Foreword

Somewhere in New York

I found myself standing beside a mirror, gazing at my reflection. Tears streamed down my face as I took in the sight. I wore a simple makeup on my face and a white gown that swept the floor. On any other day, I would have been joyous, praying for a bright future. But today, it only caused aching in my heart.

“Darling, are you still not ready?” My aunt’s voice pierced through my sorrow. “It’s already 7:00 pm, and the groom is growing impatient. Hurry up! And what kind of makeup is that? It doesn’t suit you. Today is your wedding day; you should look beautiful,” she said, causing more tears to flow.

“Aunt, I don’t want to marry him. You know me well; I have no interest in this business arrangement,” I tried to explain, but it fell on deaf ears. Instead of listening to me, she applied more makeup, but my tears only ruined her efforts.

“Don’t forget that after your parents’ death, your uncle brought you here and provided you with a decent life,” Aunt retorted angrily, wiping away my tears harshly.

“I’m grateful for that, but I also know it was all because of Dad’s insurance money. Besides, I’ve been treated like a servant here,” I managed to say before feeling a sharp pain as Mrs. Gray pulled my hair. I cried out in helplessness, struggling to free my hair, but her grip tightened, and she slapped me with force.

“Whatever, but now you have no choice. Marry him and be happy, or you might not realize the consequences he can bring,” Mrs. Gray said, pushing me to the floor. I cried not because of the physical pain but because I knew this marriage was happening against my will.

“Be ready in an hour. I’ll come back after checking the arrangements, and don’t you dare do anything outrageous. This is your destiny now,” Mrs. Gray warned me, glaring for the last time.

I sat on the floor, crying for a while, but then a thought struck me—what good would crying do? Would it change my fate? Knowing the answer was no, I stood up and wiped my tears. I refused to accept the destiny dictated by Mr. and Mrs. Gray; I had to write my own path. With that determination, I walked towards my wardrobe, throwing dresses onto the bed. I gathered my certificates and other necessary belongings.

As I was about to close the wardrobe, I remembered that a few days ago, Mrs. Gray had given me some money to keep. I hesitated for a moment but then realized that this money belonged to my father. I took it out and packed my belongings into a backpack.

I put on the backpack and took a step forward but stumbled due to the weight of my wedding gown. I needed to change, and more importantly, I needed to escape all of this. I quickly changed into something more comfortable and cautiously looked outside to find a safe route.

“What are you planning?” a voice startled me. I turned slowly and saw my cousin giving me a smirk, scanning me from head to toe.

“You didn’t tell me,” Joseph approached me, his touch making me feel disgusted. I tried to push him away, but he withdrew his hand and kissed it, saying, “You should have accepted my help.”

“Joseph, I…,” my voice trailed off in fear, rendering me unable to speak.

“Relax, I will help you. I don’t want my father to ruin your life. I’ve tried to make him understand, but he’s not willing to listen. Besides, you know how much I love you. I can’t let you marry so easily,” Joseph said, his words making me even more uncomfortable. He was my cousin, yet his predatory gaze had always been fixed on me. I had even informed my uncle and aunt, but they chose to dismiss my concerns, giving him the freedom to touch me whenever he pleased, leaving me feeling helpless and violated.

“Can I trust you? Don’t play games with me, or you’ll regret it. Remember how I landed you in the hospital a few days ago?” I said, searching for something to hit him with.

“You don’t have any other option, nor do you have time. You can escape through the forest area; it will lead you directly to the highway,” Joseph said, startling me. I pondered for a moment, then decided to face my destiny head-on.

As I walked away, I could feel his gaze lingering on me. I turned to look, and he smiled, giving me a thumbs-up. But I knew that smile was fake, and his sinister intentions were concealed within his twisted mind.

.......................................................

New York,

Aiden's POV

"What is wrong with all of you?" I yelled in the conference hall, frustrated with the lackluster presentations my employees had been delivering.

This was the sixth presentation, and none of them were worth my time. I had forgotten that I was relying on these presentations to secure deals.

"But Mr. Connell, the last one was good," Mr. Jogger, one of our investors, spoke up but stopped when he saw my furious expression. I struggled to contain my anger, realizing that my precious time was being wasted, and now he objected to my words.

"Really, Mr. Jogger? Do you honestly believe that our company will crack a deal with such childish ideas? If we present this during the conference, forget about the deal—our reputation will be ruined. Don't forget, my reputation is the only thing that matters to me. So, I have decided that I will give the presentation. I don't take risks, and besides, I know why you liked that last one," I emphasized my words.

As the weight of my tone settled, not just Mr. Jogger, but all the investors who supported him lowered their gazes. I smirked at their reaction and then turned my attention to the man still on the stage—my stepbrother, Adam. He constantly tries to undermine me and take over my company. Seeing me looking at him, he quickly stepped down and returned to his seat.

"I am warning all of you. This is the last time I will tolerate your delusional behavior. If you want to support someone else, you know where the door is, because I won't give up my position easily," I declared, leaving everyone astonished. This is my strategy—if you want to maintain your position, show others your ruthless side, and they will follow you like wolves drawn to flesh.

After reaching the parking area, I spotted Mr. Baker, my driver, who was on the phone. He immediately ended the call and hurried over to me.

"Sir, I..." he struggled to speak, but I interrupted him, saying, "You can leave for now, but come tomorrow with your resignation letter."

I despise those who waste time instead of working diligently. I was about to leave when Mr. Baker's words stopped me in my tracks. "Sir, I'm sorry. I won't repeat it. Please forgive me. I was on a call with my daughter, who is in the hospital."

I clenched my jaws and then looked at Mr. Baker, who had lowered his head. "Sir, trust me. She has cancer," he whispered. The mention of that damned word "cancer" made my fists tighten.

"Come early tomorrow. I have somewhere to go," I said, walking away while memories flooded my mind.

I retrieved my keys and got into the car, only to step out again when I realized I had left my phone in my office. I walked back, planning tomorrow's events, but my thoughts were interrupted by my manager, who bowed his head and wished me a good evening. Instead of replying, I continued walking, asking, "Where is my new assistant?"

He followed me, saying, "He's doing his best," but I cut him off and stopped in my tracks. "Two days, or else he can submit his resignation."

With that, I walked away, recalling how I had fired my previous assistant two days ago for being unable to handle the workload properly and display laziness in my company.