"I don't want to," Ula firmly replied, immediately receiving a hostile look from her mother.
"Ula..." her mother scolded. "Listen to me."
"Why do I have to marry someone I know nothing about?" Ula asked angrily. "This is Mila's wedding. Why don't we postpone it and go look for her? If Mila is taken away, isn't Mila's life in danger?"
"This..." Unable to answer Ula's question, her mother looked at Liam as if expecting him to explain.
"The wedding cannot be postponed. It must proceed today, no matter what," Liam asserted in a loud voice. "Besides, we can't let anyone know about Mila's disappearance. If you want to find Mila, you have to wait until this wedding is over."
"Why?" Ula stared at Liam, demanding a plausible explanation: "Is Mila's disappearance more important than the wedding?"
The reason Ula asked that was because she did not know about the deal between Mila and Ethan. According to Ula, finding Mila is more important; even though she doesn't like Mila, she doesn't want Mila to be in danger.
"You don't need to know, and I'm under no obligation to explain it to you either." Instead of answering, Liam acted coldly, emphasizing, "In short, it's your family's business. You guys can handle it yourself. Ten minutes later, if the bride isn't present at the wedding, don't blame me for not warning first."
After saying that, Liam walked out. He needed to go back to reassure Ethan and control the situation outside.
Once Liam left, Mila's mother immediately changed her attitude.
"Ula, listen carefully. You must replace Mila and marry that man."
"Why? I don't want to!" Ula protested indignantly.
"Whether you want it or not, you have to accept it," Mila's mother snapped. "For so many years, you have lived, eaten, and dressed warmly at my house. Now it's time for you to repay the favor."
"I've worked hard and earned money for you," Ula retorted. "Isn't that still not enough for your greed?"
"Shut your mouth. You have no right to talk back," the woman retorted sharply. "You should be grateful that if I hadn't taken you in to raise you, you would have been abandoned on the streets."
"I won't do what you want," Ula firmly stated, and Mila's mother immediately slapped Ula's face with force.
"You insolent brat! You want to rebel? Dream on. If you dare to defy me today, you'll face consequences worse than death."
"Don't threaten Ula." Grandma shows up and intervenes: "What right do you have to force Ula to replace Mila?"
"Shut up, old hag!" Mila's mother scolded her mother-in-law, even shoving her violently when she tried to help Ula. "There's no place here for a useless person like you to speak."
The old woman lay motionless on the floor, her lung disease flaring up again, causing her to cough and gasp.
"Are you alright, grandma?" Ula sat down to support her paternal grandmother. Seeing her grandmother cough up blood, Ula felt heartbroken.
"Enough with the nonsense," Mila's mother scolded. "If you don't cooperate, I'll kill both you and that old woman."
"You're not allowed to touch my grandmother," Ula snapped back sternly.
"Let's see. I can not only kill both of you but also do even more dreadful things," Mila's mother declared, then walked towards Ula and her grandmother sitting on the floor.
Faced with the mother's serious threat, Ula was forced to make a difficult decision.
"Alright, I agree to do as you say, but with one condition," Ula courageously stated. "Either you agree, or I will go out there and tell everyone about this whole drama."
"You dare to make a condition with me, you wretch," Mila's mother shouted angrily. But Ula showed no fear and challenged her with a stern look.
"I will gouge your eyes out," Mila's mother growled, moving towards Ula but being stopped by her husband.
"That's enough. Ula, state your condition," he said.
"You have to take my grandmother to the hospital for treatment and take good care of her while I'm gone," Ula demanded.
"Ula, you don't have to do this for me. Think about your future and your life ahead," her grandmother advised, but Ula remained resolute.
"Fine, I agree," Mila's father quickly replied. He just wanted to end everything as soon as possible, so he agreed to compromise with Ula.
"Let's see. I can not only kill both of you but also do even more dreadful things," Mila's mother declared, then walked towards Ula and her grandmother sitting on the floor.
Faced with the mother's serious threat, Ula was forced to make a difficult decision.
"Alright, I agree to do as you say, but with one condition," Ula courageously stated. "Either you agree, or I will go out there and tell everyone about this whole drama."
"You dare to make a condition with me, you wretch," Mila's mother shouted angrily. But Ula showed no fear and challenged her with a stern look.
"I will gouge your eyes out," Mila's mother growled, moving towards Ula but being stopped by her husband.
"That's enough. Ula, state your condition," he said.
"You have to take my grandmother to the hospital for treatment and take good care of her while I'm gone," Ula demanded.
"Ula, you don't have to do this for me. Think about your future and your life ahead," her grandmother advised, but Ula remained resolute.
"Fine, I agree," Mila's father quickly replied. He just wanted to end everything as soon as possible, so he agreed to compromise with Ula. As for whether Mila's father will fulfill Ula's request or not, it is unknown.
"I don't believe your baseless words; write a commitment letter," Ula insisted firmly.
Following Ula's request, both sides signed the commitment letter, each keeping a copy. Ula put on the bride's dress, did her makeup, and proceeded into the church to continue the wedding ceremony in place of Mila.
"The bride is here." The announcement silenced the murmuring crowd.
Ethan also turned to look at the approaching bride, his mind filled with confusion. A strange feeling washed over him—an infinite regret about the life decision he had made.
As the bride got closer, the confrontation with reality made Ethan even more despondent. He couldn't define what was happening in his heart or what he would do with the girl who was about to become his contract wife after this wedding ceremony ended, leaving him seemingly unfocused and lost.
After the sacred vows were spoken, the officiant spoke solemnly, "I pronounce you husband and wife. The groom may now kiss the bride."
Applause echoed from below, celebrating the couple. To meet the expectations of the guests and to convince the respectable judge who was sitting below and observing reluctantly, Ethan had to lift the veil covering the bride's face. At that moment, Ula's face appeared before Ethan's eyes, and time seemed to stand still.
Ethan's tension was finally relieved as the wedding ceremony and the celebratory reception unfolded smoothly, and it was time to wrap up.Throughout the reception, Ethan and Ula continuously moved from table to table, receiving congratulations and expressing their gratitude to the guests in attendance. It's worth noting that neither Ethan nor Ula knew most of the guests. This wedding was merely a play directed by Liam and scripted with the purpose of deceiving the judge. Therefore, it held no significance for Ethan and Ula. Despite meeting for the first time, their acting was remarkably professional. Their seamless coordination, rhythmic movements, and intimate gestures towards each other successfully convinced onlookers that everything was genuine, and any doubts about a staged marriage were not given a chance to arise.Now, at the exit of a simple, unassuming restaurant, Ethan was engaged in a conversation with a special and honorary guest at his fake wedding—the judge of the city o
It didn't take Liam long to find Ethan near the entrance to the men's restroom. Ethan just walked out of there. "Ethan, there you are. Let's have a talk," Liam immediately suggested. "Liam, I also wanted to talk to you," Ethan impatiently revealed. "Did you..." "Let's go somewhere more private to talk. Liam interrupted with a proposal and led the way for Ethan to follow. When they both stopped in a secluded area outside the restaurant, Ethan immediately voiced his frustration to Liam. "Where have you been? I didn't see you at the party until now. Did you know I had to deal with all the chaos at the party myself? Ethan complained. "I had some things to take care of," Liam calmly explained. "Why didn't you say anything to me? Ethan continued to blame "I can see that you're busy, so I don't want to bother you. Ethan, remember, this is your wedding, not mine. You have to take charge of your own big day." "Don't say those ridiculous and insensitive things," Ethan angrily retorted,
After ceasing her tears, ending her complaints, and ceasing to blame the heavens for her unfortunate fate, Ula believed that tonight she could endure and overcome the first challenge in this marriage. However, everything was not determined by Ula and seemed to go against what Ula had hoped for. With Ula's determination and hope, everything collapsed with a sudden rainstorm. Rain poured down from the sky, and in an instant, the scenery around Ula looked cold and bleak. Since the doorstep had no shelter, the heavy rain mercilessly drenched Ula, making her both cold and wet. Ula thought about knocking on the door and begging Ethan to let her in, but her pride wouldn't allow her to humble herself too much in front of Ethan. Furthermore, there was no guarantee that Ethan would hear Ula's plea, or if he did, he might choose to ignore her. From the beginning, Ethan had intended to leave Ula outside the house in the middle of the night. Ula also considered other options, like leaving or seek
In the evening, Lisa had to return to her own home to take care of her husband and child. At this time, Ethan was in his room reading a book when Lisa came and knocked on the door. "Mr. Thomas, it's Lisa. I have something to tell you." "Please come in," Ethan said, his eyes still fixed on the book in his hand. With permission granted, Lisa entered the room. "What's the matter?" Ethan asked calmly, but in his heart, he was somewhat concerned about Ula. "How is that girl doing?" "She still hasn't regained consciousness," Lisa explained with worry. "Her fever hasn't subsided despite the medication I gave her. I think we should take her to the hospital." Hearing Lisa's words, Ethan clicked his tongue in annoyance. Ula's condition was so bad that she needed to be hospitalized. If Liam found out about this, Ethan was sure to be scolded for ignoring Liam's warning. Plus, if it came to the judge's attention, Ethan was certain he would face a big problem. Seeing that Ethan remained sile
"I won't allow you to leave here," Ethan asserted firmly."It's quite puzzling." Ula sternly expressed her curiosity. "From the beginning, it was you who didn't allow me to enter this house. Now you won't let me leave. What do you want, exactly?"In response to Ula's rightful curiosity, Ethan remained silent for a moment and then said, "In short, you must stay here, and you're not allowed to go anywhere.""You have no right to command or restrain me," Ula affirmed, asserting her democratic rights. "You certainly have no right to detain me. Who do you think you are? Don't behave so arrogantly and grivoisly. It's disgusting."Ignoring Ula's defiant attitude and without providing a clear, reasonable explanation to persuade her, Ethan resorted to threats."Listen carefully; if you dare to disobey my orders, you and your family will undoubtedly suffer dire consequences. Be wise and obedient." Ethan's tone sounded chilling, and his demeanor, especially his gaze when looking at Ula, was trul
Starting that day, Ula became the housemaid for Ethan. Every day, she had to wake up early and complete many tasks assigned by Ethan. Ula had to endure physical exhaustion and fatigue to fulfill all the chores as per Ethan's orders. Ethan always found ways to make Ula work and didn't allow her to rest.However, despite Ethan's attempts to torment and exploit Ula's labor for his own satisfaction, the results he received didn't satisfy him. Ula proved to be someone who was not easily subdued or willing to humble herself and beg.With her quick wit, finesse, and cleverness, Ula always completed her tasks excellently and efficiently. Ethan had assumed that Mila (Ula) was a frivolous, extravagant girl who enjoyed a life of luxury and didn't know how to do anything. Yet, the quality of Ula's work consistently surprised Ethan.Today marked the seventh day that Ula had been living with Ethan, and the seventh day she had to wake up early, working tirelessly day and night according to Ethan's d
The next day, despite Ethan's absence, Ula continued to work diligently as usual. The absence of Ethan at home made Ula feel comfortable and very free. However, the peaceful feeling did not last long.In the evening, Ethan suddenly appeared. Just as Ula was finishing preparing dinner, she saw Ethan open the door and enter the house. Ethan was not only alone but also brought a young girl. At first glance, Ula was sure that the girl Ethan brought home was not a kind person. Before Ula could even ask Ethan anything, he calmly declared,"This is Ami. Starting today, she will be living here. You must listen to her every command and serve her well. If she is not satisfied, you will face appropriate punishment."Ula was momentarily surprised by the news, and then she had to exclaim in her mind. What on earth is this? Ethan brings his mistress home and forces his wife to serve both of them. This is beyond Ula's imagination. She never expected Ethan to be so despicable and lowly. Putting herse
Three days have passed since Ami came to Ethan's house. Everything has been going well for Ula; she always manages to overcome the challenges and annoying games of Ami and Ethan. It is now dinner time. As usual, after finishing setting the dishes on the table, Ula proactively leaves the kitchen so that Ethan and Ami can have some privacy and also to find some fresh air for herself. However, today, Ethan suddenly doesn't allow Ula to leave the kitchen. "You stay there; don't go anywhere." Ethan orders sternly. Before Ula can open her mouth to inquire about Ethan's suspicious motive, Ami arrogantly interrupts: "That's right, you just stand there and wait for us to finish eating, and you can have whatever is left." Ula frowns in annoyance upon hearing Ami's careless words. Seeing that, Ami pretends to continue: "It's because I care about you that I said that. Don't skip meals all the time; it's not good for your health." The more Ami speaks, the more Ula wants to curse at her. Who