Chapter 2

A Ferrari pulled up at the entrance. Frank leaned against the car door while Lily threw herself into his arms.

After a brief moment together, they finally noticed me, sheltered beneath the eaves from the pouring rain. I was dressed in a white shirt and jeans, holding my documents and a thermal flask.

Lily covered her mouth, barely suppressing a laugh. "Sarah, are you going to the courthouse too? Do you want to squeeze in with us? It's a two-seater sports car, but you could always crouch in the back."

Frank lifted his sunglasses. "Lily, don't be ridiculous. My car has real leather seats. If they get dirty, they're not easy to clean. She can just take a cab."

With that, the two of them got into the car and drove off. Mud splashed across my pants as they passed. I pulled out a few tissues and wiped myself clean.

At that moment, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided through the rain and came to a stop in front of me. The driver stepped out with an umbrella and greeted me respectfully.

"Hello, Ms. Nufer. I'm Valentino Garcia, Mr. Larson's butler. He asked me to pick you up."

"Thank you, Mr. Garcia," I replied before getting into the car.

Valentino took his seat in the front passenger side. "Mr. Larson has an international conference today and may not be able to attend in person. However, everything has already been arranged. All that's required is your signature upon arrival. This is a specially made arrangement."

To me, it was best if Henry didn't appear at all. Ideally, I could simply sign for the inheritance as if it were a routine delivery.

"I understand. His work takes priority."

Before long, the car came to a stop at the courthouse entrance. The area had already been cleared.

As I stepped inside, an uneasy feeling settled over me. At the service desk, a man in a dark gray suit sat with his back to me.

I approached and hesitantly called out, "Mr. Larson?"

As he turned around, my breath caught in my throat. There was no hint of frailty on his face—only a cold, sharp edge and an overwhelming air of authority.

"Sarah?" His voice was deep and low.

I snapped back to reality and quickly nodded. "Yes, I'm Sarah Nufer."

"Sit," he said curtly.

With that, I nervously sat down beside him.

The staff pushed two documents forward. Henry signed them, rose to his feet, and cast a brief glance at me. "I don't like loud, extravagant weddings. Let's keep it simple. You'll move to Larson Estate tonight."

Without waiting for my response, he turned and left. I stood frozen, clutching the marriage certificate in my hands.

Where was this frail husband of mine? This man looked like he could knock out ten of me with a single punch.

Our wedding that night was kept simple, just as Henry had said.

Meanwhile, Lily had specially sent her wedding invitation to Larson Estate. In return, Henry had a black credit card delivered, along with a note that read, "Here is your wedding gift. I will not be attending."

Furious, Lily posted a sarcastic message on social media.

"Some people really know how to put on a show. Is it an ego thing, or are they really just too sick to get out of bed?"

Lying on the large bed at Larson Estate, I scrolled through my social media feed. My heart was heavy with mixed emotions.

Perched halfway up the mountain, Larson Estate was so quiet at night that even the insects could not be heard.

As Valentino led me inside, he briefed me on the house rules.

"Mr. Larson prefers silence and is sensitive to light. His meals are handled by dedicated staff. The second floor of the main building is off-limits to anyone without his permission."

Henry preferred silence, was sensitive to bright light, and didn't require me to handle the cooking. I couldn't help but suspect he was hiding a serious illness—perhaps even complete paralysis.

At the thought of that, a flicker of hope stirred in my chest once more. The healthy and strong man I had seen at the courthouse must have been only a fleeting surge of vitality. That had to be it.

After taking a shower, I stepped out in my printed pajamas. The moment I pushed open the bathroom door, I froze.

The master bedroom was dimly lit. Henry stood by the bed, drying his hair. A single bath towel was all he wore.

He stopped mid-motion. He then turned toward me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Have you seen enough?"

My legs weakened, and I quickly looked away. "Y-yes…"

I knew I was doomed. This man was clearly a force of nature—someone who could wear me down completely.

Henry tossed the towel aside and strode toward me, his upper body bare.