Chapter 1: The Fake Fiancée

"Slap!"

The slap landed on the porcelain-like face of the young girl, leaving a vivid red mark that gleamed in her eyes. The stinging sensation on her cheek left Annie momentarily stunned, her lips slowly oozing blood. She instinctively covered her face, unable to believe the disappointment in the eyes across from her.

"Don't look at me with those innocent eyes; it's disgusting. I've just asked you to help Sofia look after her blind fiancé for a while, but you can't even do that. What a selfish girl."

After striking Annie, Calliope retrieved a handkerchief from her purse and delicately wiped her hand as if she had touched something filthy.

"That's right, my sister. Just a little favor, and you can't even graciously agree to help me."

Sofia, bored, inspected her freshly painted nails with indifference. She expressed her disdain while glancing in Annie's direction, and she couldn't stand the sight of this run-down house either. If it weren't for things to do, she would never willingly approach Annie or set foot inside this impoverished home.

"Furthermore, if you still want to play the noble one who doesn't want to get involved with me, that's fine; I won't force you. But I've heard that your weak mother needs a huge sum for her medical treatment, and with your impoverished appearance, can you even afford those medical bills?"

"Don't blame me for not warning you earlier. If you help me, I'm more than willing to give you a million dollars, and the medical expenses won't be an issue anymore. But if you remain clueless, helplessly watch your mother deteriorate and die soon."

Upon hearing this, Annie had fear and disappointment brimming in her wide eyes and couldn't help but exclaim, "Sofia, how can you say such heartless things? She's still your mother!"

Annie raised her voice as a reminder, but it was clear that Sofia paid no attention to this. She scoffed and looked disdainfully at Annie before intimately wrapping her arm around Calliope's and sweetly saying, "Mother? Is she worthy of being my mom? I only have one mother named Calliope, and that poor, ignorant woman is your mother alone, Annie."

Sofia retorted with a cold and cutting tone, and each word left Annie feeling increasingly crestfallen, her petite face turning pale.

"So, you can utter words as cruel as these?"

Isolde was the mother of Annie and Sofia, a destitute woman who worked as a nanny for the wealthy to make ends meet. Back then, she married her father, Galvin, while both of them were impoverished, and together, they raised Annie and Sofia. The four of them lived relatively harmoniously as a family.

However, later on, the daughter of Galvin's company's CEO, Calliope, falls head over heels in love with him and relentlessly urges Galvin to divorce Isolde to be with her. At that time, Galvin was drawn to power and wealth, directly divorcing Isolde and wanting to take Annie and Sofia to Calliope's mansion to enjoy a life of luxury.

Sofia, eager for wealth and happiness, agreed, severing her ties with Isolde to curry favor with her stepmother Calliope to become a noble heiress. Meanwhile, Annie steadfastly wanted to stay behind and care for Isolde, living with her in a small and humble house. A once-close family of four eventually fell apart, and since Galvin led Sofia away, Annie has never seen them again.

Today, Sofia, with an air of refinement, came to Annie's house along with Calliope, and to Annie's surprise, she made a direct proposal. She wanted Annie to look after her blind fiancé for two years, in exchange for which she would pay Annie one million dollars.

Annie did not agree, and the situation escalated like this:

Upon hearing Annie's response, Sofia, with a triumphant expression, burst into laughter with an air of superiority. She tilted her chin towards Annie and smirked, handing Annie a business card.

"Fine, I'll give you three days to think it over. If you agree, give me a call."

With that, Annie haughtily raised her head and led Calliope away, not forgetting to mutter condescendingly before leaving.

"What a wretched place this is; I can't stand it. Mom, it's such a good thing that I followed Dad to live with you back in the day, or else I'd have to endure this decrepit and decrepit house. Just the thought of it is terrifying."

Terrifying? Annie couldn't help but burst into a bitter laugh. Her younger sister, who used to be the picture of beauty, had turned into this cruel and haughty demeanor after several years of not seeing each other, making her feel like a stranger.

The pain on her face didn't compare to the ache in her heart. Annie sighed deeply and took a deep breath to calm herself. Annie went to the kitchen, packed the food into a thermos, smoothly placed them in a white cloth bag, and carried them to the hospital to visit her mother.

Indeed, what Sofia said was true; their current situation was dire. Isolde had kidney problems, and every hospital visit incurred a substantial cost, a financial burden that weighed heavily on Annie. However, whenever she faced Isolde, Annie tried to appear normal and avoided mentioning her encounter with Sofia and Calliope that afternoon.

"Mom, I brought dinner for you. How are you feeling today?"

Isolde was staring out the window, and when she saw Annie approach, her face softened. She gently took Annie's hand and spoke softly.

"It's not a big deal for me, dear. I'm fine. You don't have to cook and bring food here. I can eat the hospital food just fine."

Annie didn't agree with that for a moment. She carefully took the steaming hot meal from the bag and placed it on the table, offering a spoon to Isolde.

"How can hospital food possibly provide the nutrition you need? I have the time to cook dinner for you, and your health is the most important thing."

Isolde sighed as she ate, her thoughts lingering in the quiet moments, her eyes downcast.

"The medical bills this time are quite high, aren't they, Annie? It's all because of my incompetence. I'm not only poor but also in poor health. It's hard on you, my child."

"Actually, you don't need to take care of me and bear this burden, Annie. You can leave me and go to your father's home. You'd have a better life without worrying about me. Please don't worry. I've grown accustomed to living with this illness."

Annie choked back her emotions, hastily taking hold of Isolde's hand and speaking soothingly.

"Mom, please don't say that. I've never regarded you as a burden. You have always been my source of motivation, and you're the most cherished person in my life."

"Don't worry about money," Annie reassured, gently soothing Isolde's emotions to ensure she finished her dinner. She fabricated a story, explaining that she had recently secured a job at a renowned restaurant, earning a substantial income with generous tips from my customers. Afterward, Annie sat with Isolde for a while before preparing for her evening shift. Before leaving, she reminded Isolde not to dwell on things too much and to relax and unwind at the hospital.

"You're truly fortunate to have such a beautiful and well-behaved daughter. Every day, I see her coming to take care of you and bring you meals," Joyce, the woman sharing the hospital room with Isolde, praised, her eyes filled with admiration. Isolde smiled warmly, her gentle demeanor radiating contentment.

"Yes, having her as my daughter is my greatest blessing."