"Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention. I have a special gift to my lovely little sister." Victoria's voice came clear and loud from the microphone, making her the center of attention. All the guests, including her parents, her fiancé, and the two couples who were the event stars, stared at her, who was standing on the small stage, waiting for her to say something. Their facial expressions showed apparent curiosity and question marks about what she had to say. "But first, I want to state something very important on this event. That I am now breaking off my engagement to Mr. Alden Benedict." A wave of boisterous voices immediately filled the ballroom when Victoria's loud and confident speech was heard. Victoria's gaze went to Alden, who was surprised and annoyed. So was Emberly, who couldn't wait to swear at her. "Tori!" All attention, including Victoria's, turned to Petter, who soon followed on stage. "Looks like you've gotten too drunk to talk out of turn. Let Alde
Victoria stared at her father's back as he disappeared into the doorway of her study. The sound of Rosalee's crying could still be heard. She turned to stare at the frozen Emberly. She did not feel the slightest compassion for those who had always trampled her, even in their most miserable condition. Victoria was satisfied with the initial success of her revenge. She only needed to take the next step to destroy Alden and Emberly. She left the living room to catch up with her father, who had locked himself in his study. Without hesitation, Victoria knocked gently on the door when she was at the door. "Father, it's Victoria. I have something important to talk to you about. May I come in?" There was no answer from inside for a few seconds. Then, finally, the sound of a key opening was heard, and permission was granted. Victoria opened the door quietly and stepped inside, seeing her father standing facing the window with his back to her. "Father," Victoria called to start the c
"Tori, I told you I wouldn't mind paying the damages to Hurlington. You don't need to marry that guy to take responsibility." Victoria wiped her mouth with a napkin after finishing her breakfast. Another day passed, and all activities were normal except for the situation inside and outside the Agriche family. Now, Emberly was not at the dinner table, confined to her room alone while Rosalee was still present, but as if she was not in her seat. "I've told you, too, Father. I've thought it over well. After all, I am partly responsible for destroying our family image," Victoria replied. "But what will the rumors say about you?" Ah, so this was what her father was worried about. He feared that his name might get worse. Petter's ambition overpowered his love for his daughter to the point of selling her after his other daughter had taken her first daughter's fiancé. That's probably how the news about her father would be if news of her marriage to Maverick broke soon. "Don't w
One month later. The news of the Agriche family scandal was still loudly discussed by every social circle. The media continued to fry it, causing a lot of speculation. Blasphemy has been directed at Alden and Emberly. The two of them are the ones who get the most impact. Because of the despicable acts committed, their image has been completely tarnished. Emberly, who knew about it, hid herself for a while. After a month later, she appeared at her campus again. She thought all the news had been buried for the past few weeks. "Karina!" Emberly called out to the familiar person and walked over to them. Her step was confident, as if the scandal that brought her name down had never happened. She showed no signs of self-reflection or even embarrassment. Her face was still as arrogant as the Emberly Agriche that everyone knew. Karina, who was with some friends, changed their expressions right after Emberly's arrival. The atmosphere, which was initially very cheerful and friendly
"Alden!" Emberly hugged the man when they arrived at the restaurant where they met. A restaurant was so private that Alden needed to rent it overnight to meet Emberly. Alden released their hug roughly and clicked his tongue. "Don't hug me recklessly again! We don't know what will happen amid our chaotic situation!" "Everyone already knows about our relationship. Why hide it, Alden?!" Emberly's face, which had been smiling brightly, became cloudy again. She released her pent-up emotions, "Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to get out of touch? Now that I've been out for a month to see you, I'm being bullied on campus!" "You should know why they're acting like that towards you!" Alden exclaimed in annoyance. "Yes, the cause of all this is Victoria. Because of her, we split up and had to endure all this!" Emberly snapped at him. Both of them were silent. Alden did not refute what Emberly said, even though his common sense knew the blame lay with him. His big
Maverick and Victoria's wedding party "Alright, ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the newlyweds who are the stars of tonight's reception!" Victoria took Maverick's arm as the host's voice announced their arrival. She breathed her last long breath before stepping inside with Maverick, who had officially become her husband since this morning. They walked amid the spacious ballroom that had become a luxurious and elegant venue for the evening reception. The sound of thunderous applause greeted the two as they walked. The daytime reception, held right after the vows were exchanged at the altar, was exclusively attended by colleagues and business associates of both families. Meanwhile, this evening's reception and closing party were only attended by relatives and family members of both families. Even so, the scale of the event was still quite large. "Your hands are icy," said Maverick, touching the back of her hand. After smiling at the guests since her arrival, Victoria tur
"Don't you feel bad for your grandmother for lying to her just for your ambition to destroy Alden's company?" asked Victoria after the trio left to enjoy their meal. "Then, do you want to return when we're just about to start our next plan?" Maverick asked the question loudly and without hesitation while looking Victoria straight in the eye. Victoria was silent, looking back at Maverick. He should have known she had no other answer. Her signature was already on the contract as a guarantee. So inevitably, she must ultimately complete their plan, no matter what. At first, Victoria was confident that she would not change or violate the terms they had agreed upon, even though her conscience told her that before's plan was enough to avenge Alden's betrayal. However, Victoria's heart began to doubt when she saw Lisa, who was so kind and genuinely happy with this marriage. She even expected this marriage. "Do I have any other options?" asked Victoria after a long daydreaming. T
"So exhausting ..." Victoria sighed after sitting on the edge of the hotel bed. The very long event ended at midnight. At least for the two who were left to rest while her parents and Maverick's grandmother cared for the guests until the end. It was not easy wearing three dresses and a face full of makeup for almost 24 hours, only for a wedding that would end after a year. The hotel room door opened, and a man walked in. Victoria turned to the door, frowned as she saw him enter, and asked, "Why are you here?" "This is my room," he replied casually as he approached Victoria. Once before her, he added, "What do you think your parents and my grandmother would say if we, married coupled, used different rooms?" For a moment, Victoria was silent. Then, after a while, she realized something. "I forgot that they don't know we're just contract marriages," she muttered, leaned back, and closed her eyes. Victoria ignored Maverick, who was in the same room as her, because she was t