Chapter 1

I am an heiress from a once-prominent family that has now fallen on hard times.

The marriage contracts with my two childhood friends are my family's last hope.

Even when they told me bluntly that their true love is Cora, the impoverished student my family once supported, and that they'd rather become monks than be without her, I kept myself in denial.

I was willing to do anything to help my family.

Then I attended a masked auction they never allowed me to go to.

The final item was my private video. Trembling, I raised my hand and offered the only million I had, begging the wealthy attendees not to publicly humiliate me. But they just laughed.

"This video was from a live stream.

It cost just a penny to watch back then and ran for three days and nights. Didn't you see enough, or did you miss it?"

"Hey, if you like Fiona so much, make sure to come next week. Declan and Gideon said they'll auction off Fiona's wedding night.

Even if you don't win, you can still enjoy the live stream!"

Holding back tears, I texted my father, heartbroken.

"Dad, I'm not marrying into Declan’s or Gideon's families. I want to marry Asher."

He replied almost instantly.

"Asher's family’s young master has been in a coma for three years and hasn't woken up.

Even if it’s an arranged marriage, I want you to have someone who will love you for the rest of your life. Are you sure you want to choose him?"

...

Before I could reply to my dad, the auctioneer tapped the microphone.

"It seems we have a new friend here who doesn't know how our auction works. The final item is actually just a game prepared by Declan and Gideon.

Starting price is one cent, with each bid also one cent, capping at ten dollars."

"Old rules, inspect before delivery."

With a mocking look, he inserted a USB drive into the computer, and the big screen showed my flushed face and the devastated flower bud. Various toys had ravaged it beyond recognition.

The men in attendance whistled and laughed lewdly. I could only bite my lip hard, letting the enormous shame crush me.

The familiar hand in the video...

The auctioneer looked pleased with everyone's reactions and announced loudly:

"This was personally orchestrated by Gideon, with Declan live streaming it as a gift to everyone. Although Miss Fiona is no longer a virgin, she's definitely the cleanest.

The highlight of the next auction will be Miss Fiona’s wedding night. We hope everyone will show their support!"

It wasn't until the USB drive was handed to me that I came to my senses. My face behind the mask was already wet.

I had been kidnapped for three days back then. When Theo and Jasper found me, they were rarely gentle, saying one of them would take responsibility no matter what happened.

It was a promise to me and Fiona's family. Back then, despite the pain of losing my virginity, I still had a glimmer of hope to reach their true hearts.

But in the end, it was all a show they directed themselves.

The auction ended, and everyone stood up, chatting and laughing as they walked out.

"Fiona's family may be down, but a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Besides, Fiona is a stunner. Those two big shots are willing, huh?"

"Come on, Declan and Gideon’s families marrying anyone is charity!

I heard they favor a commoner girl and pamper her to the heavens. Otherwise, how could we get such a deal?"

"I really like Fiona's beautiful legs. Let me have a chance at the next auction, brothers!"

"I've prepared a billion for this. This time, I'm determined to win!"

I covered my mask and practically ran out. I fled into an empty alley, collapsing as I smashed the USB drive to pieces with my high heel.

My father, seeing I hadn't replied for a long time, called.

"You're getting married next week. Are you sure about not considering Declan’s or Gideon's families?"

"After all, you grew up with them, and I feel more at ease. Asher is, after all, a coma patient..."

I opened my mouth but my throat felt blocked, unable to utter a word. After a while, I chuckled self-deprecatingly.

I held back my emotions. A coma patient is better; Asher will never know about my shameful past.

"Dad, since it's all arranged marriages, Asher’s family will be the greatest help to us. I've made up my mind, you don't need to persuade me anymore."

Since it’s all about bargaining with the devil, might as well negotiate with the strongest one!

Seeing my determination, my father could only agree, saying he would arrange a meeting with Asher’s family.

I wiped away my tears, resolutely tossing the mask into the trash. I stood up to choose a greeting gift for my visit to Asher’s family.

After much thought, I decided to go to the temple Asher's family often visits, intending to pray for three days and get a consecrated sandalwood bracelet for Asher.

While I was focused on copying scriptures in the meditation room, a water bottle suddenly flew and hit my head.