Episode 3

Sunlight pierced the silk curtains, warming the spacious room. Kimmy was still asleep beneath the thick blanket when the sound of the door opening came all at once.

“Good morning, Young Madam!” a dozen servants entered in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized.

Kimmy woke up instantly; she was truly startled. “What is happening?” She sat up with her hair still messy, eyes widening at the many people in her room.

Several servants carried large boxes, some held racks of clothing, and others displayed jewelry, shoes, and bags on a long table.

“Young Madam, these are wedding gifts from the Young Master,” one female servant said with a polite smile.

Kimmy looked at them, confused. “Gifts? What are all of these for?”

Another servant answered, “We are only following orders, Young Madam Kimberly.”

Kimmy panicked even more. She glanced at all the luxurious items. Designer dresses, glittering necklaces, bags she had only ever seen in magazines. Everything felt too foreign to her.

“Clothes, jewelry, bags and shoes—all Kimberly’s style,” she murmured.

Before she could say more, footsteps approached. Grayson entered in a neat black suit.

All the servants bowed immediately.

Grayson then walked toward the bed. His gaze fell on Kimmy, who still sat with a bewildered face.

“Good morning, Young Madam Blackwood,” he greeted briefly.

Kimmy only replied with a small nod.

Grayson sat on the edge of the bed, sitting very close. Without hesitation, he leaned down, intending to kiss Kimmy’s forehead.

Reflexively, Kimmy raised her hands, pushing at Grayson’s chest to keep him away. “Don’t touch me!” she shouted instinctively.

The room fell silent. Several servants glanced at one another, unsure how to react.

But Grayson was not angry at all. He only smiled faintly, as if accustomed to it. “Still the same as before. You always reject my touch, Kimberly.”

Kimmy was taken aback. She bit her lip, unsure how to reply.

Grayson straightened, his expression calm. “You rejected me before because I was trash—a poor man with no future.” He smiled faintly. “Now I have everything, Kimberly. And all that I have is yours.”

Kimmy felt her face grow hot. She looked at the servants who still stood stiffly in the room, then spoke quickly, “I can manage myself. Could you all please leave first?”

Grayson nodded to the dozen servants, signaling them to obey his wife’s request.

The servants bowed in unison. “Yes, Young Madam.” They left the room, closing the door quietly.

Now it was only Kimmy and Grayson inside.

Kimmy took a breath, trying to compose herself. “You don’t have to do this, Grayson,” she said, very different from the Kimberly who always wanted to be the center of attention.

Grayson watched her for a few seconds, then gave a faint smile. “I only want to treat you as a wife should be treated. Don’t you like being treated this way, Kimberly?” Grayson looked at her suspiciously.

Kimmy shook her head quickly. “Y-yes, I like it very much. But I can do it myself.”

Grayson leaned back against the bed, his gaze fixed on her. “Then choose your outfit. We will go to the company today.”

Kimmy frowned. “The company? Why do I have to come?”

Grayson raised an eyebrow. “You are my wife. Everyone at the company must know that.”

Kimmy froze. “Can’t it be postponed? I’m not even ready.”

Grayson leaned forward slightly, his voice low but clear. “I will wait for you downstairs.”

Kimmy swallowed. “But—”

Grayson cut her off quickly, his tone calm but firm. “No buts. Choose the clothes you like. Don’t make me wait too long.”

He then stood, straightened his suit, and walked out with steady steps.

Once the door closed, Kimmy collapsed onto the pillow. “I must play Kimberly perfectly,” she murmured softly.

***

Kimmy stood for a long time in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection in a simple white blouse and cream trousers. She deliberately chose that outfit, far different from the glamorous gowns the servants had prepared. She tied her hair neatly back, leaving only a small fringe falling on her forehead.

“I can’t imitate Kimberly’s appearance,” she whispered, taking a deep breath.

With hesitant steps, she finally left the room.

Halfway down the stairs, her eyes met Grayson’s gaze; he was standing in the living room, waiting for her.

He stared at her without blinking. His brows were slightly raised, his expression hard to read.

Kimmy grew nervous. “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked softly.

Grayson folded his arms across his chest. “Your appearance is very different.”

Kimmy looked down, then gave an awkward smile. “So what?”

Grayson sighed, then took a few steps closer. “You usually appear glamorous—dresses, jewelry, high heels. This is the first time I’ve seen you like this.”

Kimmy was stunned. She knew the real Kimberly was indeed known for a lavish lifestyle and stylish appearance. Whereas she was used to simplicity.

“Uh, I just wanted something different,” she replied quickly.

Grayson surveyed her from head to toe. “Oh, well, you’re still attractive.”

Kimmy’s cheeks flushed. She hurriedly looked down and descended the stairs more quickly.

But Grayson didn’t miss other details. Kimmy’s mannerisms differed from the Kimberly he knew. Normally, Kimberly would walk with arrogance, looking down at everyone. This time, however, the woman appeared awkward.

“Kimberly,” he called suddenly when she was standing in front of him.

Kimmy flinched. “Yes?”

Grayson stared intently. “Don’t you recognize me?”

Kimmy panicked immediately. “What do you mean?”

He narrowed his eyes. “You look at me like I’m a stranger. Even the way you speak is different. What is really going on?”

Kimmy swallowed, her mind racing for an excuse. Then, in a hoarse voice, she said, “I… I had an accident a few months ago.”

Grayson frowned. “An accident?”

Kimmy nodded slowly. “Yes. After that, I don’t remember much. Including about you.”

Grayson was silent for quite a while. His gaze was deep, as if assessing the truth of her words.

Kimmy clenched her own hands, trying to appear convincing.

Finally Grayson breathed out slowly. “I see.”

Then Grayson leaned in slightly, whispering near her ear. “But even if you forgot, I still like you.”

Kimmy froze. Her heart raced so fast she didn’t dare look back.

Grayson smiled faintly at her reaction. “Did I make you nervous?”

Kimmy hurriedly took a step back. “No, not at all.”

He did not linger. He smoothed his black suit, then smiled, “Alright, let’s go. I will take you somewhere.”

Kimmy merely nodded. Then Grayson suddenly looked at her with a mysterious gleam. “Maybe this is your way of testing me, isn’t it?”

Kimmy froze. “A test? What test?”

Grayson gave a faint smile, as if he already understood everything. “You want to know whether I will still like you even when you don’t look glamorous, right?”

Kimmy remained silent, unable to deny it.

“If that’s what you’re thinking…” Grayson stepped closer, his gaze penetrating, then whispered softly, “…you need not hesitate. I will still like you no matter your appearance.”

Kimmy held her breath. The words made her body tense.

“Now come on,” Grayson said again, this time more flatly. “We must leave immediately.”

Kimmy nodded slowly. “Alright.”

They walked out of the mansion together. Yet in her heart, Kimmy kept asking herself,

“How can he believe so easily the lies I created?” she whispered.

Meanwhile, Grayson secretly smiled as he opened the car door for her. “Whatever really happened to you, Kimberly,” he murmured inwardly, “I don’t care, because what matters now is that you are mine.”