Chapter 1

The scorching July sun beat down mercilessly on the parched earth of Zenith City in Easternvale. Inside the Gulliver residence, Grace Gulliver confronted her father, Brad Gulliver. "Dad, did you just say that you want me to marry someone? Would you really stoop so low as to sell your own daughter off for prestige? Aren't you afraid of what everyone else will say about you? Don't you have a conscience?" Grace had just returned home after her college exams had ended. She had then been hit with this shocking news, which had led to her unleashing a barrage of accusations at her father. Who in their right mind would want to marry her? Hearing her daughter's outburst, Jennifer Williams patted Grace's shoulder reassuringly. "What are you talking about? That's why we've asked you to come home. It's to discuss this marriage proposal." Grace gestured toward the pile of gifts on the floor. "Mom, are you telling me that we're going to have this discussion after you've already accepted everything?" Grace was just an ordinary college sophomore. She had yet to enjoy her summer break when her mother's urgent phone call had summoned her home. Upon returning, she had learned that someone was interested in her and wanted to marry her. Who could it be? It turned out to be the prestigious Jefferson family from Nordlandia. Grace's jaw dropped when she learned that it was the Jefferson family. She sat motionless on the couch, seeming as if she had been struck by lightning. Her parents exchanged worried glances before turning to look at her. "We'll be having a meal with the Jefferson family tomorrow. You..." "Mom, please, I need to be alone for a while," Grace said before rising mechanically and retreating to her room. Although she could confidently reject any marriage proposal in Easternvale, she was powerless when faced with the Jefferson family. After all, even the most lawless individuals knew not to mess with the Jeffersons. The Jeffersons were a prominent family renowned for their generations of good business acumen in Zenith City. The slightest whim of a Jefferson could send ripples throughout Easternvale's entire economy. In short, the Jefferson family was powerful, and Grace couldn't afford to offend them. Grace rested her chin on her hands as her expression twisted with worry. "What am I going to do? This sudden marriage might just be the death of me," she muttered. Grace felt torn. Should she be lamenting her predicament? Or should she be happy? The next day, she went to meet the Jeffersons with her parents. However, her face was now dotted with red spots. When she opened her mouth to speak, her breath smelled terrible, and she even had a missing tooth. She was wearing a mismatched yellow scarf on her head, and her lips were painted a bright magenta-pink shade. Her nails were each painted a different color, in varying shades of red, pink, and purple. Overall, Grace's current appearance couldn't be described as merely plain or ugly. She was stomach-churning. Brad pointed at Grace and introduced her, "Mr. Jefferson, this is my daughter, Grace." This was her? Was this really her? Filled with doubt, Peter Jefferson put on his glasses to take a closer look. He compared the photo in his hand to the young woman standing before him. The woman in the photo had delicate features, and her eyes sparkled like stars. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, and her petite frame radiated an undeniable allure. How could this greasy-haired, acne-scarred, and unpleasant-smelling woman before him be the same person? She looked like someone that even the most curious ghost would avoid. Thankfully, Peter's son, Oliver Jefferson, wasn't present. Otherwise, he would most likely disagree with this marriage. "Why does she look so different from the photo?" With a downcast gaze and a self-deprecating sigh, Grace murmured, "The photo was heavily photoshopped. This is what I really look like." Peter hesitated. Grace smiled inwardly as she observed Peter's hesitation. She knew that the Jeffersons wouldn't accept her in this state. Brad and Jennifer immediately understood the situation, realizing that their daughter's plan might actually be successful. The other day, the Jeffersons had suddenly appeared before them with a marriage proposal. Their tone that day had been threatening, leaving the Gullivers with no room to refuse. Brad took the initiative and addressed Peter directly, "Mr. Jefferson, we've deceived you with the photo. I'd like to offer you my deepest apologies. Why don't we call off the engagement? I'll arrange for the gifts to be returned to the Jefferson residence immediately." "No. I quite like Grace," Peter replied. "What?"