Songhu

Julian Moreau has built a life of wealth and prestige, a dazzling empire born from ambition and sacrifice. But beneath the gilded veneer lies a man tormented by expectations—his mother's relentless demand for a family and his own inability to envision a life beyond his business. The hollow luxury of his existence is shattered one fateful night when an accident nearly claims his life, and a mysterious young woman named Isabella risks everything to save him.

Isabella, a selfless girl from a humble background, is thrust into Julian's world of opulence after a desperate plea from his mother, Cilla Moreau. With the promise of money that could change her family's life, Isabella agrees to marry Julian, a man she barely knows. As she steps into the grandeur of the Moreau estate, Isabella is faced with the enormity of her decision—and the daunting task of breaking through Julian's guarded heart.

Bound by a sense of duty, a promise, and an unexpected act of courage, Julian and Isabella are thrown together in a world neither fully understands. Can love grow in the shadow of an arrangement built on desperation? And will Julian find the courage to confront the emptiness within him before it’s too late?

"The Scars We Carry" is a poignant tale of redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of love, where two lives collide in the unlikeliest of circumstances, and fate tests the limits of their hearts..

The Scars We Carry

Julian approached Isabella, his voice calm but firm. "Isabella, I found you."

Isabella crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "What do you want now, Julian?"

"You," he replied, meeting her gaze.

Her brow furrowed. "You can't buy me, Julian. That's not how this works."

"That's not what I mean," Julian said, his voice softening. "I want to marry you."

Isabella let out a bitter laugh. "Now you want to marry me? Why, Julian? What's changed?"

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Because... I've started to realize that we both need something—someone—to hold onto. Love can keep us going, even in the worst of times."

Isabella's expression hardened. "We both know that's a lie."

Before Julian could respond, a woman's voice called out, "Isabella!"

Isabella turned quickly. "Mom!" she exclaimed, running to embrace her. She turned back to Julian. "Mom, this is Julian. Julian, this is Janet—my mother."

Janet's eyes widened in recognition. "Julian? As in Julian Moreau?"

Julian extended a hand politely. "Yes, ma'am. I'm Julian Moreau."

Janet slapped him without hesitation, her voice trembling with anger. "You must be the worst human being on Earth!"

Isabella smirked, folding her arms. "She's not wrong."

Janet pointed a finger at Julian. "How dare you make my little girl cry like that?"

Julian rubbed his cheek, keeping his composure. "It wasn't sadness, Mrs. Orida—it was happiness. I told her I wanted to marry her, and she said yes."

Isabella's jaw dropped. "What are you talking about?"

Julian leaned toward her and whispered, "Just go along with it. I'll explain later."

Janet's glare shifted between them. "Is this true, Isabella?"

Caught off guard, Isabella glanced at Julian, who gave her a meaningful look. Her phone buzzed, and she checked it. A message from Julian popped up: "Please, just tell her we're getting married. I'll do anything."

Isabella sighed and looked back at her mother. "Yes, Mom. It's true—we're getting married."

Janet's fury melted into shock, and she fell to her knees. "I... I'm sorry for slapping you, Julian."

Julian smiled politely. "All is forgiven, Mrs. Orida."

Janet wiped her eyes and stood. "Well, then. Can I trust you to take care of my daughter?"

Julian nodded. "Of course. I'd like to take her back to the city now, if that's all right."

Janet hesitated. "Only if you take her younger brother, too."

Isabella's eyes widened. "No, absolutely not. We're not taking that demon with us!"

Janet gave her daughter a stern look. "Stop calling him a demon. He's an angel."

Julian shrugged. "It's fine, Mrs. Orida—um, Mother-in-law. If that's what you want, we'll bring him along."

Janet beamed. "Call me Mom! Now, let's go introduce you to the rest of the family."

All Lies