"Mother, are you okay?" Marianne asked her mother, who's now in the hospital bed, lying so weakly. Her mother glanced at her and gives her a smile. "I am okay. Whenever I see, I've been feeling well," her mother placed her palms on her face as she gently caressed it. Marianne's eyes filled with tears as she watched her mother's feeble but loving gesture. She took her mother's hands into her own and held them gently. "Mom, I'm here for you. We're going to get through this together," Marianne whispered with determination, her voice quivering with emotion. Her mother's eyes glistened with gratitude, and she nodded slowly. "I know, my dear. You've always been my strength." "Don't worry, Mom. I will pay all the hospital bills and we can leave this place," with tears streaming down her cheeks, Marianne leaned in to hug her frail mother gently. They shared a tender moment, a silent promise passing between them. As Marianne withdrew from the embrace, her mother spoke softly, "You are

The following day, Marianne get ready to meet Felix and his team. She wanted to turn her back and run away from them, but how can she? They paid for her mother's hospital bills. Marianne's heart raced as she got ready to meet Felix and his team, the weight of her decision heavy on her shoulders. She knew there was no turning back now, not after they had settled her mother's hospital bills. The sense of gratitude and obligation clashed with the uncertainty of the path she had chosen. As she arrived at the agreed-upon location, she couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and apprehension. This was uncharted territory for her, and she had no idea what to expect. She spotted Felix and Nate waiting for her, wearing their businesslike expressions. "You're late! Did you know how many hours we've been waiting for you?" Marianne's heart sank at Felix's stern words. She hadn't meant to keep them waiting, but the gravity of the situation had weighed on her all morning. She quickly apologize

It had been days since Marianne didn't hear from Nate and Felix. She thought that they give up on her and finally setting her free. "Finally! I'm free!" she shouted with joy as she strecthed her arms. "What happened? You seemed happy," Ethel narrowed her eyes while looking at her, but Marianne just give her a wide smile. Marianne maintained her broad smile and replied, "I haven't heard from Nate and Felix in days. I thought they'd given up on this whole charade and finally released me from this 'Bride for Rent' nonsense." Ethel's eyes widened in realization, and she chuckled, "You think they've given up? Are you sure that he's just gonna give up after what he had done to save you and your mother?" Marianne's smile wavered as she considered Ethel's words. She hadn't thought about the lengths Felix had gone to help her with her mother's medical bills. She started to feel a pang of guilt for jumping to conclusions too soon. As they were about to go enter the house, a luxurious c

The night came, Marianne was still inside their room as she was still waiting for Felix's arrival. The room seemed to grow darker as the night progressed, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm ambiance. Marianne sat on the edge of the bed, her thoughts swirling with the events of the day. She wondered what kind of family she had married into and what challenges lay ahead. Just as she was about to lose herself in her thoughts, the door creaked open, and Felix stepped inside. The weariness in his eyes was evident, hinting at the weight of responsibilities he carried. "You're not ready, yet? I told you earlier, we're having a family dinner tonight. How come you're still not in dressed?" "Oh, I'm sorry. I must be lost track of time," she admitted, her voice soft. "It's okay, just dressed up. After that, go straight to the garden. I'll be waiting there," he said coldly before he went out. In front of the mirror, Marianne examined herself, trying to choose an outfit that wou

Mr. Anderson turn his back on Marianne. "You..." "Yes, Father?" "You'll come too." "Alright." Marianne followed her father, Mr. Anderson, down the dimly lit corridor of their large Victorian estate. The air was heavy with tension, and the only sound that echoed through the hallway was the soft shuffle of their footsteps on the ornate carpet. As they reached the end of the corridor, Mr. Anderson paused and turned to face Marianne. "You're not good for my son, Marianne. How much?" her eyes widened when she heard that coming from him. "What do you mean, Mr. Anderson?" "How much do you need to stay away from him?" Marianne's gaze hardened, and she squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "I can't believe you're asking me to walk away from someone I love. Money can't buy happiness, Mr. Anderson." Mr. Anderson's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a hint of desperation. "This is about the family legacy, Marianne. Our reputation, our standing in society—it's a