leaving. “Listen up. Everyone in this village is on the same page.“The neighbors? We all look out for each other. If you try to run, they’ll tell me right away.“We’ve been nothing but good to you, so don’t blame us if we have to lock you up like an animal.” Vera had only seen threats like this on TV. She never imagined she would experience this kind of madness in real life. For now, she had no choice but to play the obedient daughter-in-law. In a situation like this, the more she fought back, the worse things would get. “I won’t run.” She forced a smile, pretending to affectionately ruffle Alice’s hair. But her other hand, hidden behind her back, was clenched into a fist. “This little girl saved my life.“I need to stay and properly repay your family.” She kept smiling, warm and sincere. Chloe didn’t notice anything unusual. She simply huffed again before leaving. “I hope you’re
Chloe scoffed, “What’s the big deal? When I married your father, I just threw on a simple dress and walked into the house. I still have that dress, you know.”She muttered under her breath, “Marriage is about building a life together. What’s the point of all these fancy extras?”A wedding dress? A suit? That sounded expensive. Their family had barely saved a few thousand dollars over the years. How could they justify spending it all on a wedding? *Vera, taking advantage of the last bit of battery on her phone, quickly pulled up photos of wedding dresses and suits. She handed the phone to Alice. “Your brother would look really handsome in a suit.” Alice gasped in excitement. “Wow! These clothes are so pretty! Vera, you’re already beautiful—if you wear this, you’ll look just like a fairy!” Then she hesitated. “When we get the dress… can I try it on too?” “Of course.” This wasn’t a wedding Vera had agreed to in the first place. She had shown Alice the pictur