---- Chapter 1 "Mom, please tell Grandpa that I'm willing to go through with the arranged marriage." My mother, Ellena, was stunned to hear it. "What did you say? Wait... What about your boyfriend? The one you've been with for six years?" "We're done," I said with calm finality. "Have Grandpa arrange the marriage." My mother went quiet for a moment, unsure of what to say. Then... "What's the meaning of this, Bianca? I know Grandpa worked hard to find Royce Farrell for you. He's the executive director and CEO of Radar Finance, and one of the world's most powerful heirs. An excellent man, I'm sure, but when it comes to marriage... I hope you're not rushing into things." ---- "T'm not being impulsive," I insisted, though my tone was frosty. ''Please arrange it, Mom." When I called my younger brother yesterday, he accidentally let the secret slip. Our family had suffered a major loss in a Biscayne real estate deal, and our cash flow was going into the negative. An arranged marriage was the safest way out. In the past, I turned my back on my family for Lars Carter. The me from back then would have never agreed to an arranged marriage. What a fool I was! But now, that fool is dead. Lars, the love of my life. The CEO of Midas Capital, he controlled a plethora of investment funds, several arms dealings, and crypto asset platforms. He was a major player in Eastwind City's financial world, mysterious and dangerous. Few knew he was the heir of the Viktors, an old mafia clan from the city of Virgil in Vitalus. For six years, I fought by his side and watched him rise from nothing. I thought I would be the woman standing with him, ruling this city by his side. ---- At least, until two months ago. Out of the blue, Pearl Ross entered our lives. His childhood sweetheart, the darling from his younger days. Right after she arrived, she became his personal secretary. The moment I saw her, I already knew-nothing could compete with their bond. After that, Lars was always away on business trips or working overtime. Biscayne City, Zephyr City, Botolph City... Each time, it was just the two of them. On the financial statements for every trip they took, I noticed that Lars and Pearl only booked one presidential suite. Upon checking the attendance records at our company's Riverton branch, they would be together in a closed meeting room almost every night. One fateful day, I ran into Pearl in the office hallway. She wore a dazzling smile, so bright that it seared my eyes, "Hello, Bianca," she said sweetly. "You don't look so good. Did you and Lars have a fight?" Ishot her a cold look and turned to leave. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!