Chapter 0001

In Zolford, Marsey, the scorching hot July sun beat down on the ground.

In Wood Estate, Valerie Wood exclaimed, "What are you talking about, Dad? I have to marry someone?

"Are you so desperate for money that you will even sell your daughter off? Are you not afraid of what others will say about you? Don't you have a conscience?"

She had just finished her exams and returned home for the holidays. Upon returning, she received the ridiculous news.

Valerie hurled accusations at her father, Anthony Wood. She wanted to make sure he understood the extent of her discontent.

She was going to get married? What family was crazy enough to want her hand in marriage?

Hearing her daughter's words, Emma Maze patted her shoulders. "Don't say that about your father. Isn't this the reason why we've asked you to come home? It's to discuss the marriage."

Valerie pointed at the piles of gifts on the floor. "Mom, you say that you called me home to discuss it, but you've already accepted gifts from them!" she cried out.

Valerie was just an honest and well-behaved sophomore at college. The summer break had just begun. She hadn't even had enough time to enjoy it before she had been summoned back home by Emma.

Now her parents were telling Valerie that someone wanted to marry her.

Who was it?

It was the distinguished Kingsley family.

When Valerie found out that she was to marry one of the Kingsleys, she fell back on the couch in shock. The news hit her like a lightning bolt. She slumped down and remained frozen.

Emma and Anthony exchanged looks. They looked at Valerie in concern as she processed the news.

"We will be having a meal with the Kingsleys to discuss the marriage tomorrow. You—"

"Mom, can I have a second to calm down?"

Valerie robotically got up from the couch and went upstairs to her room.

She could reject a marriage proposal from any family in Marsey, but not the Kingsleys. Everyone knew that the Kingsleys were not to be messed with.

The Kingsleys had been established in the business world for generations. They were a distinguished family in Zolford.

Zolford's economy depended on the Kingsleys. In fact, the town's economy could crumble with a mere snap of their fingers.

Valerie couldn't afford to offend such a powerful family.

She buried her face in her hands. "What do I do? This sudden marriage that fell from the sky is going to be the death of me!"

Valerie didn't know how she was supposed to feel right now. Was she supposed to lament her predicament, or was she supposed to rejoice?

The next day, she went to meet the Kingsleys with her parents.

However, her youthful face was dotted with red spots. When she opened her mouth to speak, her breath smelled terrible and even revealed a few cavities.

She had tied a bright yellow scarf over her head and painted her lips an atrocious neon pink.

She had also painted her nails, but each nail sported a different color, varying from red to pink, and even purple.

All in all, Valerie looked like a walking fashion disaster who couldn't be bothered with her hygiene.

Anthony gestured to Valerie as he introduced her to the Kingsleys. "Mr. Kingsley, this is my daughter, Valerie."

Was this young woman … really her?

William Kingsley studied the photo he had been given. Then, he looked back up at the young woman in front of him. He was clearly perplexed.

The person in the photo was beautiful. She had sparkling eyes, and her lips were curved into a smile. She looked like a sweet young woman.

How did the beautiful young lady in the photo turn out to be the greasy-haired, acne-ridden, and foul-smelling person in front of him?

Thankfully, Kieran Kingsley wasn't here today. If he was, he would definitely object to the marriage.

"Why does she look so different from her photo?"

Valerie composed herself before plastering a timid and embarrassed expression on her face. "I used beauty filters in that photo. This is how I really look."

William hesitated.

Valerie was secretly elated when she saw William's reaction. She knew that the Kingsleys would never accept someone who looked like her right now.

Emma and Anthony were impressed by Valerie's tactic. Her plan might actually work!

Earlier, the Kingsleys had arrived at Wood Estate out of the blue and asked for Valerie's hand in marriage. The Kingsleys' tone that day had been threatening and left no space for the Woods to refuse.

Anthony was the first to break the silence. "Mr. Kingsley, we are at fault for deceiving you with a fake photo. Why don't we just call off the wedding? I'll arrange for the gifts that you sent us to be returned to Kingsley Estate."

"No need. I like her. Valerie will be a good fit for our family."

"What?"