Elisha hurried out of the classroom because of the repeated threats she read on her cell phone from her parents. It is already the time of her last subject when she read the message on her cellphone. She already knew what would happen when her stepmom got angry with her, especially her real father.

While running in the corridor her phone suddenly rang. She immediately took her phone out of her bag and nervously answered her father's call. The moment she put her phone on the left side of her ear, she was almost stunned by the loud shout echoing on her phone.

"Where the hell are you? Did you not receive your mom's call? You need to be here before lunch!" His father's ranging voice echoed.

"Y-yes father--" She did not manage to finish her words when his father dropped the call. Elisha groaned because of her Dad's attitude. She never likes her dad nor her family and until now she was not used to getting along with them.

Elisha heaved a sigh. She wonders what her family wants, especially since his father was so eager for her to come back home. Maybe it is so important they tried to call her during class. Usually, her parents would not bother talking nor looking at her when she was at home. They will only talk to her when they need something or if she was asked to do something. They treat her as their maid and not like their own family because she is an illegitimate child of her father.

"Oops! s-sorry..." she suddenly bumped into someone while running because she was not looking the way. She just bowed her head and turned around. she did not bother to look at the man. She has no time talking and waiting for the person she bumped with because she was in a hurry.

The man looks at her back coldly and looks down on the wallet she dropped when they collided.

Elisha called a cab and went home. When she was about to prepare her payment for the ride, she noticed and realized that she lost her wallet. She suddenly felt nervous because she did not have any money left inside the pocket of her pants and bag. Then, an image of her best friend named Jane pops up to her mind. She dialed Jane's number and called her.

"Where are you? The class is about to start. Did you suddenly hit your head and realized that studying is not a fun thing to do?" Jane bombarded Elisha with a question the moment she answered Elisha's call.

"My parents called. They asked me to go home before lunch. Jane, I have a favor to ask. Please send me an e-cash to my account because I lost my wallet. I will pay you tomorrow, I promise. Please, Jane..." Elisha pleaded to her best friend. Jane is the only friend she has because only Jane treats her like a real family, unlike her father.

"Fine... but promise me that you will never forget to tell me what happened after your talk with your family," Jane said.

"I promise," Elisha smiled because she can feel that Jane was worried about her. She felt that there is still someone scared for her safety.

When Elisha arrived at home, the mansion's guard and maids greeted her. She only smiles at them and glances at the main door of the mansion where her stepmother named Matilda, who was glaring at her, was waiting. Elisha looked down to avoid her stepmom's glance. She does not want to look at her not because she is afraid of Matilda but because she hates how her stepmom looked at her. Matilda looked at her with disgust.

"Your father is waiting in the living room. Hurry up and change your clothes for something nicer than you are currently wearing today. You should not give shame to our family" Matilda said when Elisha arrived in front of her.

Wear something nicer than what she is wearing today? All of her clothes were nice and good. Only her family does not like what she is wearing because her sisters and stepmom were wearing designer and expensive clothes, unlike her clothes that are cheaper than one dollar.

"Yes, mother" She answered and headed straight to her room.

When Elisha opened the door and lights inside her room. A small room with a dull ambiance greeted Elisha. The windows were cracked, and her bed created a creaking sound when she sat over. She was about to open her cabinet to look for some nicer clothes when she saw a navy-blue dress lying on her bed. She was surprised by what she saw. This is the dress of Elaine, one of her stepsisters. Why is it here? Did her stepmom want her to wear her daughter's clothes?

"Elisha, from now on that dress is yours. Head down quickly and do not let father wait any longer. Father and the other visitor want to meet you. I still cannot believe that I let you wear my clothes. Never mind, that only cost a hundred dollar. I can still buy something more expensive than that" Elaine suddenly entered her room without her permission.

Elaine looked around and creeped out at the sight of her room. She doesn't like to be inside Elisha's room because for her the sight is awful, dirty, and dull, unlike her room. It is elegant and all the things inside her room are expensive.

"Thanks," Elisha said.

Elisha wears the Navy-blue dress and applies light make up that makes her look gorgeous and classy. The color of the dress compliments her white and smooth skin. The dress hugs her body that showcases her outer beauty. She ties her hair into a messy bun and wears the diamond necklace that was left to her by her mother. When she looked at the mirror, she was astounded by her looks because she resembles her dead mother.

She is so beautiful, and this is the first time she praised herself.

While Elaine was watching Elisha, she cannot admit that Elisha only wears a simple dress and makeup, yet she has so much beauty than her. Elaine does not like it because deep inside her heart, she envies Elisha.

While Mr. Houston, father of Elisha, was busy talking with their family visitor, Elisha was done preparing herself. Elaine escorts her to the living room together with Mrs. Houston. Mr. Houston and his visitor stop the moment their eyes are laid off to Elisha who looks so beautiful in her dress.

Mr. Houston fake a smile seeing his daughter. He cannot believe that his daughter would finally have a benefit to him and his family. He thought that his daughter is useless like her mother. He never would have thought that someone like his visitor today would offer him a good business proposal and wealth in exchange for her daughter.

He looked at the old man in front of him who was pleased to see his beautiful daughter. Mr. Houston thought that the Wrost did not know about his real personal background.

A while ago, when the family was busy having their breakfast all of a sudden, they were distracted by the maid to say that someone was looking for them. The family looks at each other before asking the maid to let the visitor come in.

Mr. Houston and Matilda wonder who is their visitor because they do not have a schedule with incoming guests. When the two went to the living room to meet their guest, they saw an old man who was sitting at the elegant sofa waiting for them.

The old man stood up and greeted them.

"Good day Mr. and Mrs. Houston. I am Leon, I am here for the presence of Mr. Wrost, owner of Wrost International." the old man said.

Mr. Houston and Matilda were shocked when they heard the name Wrost. What do the Wrost need in them and even bother to send staff? Wrost International is the second largest company in the country so the couple could not help but be shocked.

"Wrost?" Mr. Houston asked, confused. Mr. Wrost is one of the famous businessmen in their country because of his outstanding handsome look. He also has a lot of money and his wealth can compare to the whole countries' assets and value.

"Mr. Wrost heard that you are looking for a partnership. He wanted to send you an offer of partnership and additional assets in exchange for marrying your eldest daughter, '' the old man said, showing a document.

"Mr. Wrost wanted to marry my daughter? How come he wanted to marry Elaine?" Matilda, mother of Elaine asked. She cannot believe that a wealthy man like Mr. Wrost wanted to marry her daughter. Even Elaine who was with them cannot believe what she heard. Someone like Mr. Wrost wanted to marry her.

She cannot believe that giving birth to her daughter will give her fortune. She was so happy the moment she heard that Mr. Wrost wanted to marry her eldest daughter however, the old man disagreed.

"You are wrong Ms. Houston. I am talking about Elisha Houston" the old man said.

The smile on Matilda's face suddenly vanished when she heard Elisha's name. Mr. Wrost wanted to marry the illegitimate child of their family, the daughter of a maid. Why would Mr. Wrost want to marry Elisha? Is he gone nuts?

"Why would Mr. Wrost wanted to marry Elisha instead of Elaine?" Matilda asked in a confused tone and looked at her husband and Elaine who also cannot understand the old man.

"I am sorry Mrs. Houston but only Mr. Wrost knows the answer. If you do not accept Mr. Wrost's offer, then I will be taking my leave now" the old man said and bowed his head. When he is about to leave Mr. Houston stops him.

"I accept the offer," Mr. Houston suddenly said that makes the old man stop and look at him.

"What?!" Matilda asked with a ridiculous expression. She cannot believe that his husband will accept such an offer for Elisha's sake.

"Then I will wait for Elisha Houston. I wanted to see her personally. Please call her" the old man smiled and went back to where he was sitting a while ago.

"Yes," Mr. Houston smiled back then pulled Matilda away from the living room to talk to her properly.

"What is the meaning of this Jack? Why did you accept the offer for Elisha?" Matilda was furious when asking her husband.

"Listen, Matilda, this is a very good opportunity for our family. If I accept the offer, we can gain a lot of wealth, fame, and investors for our small company" Jack turned his head and explained what is on his mind to his wife, Matilda.

"What about Elaine's future? Wrost company is the second-largest company. I will never let Elisha surpass my daughter" Matilda said, greeting his teeth.

"Matilda, have you ever seen Mr. Wrost? You wanted Elaine to marry an old man like the man who was waiting in the living room? Wrost International will never be that famous if the CEO is a young man. It needs the experience to be successful. Look at me Matilda, look at my age. I am already in mid fifty of age and until now our company is still small." Mr. Houston said that makes Matilda stop and think.

Her husband is right. She never saw Mr. Wrost before. She heard that Mr. Wrost is famous and handsome like the rumors said but she never saw his face let alone seeing his current picture. She almost put her daughter in shame, luckily her husband stops her.

"Are you sure dad? Then I do not want to marry Mr. Wrost anymore, mother" She said to her mother.

"What are we going to do then, Jack?" Matilda asked when she finally calmed down and decided not to let Mr. Wrost marry Elaine. She looked at her daughter who is now busy with her phone.

"Call Elisha, she needs to meet the Wrost representative," Mr. Houston said and called Elisha

When Elisha finally arrives in front of them Mr. Leon greets her. Elisha sat together with her family without any idea that her family sold her to Mr. Wrost. She was just looking at Mr. Leon who was smiling at them.

"Dad? Why did you call me here?" Elisha asked.

"Elisha, we decided to let you marry Mr. Wrost. The wedding will be held next week" Mr. Houston said that makes Elisha's eyes widen and mouth agape.

Elisha froze when she heard something unexpected from his father. She heard it right. Her parents want her to marry a person she did not even know. In short, an arranged marriage with a strange man.

Elisha was about to refuse but her mother-in-law already expects her reaction, shock, and confusion that is why Matilda suddenly interrupts Elisha before she does something reckless that can tarnish their family reputation.

"Elisha, dear... We were sorry if we did not tell this ahead of time. We only want what is best for you and besides, we think that Mr. Wrost likes you. We were shocked too at first but when we thought about your future, your father and I accepted the marriage proposal of Mr. Wrost. I am sorry Elisha dear, but I hope you understand" Matilda looked at Elisha's worried eyes. She looked at her and sent her signal to not make a fuss in front of their visitor.

Elisha clenched her fist. She cannot believe that things like this will also be decided by her parents. Since she was young, her parents always decided for her, including what she eats, what she should wear, her time and now. her future. How can they do this to her? She greeted her teeth because she knows that this marriage will not benefit her at all. This marriage is for her parents and two sisters, not for her.

"Y-yes mom" Elisha answered and smiled. She did not dare to answer back or retaliate at all. She knew the consequences if she did not agree with what they wanted.

Elaine smirked. She knew that Elisha cannot do anything about her life. There is a string attached to her life that causes her to be manipulated by their parents and by Elaine. Elisha was not allowed to decline whatever they said. She was only allowed to agree and do what they want and that will be her life until she dies, to follow them forever.

"Ms. Elisha, I am happy to know that you agreed to this marriage. Do not worry, after marriage, you will be Mrs. Wrost. The wedding will be held next week. Everything is prepared. You do not have to do anything but to wait until the wedding day. We will send everything you need to know tomorrow" Leon stood up and bowed in front of Elisha before it bid goodbye.

When the old man was gone in front of them, the gentle look from the family face began to fade. It changes into the smile of an evil family. They will do everything for money. That is the Houston Family, except Elisha, the illegitimate daughter of the family.

"Elisha, from now on you will no longer attend nor finish your school. You just have to prepare yourself for the marriage" Mr. Houston said and left with his wife Matilda. Elaine who was left with Elisha smiled, mocking the weak Elisha who was still looking at the ground.

"You know what Elisha? only if your mother did not give birth to you, you will never suffer this kind of life" Elaine said then started leaving Elisha who was now in tears.

Elisha went to her room and slammed the door. She locked it to make sure that no one will barge in. She throws herself at her creaking bed and cries the whole day. She does not want to marry someone she did not know, and she does not want to stop studying. This is the only thing that makes her busy and enjoys her life. How dare they do something so horrible to her life?

Elisha cried the whole day until she fell asleep, tired from crying and thinking about her future life.

Elisha woke up with swollen eyes due to crying for so long. She sat up and found herself messy, including her makeup and hair. She forgot to change her clothes last time. When she was about to change her clothes, she saw her broken phone ringing beside her bed. She immediately looked at the caller's name and was astounded when she recognized who it was.

"Jan--" she said as she answered the call.

"Elisha! I was calling you and texting you a hundred times already. Why are you not answering my calls and messages? Have you gone insane? What happened!? Did your crazy family hurt you? Do not be scared and tell me. I will definitely rip their horrible faces" As usual, Jane bombarded her with a lot of questions whenever Elisha did something new.

"Calm down Jane, everything is fine except for one thing..." Elisha was not sure if it is okay to tell Jane about her wedding this coming week knowing Jane, she is a headache and will do everything if she thought something was not right.

"One thing? that one thing is still not fine, Elisha. Now, I want you to tell me that one thing" Jane said in a serious tone. Jane knew that her friend Elisha is like a puppet towards her parents. She always does what her family wants. Jane hates those kinds of people except Elisha. Elisha is different from her family. That is one of the reasons why Jane is very protective of her not because she is an illegitimate daughter of the family but because she has a soft and kind heart.

Elisha bit her lips. Jane will still be found out even if she hides her marriage from Jane.

"I-I am going to get married to the person I did not know," Elisha said and shut her eyes. She was ready to hear the loud voice of Jane, but Jane did not shout nor get exaggerated; instead she heaved a sigh and calmed herself.

"Elisha, do you want to marry that unknown person?" Jane calmly asked. Elisha got scared. This is not Jane. Whenever Jane gets serious that means she is dangerous. Elisha swallowed hard.

"Of course, not... I do not want to marry the person that I do not love" Elisha said as she started crying. She does not want this.

"Then listen carefully Elisha because I will do everything to save you," Jane said in a serious tone. For Jane, Elisha's parents are too much. She cannot take it anymore. She will do everything to save Elisha.

"What are you planning to do Jane?" Elisha asked in a worried tone.

"You will run away on your wedding day"