Chapter 1 A Piece Of Shocking News

"Elliana, remember what I told you. Until you turn twenty, never show your beauty or your talents."

For fifteen years, Elliana Marsh lived by her mother's final words. She made herself look plain and acted like she knew nothing-just to blend into the background.

But today was her twentieth birthday. And she was ready to let go of the old Elliana and showcase her true self.

She filled the tub with warm water, added some bath salts, and set her makeup remover nearby. Just as she started undressing for a long, relaxing soak to wash off the ugly makeup, a loud knock ruined the peace.

Irritated, she threw on a robe and opened the door.

Melody Ahmed, the maid, stood there, nose in the air as usual. "Elliana, what are you sneaking around in here for? It's Miss Jones's wedding day. If you don't show up, people will start whispering and potentially tarnish the Jones family's image. Go to the front hall, now!"

Elliana smirked derisively. This maid had never been polite to her. Saying she sneaked around was hardly accurate. Truthfully, she had been pushed into that back room for fifteen years since her mother's death. After her mother's passing, her stepmother, Kiara Jones, and her father and Kiara's illegitimate daughter, Paige Jones, wasted no time joining the Jones family and took over everything.

The worst part? Not even Elliana's father, Darin Jones, treated her the way she deserved.

"I'll go change," Elliana said calmly.

Melody scoffed. "What's the point? With that ugly face of yours, no dress can save you. Move it! The Evans family's already here. The City Hall staff members are on-site to collect the materials to register the marriage between Mr. Evans and Miss Jones. Mrs. Jones wants everyone present for the big moment."

Elliana's lips curled into a cold smile.

The Evans family was the most powerful in Ublento. Cole Evans, their heir, was a business genius. Paige was the city's favorite socialite. Of course, their engagement was all over the news. People called them a perfect couple. A match made in heaven. Every compliment in the book was used to describe them. Social media was going wild. Everyone was waiting for their grand wedding.

Kiara made it sound proper and grand, but Elliana knew the truth-she was simply dragged out to watch Paige shine.

Elliana got changed and followed Melody to the front hall.

The Jones family's residence looked like a palace, dressed in over-the-top luxury to celebrate Paige's big day.

Everyone in the room wore elegant outfits, except Elliana. She stood out like a sore thumb in a cheap white T-shirt, ripped jeans, and hideous makeup. She didn't just clash with the scene-she crashed it.

Kiara was chatting with Cole's grandfather, Ruben Evans, when Elliana walked in. Kiara paused and then put on her usual fake smile. "Elliana, I got you a beautiful new dress. Why didn't you wear it?"

Elliana inwardly rolled her eyes. As if Kiara ever did. She used to fake being clueless and play along with Kiara's charade, but now she was done with these games. She didn't bother replying to Kiara. Instead, she turned to Ruben and gave a polite nod. "Hello, Mr. Evans."

Ruben chuckled. "Well, Elliana, you've certainly got your own style these days."

Elliana ran a hand through her messy wig. She hadn't expected him to be so tolerant. At least he wasn't calling her a disaster.

Her eyes naturally drifted to the man beside Ruben. She'd noticed him the moment she stepped in. From his posture and presence, she could tell-this had to be Cole, the mysterious heir rarely seen in public. Seeing him up close was something else. Tall, sharp, and ridiculously handsome. He looked like he'd stepped straight out of a romance novel. She couldn't help staring just a little too long.

"Look at Elliana," Melody sneered, voice loud on purpose. "Ugly as hell, yet she dares to drool over Paige's fiancé. What a joke. With that face, even looking at Mr. Evans is a crime."

Melody was clearly complying with Kiara's silent orders.

Paige leaned closer to Cole, clinging to his arm like she was claiming her prize. "It's fine. Cole's amazing. It's only natural that other women like him."

Paige didn't see Elliana as a threat at all. In fact, she wanted Elliana to chase after him. It made her feel even more superior-like she had already won.

Darin's face twisted in anger as he snarled at Elliana, "What a disgrace. Get out of here!"

Elliana dragged over a chair with one leg and dropped into it casually, right across from Cole.

Cole didn't flinch. His face stayed blank, cold as stone.

Ruben cleared his throat awkwardly and turned to the City Hall staff members. "Let's check if we missed any documents for the marriage registration."

"Of course." The City Hall members opened their laptops and checked if any crucial materials were missing. A moment later, one of them froze and gazed at Cole hesitantly. "Mr. Evans... The system says you're already married. Your wife is listed as Ms. Elliana Marsh..."

"Wait, what?" Gasps filled the room.

Elliana's eyes went wide. Shock hit her like a slap. She was married? And to Cole Evans, no less? But she had no idea how.