Chapter 4

My initial encounter with Dashiell was at the base of my father's company building.

At that time, to refuse the arranged marriage my father had set up for me, I gritted my teeth and swore that I could make something of myself even without my family's support.

As I stormed down the stairs, I happened to meet Dashiell, who was there for a job interview. He was wearing an ill-fitting black suit covered in coffee stains, and his resume had been unceremoniously thrown out.

Yet Dashiell could still manage a gritted smile, bowing repeatedly to the HR rep, "Ma'am, please give me another chance. I really need this job."

"My parents are sick at home, waiting for me to send money back..."

The HR rep glanced at his education, rolled her eyes, and walked away.

I followed Dashiell into the elevator. Despite his low spirits, Dashiell still smiled and asked me, "What floor, ma'am?"

I admit I'm drawn to good looks, but what impressed me more was Dashiell's humility and his ability to conceal his ambition at such a young age.

Right then, I offered him six months' salary to work with me.

Back then, Dashiell was just a kid who would follow me around calling me "sis" and desperately try to drink on my behalf.

He didn't understand social graces, so I taught him.

He didn't know anyone, so I introduced him to people.He was all reckless bravado, but when he got into a brawl over a stolen job, I was the one who bailed him out.

I told him, "What goes around comes around. We'll just snag their next gig and call it even."

That time, Dashiell's eyes were red-rimmed as he said, "But sis, that was a job you worked yourself sick for. I can't let all your hard work go to waste."

I was stunned. I'd grown so used to giving without getting anything in return.

One night, after he'd been drinking, Dashiell crawled into my bed and nestled against my neck. "Sis, please don't push yourself so hard. It breaks my heart."

"From now on, I'll do the hustling for you. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it. All the money I make is yours. You don't have to struggle anymore."

"I just can't stand to see you suffer."

After that, Dashiell changed completely. He threw himself into the business, clawing his way up like a starving wolf.

Then he'd come back and hand me the money, saying, "Once I've earned enough, I'm gonna marry you and make sure you live like a queen every day."

...

My hands shook as I lit a cigarette. All fairy tales start out beautiful.

Until later, when the smell of booze and smoke on Dashiell got stronger, he came home later and later, and he stopped wanting to talk to me.When I first miscarried, Dashiell still cared enough to stay with me at the hospital until I was discharged. The second time, all I got was blame.

He accused me of why I went out drinking with clients when I knew I was pregnant. He asked me, "Are you really that desperate for that little bit of money?"

What use was that small amount of money anyway?

But clearly, more than half of the money I earned was sent back to Dashiell's hometown to pay for his parents' medical treatment.

In the end, there was the proposal, the wedding, and then running away from the wedding, back and forth. Then suddenly, a poor, helpless childhood sweetheart from the countryside appeared, seeking shelter.

In just a few short years, Dashiell had almost become a completely different person.

It was as if all the beautiful memories from before were just my own imagination.

I sat alone on the couch, watching the sky brighten inch by inch. The sunlight warming my cheek felt unbelievably comforting.

I picked up my phone and dialed the number I had been waiting to call. "Dad, I agree to the arranged marriage."

Three consecutive "good"s came through from the other end of the line.

Dad's excited voice brought a hint of life to this room. "You've finally come to your senses, kid. All that true love nonsense...

I've lived half my life and known people for half my life. Only marrying someone of equal status is good. That Qi what's-his-name you chose yourself isn't worthy of you at all.""Wait a moment, honey. Dad's going to contact your Uncle Prescott right away. Their youngest son has been waiting to marry you."

In less than ten minutes, a billion-dollar dowry and wedding gift were instantly transferred to my account.

Dad sent me another long string of messages. I glanced at them briefly, but there wasn't anything I needed to worry about.

All I had to do was be a beautiful bride, put on my wedding dress and show up on time for the ceremony, then recite a few vows.