Angeline looked at Bryan in bewilderment, wondering why his cold demeanor left her feeling disappointed. No, Bryan had been cold from the very beginning. So what had she expected?
The servants began tending to Angeline. Like a real salon, they transformed her into someone completely different—beautiful and refined. First, they had her soak in a bathtub filled with a therapeutic fragrance. Angeline was clearly delighted. She had never pampered herself like this before.
Afterward, the servants gave her a full-body treatment with a scrub that left her skin incredibly smooth. Her unkempt, wavy hair was trimmed to shoulder length, making it look neat and glossy, with bangs falling just above her eyebrows.
Angeline wore a sleeveless, knee-length dress that showcased her slender yet beautiful figure. She wore high heels and minimal makeup that still accentuated her charm. Staring at herself in the mirror, Angeline could hardly believe her eyes. After the transformation, she could barely recognize herself.
In the dining room, the head servant taught Angeline how to eat and drink properly, using various utensils with different purposes. It proved quite challenging for her. She kept making mistakes, earning scolding after scolding from the head servant.
Angeline even practiced walking gracefully without letting the stack of books on her head fall. She spent the entire day training to become an elegant, graceful woman. There could be no mistakes. Everything had to be perfect, and no one could notice anything amiss.
That night, after an exhausting day of practice, Angeline was finally allowed to eat as much as she wanted. Extremely hungry, she devoured a plate of rice and several pieces of fried chicken. She even finished all the bread on the table.
“Why did you eat everything?!” the head servant scolded, causing Angeline to choke.
Someone handed Angeline a glass, and she took a sip just as Bryan arrived with his secretary and lawyer. Angeline stopped drinking and immediately rose from her seat.
“Please, sit down, finish your drink, and take a deep breath,” Bryan said without looking at her.
Angeline set down her glass and wiped her mouth, where a little had spilled. The head servant saluted and left, followed by the other servants. Angeline looked around in confusion but remained silent.
“Why aren’t you sitting down?” Bryan asked.
Angeline sat down nervously. The atmosphere had grown increasingly somber.
Bryan glanced at his secretary, who promptly handed him a thick document.
“You need to memorize everything in there. From now on, you’re the daughter of a professor who died ten years ago. You live alone and have no siblings, relatives, or even friends. You live in California and hold a bachelor’s degree in Design. You own a little-known boutique, but you have many clients among high-society women,” John, the secretary, explained, pointing out several key details Angeline needed to know.
“Why... do I have to change my identity? Does that mean my name will change?”
“No. Your name will remain Angeline Felicia. Only your background needs to meet the standards for becoming my wife. And during the contract, you must never contact your family.”
“What? But they’ll worry—”
“Here’s a new phone and number for you. Use them during the contract period. As for your family, we’ll take care of everything. Until your contract expires, your family will be our responsibility. We’ll make sure they live well without any financial difficulties,” Ace, the lawyer, interjected.
Angeline was rendered speechless once again. No matter what, Bryan had fulfilled all her needs. Now she had to abide by every agreement throughout the duration of the contract.
“I believe the explanation was sufficient, since you’ve remained silent. Memorize everything tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll meet my family and discuss our marriage,” Bryan concluded.
“Wait! So soon?”
“Yes. Why not? Do you want to postpone it? I don’t have much time. Be ready. My driver will pick you up at seven tomorrow morning.”
Bryan stood and walked away, followed by his entourage. They left Angeline behind, still unaccustomed to everything. All she could do was sigh and run her fingers through her hair, which had been arranged so neatly only moments before.
The next morning, Angeline had been ready for an hour. She had even eaten a light breakfast consisting of a piece of bread and a glass of milk. Having woken up at four in the morning, Angeline, who was used to sleepless nights, wasn’t surprised by the new routine. Still, she took some time to leisurely read through the document she was required to memorize.
“Has Mom had breakfast? What about Michael?” Angeline murmured, longing for her family. But reality reminded her not to think about them. Angeline had to get through her one-year contract. No more, no less.
A car arrived, and the driver got out to open the door for her. Angeline walked gracefully, her transformation unmistakable. Her face had become more beautiful and radiant, and her makeup was subtle yet captivating. Her demeanor was elegant and poised—a far cry from the Angeline who had run from one job to another just to make ends meet.
During the ride, Angeline continued reading her documents. She didn’t want to make even the slightest mistake. She was determined not to disappoint Bryan and to do everything to the best of her ability.
After a while, the car arrived at a renowned hotel. Angeline was impressed as she entered the hotel lobby. John was already waiting for her. Angeline tried to remain composed and avoid looking around as she walked toward him.
Bryan was already at the hotel, engrossed in a phone call with a client. John greeted Angeline and led her to the elevator. They reached a luxurious private dining room reserved exclusively for VVIP guests.
Several waiters appeared to fill the water glasses on the table. Angeline felt nervous, especially when Bryan arrived, still focused on his phone.
“Good morning, Mr. Bryan,” Angeline greeted him with a broad smile, her eyes curving warmly. Bryan merely looked at her coldly without returning her greeting.
Angeline felt uneasy because of Bryan’s demeanor, but her discomfort lasted only a few minutes. Several people arrived and took their seats at the long table, which quickly filled with important, high-class individuals.
Angeline was awestruck. She had never imagined being surrounded by such charismatic members of high society. Their gazes were filled with surprise and disapproval as they looked at her.
They were all taken aback by Bryan sitting beside her. Various assumptions about Angeline’s presence circulated among the guests, but none dared ask Bryan directly. Then Mrs. Rose arrived, accompanied by Lucy, a distant cousin whom she intended to marry off to Bryan.
Mrs. Rose cast a sharp glance at Angeline, who could only manage an uneasy smile. The atmosphere grew tenser, and Angeline became increasingly nervous. As a result, she even finished her glass of water.
A waiter came over to refill her glass, and Angeline thanked him nervously. Her behavior drew everyone’s attention.
“I’ll be marrying her this week,” Bryan suddenly announced, taking everyone by surprise.