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00:00I grew up abroad. My mother feared I might marry a foreign man, so she arranged an engagement for me
00:06with a talented and handsome man in Float On.
00:08She insisted that I return home to get engaged. I came back and started shopping for an engagement dress at
00:14a luxury boutique.
00:15I selected an off-white strapless gown and decided to try it on.
00:19Suddenly, a woman nearby glanced at the dress in my hand and told the saleswoman,
00:24That's a unique design. Let me try it.
00:28The saleswoman immediately yanked it out of my hands. I protested indignantly.
00:33Excuse me, I was here first. Don't you understand the principle of first come, first served? Or do you just
00:38not care about common decency?
00:40The woman scoffed and retorted.
00:42This dress costs $188,000. Do you really think a broken body like you can even afford it?
00:48I'm Lucas Goodwin's sister in All But Blood. He's the chairman of Goodwin's group.
00:53In Float On, the Goodwin family sets the rules. What a coincidence. Lucas Goodwin was my fiancé.
01:00I immediately called him and said,
01:02Hey, your sister in All But Blood just stole my engagement dress. Do something about it.
01:06The term sister in All But Blood implied less than innocent connotations.
01:11If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation on that day, I would cancel the engagement banquet.
01:17To my surprise, Lucas responded coldly.
01:20Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?
01:25I was about to tell him that I was his fiancé, but he hung up abruptly. I became angry.
01:30How dare he not save my contact information?
01:33Meanwhile, Vivian Morrow, who was standing beside me, grinned triumphantly.
01:37You wench. Did you really think having Lucas' number makes you special?
01:43Keep dreaming.
01:45She looked at me with open contempt.
01:47Even the Janners at Goodwin's group dress better than you.
01:50I had always preferred simple, comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names.
01:54I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.
01:58What era are you even living in?
02:00To think you'd still be judging people by their looks.
02:03Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his sister in All But Blood.
02:06My mood for shopping was ruined, thanks to her antics.
02:09I grabbed the gown and headed straight to the checkout counter.
02:12The saleswoman hesitated before saying,
02:15Miss, I'm sorry, but we prioritize our members first.
02:18Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.
02:22Only people who've spent over a million get this card.
02:25What's a broke loser like you even doing here?
02:28I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.
02:33I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman.
02:37I suppressed my anger and said, sign me up for a membership.
02:40Then bagged the gown.
02:43Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened.
02:45The Goodwin's own Floaten.
02:47If you sell her that gown today, I'll have Luke's buy this store out tomorrow.
02:51The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said,
02:54Miss, I'm just an employee.
02:56I can't risk offending Goodwin's group.
02:58Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice and whispers.
03:02That's Mrs. Moreau.
03:03I've seen her around.
03:04Lucas Goodwin swore us for rotten.
03:06You should just let it go.
03:07The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin's group drove them into bankruptcy.
03:11You may have some money, but it's pocket change compared to Goodwin's group.
03:15Just apologize to Mrs. Moreau now and beg her to spare you.
03:18Flattered by their words, Vivian's ego swelled like a balloon.
03:22You wench, get on your knees and say,
03:25I'm a worthless poser and I'm sorry.
03:28Maybe then I'll consider letting you off the hook.
03:31At 26 years of my life,
03:32I had never encountered anyone audacious enough to act so arrogantly in front of me.
03:37Pardon?
03:38What did you just ask me to say?
03:41What?
03:42What are you, deaf?
03:44Say I'm a worthless poser.
03:45I'm sorry.
03:47Do I need to spell it out for you?
03:48I smirked.
03:49I heard you.
03:50Since you're aware that you're a worthless poser,
03:53get out of my sight.
03:55Don't waste my time.
03:57When Vivian finally realized she was being mocked,
04:00she flailed her arms and charged at me.
04:02It was laughable to see her trying to attack me.
04:04I had a black belt in taekwondo.
04:06Did she really think her flimsy punches would scare me?
04:09I sent Vivian crashing to the floor with a single kick.
04:15She howled in pain.
04:17The onlookers stared at me in horror.
04:19On looker gosh.
04:20Did she just do that to Mrs. Morley?
04:23Mr. Goodwin is going to tear her to pieces once he hears about this.
04:27Yeah, good luck to her.
04:29Not even God can save her.
04:31I felt nothing when I heard their whispers.
04:34The Goodwin family had only achieved their current status through my mother's support.
04:38No one in this city could intimidate me.
04:40I slammed my card on the counter again and said to the cashier,
04:45Ring me up.
04:46The cashier, visibly shaken, fumbled as she processed my payment and wrapped up the gown.
04:51I turned to leave with the bag in hand.
04:54Vivian scrambled to stand up and blocked my path again.
04:57You're not going anywhere.
04:59I raised my fist and waved it in front of her face.
05:02What's the matter?
05:03Do you want to taste my fist again?
05:05Vivian flinched instinctively.
05:07I scoffed and strode past her.
05:10Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store.
05:13A man stepped out.
05:14I felt my heart skip a beat.
05:17Vivian immediately rushed over tearfully to tattle.
05:20Luke, she stole my gown from me and even hit me.
05:24So, this was my fiancé.
05:26I had always been a sucker for good looks, and Lucas' appearance was exactly my type.
05:31Based on his looks alone, I felt I could forgive his previous rudeness.
05:36I gave him my best smile.
05:38Hi!
05:40I'm Lily Winsong, your fiancé.
05:43It was no wonder my mother said I would be satisfied with the man she had picked this time.
05:48She really knew me inside out.
05:49The onlookers immediately erupted in gasps.
05:52What?
05:54She's Mr. Goodwin's fiancé?
05:57Lucas looked at me coldly.
05:59Don't get ahead of yourself.
06:01My father arranged this engagement without my consent.
06:04I never agreed to it.
06:06Vivian, who stood beside him, wrapped her arm around his and leaned intimately against his shoulder.
06:11She shot me a provocative glance.
06:13Look at yourself.
06:14There is no way Lukes would ever marry an ugly creature like you!
06:18Someone chimed in.
06:19Exactly!
06:20If Mr. Goodwin were to marry, it would be to some rich girl from a proper family with equal status,
06:25not some country bumpin' like you.
06:26With her looks, Goodwin's group wouldn't even hire her to mop floors.
06:29I had never considered myself a stunning beauty, but I was certainly not ugly.
06:34How could they describe me in such derogatory terms?
06:37This proved how people instinctively curry favor with the powerful and took advantage of those in misfortune.
06:42Lucas Goodwin, go home and tell your father that I'm calling off this engagement.
06:49You don't deserve me.
06:53According to my mother, his father had pulled countless strings to arrange this marriage alliance with our family.
06:59If he learned that his own son had ruined it, he'd skin Lucas alive.
07:03The thought lifted my mood a little.
07:05I could not be bothered to waste more time on these idiots, so I turned to leave.
07:09But Vivian, knowing that Lucas would back her up, refused to let it go.
07:14She blocked my path again.
07:16Don't even try to run, you wench!
07:18We're not done here!
07:19You stole my gown and hit me!
07:22I looked at her disdainfully.
07:24What exactly do you want?
07:26Mistaking my calm for fear, she raised her hand to slap me.
07:29I'll slap you until I feel satisfied!
07:31I caught her wrist mid-swing and slapped her across the face without hesitation.
07:36She stared at me in shock.
07:39Had enough?
07:40Vivian said angrily.
07:42Those two slaps wiped the arrogant look off Vivian's face.
07:46She burst into tears and cowered behind Lucas.
07:49Lucas, do something!
07:51Lucas shielded her protectively and snarled,
07:54Touch my girl again and I'll end you.
07:57He signaled his bodyguards to grab me.
08:00I managed to take down the first bodyguard with a quick strike,
08:03but the second one pinned me down.
08:05After a barrage of blows, I collapsed to the floor.
08:08The two bodyguards hauled me up and forced me to my knees before Vivian and Lucas.
08:13They looked down at me.
08:14Lucas backed Vivian up and said,
08:16Vivi,
08:18do whatever you want to her.
08:21I've got your back.
08:22With Lucas' reassurance, Vivian immediately gained confidence.
08:26She slapped me twice, then spat in my face.
08:29You wench.
08:31Where's all that attitude now?
08:33Huh?
08:35Come on.
08:36Show me how tough you are.
08:38Then she kicked me hard in the stomach.
08:41Clutching my aching abdomen,
08:43I raised my gaze to glare at her and Lucas.
08:46You'll regret this.
08:48I swear you'll pay for this.
08:52Vivian laughed arrogantly.
08:54The Goodwin family is one of the top three powerful families running this city.
08:58What can a broke loser like you even do against me?
09:01Today, I'll teach you what happens when you mess with me.
09:04She pulled out a nail clipper from her bag and slashed it across my face.
09:08Searing pain shot through my cheek as the skin swelled,
09:11and I felt blood seeping out.
09:13Someone sighed in pity.
09:14I told her not to cross the Goodwin family.
09:16Guess she had to learn the hard way.
09:18What a shame.
09:20Her pretty face is ruined now.
09:22Folks like us can't afford trouble.
09:24We better swallow our pride when we're out here.
09:27Vivian raised the nail clipper again,
09:29aiming for another slash at my face.
09:31Terror at the thought of disfigurement overwhelmed me,
09:34and I quickly begged for mercy.
09:36Fine, fine, I'm sorry.
09:39Take the dress.
09:41I shouldn't have fought you for it.
09:43Revenge could wait.
09:45At that moment, saving my face was the priority.
09:47However, Vivian still slashed the blade across my face again.
09:52Oh, now you're sorry.
09:55Well, it's too late now.
09:58Wench, I won't let you go until I've vented every ounce of my rage.
10:02I screamed in pain and turned to Lucas for help.
10:05Lucas, you know my background.
10:07Aren't you afraid of the consequences?
10:09If you keep letting her humiliate me like this, you'll regret it.
10:13Lucas sneered.
10:14What status could you possibly have?
10:17Your mother bewitched my father into forcing this engagement on me.
10:21A vicious gleam flashed in Vivian's gaze.
10:24Your mother is a witch, and I bet you are one too.
10:29Strip off and let me see clearly.
10:33No!
10:33Just then, my phone rang from inside my bag.
10:36I struggled desperately to reach it, but Vivian snatched it first.
10:39She swiped to answer, and my mother's voice came through immediately.
10:44Lillabelt, how's the gown shopping going?
10:46I hurriedly shouted for help.
10:49Mom!
10:50Save me!
10:51Someone's hurting me!
10:53She's trying to strip me off!
10:55My mother panicked.
10:57What?
10:57Who's doing this to you?
10:59Vivian cut in arrogantly.
11:01Me?
11:02Your little witch daughter has been begging for attention, so I'm putting her in her place.
11:06My mother snapped.
11:07I don't care who you are.
11:08Let my daughter go now, or you'll pay for this when I get there.
11:12Try me!
11:13I'll be right here to catch you, you witch!
11:15With that, Vivian hung up my phone and furled it to the floor.
11:18It shattered into pieces.
11:20She slapped me across the face again and sneered.
11:23The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
11:26Huh?
11:27When your mother shows up, I'll strip her down too.
11:30Time crawled by.
11:31It felt like half a century.
11:33But in reality, it had only been five minutes.
11:36Finally, a familiar stretched limousine appeared.
11:40My mother stepped out of the car and demanded,
11:42Let me see who dares threaten to strip me down.
11:45The instant I saw my mother, a wave of pent-up grievances surged through me.
11:51Mom!
11:51I cried as my voice broke with emotion.
11:54My mother's heart broke at the sight of me.
11:56She immediately rushed toward me and pulled me into her embrace.
12:00I finally felt safe when I leaned against my mother's chest.
12:03The surrounding onlookers gasped in astonishment at my mother's vehicle.
12:07Look!
12:07That's a limited edition stretch limousine!
12:09Only the extremely rich and powerful can own that car.
12:13It seems Vivian messed with the wrong person this time.
12:16Wrong person.
12:18Please.
12:19Even if she's got connections, nobody could possibly outrank the Goodwin family in this city.
12:24Vivian thought the same, too.
12:25She charged toward my mother.
12:27So you're the witch who raised this brat?
12:29She dared to steal my dress and hit me.
12:32Tell me, how are you going to make this right?
12:35My mother raised her eyes to look at her.
12:37How am I going to make this right?
12:40Oblivious to my mother's murderous glare, Vivian made her demands without restraint.
12:45This was my dress until your trashy daughter put her hands on it.
12:49Now it's ruined.
12:51You'll pay ten times the price.
12:53And for those slaps, she'll kneel right here and slap herself twenty times in front of everyone.
12:59Most importantly, cancel her engagement with Luke.
13:03Do everything I say, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here in one piece.
13:07Otherwise, you're not leaving this store alive.
13:10My mother laughed in disbelief when she heard Vivian's outrageous demands.
13:14She gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before walking toward Vivian.
13:18The engagement between Lillebeau and the Good Twin family will most certainly be cancelled.
13:23Lucas could never measure up to being part of our family.
13:26As for the rest of your demands...
13:28My mother raised her hand and slapped her face hard.
13:31Don't even dream about it.
13:33You're the ones who won't be walking out today.
13:35Vivian stood stunned for a second before attempting to retaliate.
13:39My mother's bodyguard kicked her to her knees, then pinned her arms down.
13:43After struggling futilely, Vivian lifted her head to plead with Lucas.
13:48Lucas!
13:49It hurts!
13:51Help me!
13:52Lucas signaled his bodyguards to intervene, but within seconds they were overpowered and slammed to the floor.
13:58The most satisfying part followed.
14:00Lucas himself was forced to my knees before me.
14:03My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:05I've never laid a finger on Lilibeth since she was born.
14:09And you dare humiliate her like this today?
14:12You'll repay this a thousand times over.
14:15My mother did not hold back and slapped Lucas.
14:18You old hag!
14:20How dare you hit me?
14:21I'm the chairman of Goodwin's group.
14:23You have no idea what consequences you'll face.
14:25How dare you hurt my daughter?
14:27I'd slap your father just like I slapped you if he's here.
14:30The onlookers grew even more shocked.
14:32Who does this woman think she is?
14:34Mr. Goodwin Sr. ran the underworld in his youth.
14:38After leaving that life behind, he built the Goodwin's group.
14:40Even now, everyone in Floaten shows him respect.
14:43She just struck Mr. Goodwin Sr.'s golden boy.
14:47There's no way she's walking away from this.
14:49My mother ignored their whispers.
14:51She gently touched my swollen, bleeding cheek.
14:54Oh, Lilibel, you've suffered enough.
14:57But I'm here now.
14:59Don't be afraid.
15:00Do you want payback?
15:02Just say the word.
15:03I was not the type to turn the other cheek to begin with.
15:06I certainly would not be after what Vivian just called.
15:09I stared at her with a furious gaze.
15:11First, I struck her repeatedly across the face to vent my anger.
15:16Then, I picked up the nail clipper she had used to slash my cheek
15:19and slowly brought it closer to her face.
15:22Vivian trembled violently.
15:28Without hesitation, I made the first cut.
15:31She let out a blood-curdling scream as a bleeding gash swelled along one cheek.
15:35I slashed the blade repeatedly.
15:37Soon, her face was swollen beyond recognition.
15:40It looked bruised and bloody.
15:41She could do nothing but wail in helpless agony as she was pinned down by the bodyguards.
15:48My face...
15:49My face is ruined!
15:51It was true that a person would not know the pain until it was theirs to bear.
15:55When she tried to disfigure me, she should have expected retribution.
15:59Lucas, who was nearby, snarled at me.
16:02You psychotic wench!
16:04When my father finds out what you did to Vivi, he'll make you pay!
16:08My mother said coldly,
16:09Good.
16:10Let Bernard come.
16:12We'll see who he punishes.
16:14You or us.
16:15My mother immediately took out her phone and called Bernard Goodwin.
16:19He answered instantly.
16:21Hello, Denia.
16:22What's the matter?
16:23My mother replied coldly,
16:25Bernard, you've certainly raised an exceptional son.
16:29Recognizing her displeasure, Bernard responded with forced laughter.
16:33Denia, what has my useless son done now?
16:36Just say the word, and I'll punish him severely.
16:39You know, Lilliville is my only daughter.
16:41I've cherished her like the apple of my eye since she was born.
16:44Yes, of course.
16:45Rest assured, when Mrs. Winsone marries into our family,
16:49I won't let her suffer even the slightest grievance.
16:52My mother's voice trembled with suppressed rage.
16:55Well, your precious boy, Lucas,
16:58has let Lilliville suffer a terrible humiliation.
17:01He tied her up and allowed her to be beaten and insulted
17:04for the sake of some pretend sister.
17:06How are you going to make this right?
17:09Bernard was in disbelief when he heard this.
17:11He then said,
17:12What?
17:13That brat hurt Mrs. Winsone.
17:16Skin him alive for all I care.
17:18Do whatever you want with him.
17:20Lucas, who was kneeling on the floor, shouted,
17:22Dad, has this witch cast a spell on you?
17:25These two witches are evil.
17:27They ruined Vivi's face and made me kneel.
17:31Instead of saving me, you're letting them have their way with me.
17:34I'm your son!
17:36Bernard roared furiously.
17:38You're a disgrace.
17:39After this disaster you've caused,
17:41I wish I'd never had you!
17:44Lucas tried to speak again.
17:45My mother ended the call deliberately.
17:47She looked at him with contempt.
17:49Do you still think your father is going to save you?
17:52You black widow.
17:54Don't get cocky.
17:55He's just blowing off steam.
17:57I'm his flesh and blood.
17:59When he comes for me, you're dead.
18:01Ever since I could remember,
18:03my father's memory was my mother's most tender spot.
18:06No one would dare broach it.
18:07Lucas truly had a death wish
18:09and was walking straight into the line of fire.
18:12As expected, my mother's expression darkened.
18:15She looked at him with a murderous gaze.
18:17I swiftly kicked Lucas in the back.
18:19He sprawled face first onto the floor.
18:22Mom, don't waste your anger on this worthless fool.
18:25Let me handle him.
18:26I know exactly how to deal with them.
18:28With that, I ordered the bodyguards
18:29to take both of them away.
18:31I sidled up to mom and whined.
18:33Mom, my face really hurts.
18:36Will you come with me to get it treated first?
18:38My coaxing tone successfully snapped my mother
18:41back to rationality.
18:42She gently touched my injured cheek
18:44and accompanied me to the hospital.
18:46Floodon's top dermatologists and plastic surgeons
18:49gathered to examine me.
18:50After disinfecting my facial wounds,
18:52they discussed treatment plans
18:54to ensure no scars would remain.
18:56Once the treatment plan was finalized,
18:58the doctors gradually dispersed.
19:00Only my mother and I remained in the ward.
19:03I leaned my head against her shoulder
19:04and murmured reassuringly,
19:06Mom, don't take Lucas's words to heart.
19:09Lilibelt, your father really did die because of me.
19:12Do you hate me for making you grow up without a father?
19:14Her voice thickened with guilt and regret.
19:17I shook my head and hugged her tighter.
19:18I knew better than anyone
19:20how much she had suffered these years.
19:22My father had been part of the underworld.
19:24He had countless subordinates.
19:26Bernard was just one of his underlings.
19:28Everything changed when he met my mother.
19:30They fell in love at first sight.
19:33The violent womanizer who lived for fights and flings
19:35finally settled down.
19:37From that moment,
19:38his heart belonged only to my mother.
19:40But this gave my father a weakness.
19:42His enemies repeatedly targeted my mother.
19:44In the end,
19:45he sacrificed his life protecting her.
19:47I was less than a year old at the time.
19:50My grandparents said
19:51she would have followed my father in death
19:52had I not existed.
19:53For my sake,
19:54she dragged herself through the grief.
19:56She dissolved my father's underworld organization.
19:59From its members,
20:00she selected those with business acumen
20:02and funded their ventures.
20:04My mother understood the danger of drawing attention.
20:07To shield me from becoming a target,
20:09she maintained a low profile
20:10and never appeared before the media or public.
20:12It was no exaggeration to say
20:14my mother built three
20:15of Flodan's major financial empires.
20:18Only a few knew this truth.
20:19This explained why idiots like Lucas
20:22remained ignorant of her true status.
20:24That was why he dared spew nonsense.
20:27After a week of medical treatment,
20:29my facial injuries healed completely.
20:31My skin became even smoother
20:33and more radiant than before.
20:35One day,
20:35the housekeeper brought over another gift from Bernard.
20:38It was a 1945 Chateau Lafite.
20:40It was one of only a few left in the world.
20:43It was clear Bernard had gone to great lengths
20:46to save his son.
20:47After locking Lucas and Vivian up for a week,
20:49it was about time I paid them a visit.
20:51I instructed the housekeeper to inform Bernard
20:54who was waiting outside.
20:56Then,
20:56I had the bodyguards bring Lucas and Vivian up
20:58from the basement.
20:59Those seven short days had transformed them
21:02beyond recognition.
21:03Their hair was matted
21:04and their bodies reeked of foul odors.
21:07Vivian's facial wounds were left untreated.
21:09It had festered and swollen.
21:11Her entire face had turned into a bloated mess
21:14and was ruined beyond repair.
21:16When Lucas spotted Bernard,
21:18tears of relief streamed down his face.
21:20He scrambled over on hands and knees.
21:23Dad,
21:23you're finally here.
21:25You have no idea what I've been through these days.
21:28He pointed a shaking finger at me.
21:31It was her.
21:32She locked me in that water cell.
21:34She deprived me of sleep,
21:37starved me,
21:38and forced me to eat rotten food.
21:41I smiled slightly as I looked at him.
21:43Yet you always licked the bowl clean, though,
21:46didn't you, Mr. Goodwin?
21:48Human survival instincts were truly remarkable.
21:51I had ordered the guards to deliver
21:52just one meal of cold, rancid oatmeal per day.
21:56At first,
21:56Lucas proudly declared
21:58he would rather starve than touch such food.
22:00He was the chairman of Goodwin's group, after all.
22:02But after three days without food,
22:05pride became meaningless.
22:06They fought over that putrid oatmeal
22:08and even licked their bowls clean.
22:10Lucas glared at me savagely.
22:12You vicious witch.
22:14Now that my father is here,
22:17your little game is over.
22:19Sometimes I marveled at life's scales of balance.
22:21When it gave you one thing,
22:23it would always take away another.
22:25Clearly,
22:25Lucas's intelligence had been traded for his looks.
22:28Before he could finish his threat,
22:30Bernard struck him across the head.
22:32You disgrace!
22:34Are you trying to give me a heart attack?
22:37Get on your knees and apologize to Ms. Winshow right now!
22:41Lucas turned to his father,
22:43his face twisted in betrayal.
22:45Why should I apologize?
22:47She tortured me for days!
22:50Instead of having my back,
22:52why are you taking her side?
22:53Bernard looked at his clueless son in despair.
22:56He was truly at his wit's end.
22:57Since my mother had given strict instructions,
23:00Bernard could not reveal my identity.
23:02He could only vent his frustration
23:04by kicking Lucas behind the knees
23:06and forcing him to kneel before me.
23:08Bernard spoke with cautious deference.
23:10Mrs. Winsway,
23:12I know this worthless son of mine has angered you.
23:15Nothing he does will ever make up for it.
23:18But he's my only child.
23:21Please,
23:21spare his life.
23:22Witnessing his father's humiliating submission,
23:25Lucas finally realized
23:27that I was not just some nobody.
23:29Dad,
23:31who is she?
23:33We're the Goodwin family.
23:35One of the three most powerful families
23:37running this city.
23:38Since when has there been anyone
23:39we can't afford to offend?
23:41Bernard glared at him with disgust.
23:43You stupid brat!
23:44How many times have I told you
23:46there's always someone above us?
23:48I told you to behave,
23:50but you never listened!
23:51Let me make this clear.
23:54Mrs. Winsaw
23:54is exactly who we can't afford to offend.
23:59Whether you walk out of here
24:00depends entirely on her.
24:03Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation,
24:06Lucas' expression shifted from resentment
24:08to pure terror.
24:09He stammered and said,
24:10Mrs. Winswone,
24:12I've been a fool.
24:15Please,
24:16forgive me.
24:18I sat in my chair
24:19as I slowly sipped the coffee beside me
24:21before addressing them.
24:22Bernard,
24:23you're actually wrong about Lucas.
24:25He wasn't the one who offended me.
24:27It's his sister in all but blood that did.
24:29Lucas merely wanted to stand up for her.
24:31You're such a disgrace!
24:33Instead of learning proper conduct,
24:35you're messing around with some pretend sister.
24:38Get that woman out of my sight.
24:39Now.
24:40Seeing this,
24:41Vivian instantly realized
24:42Lucas was barely keeping his own head
24:44above water at the moment.
24:45He could not save himself,
24:47much less her.
24:48Just remembering her time in the water cell,
24:51she vowed never to suffer like that again.
24:53Her legs gave out.
24:54She collapsed to her knees with a thud
24:56and started apologizing frantically.
24:58Mrs. Winswone,
25:00I'm sorry!
25:01I'm sorry!
25:03I'm the worthless poser!
25:05Please forgive me!
25:06Please spare me just this once!
25:09Please!
25:10Please!
25:10I beg you!
25:12Please spare my miserable life!
25:15Her words echoed in the room
25:17as she repeatedly begged for forgiveness on her knees.
25:20Lucas finally lowered his proud head in submission.
25:23Mrs. Winsbone,
25:23I was blind and foolish to wrong you.
25:26I won't bully people
25:28or pull that privileged nonsense again.
25:31Please just give me this one chance.
25:32After finishing my coffee,
25:34I set the cup aside.
25:35I looked at the people around me
25:36and said calmly,
25:37My, you are all speaking
25:39as if I'm some homicidal maniac.
25:42This is a society governed by law.
25:45Do I really look like a criminal to you?
25:47Bernard ventured cautiously.
25:49Mrs. Winsbone,
25:50does this mean you're forgiving this idiot?
25:53I smiled.
25:54Of course.
25:55Though they'd hurt me,
25:57I've hurt them too.
25:59An eye for an eye
26:00leaves the whole world blind.
26:01I'll let this matter end here.
26:03Lucas and Vivian resumed frantically
26:05thanking me for their mercy.
26:07I cleared my throat before continuing,
26:09Not only do I forgive you,
26:11I intend to grant you a blessing.
26:14The three of them looked confused.
26:17After some digging,
26:19I discovered Vivian and Lucas
26:20have been dating all along.
26:22They adopted the pretend siblings' pretense
26:24because you wouldn't approve, Bernard.
26:27Well, congratulations, lovebirds.
26:29You'll be heading straight to the city hall after this.
26:32You've got exactly seven days
26:34to throw a wedding and float on.
26:35My words were met with mixed reactions.
26:38Some were delighted,
26:39others horrified.
26:40Vivian had never expected this misfortune
26:42to turn into her lucky break.
26:44Her long-held dream of climbing society's ladder
26:47by marrying a wealthy man
26:48was finally coming true.
26:49A thrill of victory rose in her chest,
26:52and she could not help but smile.
26:54However, that smile was particularly grotesque
26:56grotesque and unsettling
26:57on her nearly disfigured face.
26:59The one displeased by this turn of events
27:01was naturally Bernard.
27:03He had always looked down
27:04on Vivian's background and behavior.
27:06This disaster involving Lucas
27:08had been partly caused by her,
27:10deepening his disdain toward her.
27:11I observed the three of them,
27:13each lost in their own thoughts,
27:15and asked,
27:17Well, can you do it?
27:21When they gave me their agreement,
27:22I waved them off with a smile.
27:25There's a car waiting outside
27:26to take you love-largs to the city hall.
27:29They scrambled to their feet and dashed out,
27:32as if afraid I might change my mind
27:33if they delayed even a second.
27:35The filthy, foul-smelling Lucas and Vivian
27:38were delivered straight to the city hall's entrance.
27:40A staff member approached them.
27:42She suppressed her disgust at the stench.
27:45Sir, miss, how may I assist you?
27:48Lucas glanced at Vivian's swollen face
27:50and could not help but feel repulsed.
27:53Still high on the thrill of bagging a good win,
27:56Vivian blurted out,
27:57We're here to get married!
27:59even after years of handling registrations.
28:01This was the most bizarre couple
28:03the staff had ever encountered.
28:05Most couples dress their best
28:06when registering for marriage,
28:08but these two looked like refugees
28:10fleeing a disaster.
28:11The groom looked especially disgusted and reluctant.
28:14The staff processed their paperwork dutifully
28:16despite their appearance.
28:18When my driver reported
28:19they had successfully tied a knot,
28:21I felt the wicked satisfaction
28:23of a prankster seeing their scheme succeed.
28:25This particular prank, however,
28:27would haunt them for life.
28:30A week later,
28:31their wedding had the whole internet
28:32talking about the Goodwin family.
28:34The viral wedding coverage
28:35caused Goodwin's group stocks to plummet.
28:37Their assets were halved,
28:39knocking them out of Floodon's top three spots.
28:41Though my orchestrated behind-the-scenes
28:43certainly helped.
28:44Bernard blamed Vivian entirely.
28:46He was convinced she had brought misfortune
28:49to the Goodwin family.
28:50From the moment she married in,
28:52he never showed her even a hint of kindness.
28:54After marriage,
28:56Lucas became a habitual womanizer
28:58who refused to go home
28:59and face Vivian's disfigured face
29:01due to the result of untreated wounds.
29:03Initially, Vivian had been overjoyed
29:05about marrying into the Goodwin family.
29:07As time passed,
29:08she realized even the housemaids
29:10did not regard her
29:11as Lucas's legitimate wife.
29:13Her influence within the Goodwin family
29:15was negligible.
29:15The meager monthly allowance she received
29:17was not even close
29:18to her imagined aristocratic lifestyle.
29:21They fought constantly
29:22about Lucas's repeated affairs.
29:24Through these constant fights,
29:25Vivian grew increasingly paranoid
29:27and unstable.
29:28After one particularly vicious quarrel,
29:31she snapped.
29:32She stabbed Lucas
29:33before ending her own life.
29:34I was vacationing abroad with my mother
29:37when we heard the news of their deaths.
29:39Sunlight sifted through the branches.
29:41A new day began in tranquility.
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