Chapter 18

"My flawless complexion? That's all-natural. No matter how expensive the skincare products, they simply can't achieve this." Shirley's beauty and her radiant skin were universally admired. No luxury product could replicate her elegance. She continued and said, "As for my family background, the Weiss family is a respected name. In Elderstone, our standing is significant, and I'm of an appropriate age for marriage. Marrying me, Mr. Blackwood, would in no way diminish your status." Benjamin studied Shirley. Confident in her allure, she made such claims without hesitation. She indeed had reasons to be proud. His gaze swept lazily over her, appraising her alabaster skin and graceful posture. "Ms. Weiss, you do present quite a compelling case. But if I recall correctly, aren't you engaged to someone? The Blackwood family requires a spotless reputation for its lady of the house. Can you fulfill that requirement?" Shirley bit her lip, clearly struggling to maintain her composure. After a pause, she lifted her head. Her eyes were clear and resolute as she said, "If I can prove it, will you marry me?" Benjamin's response was ambiguous. "It's not entirely out of the question." … In the grand banquet hall downstairs, Jessica paced anxiously. Suitors approached her for a dance, but she declined them all. "Mom, why hasn't Shirley been thrown out yet?" Mia, ever the picture of confidence, reassured her, "Don't worry. Even if Shirley manages to stay the night at Blackwood Manor, she won't cross the threshold into the family. Benjamin might toy with her, but that's all." Jessica was confused. "What do you mean?" With a faint smile, Mia recounted the humiliation Benjamin endured at the hands of the Weiss family years ago. "That's why Benjamin will never marry Shirley." Jessica's eyes widened in realization. She hadn't known that Benjamin had once attended a matchmaking event hosted by the Weiss family, only to be publicly rejected by Shirley in favor of Samuel. Shirley's decision not only embarrassed him but also made him the butt of everyone's jokes. Now that Shirley was pursuing Benjamin, it was nothing short of self-inflicted humiliation. Even so, Shirley's continued absence left Jessica feeling uneasy. … On the second-floor corridor of Blackwood Manor, Shirley and Benjamin were having a confrontation. Not entirely out of the question? Did that mean as long as Shirley proved herself, Benjamin would marry her? Just as Shirley leaned in to kiss him, Benjamin turned his face away and wrapped his fingers around her neck. His expression turned icy and detached, radiating rejection and indifference. The light in Shirley's eyes dimmed, and despair overwhelmed her. She had failed. She had failed again. This might've been her only way out. She couldn't accept it. Benjamin didn't squeeze her throat hard. Seeing an opportunity, Shirley steeled herself, kicking off the floor and lunging at him once more. Benjamin's face darkened. Without hesitation, he gripped her neck again. "Who gave you permission to touch me?" With that, he mercilessly shoved her off. With a thud, Shirley hit the ground and curled up from the pain. Benjamin rose to his feet. The look in his eyes was cold and disdainful as he looked down at the disheveled Shirley on the floor, as though she were nothing more than a pile of filthy trash. "Get out. And don't ever let me see you again." Shirley's face went pale in an instant, the color draining away like water from a broken dam. Her once-radiant beauty was now ghostly. She trembled as though struck by a bitter wind. But Benjamin didn't spare her another glance. Turning away, he walked into his room. Just as the door was about to close, a slender wrist shot through the narrow gap, preventing it from shutting completely. Benjamin glanced down at the hand, and a flicker of surprise crossed his otherwise impassive features. Shirley, ignoring the pain shooting through her wrist and setting aside what remained of her dignity, stood up straight. She said calmly, "Benjamin, I know you've held a grudge against me ever since what happened six years ago." Six years ago, she had publicly rejected him in front of everyone, choosing Samuel instead and leaving Benjamin humiliated and mocked. She had never forgotten that day. Benjamin sneered. "Ms. Weiss, you give yourself far too much credit. Do you think such a trivial matter would bother me even now?" "Fine," Shirley replied evenly. "Let's assume you simply hate women. I can accept that. After we get married, I promise I won't bother you or be a burden to you." She continued, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart, "As you've seen, Mrs. Blackwood Senior and Damian both like me. Once I'm part of the family, I'll dedicate myself to taking care of Mrs. Blackwood Senior and making Damian happy. I'll make sure he's always well cared for and protected." Benjamin's sharp gaze landed on her swollen wrist, which had started to bruise from the pressure. Yet, she seemed oblivious to the pain. What kind of woman was this? The momentary flicker of astonishment in his eyes was quickly replaced with his usual detachment. "Do you really think I'll believe you?" Women were, after all, masters of deceit and pretense. "You'll understand once I've explained everything." Shirley laid bare her situation, explaining her plight in full detail. Benjamin's expression remained unreadable. He didn't trust her, but if this marriage were framed as a transactional deal, perhaps it might be more palatable. And just as she had anticipated, Benjamin's expression turned contemplative after he heard her out. Shirley clenched her fists tightly. The tension she felt was palpable as beads of sweat trickled down her back. The mere seconds of Benjamin's silence felt like an eternity. Finally, his cold voice shattered the stillness. "If you fail to hold up your end of the bargain, I'll destroy the Weiss family." He had agreed. Benjamin had finally agreed. Overwhelmed, Shirley felt her nose sting as tears welled up in her eyes. Unable to speak, she nodded fervently. Megan was safe! The Weiss family could persist and survive! Women were genuinely absurd creatures. When Shirley was thrown to the ground, she didn't cry. When her wrist was nearly crushed, not a single tear fell. Yet now, when things had finally gone her way, she was in tears. Crying and laughing all at once, Shirley looked like a complete lunatic. Disgust laced Benjamin's voice as he said, "Don't celebrate too soon. You might not even qualify for this." Shirley quickly wiped her tears away. "You can call a doctor to verify. If I'm not… pure, it'll be clear soon enough." Benjamin's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I don't trust anyone." Before Shirley could process his words, the world spun. In the next moment, she found herself pinned to the couch. What followed was a humiliation unlike anything Shirley had ever endured. Her clothes remained intact, yet her skirt had been lifted to her waist. Her body trembled violently. Tossing a used wipe into the trash, Benjamin turned to her and said, "By midnight, I'll bring your sister back unharmed if she's still safe now." In that instant, Shirley felt an unexpected pang of gratitude toward Samuel for never laying a hand on her all these years.