Chapter 0001

Attention ❗❗❗

Ximena is a Spanish name pronounced as Himena. In Spanish, it is known as Jimena, with the J being pronounced as an H.

Ximena’s POV

Pushing my bag across the floor, I shuffled into my aunt’s abode. I paused suddenly, my gaze fixated on the opulent Mercedes-Benz GLA-class parked in the compound. A man in a white dress shirt and black trousers stood beside it. My heart skipped a beat. Could this be another potential suitor? It wouldn't be the first time Aunt Sadie has tried to arrange my marriage to wealthy men. She wants me out of her home and possibly out of her life. I still remember my last potential groom, who called off the supposed union when I informed him of my modeling career. Since then, Aunt Sadie has forbidden me from attending any modeling gigs.

"Are you alright, Miss?" the man's question snapped me out of my reverie. I looked up to find him staring at me.

"I'm fine," I replied curtly and made my way inside before he could say anything else.

As I entered the living room, I stopped in the doorway, my gaze shifting from the middle-aged lady to my aunt. How did my aunt and this affluent woman become acquainted? I closed the door slowly behind me, but it still caught their attention.

"Hello, Ximena. You're back," Aunt Sadie beamed at me.

That's highly unusual. She usually gives me nothing but spiteful glares. Her smile now sent my stomach into a frenzy. Something is definitely fishy. A nightmare is about to unfold.

"Come, come and greet your future mother-in-law," her smile remained fixed on her face. But I wasn't surprised when she referred to the woman as my future mother-in-law.

"Hey there, Ximena. How are you?" the so-called mother-in-law chirped.

Her smile was just as forced and fake as my aunt's. But what guarantee does Aunt Sadie have that this new marriage proposal won't rot away like the rest?

"I'm good, Ma'am. Please excuse me," I replied with a fake smile and turned to leave for my room.

"Wait, Ximena," Aunt Sadie's voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned to face them again. "Allow me to properly introduce Mrs Adeline Miles Lucas. Mrs. Miles, Meet my niece, Ximena Arthur," Aunt Sadie introduced, her words dripping with intrigue.

As she spoke, my eyes widened in surprise. The bag I was holding fell from my grasp, a testament to the shock I felt. The Miles is a famous name in our town. Everyone knew them as the most affluent family in the whole of California. And now, she wants me to marry her son? The mere thought sent a wave of panic through my body. How many sons does she have? My mind raced with the possibilities, but one name stood out - Hudson Miles Lucas. The very sound of his name was enough to send shivers down my spine.

"My son would be honored to have you as his wife," Mrs Miles chimed in, her words laced with sweet sincerity.

But I know better than to trust such honeyed words. The happiness of her son could easily translate to the misery of a woman. And not just any woman, but me - someone who could never handle someone like Hudson Miles Lucas. My aunt, Sadie, knows this all too well. She knows exactly why she's pushing for this marriage. If it were up to her, she would have eagerly offered her own daughter for the role. But Hudson is not your average rich man. He is unfeeling, unyielding, and uncompromising. I take a deep breath and gather my courage.

"I will never marry your son," I declare firmly, my words punctuated with a sharp snap.

The shock on my aunt's face is undeniable. Mrs Miles shifts in her seat, her eyes darting between us. If anyone in this family is deemed fit to marry the richest man in town, it's my cousin, Mila – Aunt Sadie's daughter.

"What did you just say?" my aunt explodes, her whole body trembling with anger.

"You heard me right, Aunt," I hold her gaze with unwavering defiance. "I will not be thrown to some emotionless man as a spouse." With that, I turn and make my way to my room, ignoring my aunt's shouts and protests.

Mrs Miles leaves after my rejection. I can only hope that this is the end of it. I sink onto my bed, staring into space with a heavy heart. Just earlier, I was fired from a restaurant for serving a dish that was deemed too spicy. I can no longer model, nor can I cook. All my dreams and aspirations are now shattered. If my dear momma were still alive, she would have understood me.

"Ximena!"

My aunt's voice rang through my room, her tone filled with anger. I quickly composed myself, knowing what was to come.

"What were you thinking out there? Rejecting the proposal from the wealthiest family in the city, perhaps even the entire country? What is wrong with you?" As she spoke, I could see the veins in her neck bulging.

"Just a little confusion, Aunt," I retorted, descending from my bed. "Why do you want me to marry the son of the richest woman in town? As always, you give Ximena to the beggars while your precious daughter gets the wealthy ones. What has changed? I was hoping you would eagerly accept the proposal and offer Mila in my place. What would a billionaire want with a flawed girl like me?" I challenged, meeting her gaze head on.

"You should be grateful that I am even considering your poor self for this marriage. If I were you, I would be practicing how to apologize to the family for your foolish rejection," Aunt Sadie groaned.

"Apologize my ass. I will never marry Hudson Miles Lucas, no matter what," I stated firmly.

"You will marry Mrs. Miles' son whether..." Aunt Sadie stopped, her face suddenly contorting in pain. She clutched at her chest and then collapsed in front of me.

"Aunt!" I cried out in shock.

What just happened? I quickly kneeled beside her, trying to support her. At that moment, Mila barged into the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

"What have you done, Ximena!" she accused, her tone full of anger. Not again.