Chapter 1

I never had lofty ambitions. I only ever wanted to be a rich widow—no in-laws to deal with, no husband to answer to, just a massive inheritance in my grasp. It wasn't the most virtuous dream, but it was undeniably practical.

The year I turned 29, that opportunity finally came. My parents sat at the head of the table, with two photographs placed on the coffee table.

On the left was Frank Larson, the pampered heir of Braventhorn's elite circle. On the right was only a blurred side profile—his uncle, Henry Larson.

Rumor had it that Henry was 35, frail, and ruthless. He was on the brink of death, consumed by the consequences of his violence.

My father, George Nufer, tapped his ashtray. "You two, you may each pick a man."

My younger sister, Lily Nufer, wasted no time placing her hand on the left photo. "I choose Frank! If I'm getting married, I'd obviously pick someone young."

She was utterly certain. "Frank is the heir of the Larson family. If I marry him, I'll become Braventhorn's top socialite."

My mother held Lily's hand. "Lily, you've always had good taste."

All three of them turned to look at me. The only remaining choice was the man my parents described as having "one foot in the grave".

Lily tossed Henry's photo in front of me and leaned in to whisper in my ear, "Sarah, he won't live for many more years anyway. Just wait it out, and everything he has will eventually be yours."

I looked down at the blurred profile in the photo. Henry was 35, in poor health, childless, and sitting on a hundred-million fortune.

If I could just hold on for another two or three years, a better life would be within reach. Suppressing a faint smile, I picked up the photo. "Alright. I'll marry him."

My mother let out a relieved sigh. "Sarah, I know this has been hard on you. Our family has been struggling financially lately. Only a marriage alliance with the Larson family can save us.

"Lily has been spoiled since childhood and can't handle hardship. I'm afraid you'll have to take on extra responsibility."

"I understand," I said. "As long as it helps the family, I don't mind being a caregiver."

Lily clung to my father's arm. "Dad! If my wedding gift isn't impressive enough, my in-laws will look down on me.

"Besides, Sarah is marrying an invalid. Why would she require such extravagant gifts? You might as well give me the downtown apartment and five percent of Nufer Group's shares instead."

My father paused for a moment, then glanced at me. "Alright then, Lily. It's all yours. Sarah, Henry doesn't need these insignificant assets anyway. Just take a few sets of clothes with you. We don't want anyone accusing our family of buying this marriage."

Looking at my blatantly biased family, I felt nothing at all. That apartment still carried a 20-year mortgage, while Nufer Group's shares had been bleeding losses for years.

Sure, my foolish sister could have it all. In the end, I was the one on the verge of claiming a hundred-million inheritance.

The wedding was arranged in a hurry. This so-called pampered heir was expected to marry within a week in hopes of improving his prospects. For the entire week, Lily was busy trying on wedding dresses and showing off her jewelry.

Meanwhile, I was busy studying inheritance taxes on sudden deaths among the wealthy, the warning signs of heart attacks, and how to cry gracefully at a funeral without smudging my makeup.

I had even made a special trip to the palliative care aisle. If Henry could pass in peace, I could take the money without any burden on my conscience.

The night before we signed the marriage papers, Lily pushed open my bedroom door. She nudged my suitcase with the tip of her shoe. "Hey, are you really only bringing this pile of junk with you? Larson Estate is known for its strict rules. If you show up dressed like that, you may be mistaken for a maid and sent away."

I continued folding my sleepwear without looking up. "Being a maid isn't so terrible. At least it includes food and accommodation."

Leaning against the doorframe, Lily twirled the diamond ring on her finger. "Anyway, you'll be living like a widow after the marriage. I've heard Henry hasn't been able to perform for a long time.

"Frank is nothing like him. He's young and full of stamina. He wore me out so badly last night. My waist is still sore."

I paused for a brief moment, a cold laugh rising in my chest. Dark circles lingered under Frank's eyes, and his steps had been noticeably unsteady.

"Well then, I wish you both a satisfying sex life. Let's hope he can last long enough for you to have a child."

Lily's expression stiffened. "Who exactly are you cursing?"

"I'm just concerned for my brother-in-law's health," I replied, tucking a pair of non-slip socks into my suitcase. "I'm going to bed now. After all, my fiance is on a bit of a decline. We'd better finish things early so he can go back and rest."

Lily rolled her eyes and walked off, her hips swaying with each step. Just thinking about getting the marriage certificate the next day—and securing my inheritance rights—filled me with a sense of joy.