Ella hurried to the door.

A young man stood in the doorway. Sharp features, a defined jawline, and steady eyes gave him a commanding presence-despite the worn, ill-fitting clothes.

Ella's cheeks warmed, and she felt her pulse quicken.

Tiesto's gaze swept over her-bright eyes, rosy lips-and he stepped inside with quiet confidence.

Piper couldn't help but notice his striking looks. But seeing his tattered clothes-and remembering the old car-their allure evaporated instantly. Twenty years of luxury had left her incapable of imagining hardship at all.

Lora greeted him warmly. "Tiesto, we've found our daughters. This is our eldest, Piper, and our youngest, Ella. Thanks to the Hart family's care over the years, we've finally been reunited. We even share the same last name."

Tiesto nodded politely.

Nora appraised him from head to toe. "So... where do you work? Where do you live? What do your parents do?"

"I work for a diversified company, live in the suburbs, and my parents aren't working right now," Tiesto replied evenly.

A diversified company-Sterling's empire spanned finance, real estate, hotels, and luxury brands. More than enough to impress anyone.

Living in the suburbs-he mostly returned to his grandmother's suburban villa, her retirement home.

His parents being out of work made sense; ever since Tiesto had taken control of the company, they had indulged themselves, leaving the business entirely to him.

Nora's face betrayed her disdain.

"So... what are your plans? Buying a house in the city?" she asked, her tone disinterested.

"Not considered yet," he replied. He already had plenty of properties under his name.

Nora had a hundred questions swirling in her head but found herself too lazy to ask.

Tiesto knew he had made the right move today. Clearly, this engagement wouldn't happen unless the family decided it themselves. He was content to wait.

Nora forced a laugh. "Lora, tell me-who do you see Tiesto being engaged to? Piper or Ella?"

Lora hesitated. "We... haven't really thought about it. There's no rush. Let them interact first... let the girls decide."

Before finding her daughters, her only concern had been locating them. If Nora hadn't brought up the engagement so soon, Lora might never have considered it today.

Nora shook her head. "No. Let them 'interact'? There are three sons-how exactly are they supposed to interact?"

Her words snapped Lora to attention, and even the Hart siblings sensed the tension.

Just as Tiesto was about to speak, Nora continued:

"Since we're all here today, I might as well be blunt. These two daughters-I raised them myself. Twenty years of hard work went into them. When they first came to my home, Piper was three, Ella two. You can imagine how difficult it was."

The Hart family exchanged grateful looks.

"And now you want to take them both back and arrange engagements. Though I'm their adoptive mother, my love for them is no less than a biological mother's. So... I want to keep at least one."

Lora hesitated. "But..."

Piper stepped forward, her voice gentle. "I've had twenty years with my adoptive mother. You're my biological parents, yes, but I can't ignore the love and care I've received. I want to stay-and I'll visit often."

"Yes. Piper is still young. I don't want her to leave me, and I don't want her married this early. Please-let her stay by my side!" Nora said, reluctant to part with her favored daughter.

Ella realized the truth: Piper had already decided to stay. It made sense-luxury, comfort, security-it was natural for her to hesitate.

Her careful dress, flawless makeup, and deliberate preparation that day had nothing to do with impressing her birth parents-it had been a test to see if the engagement prospect measured up. A good family, a solid background, and luxury? Then Nora and Piper would fight for him. A modest boy? They'd let it go immediately. That was their usual method.

Lucas and Lora, after a brief discussion, understood Piper didn't want to leave and reluctantly agreed. "Very well. We'll do as you wish," they said.

Nora turned to Ella. "And you? Do you want to stay?"

She didn't like Ella much but had no problem keeping a competent worker around.

All eyes turned to Ella. Lora tensed. Could it be that neither daughter wanted to return home?

Tiesto watched her with quiet interest.

Ella spoke evenly. "I don't want to stay."

Nora snorted. "Think carefully. Once you leave today, you're no longer my daughter. Coming back here won't be easy."

"I've thought it through," Ella said, taking Lora's arm. "I want to go home with you."

"You said it yourself... don't regret it later." Nora rolled her eyes, secretly muttering curses at Ella for her 'ingratitude.'

"I said it myself. I won't regret it."

Nora sneered. "Fine. Let Ella meet the fiancé. She is back with you-I don't care about her marriage anymore."

Piper's smile was faint but sharp. "Ella, don't say I didn't warn you. When you're choosing a husband, you can't just go by looks, and you can't cling to promises made decades ago. A marriage without stability is like holding sand in your hands-it'll slip away the moment the wind blows."

Just thinking about it, Piper felt a pang of sympathy for Ella. Her father worked as a security guard, her mother as a cleaner, and they lived in a cramped apartment outside the villa. On top of that, they were raising three boys. Going back there meant a life of hardship for Ella.

It was all because Ella had been proud and stubborn, refusing to flatter Nora. Staying would have been far easier.

"Sis, you don't need to worry about me," Ella said calmly, a sense of freedom settling over her as she prepared to leave.

Nora had always treated her like a servant.

Piper, on the other hand, had long mastered the art of currying favor with Nora, taking credit for the good and blaming Ella for anything that went wrong.

Even if she hadn't been reunited with her birth parents, Ella had already decided to move out and rent her own place.

Piper smiled softly. "I'm just looking out for you. I don't want to see you work so hard, only to send your money straight to your birth family."

In her heart, Piper thought Ella was foolish-turning down comfort and security just to chase hardship.

Nora nodded. "Your sister's right. When a woman marries, she should aim higher."

Her eyes flicked meaningfully toward Tiesto. "And a man can't just expect to marry someone because of some promise his grandfather made. You need to build your own life first..."

Ella ignored the veiled sarcasm-it wasn't aimed at her anyway.

She spoke clearly, her voice steady. "Mr. Tiesto Sterling, since the Sterling and Hart families already have an engagement, why don't we get married?"

The room went still.

Lora caught Ella's arm. "Ella... are you sure about this?"

It wasn't his lack of wealth that worried her. They had never met this man before-and she didn't want her daughter stepping into a marriage that might bring nothing but hardship.

Tiesto had come fully prepared to end the engagement.Cold looks. Thinly veiled disdain. Even open mockery-none of it would have bothered him. That was exactly what he expected.

What he hadn't expected was this.

When Ella calmly proposed, he froze.

A familiar voice burst through his earpiece, sharp and breathless."Tiesto-say yes! Say yes to her! That girl is good-hearted. If you let her go, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"

Only then did Tiesto remember-his grandmother had been watching the entire time.

"Hurry up! Don't hesitate! If you miss this chance, you'll regret it! Oh-my head... someone get the doctor-"

Tiesto clenched his jaw.

"...Grandma," he said under his breath.

The sudden remark drew confused looks from everyone in the room.

Ella was still watching him. Calm. Steady. As if she had already made peace with whatever answer he gave.

"Mr. Sterling?" she prompted softly.

After a brief pause, Tiesto nodded."...Alright."

On the other end of the line, his grandmother let out a long, satisfied sigh. The dramatic headache that had plagued her all morning seemed to vanish in an instant.

Outside City Hall

Ella and Tiesto stepped out of City Hall, each holding a marriage certificate. Tiesto reached up, removed his earpiece, and discreetly detached the hidden camera.

Ella gave a small, polite bow.

"Mr. Sterling... I know you hadn't planned to get married today. Thank you for agreeing anyway."

"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't plan it either," she continued, her tone calm but firm. "But I don't want to go back to my adoptive parents' house. My birth parents don't have much, and I don't want to be a burden to them. Marriage felt... like the most practical solution."

She found him decent enough. And with their families already bound by an old engagement, it had seemed like the cleanest way forward.

Tiesto frowned slightly. "So marriage is just a transaction to you?"

"I know it's sudden," Ella said honestly. "If this arrangement causes trouble, we can end it. Six months from now-no strings attached."

"Forget it," Tiesto replied smoothly. Money had never mattered to him. Appeasing his grandmother today mattered far more.

"I'll rent my own place soon," Ella added.

"No need," he said, pulling out a key and a folded note Javi had delivered earlier. "This is my place. Move in."

The note listed an address, unit number, and Tiesto's phone number. The apartment described was modest, functional, and neat-much like the man himself.

Ella slipped the key and note into her bag, quietly absorbing the reality that she was now married. Tiesto turned and left without looking back.

She didn't stop him.

...

Back at the Hart Family Neighbourhood.

A young man waved as Ella approached.

"Daniel," she called out.

Daniel-her third brother, quiet and steady-smiled shyly. "Mom and Dad asked me to wait for you."

"Alright," Ella said. "Let's go home."

They entered through the back gate of a modest residential cluster-single-story units shared by several families.

The moment Ella stepped inside, the warm aroma of home-cooked food greeted her. Lucas was chopping chicken at the counter with practiced movements, while Lora rinsed vegetables nearby.

Lora wiped her hands and hurried over. "You're back. Come in-dinner's almost ready."

Henry, the eldest, glasses neatly perched on his nose, handed her a bowl of cherries. Caleb, ever cheerful, shoved a handful of chocolates into her arms.

"These are great! Eat more!"

In moments, Ella's hands were full. The warmth caught her off guard.

The two-bedroom unit was small but thoughtfully arranged. A compact living room, a narrow kitchen, two bedrooms-one shared by the brothers with bunk beds, the other for their parents. The small courtyard outside was used for laundry and washing vegetables.

Simple. Tight. But honest.

Ella felt something ease in her chest. By marrying Tiesto, she could leave without becoming a burden. Her parents lived modestly, but they were steady people-good people.

Lora returned carrying two plates of chestnut cakes.

"Do you remember these? You and Piper used to love them. I made them myself-try one."

Ella smiled and took a bite. "It tastes just like before."

Lora hesitated, then asked softly, "Should I bring one to Piper too?"

Henry shrugged. "I don't think it's necessary."

Caleb tilted his head. "I don't mind either way."

Ella didn't want to disappoint her mother. "I'll take one to her."

"I'll come with you," Daniel said.

They walked back to the villa together.

The door swung open, revealing Piper, impatience written plainly on her face.

"What is it now?" she snapped. "Next time, call first. Showing up like this is inconvenient."

Daniel had always been shy, his voice soft and uncertain. "Mom asked us to bring you something to eat..."

Piper recalled what Nora had mentioned earlier-the housekeeper had prepared an elaborate dinner tonight.What could they possibly have brought?

"Oh, you really didn't have to," she said lightly, her tone carefully measured to sound polite. "You should take it back and enjoy it yourselves."

Daniel hesitated. "Mom made it especially for you."

"...Fine. One piece," Piper said, finally reaching out. "That's enough. You can go now."

She picked it up delicately with her manicured fingers, careful not to ruin her freshly polished nails.

Before Ella could say anything-and before Nora might notice something off-Piper closed the door.

The moment it shut, Ella and Daniel saw her toss the chestnut cake straight into the trash.

Daniel's face flushed red.

"Forget it," Ella said quietly, tugging him aside. She'd expected nothing else from Piper.

She broke the remaining cake in half, handing one piece to Daniel and slipping the rest into her bag. Then she patted it lightly, cheeks puffing into a mischievous smile.

"Perfect," she said. "Breakfast for tomorrow."

Daniel watched her, his expression softening. Something like quiet admiration settled in his eyes.

Back home, Lora glanced at the empty plate and let out a small sigh of relief.

Ella said nothing, letting Daniel lead the way back inside. Somewhere along the walk, the two of them had formed an unspoken alliance.

Caleb nudged her. "Ella... can I get your number? I'll add you to the family group chat."

She handed him her phone. Caleb eagerly added her first, then returned it.

Before she could even look at the screen, Lucas came in carrying a large pot of roasted chicken fragrant with herbs and vegetables.

"Alright!" he announced. "Set the table-dinner's ready!"

Ella helped her brothers arrange the dishes. Soon the table was full-chicken, fish, shrimp, crab-everything they could afford, and more.

She noticed their hands then. Rough. Calloused. Worn by years of labor.

Her chest tightened.

Before the feeling could overwhelm her, food was piled onto her plate. Henry cracked the crab for her. Caleb peeled shrimp. Daniel carefully removed the fish bones.

They worked with quiet focus, as if trying to make up for twenty lost years in a single meal.

Ella's eyes shimmered.

"Eat more," they urged, voices warm and earnest.

After dinner, Henry cleared the table, Caleb swept the floor, and Daniel washed the dishes.

Ella stood to help, but Lora caught her hand. "Sit. Eat some fruit."

Lucas brought over a plate.

When Lora felt the thin calluses on Ella's fingers, her eyes stung. "You worked a lot at your adoptive mother's place, didn't you?"

"It wasn't that bad," Ella replied gently. "Housework isn't tiring."

Lora thought of Piper's smooth hands, her polished appearance, the way Nora favored her without shame.

Tears welled up. "From now on," she said firmly, "no one in this house lets Ella work too hard."

"Of course," the three brothers answered together.

"I'll make the bed," Lora added. "This room will be yours."

Ella immediately understood-they planned to sleep in the living room instead.

She shook her head. "Mom... did you forget? I got married today."

Lora's face filled with concern.

"Tiesto is a good man," Ella said softly. "And I'm at the right age. It was time. You don't need to worry."

"And the wedding-"

"I'll talk it through with Tiesto," Ella interrupted gently. "We're adults. Please trust us."

When Henry learned that Ella usually relied on buses and the subway, he spoke up immediately."I'll give you my electric bike."

Caleb shook his head. "Yours is too heavy for her. She should take mine."

Daniel hesitated, then added, "Mine's brand new. I've only ridden it once. Ella can use mine."

In the end, they all agreed on Daniel's.

Ella couldn't refuse. She thanked them and rode off. Once she was out of sight, she stopped by the curb, checked the address Tiesto had given her, and opened the navigation app.

Just as she was about to continue, her phone rang.

It was Henry.

"Ella, you left your bank card inside the nutrition supplements you bought today," he said. "Do you need it urgently? I can mail it to you tomorrow."

"No," Ella replied softly. "That money was for Mom and Dad. Please give it to them."

Earlier, she had bought health supplements as gifts. Thinking about how her parents had traveled across the country looking for her and Piper-never settling in one place-she had quietly slipped her savings inside.

Four thousand dollars. Everything she had managed to save over the years.

She knew they wouldn't accept it outright.

As expected, they'd found it.

"Ella," Henry said quickly, "you just graduated. And you're married now-you'll need money."

"Henry," she interrupted gently, climbing back onto the bike. "Please. Let it go. I'm riding now."

Worried about her safety, he didn't argue.

Ella arrived at the address Tiesto had given her-a modern apartment complex in the city. It was far humbler than the Hart family villa, but the moment she stepped inside the gates, she felt oddly at ease.

She found the right floor, then stopped.

The door had a digital lock.

The key Tiesto had given her didn't work.

With no other option, she called him.

At Sterling Corp, Tiesto was buried in paperwork. Seeing an unfamiliar number, he almost ignored it-until he remembered yesterday.

"Mr. Sterling," Ella said politely. "Sorry to bother you. The key you gave me doesn't open the door. It's a digital lock."

"...Wait," he muttered, then turned to Javi. "Why does that apartment have a digital lock?"

Javi stiffened. "I'll check right now."

A moment later, he found the access code and passed it over. Tiesto read it aloud.

"Thank you," Ella said. Then, after a brief pause, she asked carefully, "When will you be home?"

The word home made Tiesto pause.

"I usually stay at the company residence," he replied. "I won't be back unless necessary."

"Oh." Ella smiled without meaning to.

Relief bubbled up inside her.

So this was what people online called the joy of a husband who never comes home.

Tiesto hung up.

Javi cleared his throat. "Sorry, sir. That apartment was collateral from another subsidiary. The lock code was changed earlier this month."

"It's fine," Tiesto said, already turning back to his work. A lock code wasn't worth his attention.

Meanwhile, Ella entered the apartment.

Two bedrooms, one living room. Clean. Minimal. Almost untouched.

He clearly didn't stay here often.

She placed her luggage in the spare bedroom, unpacked quickly, and stored the food her mother had packed into the fridge.

Sitting on the sofa, she opened her phone and saw the family group chat lighting up.

Did you arrive safely?Let us know when you're inside!Text when you're settled!

She typed back:"I've arrived safely. Don't worry, Mom, Dad. Brothers."

The chat exploded with emojis and encouragement, as if she'd just achieved something monumental.

Then she noticed several money transfers.

Her parents, Henry, and Daniel had each sent $7,500. Caleb had sent $4,500.

Thirty thousand dollars in total.

Ella stared at the screen, stunned.

Without hesitation, she sent every transfer back.

Moments later, messages flooded in.

"Ella, this is your father's money. You must keep it," Lucas said.

"Yes," Lora added. "Buy whatever you need."

"You're rejecting it because you don't see us as your brothers?" the three boys protested together.

Ella finally gave in.

Thinking of their small apartment-and how much this must have cost them-her chest tightened with warmth and quiet pain.

The Next Morning

Ella rode to work.

She had just graduated and was now an intern at a local media outlet. Officially a reporter. In reality, she chased leads, tips, and anything she could find.

Senior reporters had contacts. Interns had persistence.

She usually relied on public transport or shared bikes, but today, the electric bike made everything easier.

She didn't land any major stories, but she stopped by a local community center.

The director smiled when he saw her. "Ella! Back again? And with gifts?"

"I didn't buy them," she said, unloading a box. "My mom made them."

There was too much food to keep at home, so she'd brought half along.

"Your mom?" the director asked, surprised.

"My real mom," Ella said, beaming.

"Oh-your biological family found you? Congratulations!"

Ella had grown up here with Piper. Even after leaving, she still visited once or twice a month.

"I brought stuffed chicken and small fish," she said. "Especially for you."

The director laughed and accepted them.

"Where's Ellen?" Ella asked.

"She's helping the kids inside."

"I'll find her."

Ellen was helping children with homework. Now married with a toddler, she worked part-time so she could keep her daughter close.

"Sis!" Ella called.

Ellen pulled the kids aside. "How are your parents? Do they treat you well?"

"They're amazing," Ella said. "They even packed food for me."

Ellen's smile softened. "So you've left the villa for good? Congratulations..."

Ella nodded. "Yeah. I even got married."

After a brief explanation, Ellen's expression shifted to concern."But you barely know him."

"At least my grandfather's generation knew him," Ella said lightly. "That's better than my adoptive mom trying to marry me off to some rich stranger."