"Dad, it's time for your medicine." Selena walked into the room with a glass of water. "You forgot again, didn't you?"
"Sorry, I did forget," Richard said, holding his ears lightly. "But it's just a fever, it's not that serious."
Selena placed the glass on the table and sat beside him. "Is that so? Do you even remember when you last came home?" she scolded softly. "I know you need to take care of the company, but you can't ignore your health, Dad. You're the only one I have. Why are you so careless?"
Richard smiled and pulled her into a gentle hug. "But you have Aunt Helena and Isabelle too."
"Stop it, Dad! You don't really know them. They're not as good as you think," she frowned.
He chuckled and tapped her head playfully. "Did I teach you to talk about your elders like that? Listen, Selena." He turned toward her and held her shoulders. "Forget Helena and Isabelle for a moment. If you don't like them, that's fine. But you need to take care of yourself too. Don't worry so much about me—worry about yourself for once."
She smiled and nodded lightly. "But if I don't worry about you, who will?" she giggled.
He ruffled her hair and said softly, "If I could make a last wish, it would be to see you get married and live a happy life."
Selena's smile faded. "But Dad, you know I don't want to get married. I'm happy like this—with you. And when I get older, I'll help you with the company. If things go smoothly, I want to follow my own path. I want to study architecture."
"That's good too," he said, smiling faintly. "But I can't stay with you forever, and one day if I'm gone, won't you feel lonely?"
Selena's eyes welled with tears. She stood up, her voice trembling with quiet anger. "Why do you always say such things? Do you like making me sad? I told you, I won't get married—and if you talk about leaving me again, I won't talk to you ever again."
Richard sighed, regret flashing across his face. "Alright, I won't. I just want you to be happy. But why do you hate marriage so much?"
"Marriage is scary," she whispered, lowering her head. "I know I shouldn't say this, but what if I end up with a partner like Aunt Helena? She's not a good person."
"Selena, I told you not to talk about your elders like that. Why don't you ever listen?" He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Okay, let's drop this. Go get some rest. You've been taking care of me the whole day."
"You're good at ignoring things when it comes to her," Selena muttered. "Anyway, I'll go to my room." She gripped her dress tightly, tears spilling down her cheeks.
Mom… why did you leave? she thought as she closed the door behind her.
---
Whispers filled the entire room. Everyone wondered what would happen next. Helena and Isabelle exchanged glances as they looked at Lucas. They knew Selena wouldn't find someone to marry so soon—and Lucas was already with Isabelle.
Selena stood there, speechless. Her eyes shimmered with disbelief, her hands trembling. Why would you do this, Dad? she thought, glancing at Helena, who smirked.
Edward looked at Selena, worried.
"What will you do now, sister? Lucas and I are getting engaged soon," Isabelle said, walking to Lucas and wrapping her hand around his arm.
Selena took a deep breath, tilted her head slightly, and smirked. "Do you really think I was about to marry him? Gosh, you're such a stupid ass."
Isabelle's eyes widened as she clenched her teeth.
"What do you mean?" Helena asked, confused.
Selena pulled a drive from her bag and connected it to the laptop. Everyone watched, puzzled, as photos of Isabelle and Lucas suddenly filled the screen.
Lucas panicked as Selena switched to a video of them sleeping together. Edward turned away, fury written across his face.
"I was planning to reveal this on Dad's death anniversary," Selena said coldly, walking toward them. "But unfortunately, I got into an accident. Still, I've known for a while that my dear sister and my fiancé were having an affair behind my back."
Helena's face twisted with rage. She clenched her fists and, pretending to be unaware, stormed toward Isabelle and slapped her hard.
Selena smiled faintly and clapped slowly. "Wow. I didn't know things were this way. I thought, since I was gone, my sister's engagement to my ex-fiancé was your better choice."
"Enough!" Edward shouted, his voice shaking the room. "All three of you—get out!"
Helena's face turned pale as she rushed out, Isabelle and Lucas following behind.
Selena sighed. What should I do now…?
The meeting ended, and she walked out of the company. Her phone buzzed.
"How did it end?" Mika asked curiously.
"The will says I need to get married first to inherit the company," Selena said tensely.
"What!? What will you do now?" Mika practically screamed.
"We don't have another option. Find someone… for a contract marriage."
Mika went silent. "But… will that be okay?"
"It'll be too late otherwise. We need to act before Helena makes her next move."
"If you say so… Do you want me to pick you up?"
"No, I'm fine. Just… thanks for being here all this time."
"Girl, that's my job. I'm your secret agent—or secretary, or whatever. I'm just waiting for the day I can reveal it."
"That's why you're my only weapon, Mika. Don't expose yourself yet. We need to move carefully."
"Got it."
Selena hung up the call. She looked at the darkening sky and laughed softly.
Dad, you really didn't listen to me. You never did. And see? You won.
She smiled bitterly and walked away into the night.