"Do you realize what you've just done?" Nelly yelled as heads turned towards them.

Maya's heart pounded loudly in her chest.

"Such a fool," Nelly continued, stepping closer. "You come here with your filthy feet, wearing our expensive clothes, breathing our luxurious air, and now you decide to destroy something that's worth more than your existence?"

The room was filled with whispers.

"She's so clumsy," someone murmured from behind.

"She doesn't belong here," another voice added.

Maya swallowed hard. Her gaze travelled to the girl who had brushed past her earlier and nudged her off balance. The girl was standing now with a mocking smirk, and her arms folded.

"You were the one who-" Maya started.

"Oh please," the girl scoffed. "Don't try to blame anyone else for your mistake. Everyone saw it."

"That's not true-" Maya started, her voice trembling.

"Enough!" Nelly cut her off, glaring at her with hatred burning in her eyes. "You've embarrassed my family enough for one night."

The crowd grew thicker around them.

Mrs. Sterling appeared from the other side of the hall, her expression dark.

"What in heaven's name is going on here?" she demanded.

"Mother," Nelly said quickly, pointing at Maya. "She broke the imperial vase."

"What? Which one?" Mrs. Sterling snapped as she turned toward her daughter.

"The one from the Qing Dynasty, mother," Nelly said quickly. "The one father got from the Dynasty collection."

"What?" Mrs. Sterling's voice rang. She turned her glare on Maya, who stood frozen beside the shattered glass. "How?"

"I...someone pushed me-"

"Don't you dare lie!" Mrs. Sterling cut in, stepping closer. "Unlucky girl! What were you even doing near it?"

Nelly crossed her arms smugly. "Oh my gosh, I don't even know why Dad insisted she stays here."

"That's because he doesn't want the idea of his child living in the countryside to stain his name," Mrs. Sterling hissed. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have let her step foot into this house."

Her eyes filled with disgust. "She's an illegitimate child. A countryside girl and she's unfortunate. Day one of you being here and you break something this expensive!"

Nelly stepped closer, tilting her head mockingly. "Do you even know how much that vase costs?"

Maya's lips parted, but she couldn't speak.

"Nearly two hundred million dollars," Nelly said slowly, savoring every word. "Have you ever seen that much in your life, you wretch?"

The room went quiet except for the faint sound of the music. All eyes were on Maya.

Maya looked down at the shattered pieces. Gosh, so much for trying not to be noticed.

"It...it was an accident," she whispered. "Someone pushed me-"

"Oh, don't you dare make excuses," Mrs. Sterling snapped. "That vase was a family heirloom, worth more than anything you've ever touched in your life."

"I didn't mean to-"

"You never mean to, do you?" Nelly shot back. "You just keep making trouble wherever you go."

What? This was the first day they met.

The laughter that followed from the other girls was loud, echoing in Maya's ears.

She looked down, her eyes burning but she refused to let the tears fall.

"Maybe we should just send her back to wherever she came from," one of the guests whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear.

"She doesn't belong in this house," another chimed in.

Just then Maya glanced at the girl who had pushed her. The girl fluttered her lashes, "Oh my gosh, Nelly, what do we do with her?"

Nelly paused, turning slowly to face Maya, with calculating eyes. "We should probably call the police, Anna." she said. "Destruction of property is a crime, isn't it? She should get arrested."

Mrs. Sterling folded her arms. "You'll pay for this somehow, girl. I don't care how you get the money, but you will-"

"Put it on my account," a deep voice suddenly said, causing all eyes, including Maya's to turn.

A man in a dark, tailored suit rolled toward them. The suit itself screamed quiet luxury. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his skin was fair, his jawline sharp, and even though he sat on a wheelchair, there was no mistaking he was tall.

But it wasn't the man alone that drew everyone's attention. It was the sleek, black, electric wheelchair. The kind of thing that whispered power instead of pity. Two men stood silently behind him in matching suits and dark shades.

Mrs. Sterling's entire demeanor changed. "E-Ethan... Mr. Ashford! You're here already?" she stammered, the earlier arrogance disappeared.

"Yes, I am," Ethan replied simply.

Ethan Ashford, the twenty-five-year-old multi-billionaire, CEO and founder of E&A Designs-an interior design and decor company ranked among the top in the city. Known for his brilliance, precision, and almost unnerving composure, he had built a reputation that few dared to question.

"Put it on my account," he repeated.

Mrs. Sterling blinked rapidly, startled. "What? What do you mean...Mr. Ashford, you don't have to. It's fine-"

"It's expensive, isn't it?" Ethan asked without looking at her.

"Yes," Nelly blurted out before Mrs. Sterling could speak. "She broke an imperial vase!" She turned to Maya. "Do you know how rare that is? It's the real one from the Qing Dynasty, worth nearly two hundred million dollars!"

A faint smirk tugged at Ethan's lips. "That's incorrect."

Nelly's brows furrowed. "Excuse me?"

"The original of that imperial vase isn't from the Qing Dynasty," he said smoothly. "It's Ming. Early Ming, to be exact. And it's not worth two hundred million, it's priceless. Because it's not for sale. It's housed in the National Museum of Beijing under government protection."

A heavy silence dropped over the room.

He looked toward the broken vase, then back at Nelly. "What you had here was a decorative replica with nice finish, poor glazing, and a weak base, not more than $30,000. It wouldn't have lasted a year."

Nelly's mouth opened, but no words came out.

Ethan turned to one of the suited men standing behind him. "Replace it. Same design, better quality. Send the bill to my office."

"Yes, boss." They bowed slightly.

"All done," Ethan said coolly. "The commotion can stop. I hate noise."

And with that, he turned and rolled away, heading toward the heart of the party, Maya could only stare at him. There was something about him.

And somehow, she knew this was only the beginning.

Maya stood there, watching as Mr. Ethan Ashford rolled away. The crowd parted instinctively for him.

Mrs. Sterling's called out. "Ella! Tina!"

Two maids hurried over with a dustpan and brush, their heads bowed. They knelt and cleaned up the shattered vase. When they were done, Mrs Sterling gave Maya one last glare before turning away.

Nelly followed after her mother, tossing her hair back dramatically, and soon the crowd moved, pretending nothing had happened. The music started again and laughter returned.

Maya exhaled softly, stepping aside. As she moved, Anna- the same girl who had shoved her earlier, brushed roughly past her.

"You're lucky," Anna hissed, "Nelly's fiancé saved your ass. Otherwise, you'd be behind bars right now."

She scoffed and walked away, leaving Maya frozen in place.

Nelly's fiancé?

Maya's gaze travelled toward the tall man in the wheelchair, now deep in conversation across the hall.

Just a few hours in this mansion, and she had already been humiliated, insulted, and nearly accused of a crime. How much worse would things get if she stayed here longer?

Maybe she shouldn't have come at all.

She barely knew her father. It had been twenty years without him, and suddenly she was expected to belong here? To this house filled with people who looked at her like she didn't deserve to breathe their air?

Meanwhile, Nelly practically skipped her way across the grand hall. She spotted her father surrounded by a few executives and friends. They clearly hadn't heard the commotion earlier.

"Dad!" she called brightly.

Mr. Sterling, a tall man with streaks of gray in his dark hair turned at the sound of her voice. His expression softened. "Nelly," he smiled as she reached him and wrapped her arms lightly around his shoulders.

"Look!" Nelly said, pulling back. "Ethan's here!"

Mr. Sterling's brows lifted as he turned to see the young man in the sleek black wheelchair approaching. "Mr. Ashford," he said with a welcoming tone, extending his hand.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Sterling." Ethan replied smoothly, shaking his hand firmly.

"Thank you."

Nelly's eyes gleamed mischievously as she leaned closer to her father. "Dad, did you hear what happened? That illegitimate daughter you brought home broke something."

Mr. Sterling's smile faltered. "Nelly," he said sharply. "Be careful with your words."

"But Dad-"

Before she could say another word, Ethan spoke, his tone cold. "I already handled it," he said, turning his gaze briefly toward Mr. Sterling. "You should focus on your birthday, Mr. Sterling. The matter's been resolved."

Mr. Sterling blinked, then nodded quickly. "Ah, right, right. Yes, of course. Thank you, Mr. Ashford." He turned to Nelly, patting her shoulder. "We'll have dinner soon, once the guests start to leave. Go on, mingle."

Nelly bit her lip, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, Dad."

Soon after, guests began to leave one by one. The once bustling hall now fell a bit quiet. Maya stood off to the side, unsure what to do next.

Her eyes drifted to the long dining table at the center of the room, where servants were now arranging plates, silverware, and golden-rimmed glasses.

An after-feast? she wondered. The Sterling family clearly liked to celebrate in style.

Nelly was the first to take her seat, elegantly crossing her legs. Mr. Sterling soon joined her, followed by Mrs. Sterling. Ethan was helped into a seat, followed by a couple of men.

Maya bit her lip. Maybe this was her cue to leave. She began to take a slow step back when a maid rushed toward her.

"Um... Miss Maya," the maid said, bowing slightly. "Mr. Sterling has asked that you join the table."

Maya blinked. "What?"

"Yes, ma'am. They're about to have dinner. He said I should ask you personally to join."

"Oh, I don't think I should," Maya muttered.

The maid gave a polite smile. "Please come."

Maya swallowed hard, her heart suddenly racing. As she walked toward the table, she could feel every pair of eyes following her. When she reached the end of the table, she hesitated, not sure whether to sit.

Nelly glared at her. "Why the hell is she here?"

Mr. Sterling's tone was calm. "I don't think she's eaten since she got here. Let the child have her seat."

"Oh, come on, Dad," Nelly huffed. "Why are you being so nice to her? I get that she's your child, but still-"

"Nelly," he cut her off gently. "Don't overthink it. We're just going to eat. Nothing more."

Mrs. Sterling gave a small laugh. "Nothing more, indeed. But you know, darling, I've been through quite a lot because of this girl. It's not like she's part of our family or anything. She's just an illegitimate child from the countryside."

Maya kept her eyes on the table as she lowered herself into the empty chair.

Mr. Sterling exhaled quietly, rubbing his temple. "This shouldn't be about who's legitimate or not. It's my birthday. Let's just enjoy dinner."

No one replied.

Some maids began serving the dishes.

Maya stared at the table in front of her, unsure whether she was supposed to eat or simply admire the arrangement. She had never seen so many dishes in one place before.

The long dining table looked like something straight out of a royal banquet. There was beef wellington, bowls of truffled mashed potatoes, lobster tails resting on fine china, and glasses filled with champagne and wine that sparkled like liquid gold.

When the maids finally stepped back, Maya felt completely overwhelmed. On her left were three forks which looked the same to her. On her right, three knives of varying shapes and sizes. Napkins folded neatly. So many plates layered one over another that she couldn't even tell which one to start with.

Her eyes moved to the others at the table. Nelly and her mother moved effortlessly, picking up the utensils. Even Ethan, who sat quietly beside Mr. Sterling, ate quietly.

Maya swallowed hard. Her heart was racing.

She watched a moment longer, then took a slow breath and picked up one of the forks. Maybe this one was right. But the moment the fork touched her fingers, Nelly scoffed.

"That's a dessert fork, silly."

A small wave of laughter echoed between Nelly and her mother. Maya froze, her face heating in embarrassment. She quickly set it down and picked up another one.

She began eating, trying her best to keep her hands steady.

"You're supposed to put the napkin on your lap, dummy." Nelly spoke again.

Maya stopped, realizing the napkin was still neatly folded beside her plate. She sighed softly, picked it up, and placed it on her lap just like the others.

Nelly giggled, leaning slightly toward her mother. "Gosh, I mean, how's the countryside?" She probably spent her time climbing trees and chasing chickens. Isn't that what they do in small towns?"

Mrs. Sterling chuckled softly behind her glass of wine.

Mr. Sterling cleared his throat then reached for his glass, and turned his attention to the man sitting calmly across from him.

"Mr. Ashford," he began, smiling politely, "how's the new launch going?"

Ethan, who had been quiet throughout the entire dinner, lifted his gaze from his plate.

"It's going well," he said simply.

That was all.

Maya glanced at him. He barely spoke, yet somehow his presence filled the room.

Mr. Sterling nodded approvingly. "Oh, that's really good. I'm glad to hear that."

"Thank you," Ethan replied, taking a slow sip of his wine.

Across the table, Nelly leaned toward her mother and whispered something. Mrs. Sterling listened, sighed, and then nodded slowly.

"Mr. Ashford," Mrs. Sterling began, "I know what I'm about to say is a bit abrupt, but I just hope you wouldn't mind."

Ethan set his glass down gently. His hazel eyes lifted to meet hers.

"What is it?"

Mrs. Sterling smiled faintly. Her gaze moved toward Maya, who was barely eating.

"We know that the initial agreement was that you were to marry Nelly."

Ethan didn't react. He simply continued eating.

"But," Mrs. Sterling said, straightening slightly, "there has been a change." She looked at Maya. "We would like you that you get married to Maya instead."

Maya choked on her drink instantly. The liquid burned up her throat and out through her nose as she coughed uncontrollably, her face flushing red.

Ethan's expression didn't change. He just gave a single glance to one of his men standing silently behind him. The man moved, poured a glass of water, and handed it to Maya.

She took it with trembling hands, gulping it down between coughs.

"Thank you," she managed to whisper.

Nelly rolled her eyes dramatically. "Seriously..." she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms.

Mrs. Sterling cleared her throat and continued as though nothing had happened. "I know this sounds... sudden," she began, smiling. "And you may be wondering about our reason for this change."

Ethan didn't even look up, he simply swirled his wine, his expression unreadable.

Mrs. Sterling went on. "You see, Nelly is still in college, in her final year. And juggling marriage and studies would be... very stressful for her. So we thought it best that Maya takes her place instead. After all, she is still a Sterling by blood. It's practically the same thing, isn't it?"

Maya's eyes darted toward Ethan. The same thing?

Ethan finally spoke. "It doesn't matter," he said flatly. "Nelly or Maya, it makes no difference to me."

Maya froze. What? Her heart racing against her ribs. She had thought Ethan and Nelly were together out of love. But the way he said it... as if he didn't care who stood beside him at the altar.

Behind that calm exchange, however, was a much darker truth.

The Sterlings were struggling, their empire suffering debts and failed investments. Their once-flourishing businesses were crumbling, and only one man had the influence and power to keep them afloat was Ethan Ashford.

But Ethan didn't offer charity. He offered terms. And his terms had been marriage.

Originally, it was supposed to be Nelly. Nelly admired his wealth, personality and amazing looks but she couldn't imagine being "tied down" to a man who couldn't walk beside her.

So when Maya arrived from the countryside, quiet and out of place, Nelly and her mother had found the perfect replacement bride.

Maya's heart was racing, her head spinning. Was she imagining this? What was going on? Were they really serious, saying she was going to marry Ethan Ashford, someone she didn't even know and had just met tonight?

It couldn't be true. Why would they push a marriage on her?

Her hands trembled as she held her head. "Uhm. No. I mean... how can I get married to him? I don't even know him. I-"

"Shut it, Maya," Mrs. Sterling snapped harshly. "What does you knowing him have to do with this, hm? You should be ashamed. Do you know it's a privilege to even be sitting here, in our presence, in the presence of Ethan Ashford? You're a lowlife. And getting married to him? That's you doing your pathetic self a favor."

Maya swallowed hard, clenching her teeth. "Marriage is a choice. You can't force me to-"

"Nobody's forcing you," Mrs. Sterling interrupted smoothly. "We're simply telling you what is going to happen. This is what's best for the family. And if you cooperate... you might even survive the night without embarrassment."

Nelly chuckled cruelly beside her. "Don't act so shocked, Maya. You've been plucked from the countryside, tossed into our world. This is how things work here. Adapt or be stepped on."

Maya's gaze moved toward Ethan. He sat there with an unreadable expression, his hands folded neatly on the table. There wasn't a hint of emotion in his eyes. She had no idea what he was thinking, but the coldness in his gaze made her chest tighten.

"I just... I can't get married," Maya stammered, her voice trembling, but determined.

Mrs. Sterling's eyes narrowed. "Listen carefully, Maya. Mr. Sterling is your father, whether you like it or not. You getting married to Ethan is doing your own father a favour. You see, this marriage with Mr. Ethan is going to help our family as we have certain... financial problems going on right now. And Mr. Ethan is the one who can help us, on the condition of marriage. And you can't be so selfish to turn us down."

Maya looked down at the table, her fingers tightening around the edge. "Then why isn't your daughter-"

"She's in her final year in college," Mrs. Sterling cut her off harshly. "I'm pretty sure you didn't even go to college. Didn't finish high school, did you?"

Maya didn't respond, and Mrs. Sterling pressed on. "Listen, from what I've heard, your mother, still living in the countryside, handed you over to us when she realized who your father was. Meaning, you are in our custody. You have nowhere else to go. So you better say yes to this marriage."

Maya's eyes darted up, her voice trembling. "You're making me get married to help your family... and you're not even treating me a little bit nice."

Nelly's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh... the audacity."

Mrs. Sterling gave a mocking laugh and folded her arms. "Aw, poor Maya wants to be treated nicely now," she said, feigning sympathy. She turned to Nelly with a smirk. "We should take notes, darling. Maybe we've been too harsh on her delicate feelings."

Nelly let out a scoff, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Please. She should be grateful we're even letting her sit here. If it weren't for Dad's sense of pity, you'd still be in that muddy little town you and your mother came from."

Maya's chest tightened, but she stayed quiet.

"Respect is earned in this house, Maya," Mrs. Sterling said coldly. "And so far, all you've done is remind us why charity is wasted on the ungrateful."

Nelly giggled. "Exactly!"

"But getting married is my choice to make-"

"Oh, you can talk now, can't you?" Mrs. Sterling snapped. "Disrespectful urchin! Where did you even come from? Couldn't your mother train you properly?"

Maya flinched but rose to her feet, her brown eyes blazing. "Don't speak about my mother! You can talk about me all you want, but you have no right to speak about my mother!"

Mrs. Sterling gasped, anger flashing across her face. She slammed her hand down on the table, then stepped closer. "What did you just say to me?"

Before Maya could respond, a hot slap landed across her cheek. The room seemed to freeze for a moment. "You insolent brat!" Mrs. Sterling hissed. "You're nothing but a pathetic bastard!"