The marriage between the two families was huge news in the upper society. Since the purpose of this marriage was to join forces publicly, the Thomson and Albretch families threw off a big party for their alliance to showcase their wealth and connections. With their meticulous preparation and the enormous cost of this party, it could be called the wedding of the century. The funny thing was the bride and groom weren't present. Many powerful families and businessmen gathered. But as if they were in tacit understanding, no one mention about the bride and groom. As a part of upper society, these wealthy families had their own ways to get inside the news. It was an open secret that this wedding was not about the bride and the groom. The talk was all about the growth direction of the two families after being united through marriage. While the wedding banquet was lively and bustling, Suzie received her marriage certificate. She was now married like that. She looked at the marriage ce
The way to the Albrecht mansion was silent. Suzie glanced at Jonathan who was in the passenger seat. The man was probably in his late twenties. He looked dignified but polite. Perhaps, Suzie could gain information from him. "How long have you been working for the Albrecht family?" Jonathan slightly glanced at Suzie through the rearview mirror and answered, "I have been living in the Albrecht Mansion since birth. I grew up there and started working officially as soon as I could read and write. My whole life is dedicated to the Albrecht family as my previous generation did." Suzie: "...." 'What is this royalty?' A superior family was served by another family loyally as if the latter were bound by life contract. Suzie thought this kind of arrangement ended a long time ago. It's the modern era now. As someone who lived a commoner's life, Suzie doesn't understand how these wealthy families work. But this was great. This man named Jonathan must know everything in the Albrecht f
Although it was said that the eldest son was about to die, Suzie would still live with him until his breath his last. And she wished that during that time, she could take advantage of the Albretch's wealth while being their daughter-in-law. Not live in some old cabin with a sickly husband while waiting for his death. Where's the benefit in that? She turned to look at Jonathan with hope. However, the latter failed her expectations. "This is the place allocated for you and for Sir by the masters. It doesn't look like much. But everything you need is inside. If you are in need of help, you can call someone from the worker's building. We will accommodate you as much as possible." Suzie: "...." So this was really where her husband lives?! "...There are plenty of buildings so why...why a person recuperating is being treated here?" She probed, hoping all her guesses were wrong. But her intuition never failed her. Jonathan avoided her question, "...Madame will learn things after livin
Suzie never had a childhood. With only her irresponsible grandmother as her guardian, the young Suzie had no choice but to mature early and do some trivial work so they won't starve to death.In the village where Suzie lives, a lot of families who owned huge lands needed more hands to do farm work. So even though her hands were smaller than others, she was given the 'privilege' to work. But her income was the smallest. Only ten pounds of rice every week.For that ten pounds of rice, the six-year-old Suzie had to wake up before the sun rises. She had to look after the livestock, tend to some crops or be the runner of other workers all day. She could only go home when the sky started to darken. It was such a tiring and exhausting life that the young Suzie had no time to play with other kids or have the leisure time of her own.The only moment that the young Suzie felt like a child was when the once-a-year festival of their village comes. Everyone was not allowed to work. So she had ti
"What do you mean there will be no maids or nurses that will attend to my husband?" Suzie asked in disbelief.After seeing her comatose husband, she went down to inquire Jonathan about the maids of this house and her husband's caretakerBut she never expected that not a single person would be allocated here! Jonathan looked apologetic as he answered, "This is the order of the Madame. From now on, all maids and nurses that are assigned to eldest Sir have been withdrawn. According to Madame's words, since eldest Sir's wife is here she will take care of the eldest Sir, fulfilling her role as his wife."Suzie felt a thunder had struck her."....You mean all the house chores, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of that comatose man have now fallen into my shoulders? Without even one single helper at all?""Yes.""I won't complain about the maids since this place doesn't look like they are taking care of it. There was nothing much difference if they exist or not. But at least a doctor shoul
Javier had wanted to push away the hands that were wiping his face. But his limbs remained unmoving.He could only curse.No matter how much time had passed, he could not get used to other hands touching him. He could only be helpless as the other party do what they want to him."I'll be taking off your shirt." The soft voice of the woman sounded above him. Unlike the others who had taken care of him before, this newcomer was too noisy.What did she say her name was?Ah, right Suzie.This woman just came out of nowhere and told him that she was his wife. How did the Thomson family allow their precious daughter to marry someone a half-dead like him?Was the Thomson family in decline?However, thinking back, wasn't the Thomson family's only daughter named Bianca?So who is this Suzie?Javier had a lot of time. And the only way for that endless time to pass was to think. His world was only darkness. He had no concept of time or day here which made him confused. If not for the sound of
Javier could not see her. But he could hear her.Unlike the maids who had 'taken' care of him, this woman's hand was rather cautious. He felt her opening his shirt's button slowly. When the third button was off, she suddenly stopped."Ah, Is there any spare shirt?" There was a ruffled sound.The woman seemed to stand up and rummaged around the room.He then heard her mutter in shock. "Why is everything here so empty? There's not even a shirt or underwear here. Don't tell me he hasn't changed his inner garments for years?"Javier: "...."Although he could not remember the last time he was changed, it was surely not a year ago! Besides, his clothes were constantly changed while the maids were taking advantage of him.And he didn't smell since he didn't sweat!The woman continued to rummage on the drawers. But they were all empty. Javier wanted to coldly tell her that everything that could be used and has value in this room was stolen by the maids here a week ago. So there's no use in f
.....Suzie started to clean the house. She first started to clean the kitchen and the bathroom. She wasn't able to clean the whole place because everything here was a mess and full of dust. Especially the second floor. Except for the master's bedroom where the elder master was, everything was dirty.Before the sun completely set, Suzie started to prepare her dinner. She used the pot that she had scrubbed many times and cooked rice.The old fridge was empty. Fortunately, she saw some plants growing in the front yard. She believed the potatoes there hadn't been dug up.So she took a rusty sickle from the storage downstairs and dug up a potato. While digging up, she realized that the soil here was fertile and that a lot of edible plants were planted here. Such as onions, garlic, and chilies.Suzie believed that the previous tenant of this old cabin planted all these here for self-sustaining. Perhaps that's why there was a bamboo wall and bamboo gate with the height of the human's waist
Suzie smiled and kissed the twin's head. "Always remember that you two not only have us but you have each other. Keep looking out for each other like this as you two grow up, okay? Then Mommy will give you a lot of rewards." Hearing rewards, the two children's moods turned happy. "What rewards? Are we going to the ocean and dive with sharks?" "Are we going to fly in the air and meet Superman?" Suzie laughed. She really wished her children would never lose their innocence and their imagination towards the world. They could grow up strong and disciplined, but they should never lose their innocence toward life and their hope for the future. She would make sure of it. "Let me think about it." The two children talked about the rewards that were about to come while they held Suzie's hand. When Javier met them at the company's lobby, he could not help but smile at the scenery. The scenery of his wife and his two children laughing and smiling warmed up his heart. Life was full of ups a
"Everyone, I appreciate your presence here. The reason behind gathering you all and convening this meeting on such short notice is to announce that my wife will be visiting." Tension hung in the air as Javier initiated the meeting. However, the revelation that followed left everyone in a state of surprise. Maintaining his composed demeanor, Javier continued, "Many of you had the opportunity to meet her at last year's opening ceremony. She expresses her regret that she couldn't personally greet each and every one of you on that occasion. My wife is a busy mother, her schedule is quite demanding. I kindly ask for your understanding in this regard." "Madame does not need to apologize." "Madame's kindness is truly remarkable. It's touching that she considers employees like us. We're genuinely grateful for her thoughtfulness." "There is no need to bother about us...." Those with a talent for flattery seized the opportunity to win favor. And their strategy proved effective. Javier's
Three years later...In the massive conference room of a certain high-rise building, a group of executives and the board of directors were seated accordingly in their positions. The seat at the head of the table was empty.Everyone waited for that person's arrival with their hearts in their throats.Only the people in higher positions within the company knew how terrifying their boss was. Though young, their boss was ruthless when it came to business and never gave a second chance to those who harmed the company.He was generous to those who worked hard and remained loyal, but ruthless to his enemies. In three years, the company had risen unimaginably and become the number one empire in the country. It then ascended to a top-three rank in the whole of Asia.To those employees who remained with the company even during the most difficult times, their rise to these positions was a testament to their loyalty. They considered themselves fortunate to have stuck with the company and reaped n
In the quiet embrace of dawn's gentle touch, the sea awoke from its slumber, its vast expanse stretching out as far as the eye could fathom. The horizon, adorned with hues of soft amethyst and pale rose, held a promise of the spectacle to come. A delicate, cool breeze carried the faint scent of salt and adventure, caressing the senses like a whispered secret. Suzie tiptoed out of the bedroom and washed her face downstairs. She then busied herself in the kitchen. It had been two weeks since the couple had stayed on the island, and there hadn't been a single day when Suzie woke up early to prepare breakfast. Partly because it was Javier's fault for keeping her up late, but whenever she did wake up, Javier had already cooked breakfast and cleaned the kitchen. Even the dishes were taken care of by Javier. There wasn't much else for Suzie to do but watch her handsome, gorgeous husband handle the chores. Suzie appreciated his efforts. However, she also wanted to showcase her cooking ski
Suzie woke up, feeling an ache in her lower body. She opened her eyes and saw sunlight peeking in through the curtains.How long had it been since she was out?She slowly sat up straight and felt the stinging sensation again. She couldn't help but blame the man once more for being too fierce last night.It was as if the married couple had a connection; Javier appeared at the door, holding a warm glass of water.He looked surprised to see Suzie awake. He hurriedly walked in and handed her the water."You're awake. How do you feel?" Guilt and self-blame were evident on Javier's face. He knew that he had been too rough last night.Suzie wanted to scold him, but seeing him like this, her heart softened. Still, she glared at him. "You were indeed too rough last night."Javier gently helped Suzie to her feet. "I'm sorry. I lost control. Mrs. Zhou kept you away from me for three days—how could I not miss you?" Javier couldn't help but drag Mrs. Zhou into the conversation.Three days without
"....so just look at me and don't be nervous." A voice sounded on the front, breaking the fight that was about to start. Ambassador Milliard and Uncle Surge had already arrived in front of the bride's waiting room. At the door, Javier was almost hugging the door as he spoke with a pitiful voice, "I really wanted to see you. I haven't seen you for three days. Mrs. Luo is too strict." "We will see each other in a few minutes. So go to the hall and wait for me. Let my makeup artists work in peace," Suzie's voice sounded from inside the room. "...Alright. I miss you so bad, wife." Ambassador Milliard: "...." Uncle Surge: "...." Fortunately, they were the only people here. If other guests happened to pass by, Javier's image would completely shift from that of a peerless young CEO to that of a lovestruck fool, simping for his wife. The door swung open, and Javier, who had been clinging to it, almost stumbled forward. Mrs. Luo emerged from the room and deliberately avoided him. "Jus
Many people began talking about the couple again. Some were a bit regretful that the wedding of the century was not publicized on the TV. They could only get some news and updates from the social media of the guests.In a salon, a group of young misses were browsing their phones as they were getting pedicures.One of the young ladies saw the post and the discussion. She sat up straight in shock and the pedicurist almost ruined the nail polish she was applying on her toes."Wow! The whole island?! This is amazing! The island is so beautiful! I want to go there!" The young woman squealed. She glanced at the young woman at the far end of their group."Bianca, Mr. Albretch has gifted a very massive and beautiful island to your sister. We can go there, right?"Bianca was also browsing her phone. Even though she did not want to see the news about the wedding, everyone was talking about it and the photos from the island kept showing up on the hot search. She naturally saw this discussion.Wh
The sun hung low in the sky. The sea, a vast mirror of shimmering azure, stretched as far as the eye could see, its waves whispering secrets to the shore. Glistening flecks of sunlight danced upon the water's surface, a prelude to the symphony of colors that was about to unfold.The gentle lull of the waves created a serene backdrop, a tranquil cadence that set the rhythm for the impending ceremony.Seagulls soared gracefully above, their calls mingling with the rustling of palm fronds swaying in the warm breeze. The air held a hint of salt, making people feel as if they were in the sea's embrace, welcoming all who had gathered to witness this union of souls.At the water's edge, a carefully crafted boarding ramp stood adorned with seashells and diaphanous fabrics that fluttered in harmony with the wind. There was red carpet for the guest who embarked from their private boats.Delicate petals, kissed by sunlight, were scattered along the sandy aisle, guiding the way to the heart of th
..... While Suzie was busy pampering herself, Javier, the groom, was also solving some things on his own. He took a break from his busy schedule and visited the City Z penitentiary. City Z's prison had the maximum security in the country where high-profiled criminals with heavy chargers were assigned to. Because of Colton's identity and the long list of his punishment, he was assigned to this place. "Inmate 1206, you have a visitor!" A correctional officer banged on a certain cell's door with his baton. A thin man stood up with a confused expression. He followed the correctional officer to the visiting area. When he saw the person through the partition glass, the thin man paused. The compliant look on his face shifted for a moment. Javier was sitting on the other side with a calm gaze. He pointed at the telephone beside the partition glass. The correctional officer pushed the thin man, "Inmate 1206, you only have fifteen minutes." The thin man had no choice but to sit. He hes