Episode 1

Upon nightfall, a black car pulled up at the entryway of the Wlop mansion—one of the most opulent mansions throughout the city.

Yet, for several months, the hosts had suffered misfortune. Consequently, they were compelled to sell one of the girls from the family.

To prevent his legitimate daughter from being auctioned and sold like an item, Mateo volunteered his niece Diana to a remarkably influential man, in hopes he would assist in saving his failing businesses.

Edwin required a wife, young and beautiful, to bear him children at the earliest opportunity.

His family was exerting immense pressure. At 35, he had never been involved in any serious relationship with a woman.

His parents, like his grandparents, were staunch conservatives who frowned upon a man of his age still unwed and without a family of his own.

Yet, they did not want just any woman for Edwin's spouse—given that he was exceedingly wealthy and powerful. Edwin's relatives sought a docile and sweet girl from a family of equal stature as his...

Edwin cared least about the girl; he simply longed for his family to cease nagging him about the marriage.

He was ready to purchase any girl and deceive his family into believing she was of his economic echelon.

One afternoon, as negotiations were proceeding, Mateo became privy to Edwin's scheming.

And he, with great cunning and ambition, offered his niece Diana. The girl, orphaned since childhood, was very young and stunning and notably, was silent and would never refuse any act that might anger Edwin.

Diana was a mute girl who had not spoken a word since witnessing her mother's murder.

Diana was just eighteen, having spent fifteen years with her uncle's family. Yet, prior to being accepted as one, Diana was shunned by her uncle and relegated to living with the servants.

However, as she grew, her beauty blossomed, and her resemblance to her mother only amplified her aunt's hatred and the lashes of her cruelty.

To her uncle's family, Diana was merely another servant. Although now, they were exploiting her to prevent their family from demise.

Mateo was a senior man who had conducted business that led to devastation, and because of which, his wife and daughter could no longer indulge in their accustomed lavish spending...

Edwin, through his car's window, observed the mansion's lights. Everything appeared so radiant, it seemed the Wlop family was far from ruin.

"Mr. Shop, will you be waiting any longer?" Edwin's driver inquired.

"No,"

"I want to conclude this promptly. Last night, my grandfather called to inform me he's found the suitable woman to be my wife," Edwin said through clenched teeth.

"Why not accept the woman your grandparents have chosen for you? It would save you future troubles with this family," suggested the driver.

Edwin remained silent, contemplating his next move. Wedding Violeta, the city mayor's only daughter, was a viable proposition for a strategic alliance between the two families.

Yet marrying Violeta would mean being bound to a demanding woman who would always strive to dominate him, which is what Edwin sought to avoid.

"Violet is quite beautiful, but she's just like the other women I've consistently rejected," Edwin replied.

"Sir, perhaps you should reflect on this more... You don't know the girl, plus, the old man is quite greedy," the driver's advice was cut short by Edwin raising his hand for silence.

"The decision is made. I appreciate your frankness," Edwin stated, his tone solemn.

The driver stepped out of the vehicle and promptly opened the rear door. Edwin alighted and proceeded to the main entrance.

Inside, all was prepared; Mateo's daughter, Susana, and Fatima, were eager to meet the man Diana was to wed.

Susana hoped he would be an old and cruel man so that Diana would endure true misery by his side.

"They have arrived, sir," informed the maid to Mateo and Fatima.

Mateo was on edge, hoping Diana would not spoil the moment.

"Why not choose our daughter for his wife?" Fatima rebuked.

The woman remained infuriated at her husband. Fatima had discovered minimal information about Edwin Shop online, yet had managed to find a photograph.

"Woman, cease your harping!... I am aware of the decisions I make," an irritated Mateo snapped back under his wife's pressure.

Fatima turned livid but quickly masked it with a sweet smile, clasped her husband's arm, and escorted him to the entrance.

With a nod, they signaled the maid to open the door. Edwin entered the mansion and fixed his gaze on the two figures before him...

"Good evening, welcome..." Mateo released his wife's hand and reached out to shake Edwin's.

Edwin remained taciturn, observing Mateo's transparently insincere smile and Fatima's feigned one.

Fatima stepped forward, extended her hand, and kissed both of Edwin's cheeks. The young man was far too handsome to be coupled with a mute wife like Diana.

"It's a pleasure to meet such a handsome man as yourself, Mr. Shop," Fatima commented enviously.

Edwin's eyes searched for the girl soon to be his bride; however, he only saw a blond young woman descending the staircase.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***