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.
It knocked the bracelet off the table. I held back my anger and turned around. There stood Theo, glaring coldly at me. “I’ve told you a thousand times, Cora might have been sponsored by your family for a few years, but she’s not your servant!” I immediately retorted with a cold face. “What did I do?” I hurriedly squatted to pick up the bracelet, but Jasper stepped on it along with my hand. “You made her work-study, taking up her valuable time, first ordering her to clean all your hundred pairs of shoes, and then making her help you copy scriptures. How dare you ask?” I cried out in pain, “I haven’t even seen her in the past two days. What nonsense are you talking about?” I tried to pull my hand away, but Jasper pressed down harder. His face was cold, and his eyes were filled with disappointment. “Theo, did you hear that? I told you, a vicious woman like Fiona would never admit it! You didn’t believe me.” Theo snorted coldly and brought Adeline out from the adjoining meditation room. Adeline’s face was still streaked with tears, and upon seeing me, her tears started falling again. She hesitantly tried to hide her hands in her sleeves. “Theo, Jasper, don’t blame the young lady. Cleaning her shoes and copying scriptures is my duty! Without the young lady’s generosity, I might never have touched a piano in my life. These are my debts to Fiona’s family!” Theo gently held her hands, soaked and bloodied from soap water, in his palms with pity. Then he shot a sharp glance at me. “For the little money your family sponsored, you expect Cora to be your slave for life?” “If I marry you to revive Fiona’s family, does that mean your family should be my slaves for generations?” I was numb to the injustice by now, a self-deprecating smile tugging at my lips. Over the years, Adeline had placed countless blames on me. She said I forced her to date a thug, threatened her with living expenses to serve me on her knees, and accused her of seducing the teacher out of jealousy for her piano talent… Such lowly tactics, yet they always worked. Adeline pretended to be strong as she wiped her tears and lightly tugged at Theo and Jasper’s sleeves, speaking on my behalf. “Don’t be angry, I’m already content with how things are now!” “It’s just that I really don’t have time to work outside, so I can’t buy good birthday gifts for the two of you. This is an extra scripture I copied in exchange for these at the temple.” She pulled out two wooden bracelets from her pocket and bravely placed them in Theo and Jasper’s hands. “They’re not as valuable as the young lady’s gift, but they’re a token of my appreciation for the care you’ve given me.” After saying that, she seemed to remember something, trembling and shrinking into Jasper’s embrace. “This is just something cheap, I absolutely don’t mean to compete with the young lady for Theo and Jasper’s affection! Please don’t misunderstand!” Jasper held her gently, comforting her, and carefully put on the bracelet as if it were a treasure. Theo caught a glimpse and teased, “Speaking of gifts, our birthdays are on the same day. We’re both about to marry Fiona, and she only prepared one bracelet. Looks like whoever she gives it to is who she’ll marry.” “Didn’t you say you’d become a monk if you married her? The temple gift won’t actually be for you, right?” The two tossed the marriage contract between them like a ball. I picked up my things with a cold face and walked away. Seeing I didn’t react with the expected blush or argue, they were both a bit surprised. Theo, unwilling to let it go, followed and grabbed the bracelet, looking as if he was making a noble sacrifice. “Fiona, stop tormenting Cora. I’ll accept it and marry you next week.” “But let me be clear, even if I marry you, Cora will still be the one I love most. Don’t ever think you deserve any different!” With that, he was about to put it on his wrist. I reached out desperately to grab it back, and my nails left a long red scratch on Theo’s arm. “This isn’t for you! Give it back!”
Theo scowled and shoved me hard. “You’ve really crossed the line this time. Don’t act like you’re something special!” “If it weren’t for that unfortunate arranged marriage from our childhood, we wouldn’t even give you a second glance!” Jasper’s expression was one of utter disgust, as if he had tasted something revolting. “The Declan’s family is willing to accept you, and that’s already generous. Don’t make me sick.” I fell to the ground, humiliated. Having my childhood friends treat me this way brought tears to my eyes. But this time, I refused to endure it any longer. I finally voiced my first words of defiance in years. “If not to you, then does it have to be him?” “I’m Fiona, not some trash waiting for you two to pick up!” Cora’s shoulders trembled as she tried to appear righteous. “Miss, who else do you want to give yourself to? Have you found someone new outside? Can you really do this to Theo and Jasper? Even I can see how good they are to you, you’re just going too far!” “If I were loved by two such outstanding men, I’d cherish it and not look at a third person—” I stood up, filled with anger, and interrupted her. “When did it become your place to lecture me?” I pulled open her loose collar, revealing the scattered red marks underneath. “You must be dreaming of marrying them, thinking that by getting into their bed, they’ll actually marry you? Living in my house for a few years and you’ve forgotten where you came from? Wake up, marrying into a wealthy family requires background too!” Adeline screamed, covering her clothes as tears immediately poured out. The two who had been watching the drama instantly changed their expressions. Jasper shielded her behind him, and Theo stepped forward, delivering a heavy slap to my face. I was knocked to the ground. He looked down at me, then patted my reddened cheek. “Where do you get the confidence to look down on Cora? Have you forgotten that not only did your family fall into decline, making you a second-generation failure, but you were also kidnapped for three days and lost your dignity?” “We didn’t hold it against you, that’s already saving you face. What right do you have to speak against Cora?” “Apologize!” With red eyes, I stubbornly lifted my head. “Why? Do you think I don’t know what happened during those three days?” But before I could finish, Jasper grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the ground repeatedly. He spoke each word forcefully: “We’re all girls here. What’s your intention in humiliating her like this?” I felt a warm flow on my forehead, and my vision turned crimson. Frightened, Adeline cried and hugged his arm. “Don’t do this for me, let’s go. If the Miss complains to Grandpa Gideon, you’ll get scolded again.” He clicked his tongue and finally let go. “Don’t think this is over!” After they left, I sat on the ground, dazed. It took a while to regain my senses and crawl back to the table to continue copying scriptures. I needed to copy without interruption for seventy-two hours to be sincere. I quietly copied for another day, and the whispers outside grew louder. “Hey, look, isn’t this her on the internet?” “Shameless! Looks decent ordinarily, but who knew she’d be into such wild stuff.” “Rich people have all sorts of quirks, maybe she’s addicted to that stuff, probably a public transport!” I forced myself to calm down, finishing the last copy of the Heart Sutra before checking my phone. Only then did I realize the video from the auction had been turned into photos and was all over the internet. Shortly after, Adeline sent several messages. [Don’t think marrying into the Declan’s family means you can overlook me, it’s just a useless red book. Even ancient emperors’ concubines spent their lives in cold palaces, let alone someone like you who’s only wanted because of a contract!] [Theo and Jasper love me, I won’t let you have either of them!] [Just a few tears from me and Theo and Jasper will teach you a lesson. Do you still think you’re some high and mighty Miss?] I stared at the latest trending topic, completely disheartened. [In a week, an explosive full video of a fallen two-word heiress from the capital circle will be released for free!]
Everyone around held their phones, pointing at me. Ridiculing eyes smothered me, I kept my head down, forcing myself to walk out. Just outside the temple, my father’s call came through. Hearing Dad’s voice, I couldn’t hold back my tears. “Dad, I didn’t… it was Theo and Jasper, what… what should I do!” Dad sighed deeply. “Have you finished copying the scriptures? Dad’s waiting at the foot of the mountain, don’t worry.” I ran down the mountain crying, opened the car door, and escaped inside. Only then did I see a dignified woman sitting in the back seat. “Fiona, I’m Asher’s mom, you can call me Auntie Asher.” Meeting Asher’s family for the first time, and my scandal was everywhere, tears froze on my face. She noticed my concern and comforted me. “I’ve already sent people to handle it, you’re the victim here. We’ve checked everything, don’t worry.” “Good child, let me take you to meet my son.” After staying with Asher’s family for a few days, the online trending topics were completely removed. I sat on the bed, phone buzzing incessantly. Theo’s voice was as piercing as the ringtone. “You’re quite capable, getting the Declan’s family’s trending topics removed. Few in the capital circle can do that. Did you stoop so low to seduce an old man?” “No wonder you’re into those Buddhist bead bracelets, only old men like that stuff. Fiona, calling you a bitch is actually treating you with respect now?” I didn’t respond, which made him think I knew something, and he stammered through explanations. Realizing I was still silent, Theo resignedly softened his tone. “Alright, I did release the photos, but you humiliated Cora before. I had to vent her anger.” “Jasper, don’t you agree?” A grunt came through on the line. “Yeah, Theo and I forgive you.” Theo took over the phone. “We both made mistakes in this. Can we each take a step back? The wedding on Sunday is all set. I’ll pick you up in the afternoon for the auction and get you some jewelry as a wedding gift.” “I’ll try to live well with you from now on, as long as you’re more accommodating to Cora, I’ll be good to you.” … In the evening, as they wished, I wore a gown to the auction. Everyone wore masks, making it hard to recognize each other. Only a woman in a butterfly mask was looking around. Clearly, it was Adeline. I snickered and turned away. The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion, the atmosphere growing more heated. Until the auctioneer called for the last time, bringing the scene to a boil. “Public humiliation!” “Add ten million, snatch the public humiliation!” “I’ll add too!” The wealthy raised their paddles as if they cost nothing. I watched their bidding with cold eyes. Finally, a pot-bellied middle-aged man won my wedding night for a billion. Theo and Jasper personally handed over a black and gold invitation. Theo’s hand gripped the invitation tightly, scanning the auction seats for a few seconds before reluctantly letting go. “After tomorrow’s wedding, with this invitation, someone will guide you to the room.” “Fiona’s wedding night is yours.” Suddenly, a solitary applause echoed. A gentle yet slightly cold voice resonated in the venue. “As expected of the famous Declan and Gideon families of the capital circle, jointly hosting a private auction. The auction items are indeed weighty.” The voice came from right beside me. The man slowly stood up, removed his mask, revealing an overly pale and sharply defined face. “I’m Asher, and Fiona’s wedding night being contracted out is news to me.” 5 The room fell silent immediately. I removed my mask and stood next to Asher. Theo’s face darkened as he ignored me and sneered. “Fiona, you’re lying without any preparation. Of all the people to impersonate, you chose a coma patient who’s been bedridden for three years?”
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