With Suzie's urging, she received the severance pay and managed to get the old maid kicked out. As expected, the head maid was shocked. She even begged Venice and George for the sake of the long years she had served. However, since Venice promised to handle the matter cleanly, she could not give any other way out. The head maid had no other choice but to leave the Thomson mansion without a single penny. The sudden outcome caused the maids and staff to be scared and think twice about their actions. The head maid had been working for the Thomson family for decades. Yet, she was mercilessly used as a scapegoat and was dragged out of the house. A lot of them began to doubt whether actively participating in the schemes would be good for them or be their downfall. It had been almost two months since Suzie arrived at the Thomson mansion. The maids and staff who were cold to her suddenly became milder. They must have been afraid of what happened to the head maid. They now greeted Suze whe
It was a good thing that she wasn't too attached to these people and this place so she could leave without a heavy heart. Even that father of hers was not something she regretted leaving behind. The head maid suddenly came running. "Eldest Miss! Please wait. We can't just let you leave like this." The head maid took a breather before continuing. "How about you have dinner first? The cook in the kitchen was already preparing your food." Suzie glanced outside, the sun was still up. "It is too early for dinner. Besides, I just have eaten lunch a few hours ago." "T-then! How about some snacks and desserts?" Suzie looked at the desperate head maid and the maids that were blocking her way. Why does she feel like they were desperately preventing her from leaving? "No need." Suzie began walking. But the head maid blocked her way. "Eldest Miss! Can you at least please wait for the Master to come? In that way, you can bid goodbye to each other personally." "I have nothing to say to Ge
In the quiet study room, the two were facing off.The kind and warm father role that George was playing had now disappeared. Suzie was facing a cold-hearted businessman of the head of the Thomson family.George lit his pipe as he spoke."You are to marry the eldest son of the Albrecht family. That is the will of your grandfather."Suzie felt thunder had struck her.Marriage...An arranged marriage?!Suzie had never thought this could be the reason. Her mind was only capable of guessing that this family wanted her liver or her blood or something. But to be married off....How could she not think about this? Wealthy people had arranged marriages at birth after all. Suzie stood up in shock."I am not agreeing to it!"Although she was at the right age to marry, it doesn't mean she could marry anyone that these damn people arranged for her."You have no choice. We already made the deal with the Albrecht family. And they agreed to accept you as their eldest son's bride."Albrecht family..
"If I let this matter out and take it to court, I can make sure that no company would take you in. You won't be employed except in some shabby places that could barely pay your everyday expenses. Do you think you would be able to survive and pay me at the same time for ten years?" Suzie paled. To think that this man who had the same blood as her dig into her past and threaten to ruin her life more. How ridiculous this is. That's right. She had indeed dark past and dark jobs. As someone who had no family or good background, the high school graduate Suzie could only take some job on the streets. When her grandmother became ill, she even took some risky jobs from illegal companies. Although she made sure she won't be involved in drugs and human trafficking, there were a lot of things that those companies had done that were against the law. When she became more experienced, that's when she only manage to take some seven days jobs that have some good standing in the industry. But like
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
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