Chapter1: Bad news for Olwen

Get married?

Heart pounding, limbs shaking, Olwen felt dizzy as she heard a phrase she'd never thought of, spoken in her father's authoritative voice.

"What did dad say?" Olwen stammered, "Married?"

"I will marry the son of the Ramos family." Father Olwen repeated sharply, insisting the statement was firm, and would never be changed.

Father's words rang in his ears. Olwen has not stopped being shocked by the terrible news. She needs some time for her brain to fully absorb the information. My God, it's unbelievable, suddenly one beautiful day full of peace, a hurricane hit Olwen's life. Before that, there were no warning signs, so Olwen could prepare prevention methods in time. It just suddenly paralyzed everything from Olwen's nerves to her body.

This time here in the solemn, magnificent room. With her eyes wide open without blinking once, Olwen looked straight at her father, trying with all her might to look for a sign that this was a joke. Unfortunately, the serious look on the man's face, along with his cold eyes, indirectly revealed that the reality for Olwen was harsh and cruel.

"Are you telling the truth?" Olwen harbored a little vain hope, hoping that hope was left, and asked again: "That marriage, do you really have to get married?"

"That's right. I'm getting married." The authoritative voice immediately crushed Olwen's simple desire: "Best prepare yourself, don't do anything stupid, reckless."

The message is easy to hear, but in fact, it implies a heavy threat. Olwen of course understood what her father was like. Just disobeying him, or disobeying, guarantees a not-so-good outcome.

Get married. Oh, this is really shocking news for Olwen, who has so many things to do but is not yet complete. Olwen does not want to end her free single life too soon to embark on a life of marriage, family, and husband and wife. She thinks she's too young to get married. Olwen is only twenty-three, her youth is not deep enough, and most of all, her ambitions and dreams are not yet in place. So much effort, the effort of Olwen over the years, now it's a pity to give up halfway. Olwen did not mind, a thousand times disapproving.

"Why?" After a moment of silence, gnawing at the overwhelming feeling, Olwen choked up and asked her father: "Why me? Didn't you say that you will let me fulfill my dream? Just yesterday we agreed on a plan. your future plan, how did it turn out like this now?"

"I know this is too sudden for you, but there's no other way." Mr. Kelly lowered his voice, intending to reassure Olwen: "The Ramos family suddenly made an offer, I found it very good, bringing many benefits to the family. So I agreed."

The news caused great damage to Olwen, draining everything from Olwen's mind to her body, yet simply being explained in a silly word like 'surprise'?

For the sake of the family? It sounds so lofty and divine. How can Olwen bear this great responsibility? But wait a minute, it's really ridiculous, terribly unfair. Why is the one who has to perform the duty, Olwen? Benefit born of Olwen's great sacrifice. Can this family be happy and laugh without knowing that this marriage will bring happiness to Olwen?

What the hell are they thinking? Olwen knew that until now, she had never been truly loved by her parents. She was always treated unfairly and more disadvantaged than her sister. What is difficult, and dangerous is always pushed towards Olwen. Olwen really doesn't understand why, what crime have I committed that my mother, sister, and father despise and hate?

"Why didn't you consult with me before accepting their offer?" Olwen reproachfully said: "Why me above all?"

"I don't need to discuss or ask your opinion. What I have decided to do is just like that." Mr. Kelly's voice rose in an octave to warn Olwen not to protest: "You're old, it's time to get married. This is a good match, take it. You should feel honored when you become the daughter-in-law of a noble family like Romos."

"But dad... I..."

"Don't forget your responsibilities and obligations. Do something useful for the family." Father Olwen severed her words. His attitude was firm, clearly showing authority and the certainty that he would not change his mind no matter what.

Looking directly into her father's eyes, Olwen was more painful when she realized that there was no expectation for her. There is only pressure, coercion, and absolute command.

"You must understand Olwen." Mr. Kelly changed his voice softer: "You have no other choice. I do it for your future too. Marrying the heir of the Ramos family you will not be despised or bullied by anyone. Me. no need to worry about your loss after I close my eyes. Please understand the heart of a father. I really want the best for you."

The words were wonderful as if a father deeply loved his daughter, but Olwen knew it was all lies, just because she wanted her to give in and obediently obey. All I want is profit. Over the years, Olwen has lived and observed who is sincere and who is a liar. In the Kelly family, Olwen is clearly isolated, a redundant, unappreciated thing.

Is this the time for Olwen to unleash her useful abilities? Marrying on their father's orders, Olwen will bring many benefits to the Kelly family. Don't make fun of Olwen, okay? It sounds absurd and absurd.

"If your answer is no." Olwen courageously defied her father.

"That will never happen." Mr. Kelly emphasized: "You have no right to refuse any request from me. Know your position and obey."

"Okay, I'd like some time to consider it." Olwen bargains.

"There's not much time. Even if you don't want to, you have to accept it." Mr. Kelly's voice sounded terrifying again. This is no longer a reminder, it is already a well-founded threat.

Olwen was almost in despair as her father personally brought her final outcome.

"I'm sorry, dad."

Understanding that the conversation was over, Olwen quickly withdrew. She couldn't take it another minute. Facing her father took Olwen's breath away.