Chapter 2

When Fiona was 13, her 5-year-older sister, Eides, married Robert, the heir of the Muahead Marquess family. It was said that they met at a ball. Both her father and mother were proud of this.

However, Fiona later learned the truth at a tea party hosted by another family. It was said that immediately after Robert had been heartbroken from a great love, numerous young ladies had swarmed around him. Eides had intimidated and entrapped them, cunningly advancing and winning the position of wife. At the time, she had greatly displeased the other young ladies, to the point that some even made a point of telling Fiona about it.

Her happy parents were unaware of this fact. Fiona had no intention of telling them. She was just relieved that her sister had married. However, soon after, an unprecedented crisis struck the Carrington family.

Her father, George, had been deceived into buying a vast wasteland, believing it to be rich in diamonds.

Four years passed.

In the dimly lit living room of the Carrington family, Eides was having tea with her mother, Melissa. Fiona was also there but had no intention of joining the conversation. She was diligently working on her embroidery in a corner.

"Truly, I'm glad I married Lord Robert. I never thought a daughter of a marquess would marry a commoner. I thought he was a poor match, but it's a disgrace."

Eides said with a smile.

"What are you talking about? Lord Robert was the one who pursued you, and people have their limits. Fiona has a suitable match. I think it's even too good for her. She'll be able to live a life of luxury."

Melissa replied cheerfully.

"You're right. She's so lucky. She's really blessed."

While mocking Fiona, their voices were tinged with disdain and a hint of jealousy. They were a rather affectionate mother and daughter.

With chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and slightly tanned skin, Melissa and Eides looked very much alike.

On the other hand, Fiona had inherited her father George's light blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. As a child, she had been envied by her sister, who would pull her hair and dirty her dresses.

Fiona had no idea why she was envied. According to her parents, Eides was a beauty who was well-regarded in society. Yet, for some reason, her sister would envy Fiona, even getting angry if her glass of juice was just a little fuller.

And the tiresome conversation between her sister and mother continued. Fiona thought they were like animals that couldn't understand human speech. She treated them like monkeys and ignored them. As a child, she had even engaged in unladylike physical fights, but Fiona was always the one blamed. Eventually, she learned to tune them out.

Her time with this family was almost over, and the thought made her happy. Fiona was optimistic and laid-back, a girl who didn't worry much. She looked out the window, daydreaming about the future. Outside, the trees were vibrant and alive.

Unfortunately, the garden was in disarray because the Carrington family was facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Her father had been deceived and lost a fortune, leaving the family on the brink of ruin.

One day, without any explanation, she was taken to meet a potential match. Fiona's suitor was Macaulay Reynolds, the second son of the Reynolds Trading Company. Her impression of Macaulay was that he wasn't unattractive, but he seemed somewhat slovenly and vulgar.

"Living a life of luxury and eating delicious meals. It's more than you deserve."

That was her parents' reasoning.

Fiona had no complaints. Having never been in love, she didn't care who her match was. She had never had the time or opportunity to fall in love. With the family in decline, socializing was impossible, and thus, there were no opportunities to meet anyone.

Though he was a commoner, Macaulay was the son of a wealthy merchant. The Reynolds family wanted to enhance their status, and the Carringtons needed money. Thus, the marriage was arranged, despite the significant social gap. Fiona was to be a human sacrifice for financial aid. Her mother and sister boasted about their love marriages as if they were noble, but Fiona saw the marriage for what it was. She didn't cry or lament her fate.

Soon, the engagement would be formalized.

If she married a wealthy man, she wouldn't have to live such a harsh life. That was enough for her.

After all, there was no money at home. They couldn't even afford servants. Fiona did the housework for her parents, who complained of aching feet and backs. If she could live a good life, it would be wonderful.

She thought about asking the Muahead Marquess family, where her sister had married, for help, but her parents agreed that it would make her sister feel uncomfortable.

"More importantly, how is your mother-in-law? Are you still being bullied? That's why you came home today, isn't it? Really, what a troublesome woman. Come, tell me about it."

At Melissa's warm words, Eides quickly took out a handkerchief, wiped away her fake tears, and began to complain. Eides often returned home after arguing with her mother-in-law, and it was a regular occurrence for her husband, Robert, to come and fetch her.

Fiona suspected that her sister and mother-in-law were similar. They were planning to build a new house on the estate and live separately. While it seemed unusual for in-laws to move out after handing over the family estate, Fiona, who had not even made her social debut, was unfamiliar with the ways of the aristocracy.

Shutting down her scattered thoughts, Fiona focused on her embroidery. Her skills were exceptional, and she contributed to the household income, albeit modestly. Now, she had to earn money for the family.