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!"

Maya held her burning cheek where Mrs. Sterling had slapped her. It felt hot, and she could swear it was red. Her fingers trembled as she pressed them against the sting, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Mr. Sterling sighed in his seat. "That was too far, don't you think?" he said quietly, glancing at his wife.

Mrs. Sterling scoffed, flicking her hair back as though the matter was nothing. "Oh, please, darling you saw the way she spoke to me. Such insolence should be corrected."

She casually walked back to her seat, while Maya just stood there, still frozen, holding her cheek.

Mrs. Sterling then turned toward Ethan, who had remained calm and silent through the entire scene.

"Mr. Ashford," she began sweetly, "I am so sorry for her uncouth behavior. You see, she's from the countryside so she lacks manners, proper training, and basic social grace. I sincerely apologize for that."

Ethan didn't respond. His expression didn't change even a little. He simply dabbed his mouth with his napkin, as though none of this fazed him in the least. "Okay,"

Mrs. Sterling's smile widened.

"Once she becomes your wife, you can handle her however you like. Discipline her, if you wish. I give you full permission."

Maya's head snapped toward her. "What?"

Mrs. Sterling ignored her reaction completely. "You'll have to understand, Mr. Ashford," she continued, "the girl has never been exposed to real society. She was raised by a woman who clearly didn't teach her the meaning of respect."

Mr. Sterling cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, since the change was abrupt..." he glanced at Mr. Ashford, then at Maya. "We should give them some time to have a private conversation."

Mrs. Sterling folded her arms. "Private conversation?" she scoffed, but Mr. Sterling gave her a look that made her huff and look away.

She turned to Maya again. "Right. You should have a private conversation. You better not mess this up, you hear?"

Ethan glanced at his watch. "Five minutes," he said. "We could talk for five minutes. She can ask me any question she wants for just five minutes. I have somewhere to be."

Mrs. Sterling nodded eagerly. "You heard him. Get up quickly! Mr. Ashford is very time conscious"

Maya didn't move at first. Her head was still spinning.

"Oh, come on, get the fuck up," Mrs. Sterling hissed.

She rose slowly.

"You can go to the balcony," Mr. Sterling added.

The two men standing behind Ethan stepped forward and carefully helped him back into the wheelchair. He didn't say a word as he turned toward the glass doors and wheeled himself out to the balcony.

Maya stood frozen for a moment, staring blankly at the floor.

"Move, you slowpoke!" Nelly spat, nudging her.

Maya blinked rapidly, her legs finally obeying. She started walking slowly toward the balcony. With each step she took, her heart raced faster, her palms damp with sweat. Her mind was spinning, she was about to speak with the cold, expressionless billionaire she was meant to marry.

The air on the balcony was cooler. She could hear the soft rustle of the evening wind. Ethan was already there, facing her, his back straight in the wheelchair.

He wasn't saying anything.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. His presence alone was intimidating. It was as if the evening wind had mixed with his cold aura.

Maya stopped a few steps away, unsure if she should speak first.

Ethan finally moved slightly. He raised his wrist and glanced at his watch.

"We have five minutes," he said flatly. "It's four minutes left. You don't have any questions to ask me?"

Maya blinked, caught off guard by the way he measured time so accurately.

"Well," she began softly, her voice trembling, "you were supposed to-"

Ethan raised a brow.

"You were supposed to get married to Nelly," Maya continued quickly, "and things were changed last minute, so... why didn't you object?"

"I was getting married to Nelly as the daughter of the Sterlings. Since they needed my help, the arrangement was set. You are also Mr. Sterling's daughter, and so the bride was switched to you. It doesn't matter if it's Nelly or you." He said immediately.

Maya's eyes widened slightly.

So it was about the marriage and not the bride.

"But why?" she asked quietly.

Ethan looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I need to get married for some reasons."

That was it? No elaboration...Just that?

The wind blew at Maya's hair, sending a shiver down her spine.

Maya swallowed. "Do you even know my name?"

Ethan glanced at her briefly. "Maya Sterling, formerly Maya Hart, 20 years old, from the countryside, biological daughter of Mr. Sterling. That's all I need to know."

Maya's eyes widened. "Wait... how did you know that? I just got here today!"

He smirked faintly. "Nothing serious. I'm aware of everything. One of my men was among the ones who went to get you, so I know everything."

Maya swallowed. "So... you're okay getting married to someone you don't even know?"

"Strangers get along better than lovers when emotions aren't involved. I prefer peace."

Maya's heart raced. She blinked, trying to process his words. "Marriage isn't supposed to be like that. You can't just treat it like a business deal."

"I can and I will."

She looked down. "So... it doesn't matter who the bride is, as long as the arrangement works?"

"That's correct," he said simply.

"What are you like... as a husband?"

Ethan's eyes lifted to meet hers. "I don't know," he said flatly. "I've never been a husband before."

Maya blinked, caught off guard. What kind of answer is that? she thought. That wasn't how normal people replied to such a question. She sighed softly, her fingers fidgeting.

Maya looked at him. "What if I say... no?"

"You won't," he said, leaning back slightly in his wheelchair.

Maya frowned. "And what makes you so sure?"

"You already know what happens if you do."

Maya's lips parted, but she didn't say anything. Her heart pounded so loudly she could hear it in her ears. She opened her mouth to ask another question but then Ethan glanced at his watch.

Without saying a word, he reached into the side of his jacket and pulled out a small black velvet box.

He flipped it open with one hand, revealing a simple yet elegant diamond ring that gleamed under the balcony light.

"Time's up," he said as his eyes lifted to meet hers.

"Maya Sterling," he said evenly, "will you marry me?"