For his family's sake, Justin entered into a marriage with a complete stranger. Yet, on their wedding day, he was shocked to find his new wife not only unattractive but also cruel. Though he expected to be repulsed by her, he found himself strangely drawn to her enigmatic presence. Even more puzzling was the fact that the face beneath her mask appeared to conceal dark secrets of its own.
Chapter 1 The Wrong Bride
In StarLight City's high society, the Gregory Family was powerful.
In the luxurious wedding room, a tall man popped out of nowhere and grabbed the bride, who wore an elaborate wedding dress. He was furious.
"You're not Kayla Gray. The Diaz Family tricked me with a fake bride. You're in big trouble."
The bride's head jerked back, but the man's anger didn't soften.
"Let... let go..." Her voice shook, and tears filleld her eyes behind a white mask.
Without pity, the man threw her to the ground and looked down at her with disdain. As she fell, her mask slipped, and she quickly fixed it. The man stormed out, slamming the door.
A servant rushed to help the bride. "Young Madam, are you okay? Let me help you up."
"Thank you."
Arianna stood up, rubbing her sore neck. She looked at the empty doorway, confused and tearful.
"Was that Derek Gregory?"
The maid fixed Arianna's wedding dress. "Yes, he's your husband, the Young Master."
Arianna thought Derek was supposed to be disabled, but he seemed fine - tall and strong. Her sister Kayla had refused to marry him because of his supposed disability.
Arianna smiled slightly, thinking Kayla would regret her decision if she knew Derek was handsome. Arianna sat on the wedding bed, her dress dragging on the floor.
"Isn't it time for dinner?" She was hungry and hadn't eaten all day."
The maid was puzzled. Just a moment ago, the Young Madam had almost been strangled by the Young Master and was in tears. How could she now act as if nothing had happened?
Noticing Arianna's gaze, the maid quickly collected her thoughts and stammered, "Young Madam, dinner has already been served. It's just... you were the only one... who didn't eat."
Arianna was stunned. What? They had dinner without her?
It was clear that she was not welcomed by the Gregory Family. Rumors had it that Isabella was always strict, and as soon as she entered the house, she wasn't given any food. This was probably aaway to show the new daughter-in-law who was in charge.
"Go bring my meal," Arianna ordered.
The servant looked troubled.
"Here's what you do: if they give you a hard time, tell them I've not eaten for three days. If I don't get food soon, I'll starve to death in the Gregory Family. Also, say that I've already fainted once from hunger."
"Will that really work?" the servant asked hesitantly.
Arianna winked at the timid servant. "Go on, trust me."
Downstairs, Derek sat on a sleek leather sofa, repeatedly gripping and releasing the cup in his hand.
His personal assistant approached with a stack of documents. "President Gregory, we've confirmed it. The woman who married you isn't Starlight City's top beauty, Kayla Gray, but rather the infamous, disfigured Arianna from the Gray Family. They tricked us."
Derek's dark brows furrowed, and his hand loosened, causing the cup to drop to the floor.
The Assistant laid out photos of Kayla Gray and Arianna Gray in front of Derek Edwards.
Two photos, starkly contrasting each other: Kayla Gray, with her delicate features and fair, beautiful skin, and Arianna Gray, whose right cheek bore a glaring, hideous scar.
Derek let out a cold laugh, "Well, well, the Gray Family must have a death wish, daring to deceive me with a marriage scam."
The elegantly dressed Madam, Isabella Gregory, who sat beside him picked up the two photos, her frustration growing with each glance.
"The audacity of the Gray Family! Do they really think my son is a cripple, sending such an ugly woman to marry into the Gregory Family?"
Five years ago, Derek had indeed been in a car accident. Afterward, rumors spread that his legs were crippled and everyone seemed to have bought the lie. Then, Madam Gregory wanted to dispel the rumors, but Derek stopped her.
Sitting next to Madam Gregory, was Wendy Thompson who felt a weight lift off her shoulders upon hearing the news. The position of the Young Mistress of the Gregory Family would be hers sooner or later. How could an ugly woman ever catch Derek's eye?
"Auntie, don't let this upset you. Let me give you a massage," Wendy offered, trying to soothe her.
The marriage between the Gregory Family and the Gray Family wasn't a grand affair; it was conducted privately.
The Gregory Family was looking for a woman of noble status who could match their family's prestige. Kayla was the chosen bride after a meticulous selection process by the Gregory Family.
The wedding was extremely simple. The Gregory Family sent just one car to the Gray Family to pick up the bride. In terms of social standing, the Gray Family was definitely marrying up.
No one expected the Gray Family to pull a switcheroo (a sudden or unexpected change, especially in a situation or arrangement).
It wasn't until Derek returned from work and saw Arianna who was wearing a mask, that he realized the person he had married wasn't Kayla.