Chapter 1

"I've just graduated, and now you're asking me to marry a pregnant woman? Why should I agree to that? I get that you feel you owe Elijah, but it's not fair to ask me to pay for it," exclaimed the young man in white, his brow furrowed in frustration. The Grayson residence's spacious living room was filled with people. Across from the young man sat a middle-aged couple. The older man wore a suit, while the woman was dressed in a white dress. Both of them exuded an extraordinary temperament. "How dare you speak to us like that? You're not a child anymore. Is this what we taught you all these years?" The man slammed his palm down on the armrest of the mahogany couch. His gaze appeared even more stern against the backdrop of the family portrait hanging behind him. Although he didn't raise his voice, the young man instinctively drew back a little. "Well, I won't marry her. You can't force this on me..." The young man felt aggrieved, and his eyes reddened. He couldn't be blamed for feeling it was unfair. After all, who could accept such a request? Years ago, the Grayson family's eldest son, Elijah Grayson, had been kidnapped. Recently, they had finally found him, but fate had been cruel—he had passed away not long after coming back. On his deathbed, Elijah had pleaded with his parents, worried about his wife's struggles at home. She was always getting scolded by her in-laws. With him gone, his wife and daughter would have a hard life, especially with another baby on the way. Thus, Elijah had begged his parents to get his wife married to one of his unmarried brothers, hoping it would provide her and their children with a secure place in the family. The Grayson couple had looked at their unfortunate eldest son, unable to refuse his request. Only after they nodded had Elijah finally breathed his last. No matter how difficult it was, the couple had taken Elijah's dying wish to heart. They had sent a driver to bring Elijah's wife to their house in Haywood and had begun discussing who among their sons would take on this responsibility. The Graysons had four children. The eldest, Elijah, had been kidnapped and sold to a rural family. Tragically, he had passed away at a young age due to illness. The second son, Edward Grayson, had recently returned from abroad. He was a young counselor. Now, that he was back in the country, he mostly lived there. The third son, Yaeger Grayson, was fresh out of university. He had been a top student and had just started his first job. Then there was Sophie Grayson, their cherished daughter. Adored by the entire family, she was the apple of their eyes. The Graysons also had an adopted daughter, Felicia Zuckerson, who was out of town and couldn't make it back home. After considering their options, they had decided that Yaeger was the most suitable candidate to fulfill Elijah's dying wish. So, they had brought up the matter with him. "Yaeger, I know this is a lot to ask," his mother, Sapphire Thorne, said. "But this was Elijah's last wish. I know you're a good son. You'd want to let your brother rest in peace, wouldn't you?" Thinking of her deceased eldest son, Sapphire's eyes reddened. She had fallen ill from grief over the past few days and had only just recovered today. Although Yaeger respected his parents, he struggled with the idea of marrying someone he didn't love. Elijah's wife was pregnant and already had a daughter. Wouldn't that make him a laughingstock in the eyes of others? "Why me? Why can't Edward do it? He's older than me. Shouldn't he be the one to get married first?" Edward sat straight, his demeanor impeccable even at home. The only thing hinting at any casualness was the two buttons undone on his shirt. Before Edward could respond to Yaeger, their father, Luca Grayson, interjected with a disapproving frown. "Edward is currently advancing in his career and needs a partner who can support him in that regard. If he were the more suitable choice, why would we be asking you? Your brother has a career in the government sector, while you do not. Do you understand?" Luca had high expectations for Edward, their most promising child. He was also the favorite of his grandfather, Xavier Grayson. Yaeger couldn't help but feel indignant. It was the 1980s, not ancient times. Young people were supposed to marry for love. How had he ended up in an arranged marriage? "Dad, how can you do this? She grew up in the countryside and probably knows nothing. You're ruining Yaeger's life by forcing him to marry her!" Sophie jumped in, speaking up for Yaeger. Although they sympathized with Elijah's plight, they hadn't grown up with him and hadn't shared a close bond. Forcing Yaeger to fulfill Elijah's dying wish seemed unfair. "This doesn't concern you, Sophie. Stay out of it," Luca retorted. Although Luca usually spoiled his youngest daughter, he was unyielding when it came to serious matters. Just as Yaeger was about to argue further, the sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted him. He knew instantly that Elijah's wife from the countryside had arrived. He pressed his lips together in frustration. Luca shot Yaeger a warning glance before leading the family outside to welcome Elijah's wife, Melanie Smith. Melanie stepped out of the car in a daze. Just months ago, she had finally saved up a seven-figure bank balance and bought a villa after 30 years of hard work. She had celebrated with a few glasses of wine and gone to sleep, and she woke up and found herself in the body of someone from the impoverished 1980s. Melanie shared the same name as the original owner of the body she was in now, and she had also discovered the latter's memories. The original Melanie from the 1980s was a pitiful woman who had been bullied by her in-laws. Her body bore countless scars from their mistreatment. After Elijah had passed away, Melanie had been left alone with their daughter, Nellie Grayson. She had thought about running away, but the original Melanie's memories made her hesitate. Her in-laws had been cruel even while her husband had been alive. Now that he was gone, she knew their situation would only worsen. Going back to her own family wasn't an option either, as they offered no support. She had a weak mother, an abusive father, an incompetent brother, and a selfish sister. Left with no other choice, Melanie had decided to go along with Elijah's plan. Thus, when the Grayson family had sent a car to fetch her and Nellie, she had gotten in without hesitation. Now, as the car door opened, Melanie stepped out, with Nellie timidly following behind. Sophie had initially looked down on them, expecting Melanie to be an uneducated country woman with plain looks, dark skin, and an unpresentable appearance. However, she was stunned when she saw Melanie.