Chapter 1 Shocking News By the time March rolled around,Shoildon was buzzing with one jaw-dropping news after another.

Word spread first that Isaac Bennett-the eldest son of the city's wealthiest and most influential family-had been in a devastating car crash, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

Another shock followed quickly: the prestigious Bennett family had chosen to bind themselves tothe newly risen Willis family through marriage.

The biggest stir came from the pairing itself-the groom, none other than the now-disabled Isaac, and the bride, the Willis family's eldest daughter, a young woman raised far from the city's refinement in an isolated rural backwater.

Miles away from the glittering skyline, VerenaWillis, the name on everyone's lips, remained in Trisas, the rural place she'd always known.

The chime of an incoming message broke the silence of the modest living room where she sat.

One glance at the screen showed a message from her assistant.

The text read, "Evelyn, I've got a patient with an extremely rare case. They've been waiting for you for six months. When can you come take a look?"

The screen dimmed as Verena pressed the power button, her delicate fingers lingering over the device. In her clear eyes, sorrow flickered.

Around the world, people knew her as Evelyn Rowe-the miracle-working healer-but fame meant nothing when she couldn't save the person she loved most. Her grandmother had slipped away the moment she picked up her scalpel, unable to wait any longer.

From behind her came the muffled edge ofher parents' voices, their quarrel leaking through the thin walls of the house.

"Laura, have you no sense of timing? My mother's barely in the ground, and you're already talking about leaving!"

"Alec, the company is drowning in unfinished business, and Kaia's eighteenth birthday party is right around the corner. Tell me, which ismore important-a pile of work and a major family celebration, or a dead person? Besides, we need Verena back in the city so she can learn proper manners. If she acts like some country hick girl after joining the Bennett family, it'll be the Willis name everyone laughs at!"

"Stop calling her a country hick girl. She's your daughter!"

"If she weren't my daughter, do you think I'd bother making the trip to fetch her?"

Verena stifled a small laugh as theirbickering went on.

The two people arguing in the room were not strangers but her own parents, Alec Willis and Laura Willis.

Once, they had been ordinary employees, clawing their way up inch by inch until success finally came.

Back in those early years of scraping by, they had no time for a child, so her grandmother, Shawna Willis, had taken her in when she was only a month old.

Even with their hectic schedules, her parents hadstill managed to think of her now and then, sending word or a token of affection when they could.

The change in their priorities began the moment their business took off and they launched their own company.At seven years old, Verena gained a younger sister, Kaia Willis, and from that day forward, her parents' interest in her began to fade. As the Willis fortune grew, they slid seamlessly into the ranks of high society.

Laura would call from time to time, but her conversations were never about Verena's schooling or health. Instead, she would go on about Kaia, the younger sister she called the family's lucky charm, as if Laura's only mission was to brag about the child who supposedly brought them prosperity.

When Kaia turned three,her parents came backto Trisas for a visit.

Alec spoke of moving her and Shawna to Shoildon, yet Verena caught the stiffness in Laura's smile. Later, whatever Laura whispered to Alec was enough to make him drop the idea altogether.

Not long after returning to Shoildon, Laura became pregnant again and gave birth to a son. From that point on, all of their attention went to Kaia and the boy. Money arrived regularly, but they themselves stayed away for fifteen years.

If Shawna hadn't passed away, Verena was certain her parents would have gone on ignoring them entirely.

...

Only after the funeral rites were done did Verena agree to travel to Shoildon with them.

They spoke warmly, as though eager to have her close, but she understood what was really at play. After all, it was easy enough to learn the news in Shoildon with a quick search online.

Laura broke the silence as they neared the Shoildon residence.

"Verena, keep in mind-if anyone asks about your education, you tell them you graduated from Acorith College of Medicine with a master's degree and that you're about to start your internship..."

In her mind, Laura had never pictured Verena as anythingmore than a small-town clinic doctor. Trisas, after all, was nothing but a secluded mountain town in her eyes.

Since Verena had never attended college-or soshe believed-Laura assumed she'd only picked up a few simple skills from the local medics.

The few comments she'd overheard from Shawna about Verena studying medicine had been enough for her to settle on that assumption.

Acorith's medicine program was ranked first in the country, and Laura had no qualms aboutusing its name to prop up her own image. Heaven forbid anyone discover that her eldest daughter's practice was in some rural backwater. That, she thought, would be humiliating.

Verena sneered at Laura's vanity, knowing Laura had nevercared to truly understand her.

Ironically, just last month, Acorith College of Medicine had invited Verena herself to deliver a lecture to its students.

In all her life, Laura had never once asked about her education. Once, Verena missed two of the exams due to illness, resulting in low scores. When Laura later learned her scores were low, she had concluded her daughter was unfit for higher learning.

Even when Shawna tried to tell them the good news of Verena's admission to a top-tier university, both parents brushed it aside, mentioning work matters before abruptly ending the call.

After that, Verena and Shawna stopped trying to share anything meaningful with them.

Verena looked Laura in the eye and said evenly, "I never studied at Acorith College of Medicine."

The bluntness made Laura's lips press together. In her eyes, Verena's refusal to playalong wasn't strength-it was stubbornness.

Of course she knew Verena had never been a student there; that was the whole point of telling her to lie. Compared to Kaia, who might not match Verena's beauty but had achievements to show for herself, Verena was nothing but an embarrassment.

Before she could scold her, Alec'spointed cough from the front seat forced her to bite back the words.

Letting the matter drop, Laura shifted her focus with a softened tone, the indulgence in it clear.

"Anyway, your sister's used to being spoiled. Try not to provoke her, alright? She gets upseteasily and refuses to eat when she's in a mood."

Verena couldn't help finding it all a little ridiculous. Almost eighteen and still carrying herself like a pampered child, Kaia was the very picture of being spoiled.

Their exchange ended as the car rolled to a stop in front of a lavish villa that all but flaunted its wealth.

Verena stepped outfirst, taking inthe grand facade.

From the entrance, a girl in a cute T-shirt and short skirt came dashing towardthem-Kaia, in all her youthful eagerness.

"Dad, Mom, you're finally back!" Kaia's voice rang out, bright and eager.

The brightness dimmed when her gazelanded on Verena. Her eyes lingered, scanning Verena from head to toe.

Clad in a plain cream hoodie and pale yellow pants with clean white sneakers, Verena's look was ordinary at first glance. Yet her delicate features, flawless skin, and calm, distant aura gave her abeauty that couldn't be ignored. Nothing about her spoke of years spent in some remote countryside.

Kaia knew exactly who she was looking at-her full-blood sister-but the two had never shared a home.

Life in Shoildon had made Kaia the untouchable little princess of the Willis family, the jewel in their parents' eyes. This sudden reappearance of an elder sister left her with a subtle, uneasy knot in her chest.

"Oh, Kaia, honestly. How canyou come outside wearing so little? Aren't you freezing?"

Laura's eyes went straight to the thin fabric Kaia wore before she quickly slipped off her own coat and draped it over her.

With a giggle, Kaia leaned against her mother. "Ha-ha, Mom, it's really not cold at all."

It was a scene warm enough to melt the chill from the air-but Verena had never been part of such moments.

Laughing together, Kaia and Laura headed inside, leaving Verena standing where she was, as though her arrival had already been forgotten.

As she walked, Kaia's eyes found Verena for a brief moment, casting a lingering, unreadable look over her shoulder.

At the sight of his younger daughter, Alec's expression softened,and he turned to bridge the gap.

"That's your sister, Kaia. She's done very well for herself. Scored high marks on her college entrance exams and already secured her spot at Acorith College of Medicine..."

Chapter 2 Kaia's Insincerity Alec paused as something seemed to click in his mind. He remembered a conversation from years ago with his mother, when she casually mentioned that Verena had never taken any college entrance exam.

A long, weary breath escaped him. "You'd be so much better off if you were more like Kaia."

Verena didn't even bother dignifying that with a reply. The comment was absurd enough to amuse her. They could recall every tiny quirk Kaia had, yet when it came to something as important as her education, no one had cared to ask. They simply assumed she fell short in comparison.

...

The Willis family home felt like foreign ground to Verena. It was strange to think this place was meant to be hers, yet she was stepping inside for the very first time.

Laura guided her down the hall toward a bedroom, her voice tinged with concern, and offered a reassuring smile. "If there's anything here that doesn't suit you, just tell me, alright?"

Verena kept her tone even. "Thanks, Mom."

"Sweetheart, you don't have to be so polite. I am your mother."

When Laura lingered in the doorway instead of leaving, Verena asked, "Was there something else?"

Laura and Alec had spent years clawing their way into high society, seizing their break the moment it appeared. Still, they were newcomers, and many in those circles saw them as outsiders. The Bennett family, on the other hand, was a dynasty-wealthy, well-connected, and deeply rooted in prestige.

So when the Bennett family suggested a marriage alliance, Laura wasn't about to refuse. She could already picture the benefits, envisioning all the doors it would open.

But Isaac's accident had left him permanently disabled, and Laura couldn't imagine giving her precious younger daughterto him. That was when she decided to bring her eldest home.

For a brief moment, staring into Verena's calm, unflinching gaze, Laura feltthe sting of guilt. She hadn't been there to raise her, and there was no real bond between them. The guilt was genuine, but the detachment was stronger.

Even so, she told herself this was an opportunity for Verena. A girl from a small, remote place, who had struggled in school and now worked as a doctor in a quiet town like Trisas, could only benefit from marrying into the Bennett family. Disabled or not, Isaac represented wealth, comfort, and security.

"You need to get some rest for now, Verena. There's someone I want you to meet later tonight, and I'll be the one taking you."

Laura didn't say who, but Verena didn't need to ask. It would be Isaac. She had already read about his accident online. The thought made her want to laugh and shake her head all at once. Expecting anything different from these parents had been foolish. Children who grew up feeling like afterthoughts learned to carry both bitterness and resignation.

"Alright." Verena gave a simple nod, though her agreement had nothing to dowith Laura. She had come to Shoildon with only one purpose in mind-Isaac.A quiet thought crossed her mind, wondering what state he might be in now.

Laura's lips curved slightly when she saw no resistance. "Good. Getsome rest, then. I'll leave you be."

Just as she was about to head out, she turned to Verena and said, "When you see him tonight,if anyone asks about your schooling, tell them you graduated from Acorith College of Medicine with a master's degree. Don't worry about them finding out otherwise-I'll take care of it."

Once the door clicked shut, Verena stretched out on the bed. Raising her right hand, she noticed the faint tremor in her fingers.

Six days had passed since she failed to save Shawna on the operating table. The scalpel had slipped, and her right hand hadn't stopped shaking since. For a surgeon, such trembling was the surest path to ruin.

Her mind churned with thoughtsuntil sleep crept in, pulling her into an unsettling dream.

In another room, Kaia lounged across the sofa, her phone lighting up with group chat messages. Everyone wanted to know-was her sister beautiful?

The question soured Kaia's mood. Calling Verena pretty felt like an understatement. Even in simple clothes, she had the kindof beauty that caught and held the eye. Her complexion was smooth, unblemished, almost too refined for someone who had spent years in a remote backwater. Next to her, Kaia felt like the girl-next-door-sweet and harmless, but lacking genuine allure.

The questions kept coming, so Kaia finally typed back. "She's alright, not ugly."

She knew the answer was a blatant lie, yet the words had slipped out on instinct.

By now, everyone in Shoildon had heard whispers about the upcoming marriage betweenthe Bennett family and the Willis family.

The city's wealthy young people were curious about the woman Isaac-once a manof unmatched promise-was set to marry.

Seeing Kaia's lukewarm reply, the group went quiet. Not ugly... It was the kind of phrase that hinted the woman was plain at best. Poor Isaac, they thought.

Among those reading was Bobby Bennett, Isaac's younger brother.

A sharp curse left his lips before he turned towardhis mother, Danica Bennett.

"Mom, I get that my brother's legs aren't in the best shape...but does that mean you have to set him up with someone who can't do anything? Kaia says her sister's not exactly attractive."

The comment struck Danica with a dull ache. Like any mother, she wanted her son to have a worthy match.

Still, Isaac's condition went far beyond his injured legs. Certain aspects of his health as a man had been permanently damaged. As the matriarch of the Bennetts, she couldn't let whispers about the family spiral out of control. The safest route was to choose a bride who posed no threat-Verena Willis, the eldest daughter of that family.

"This is my decision, and you have no say in it," she said, masking her emotions with a cool tone.

Bobby's jaw tightened in anger.

Unmoved, Danica turned away andstarted up the staircase, uninterested in soothing his temper.

A message from Laura had just arrived, asking her to set up a meeting between Verena and Isaac that evening.

Stepping into Isaac's dimly lit room, she crossed to the window withoutpause and yanked open the curtains.

Harsh daylight spilled across the floor, driving away the gloom.

Isaac was stretched out on the bed,his eyes shadowed but unblinking,his face as sharply defined as ever.

Knowing he was awake, Danica spokeplainly. "You'll be meeting a girl tonight. And you will marry her."

"If that's the plan, why waste time with a meeting? Just register the marriage and be done with it," Isaac answered, his voice flat.

A mixture of compassion and unspoken indignation churned in Danica's chest. No one outside the family knew that the accident had taken not just Isaac's health, but also her husband's life. With her son in this state, she dared not announce her husband's death, fearing it would shake the company's stability.

"Don't fight me on this. It's only polite to meet her first."

When she left the room, the shadows seemed to close in around Isaac again. Pain and self-disgust clouded his eyes. In his mind, his father's death was a burden he would always bear.

By the time dusk settled in, Verenawas woken by a few knocks on the door before it opened. It was Kaia.

With a tone that wavered between forced cheer and thinly veiled condescension, Kaia said, "Verena, you're about to marry into the Bennett family. Congratulations. They're the top family in Shoildon."

Years of studying abroad had sharpened Verena's instincts, and Kaia's insincerity was as plain as day.

One look was enough to know Kaia disliked her.

In silence, Verena continued foldingher quilt, patiently waiting to hear the rest of what Kaia had to say.

Chapter 3 She's Not Good Enough For You As Verena stayed silent, Kaia added, "The Bennett family might have a good name, but Isaac is already crippled. People say that when a man's legs are paralyzed, his sexual function is often affected too. I honestly don't want you marrying into that family."

While her words sounded concerned, Kaia's real hope was that Verena wouldn't become part of the Bennett family. Even with Isaac's health problems, he was still someone Kaia had once cared for. And if Verena married him, her life would undoubtedly turn out better than Kaia's.

Verena understood exactly what Kaia was trying to do, so she spoke plainly. "If you don't like me, that's fine. You don't have to pretend you're worried because..."

Verena stopped mid-sentence when she caught the flicker ofsurprise in Kaia's eyes, and then continued as if it meant nothing, "The feeling's mutual. I don't like you either."

That blunt truth left Kaia momentarily speechless. She hadn't imagined Verena would tear away her false concern so openly.

It was only after Verena had stepped out of the room that Kaia found her voice again. She stamped her foot in anger and snapped, "Who do you think you are? So arrogant! You're nothing but a country bumpkin from a backward place."

Verena had only reached the doorway. Hearing the insult, she turned back, remained just outside, and faced Kaia. "Your parents are from that same backward place. Should I let them know you think everyone from there is a bumpkin?"

The words left Kaia frozen in place. Verena'ssharp, unyielding stare made her feel as though every hidden thought had been uncovered.

Her dislike for Verena deepened. This time, though, she didn't argue back and stormed off in a huff.

Kaia had just descended the staircase when Laura appeared before Verena.

A shadow darkened Laura's expression.

Verena could guess the reason. Kaiamust have run to her, claiming she'd been bullied by her older sister.

"What did you say to Kaia?" Laura asked, her tone sharp and accusing, as though she had already taken Kaia's side. It was clearshe hadn't considered there might be another side to the story.

Such blind judgment was something Verena found hard to tolerate.

With a faint, mocking smile, she asked, "And what did she tell you?"

"I'm the one asking you!" Laura retorted.

Her temper spiked at Verena's question in return,certain that growing up in a rural backwater had stripped her eldest daughter of proper manners.

"She called me a country bumpkin, so I reminded her that if that's true, then you and Dad would be bumpkins too, because you both grew up in the same place."

"Ridiculous! Kaia would never say something so disrespectful." Laura's fury deepened. "It's bad enough you angered your sister, but now you're making up lies? You've got some nerve, Verena."

The whole thing struck Verena as absurd. Laura pressed her foran answer, yet refused to believe her when she gave it. Was Laura only interested in hearing what matched her own opinion?

Verena wasn't the type to back down and had a way of provoking people further. Laura's refusal to believe her made her say, "If you've already decided I'm lying, then so be it. You believe Kaia no matter what. But you won't ever get an apology out of me. If I'm such a problem, I'll just go back to the countryside and let Kaia marry Isaac herself."

She knew exactly what Laura was aiming for and used it to shut her down.

"You!" Laura was genuinely provoked, but she held her temper in check, reminding herself of thereal reason she had brought Verena to Shoildon.

She couldn't make sense of how different her daughters had turned out. Kaia was accomplished and sweet-tongued, always winning her over. Verena, in contrast, was unremarkable, stubborn, and dishonest. Years apart had made her feel like a stranger.

"Get your things together. You're coming with me to the meeting. And change your clothes. I'll have one of the servants bring you an outfit."

Verena's decision to come to Shoildon had nothing to do with her unfairly biased parents. The moment she saw the news, she had recognized Isaac.

She didn't care about dressing up to see him. So when she came downstairs, she wore exactly what she had on before.

Laura, waiting at the bottom of the stairs, looked visibly unhappy. "Why didn't you change?"

"I don't feel like it," Verena said in an unhurried tone.

"You..." Laura couldonly glare, her patience wearing thin.

It dawned on her that Verena was not as submissive or easy to control as she had assumed.

Still, her priority at the moment was securing the marriage arrangement with Isaac.

"Alright, fine. If you won't change, then let's just go..."

...

Over in the chat group of the wealthy young people, Bobby kept directing questions at Kaia.

"Kaia, what kind of work doesyour sister do?"

Even though they shared the same group, Kaia usually had little reason to speak with Bobby.

Her thoughts raced themoment she saw him reach out to her first.

Not wanting Bobby to feel overlooked, she replied quickly, "My mom told me she works as a doctor in a small town."

Bobby's brows drew together slightly. A doctor? If that was true, then at least she might be able to care for his brother. Thinking along those lines, he grudgingly accepted the idea of Verena being unattractive.

Kaia knew her mother had planned to spread the claim that Verena was a master's graduate from Acorith College of Medicine.

Kaia had poured years of effort into getting into Acorith College of Medicine and earning people's admiration, so the thought of Verena reaping such recognition without working for it irritated her.

With a hint of mischief in mind, Kaia put on an air of casualness and added, "But she never attended university. She probably just picked up a little from the local doctors."

"What? She never even went to university?" Bobby's surprise was obvious.

The title of "doctor" now felt suspicious to him.

Irritation welled up in Bobby. Isaac had graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It was bad enough to marry someone plain-looking, but to have her be undereducated as well...

Unable to keep it in any longer, Bobby sent a message to Isaac. "Please, don't marry Verena Willis. She's not good enough for you. Her sister said she never even went to college. Looks aside, she doesn't have much education."

Isaac was seated in a private room at Spice Restaurant, already waiting.

The setting there was elegant and calming.

Neither Isaac nor Danica, however, had the mood to enjoy the view beyond the window.

For Danica, this meeting was purely a business arrangement.

For Isaac, it was nothing more than a reminder of his own shortcomings.

When his phone chimed, Isaac glanced at the message from Bobby. Hisstriking features stayed impassive.

Danica caught sight of Bobby's message as well.

She shut her eyes for a brief momentbefore saying, "Isaac, please don't resent me. I have no other option."

In her mind, the only way to stop the damagingrumors about him was for him to marry and quietly adopt a child, passing it off as his own.

Isaac's lips curved in a faint, bitter smile. Resentment was a luxury he couldn't claim. In his eyes,he was the reason his mother had lost her husband.

Even so, Isaac sent Bobby a reply. "Watch your tone."

Bobby's temper flared when he read it. In a moment like this, Isaac was still telling him to bepolite. Did Isaac even understand the real issue?

At that time, Verena and Laura reached Spice Restaurant.

Verena was tall and wearing flat shoes; Laura, teetering in high heels, had to hurry to match her pace.

Chapter 4 Showing Off Something For Sale As she walked, Laura whispered to Verena, "No one needs to know you never made it past secondary school. Just tell them you graduated from Acorith College of Medicine. That's the story. Got it?"

Verena had no desire to bother her with a reply.

Upon reaching the reserved room, Laura fixed her hair and straightened her clothes while Verena raised her hand and knocked.

The moment Danica heard someone knocking at the door, she knew the eldest daughter of the Willis family had arrived. This was the marriage arrangement she had personally set in motion. Now, as Isaac was about to meet Verena, emotions twisted inside her.

There was a time when Isaac had been her greatest pride. If that accident had never happened, he would be standing next to the most accomplished woman, not someone without much education.

Conflicting thoughts tugged at Danica. She couldn't bear the idea of others looking down on her son, yet she disliked theWillis family for trading their daughter's future for money.

"Come in," Danica instructed, her voice leavingno room for hesitation.

At once, Verena turned the handle and stepped into the room.

The eyes of both Danica and Isaac immediately settled on her.

Verena's outfit was plain-a loose sweatshirt with comfortable pants. Her hair was tied back, though a few strands brushed against her forehead. Minimal makeup left her features untouched, but her beauty was impossible to overlook. Among Shoildon's most polished ladies, she would still draw attention. She carried herself with a calm assurance that made her presence hard to ignore.

For a brief second, Danica just stared, surprise and admiration flashing in her gaze.

Isaac's brow furrowed instead.

"So... you're from the Willis family?"

Danica's words came out with a hint of uncertainty, and Lauraedged her way inside from behind Verena. Wearing an eager smile, she responded, "Good evening, Danica. That's me. Laura."

Laura guided Verena forward with a bright smile. "This is my daughter, Verena Willis."

Danica's look of surprise was impossible to miss, and Laura felt a wave of satisfaction. Verena carried Alec's features, and that face was something worth showing off. It comforted Laura to know her eldest daughter still had qualities that made her proud.

"Verena, is it?" asked Danica.

She studied the young woman's striking beauty and the confidence she carried. Nothing about her matched Bobby's claim that she was "not exactly attractive." If this was considered unattractive, then Shoildon would have no beautiful women left.

A flicker of satisfaction passed through Danica's eyes. She was relieved to find the woman didn't match Bobby's unflattering description.

She still wanted a daughter-in-law who was easy to control and wouldn't go around exposing Isaac's issues in bed, but she also hoped the girl wouldn't be plain-looking. Appearances mattered, and whoever married into the family had to look the part.

Reading the satisfaction in Danica's expression, Laura felt a quiet surge of pride. Verena was her own flesh and blood, and when itcame to looks, she easily outshone Shoildon's most polished ladies.

"Yes. Danica, thisis Verena," Laura repeated warmly.

"Please, have a seat..." Danica's voice softened slightly.

While the two mothers traded politeremarks, Verena's attention shifted to Isaac seated across from her.

He wore a simple black shirt andsat in a wheelchair with a light blanket draped over his legs.

Catching her eyes on his legs, Isaac's fingers tightened over his knees, but his expression stayed steady and distant, as if her glance carried no weight.

When their gazes locked, Verena showed no sign of discomfort. Instead, she gave him a poised smile. Even in a wheelchair, he was exactly as she remembered. He was cool, unyielding, and commanding in presence.

As they looked at each other,Danica motioned for Laura and Verena to take their seats.

Laura praised Verena like she was describing a rare gem, stressing her merits in case Danica harbored any doubts.

Danica felt entirely satisfied with what she saw.

Still, she couldn't help but find something unpleasant about the way Laura kept pushing her daughter forward. It felt less like introducing a future bride and more like showing off something for sale.

The reality was that Isaac's legs were already in a poor condition, and even though the Bennett family remained wealthy and influential, he wasn't the best choice for a husband.

By lowering Verena's position so much, Laura gave the impression she didn't careif her daughter ended up looked down upon or mistreated, as long as the marriage into the Bennett family happened. To Danica, such a mother was hard to respect.

With Verena and Isaac saying barely a word between them, it fell on Danica and Laura to keep the conversation going.

After several minutes of small talk, Danica finally asked Verena, "Miss Willis, your mother told me you hold a master's degree from Acorith College of Medicine. Is that right?"

This detail mattered to Danica. Having a doctor in the family would make caring for Isaac far more manageable.

The moment the question left Danica's lips, Laura grew tense. She feared Verena would stubbornly deny it, so she gave her daughter a discreet nudge under the table.

Laura thought no one would notice, yet both Danica and Isaac caught the movement.

A faint line formed between Danica's brows, while Isaac's cold, impassive gaze remained unchanged.

Verena raised her head, set her utensils down with steady hands, and gently dabbed her mouth with a napkin before answering, "No."

Danica's face lost some ofits warmth, and Laura's expression shifted sharply.

Inwardly, Laura fumed. Damn it, Verena was stillas rigid as ever. Why couldn't she think on her feet? Did she have to embarrass her like this?

Her anger nearly boiled over, but sheforced herself to hold it in and prepare a way to salvage the situation.

Before she could speak, Verena added, "I graduated from Pine Hill University."

Laura's eyes widened, and her face went through several changes.Pine Hill University was one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, and the revelation left her momentarily stunned.

Verena, on the other hand, stayed steady, her expression showing no hint of disturbance.

Laura's frustration nearly boiled over. She had always known Verena had grown up in a less refined place, but she hadn't expected her to be so bold in making up stories.

Claiming a degree from Acorith College of Medicine was already stretching the truth, yet now she dared to say she had graduated from Pine Hill University? Did Verena really think the people here would believe such a thing? Her lie had no shred of credibility.

Danica's surprise showed in her eyes. She looked from Verena to Laura's stiff, uneasy face, and in that moment, somethingclicked. The realization brought a deeper crease to her brow.

Isaac kept his gaze on Verena, and she responded with another gentle smile. It was warm, inviting, and carried the freshness of early spring.

That single smile lightened Isaac's mood in a way he couldn't explain. He quickly turned away, his brows knitting together as a strange wave of self-consciousness washed over him-not because she was outstanding, but because her kindness made him feel small in an unfamiliar way.

"Attending Pine Hill University is certainly impressive. You must be very talented," Danica said, her tone cold and detached.

Graduates from Pine Hill University stood amongthe most gifted people in the world, and calling them merely talented hardly did them justice.

Laura realized Danica had already caught on to the lie, but she forced herself to press forward. "Ha-ha, yes, it's very impressive. I must have gotten things mixed up... confusing it with the school Kaia will be attending."

The exchange left the dining table steeped inuncomfortable silence.

Without any more hesitation, Danica said, "I'mvery pleased with Verena, and I'm sure Isaacis as well. Regarding the marriage agreement..."

"Mom," Isaac chimed in, stopping her before she could finish.

Chapter 5 I Want To Help You Danica sent Isaac a pointed glance that carried a silent warning.

Isaac paid no attention to her look and said, "I'd like aword alone with Miss Willis."

Since Isaac had spoken, Danica held back any further comment. She already knew his intentions. If only he would simply cooperate. Most likely, he was planning to convince Verena to back out.

With a slow exhale, Danica kept her poise. "It seems Isaac wants to speak privately with Verena and know more about her. Laura, let's step outside for a bit, shall we?"

She understood that Laura was eager for this marriage to happen.

Danica's words served as a subtle nudge to Isaac not tointerfere with the agreement.

The response caught Laura off guard. She hadn't expected Danica to be so lenient after Verena's outrageous lie.

Feeling pleased, Laura replied, "Yes, they could use some time alone."

She gave Verena's shoulder a light pat, her voice holding a note of caution. "Verena, remember to take care of Isaac. He's your fiancé now."

Verena lifted her glass for a sip, a faint smile curving her lips. Her dislike for Laura hadn't changed, yet the thought of Isaac being her fiancé brought a quiet thrill to her heart.

When the two women stepped out, Isaac spoke. "My legs are useless now. They'll stay this way for the rest of my life."

His deep, slightly hoarse voice carried the weight of someone who hadn't spoken much in a long time, and his cool, detached tone made it sound almost void of emotion.

Yet Verena understood that his words were a warning, meant to remind her ofthe kind of man she was about to marry.

"What else?" she asked, her clear eyes fixed on him like a mirror that reflected everything.

Isaac hesitated. His throat tightened, and a shadow crossed his gaze as he thought of the unspoken truth. Then he forced himself to lay it bare. "I can't function like a normal man anymore. I can't give you happiness or the life of a normal marriage."

Isaac understood that his mother's intentions went beyond silencing gossip; she also hoped to steady the company's position. Even so, neither reason justified binding a woman to him in marriage. Becoming his wife would mean giving up her ownhappiness and future. In his mind, he was already a ruined man, and there was no need to pull someone else down with him.

At those words, Verena walkedaround the table until she stood directly in front of him.

From where he sat, Isaac hadto lift his gaze to meet the eyes of anyone around him.

Verena lowered herself into a crouch so she was looking up at him instead.

It was the first time since theaccident that Isaac wasn't forced to look upward at someone.

"Can I touch your legs?" Verena asked.

There was no hesitation in her tone. Her clear eyes held no judgment or avoidance, as though she were speaking to any other man and not one paralyzed from the waist down. Unlike the rest of his family, she didn't treat his injuries as a forbidden topic.

Since the accident, every relative who looked at him carried pity and regret in their eyes. They didn't speak the words aloud, but their glances said it all. He was crippled, no longer a complete man.

Most people knew that paralysis often meant a loss of sexual function, and he was no exception. Rumors about his body had spread, and the cruel truth was that they matched reality. The wound they left was sharper and more suffocating than any blade to the chest.

Isaac fixed his deep gaze on Verena. "Do you realize what you're saying?"

She nodded, herexpression steady. "Yes, I do."

They had been strangers until this moment, yet Isaac felt an odd sense of familiarity when looking at her. He couldn't explain the reason. Driven by instinct, he gave his answer. "Okay."

With his consent given, Verena's eyes curved with a soft, genuine smile.

For a brief moment, Isaac'sfocus wavered.

When her fingers touched his leg, he could see the movement, yet no sensation reached him.

He followed the sight of her slender fingers as they began at hisknee and slowly traveled upward.

To an outsider, the gesture might have looked like she was trying to flirt, but Isaac knew better. He was a man living with paraplegia, completely powerless and without feeling below the waist.

Her hand stopped on his thigh, tapping lightly before shelooked up. "Can you feel that?"

Isaac gave asmall shake of his head.

Her touch resumed, inching closer toward the base of his thigh, until Isaac reacted on instinct and caught her hand.

"What are you trying to do?" His voice was edged with warning.

Verena let out a quiet laugh, pulling her hand back without resistance.

"Isaac, Iwant tohelp you."

"Help me?" he repeated with a mocking twist to his tone. "Help me with what exactly?"

"I want tohelp heal your legs."

The statement landed like a sudden crack of thunder in the still air.

It sounded ridiculous, yet something in her unwavering expression sparked an unfamiliar flicker of hope inside him.

When reality set back in, Isaac let out a bitter laugh at himself. Countless experts had studied his condition and found no cure, yet here hewas letting the words of a woman he barely knew stir something in him.

"Do you realize how cruel a joke like that is to someone who's disabled?" Isaac asked.

In his mind, even open contempt would have been kinder than offering a false hope.

Isaac slowly loosened his grip on her hand.

"I'm being serious," Verena said, her gaze locked firmly on his.

Her reason for coming to Shoildon was solely because of Isaac, and she had no intention of abandoning that purpose halfway.

He regarded her with a chill in his eyes. "Then tell me why you want to help me. And what makes you think you're capable of it?"

Verena faltered for a brief moment. She had already realized that Isaac had no memory of her.

"Do you really not remember what happened in Clokron's Dragon Quarter?"

In Isaac's mind, there was no doubt he had never seen her before. She was a woman of striking beauty-someone whose presence would command attention anywhere. If they had crossed paths, there was no way he could have forgotten her.

He gave a slow shake of his head. "I've been to Dragon Quarter plenty of times, but I've never once seen you there."

A quiet sigh escaped Verena. So that was it. Maybe it had something to do with the recent accident.

She wasn't certain of the specifics of his condition and would need to look into it before deciding anything.

Without the accident, Isaac couldn't have forgotten her. No one forgot the person they once pursued-unless they had lost their memory. And for him, amnesia seemed the most likely explanation.

"Isaac, I don't know the full extent of your condition yet. Once I've reviewed your medical files, I'll give you a clear answer. But... could you at least not shut me out right now?"

Isaac's eyes stayed on her, his silence stretching between them.

Looking into those eyes that seemed to pierce through him, he felt his usual resolve weaken for the first time.

After what felt like along pause, he spokeunexpectedly. "Alright."

A beat later, he added, "If you can heal my legs, I'll give the Willis family everything they're asking for. But my condition makes marriage impossible. A life with me would be a life spent alone."

Verena froze, and then realization struck her. Her eyes flicked almost instinctively toward his crotch. "You..."

The glance made Isaac's face heat with shame. When their eyes met again, the clarity in her gaze madehim feel a rare and uncomfortable urge to turn away.

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The chime of my phone cuts through the silence of Grandma’s cottage, pulling me from the edge of sleep. The message is short: 'Evelyn, I've got a patient with an extremely rare case. They've been waiting for you for six months. When can you come take a look?'

I don’t answer. Instead, I stare at the scalpel on the nightstand—still stained, still trembling in my grip. Six days since I lost her. Since my hand failed. Since the world’s greatest healer couldn’t save the only person who ever loved me.

Behind the thin walls, my parents argue again. Mom’s voice sharp: 'We need Verena back in the city so she can learn proper manners. If she acts like some country hick girl after joining the Bennett family, it'll be the Willis name everyone laughs at!'

I almost laugh. They think I’m some uneducated nobody. They have no idea I’ve lectured at Acorith. No idea I’m Evelyn Rowe.

No idea I’m coming to Shoildon for one reason only—Isaac Bennett. The man who held me in an alley five years ago, blood on his coat, whispering, 'I’ve got you.' The man who doesn’t remember me. The man they’re forcing me to marry.

And the man I swore I’d heal—if he ever needed me.

Now he does.

My fingers hover over the reply. One text could change everything. Do I reveal who I am? Or do I walk into that meeting as the 'country bumpkin' they expect… and let them underestimate me until it’s too late?