Ella packed her belongings with trembling hands, each fold of fabric carrying a memory she wasn't ready to leave behind. As she stepped out of her family home, tears streamed down her face. Saying goodbye felt heavier than she had imagined—her parents' silent sorrow, their lingering glances, the unspoken fear in their eyes… it all clung to her heart as she walked away.
She arrived at Mr. Martin's mansion, its towering gates opening to a world that already felt distant and unwelcoming. She was greeted by a maid and housekeeper, Martha, whose composed demeanor contrasted sharply with Ella's fragile state. Without delay, Martha guided her toward Mr. Martin's office.
Ella stepped inside, steadying herself before speaking.
"Good evening, Mr. Martin. I've come as you requested… and I've brought my belongings."
Martin barely looked up, his voice indifferent.
"Good. Martha will take care of you. She'll explain everything you need to know and assist you with anything. Just ask her."
He paused briefly before adding, "You may go now."
That was all.
Ella left the office, a quiet confusion settling inside her. What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to live like this?
She let out a soft sigh, her thoughts tangled and heavy.
Martha led her to a temporary room and asked her to wait, mentioning that "Mrs. Maria" would be arriving shortly.
Maria?
The name echoed in Ella's mind. Who is she? And what role will she play in my life from now on?
The room was elegant—modern, refined, every detail carefully designed to reflect the family's immense wealth. Ella placed her clothes neatly in the wardrobe, arranging her belongings with quiet precision, as if trying to impose order on the chaos within her.
A short while later, Martha returned, informing her that Mrs. Maria was waiting in the lounge.
A subtle unease crept into Ella's chest.
As she descended the grand staircase, she realized the truth—this wasn't just a guest.
This was Maria… Mr. Martin's wife.
Kay's stepmother.
Ella greeted her politely, lowering her gaze in respect.
Maria was a woman in her thirties, yet she carried herself with such meticulous care that one could easily mistake her for someone in her twenties. Her elegant, striking attire reflected a bold and dominant personality.
"Welcome… our guest—or should I say, our bride, Ella," Maria said, her tone laced with faint mockery. "How are you? Do you like the place?"
Ella paused briefly before replying calmly, choosing her words with care.
"Not entirely… but the design and architecture are remarkable. If anything, they reflect the brilliance of the craftsmen behind this place. I feel honored to witness such artistry."
She avoided confrontation, wrapping her honesty in politeness.
Interesting… Maria thought, studying her.
"Well then, Ella," Maria continued, "we have a lot to prepare for your wedding with Kay. By the way, have you spoken to him? Does he have any plans for the ceremony?"
"No," Ella replied. "I haven't seen him since dinner. I don't think he enjoys being around people."
"You're right," Maria said with a knowing smile.
Ella listened closely.
"He's always been introverted, avoiding gatherings. But recently, he's been working with his father—training seriously to take over the company one day. I don't know what caused the change… but Martin seems quite pleased."
She leaned slightly closer, her smile sharpening.
"Your expectations must have risen. You must want to become part of the Marivan family officially, don't you?"
Ella met her gaze, her voice steady.
"No. I don't want that. I have no such ambitions. All I want is a peaceful life with my family and the people I love."
Maria watched her carefully.
She's different… she thought.
"Well then," Maria said, straightening, "we have work to do. First, we'll go shopping for your dresses. Then, a beauty salon—we need to refine your look a little. And that fringe…" she added, eyeing Ella critically, "it's quite outdated."
Ella felt a flicker of irritation. She loved her appearance as it was; she had never sought attention, never wanted to stand out. Yet, she said nothing. Resistance here would only complicate things.
She followed Maria.
The day stretched on endlessly—boutique after boutique, dress after dress. None of the clothes reflected Ella's taste. They were bold, form-fitting, designed to highlight a body she had always chosen to conceal beneath modest fabrics. Each choice felt like another layer of herself being stripped away.
After hours of preparation, styling, and selecting wedding dresses, Ella finally returned alone to the mansion, while Maria left for work.
As Ella stepped inside, she froze.
Kay stood at the top of the staircase, watching her.
His gaze was filled with something unfamiliar—surprise, perhaps… or something deeper he refused to name.
Her appearance had changed. The makeup, the elegant dress… she looked different.
And she hated it.
She was already thinking of removing it the moment she reached her room.
Kay's lips curled slightly.
"Looks like money is already changing you," he said mockingly. "You look better. Does that change your thoughts about this family… about sacrifice and all that?"
Anger flared inside her—but she held it in.
Don't react… it's useless.
Without a word, she walked past him, her silence heavier than any reply.
Kay watched her go, confusion flickering in his eyes.
He knew, with unsettling certainty, that something strange happened to him whenever he looked at her.
Inside her room, Ella quickly wiped off the makeup, as if erasing a version of herself she didn't recognize. She changed back into her own clothes, her hands trembling.
Then the tears came.
Hot, relentless, unstoppable.
She cried—quietly at first, then with all the weight she had been carrying. It didn't solve anything… but it eased the pressure in her chest, even if only slightly.
After some time, she reached for her phone and called her family, her voice soft with concern as she asked about her grandfather.
The news brought her a fragile sense of relief.
The procedures were complete.
The surgery would happen soon.
A small smile broke through her exhaustion.
This… this is why I'm here.
This is why I endure all of this… their coldness, their words, their world.
For the sake of someone she loved—
she would bear it all.