"You're already married, how can you register again!"

"Don't you know bigamy is a crime?"

…

Evelyn Ross walked out of City Hall in shock.

She held a freshly printed marriage certificate in her hand.

The man who accompanied her looked at her with pity. "Miss Ross, you're already married. Why did you pay me to fake a marriage with you?"

He threw out a final remark before hurrying away. "The deposit is non-refundable."

Evelyn pressed her lips together tightly.

She had never even been in a relationship. How could she possibly be married already?!

She looked down at the printed document.

The girl in the photo had a teardrop mole near the corner of her eye. It was definitely her.

As for the man beside her…

His features were sharp and defined.

He had a tall nose bridge and thin lips that held a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Even in black and white, his powerful presence was undeniable.

The name field read: Alexander Vance.

She didn't know this man at all!

What was going on?!

Evelyn took a picture of the certificate with her phone.

She opened WhatsApp and sent it to a contact with a black avatar. [Find out who this is for me.]

The reply was instant. [Received.]

Evelyn pushed down her confusion.

She got on her old scooter and drove into an upscale gated community.

Today was her sister Isabella Ashcroft's special day.

Her fiancé was coming to present the dowry.

The Ashcroft house was decorated with lanterns and streamers.

Servants bustled about, busy with preparations.

Evelyn parked her scooter in a corner.

She overheard temporary workers and maids gossiping behind her.

"Who is she? She's so beautiful!"

"Shh, she's the unacknowledged love child."

"Her mother is the mistress. She showed up here pregnant and made a scene, causing the Mrs. to go into early labor. They gave birth on the same day. That old woman has no shame. She clung to the family and refused to leave."

"Miss Ross knows her place, though. She moved out in middle school and hasn't been back for years. I wonder what brings her here today…"

Evelyn pretended not to hear and walked into the living room.

Her mother, Linda Lowell, was waiting by the entrance.

The still attractive woman anxiously pulled her upstairs. "Come with me to see your sister first. Did you get the marriage certificate?"

Evelyn's voice was light. "I got it."

Even though the groom was different, it still counted, right?

"Good. Remember your place. Julian Evans is your sister's fiancé. A top-tier family like that is beyond someone like you. Only your sister is worthy of him!"

A hint of mockery flashed in Evelyn's eyes.

Julian was the eldest grandson of the prestigious Evans family.

He had pursued her for four years in college.

But on graduation day, he proposed to Isabella…

When Linda found out, she demanded Evelyn marry someone immediately.

To sever any possibility with Julian.

It had always been like this…

Whenever her interests conflicted with Isabella's, Linda demanded she yield unconditionally.

Because she was a love child. Her very existence was a sin.

When she was young, she was brainwashed into thinking this was normal.

But she had long since woken up.

Evelyn's expression was serious. "We agreed this is the last time."

Linda was the one who made the mistake.

She was the one who clung to the Ashcroft family to see William every day.

She was the one who wanted to curry favor with Isabella.

Evelyn wouldn't sacrifice her life for Linda's choices.

This was her chance to repay the debt of birth and cut ties.

Linda sounded impatient. "I know."

They arrived at Isabella's room.

The pretty girl sat on a sofa in an elaborate gown, selecting jewelry.

The room was filled with glittering treasures.

Evelyn, in her simple clothes, stood straight-backed.

Isabella noticed her. "Evelyn, what are you doing here?"

Before Evelyn could speak, Linda cut in. "Isabella, Evelyn got married today."

Isabella feigned surprise. "So soon? Who is the man? Is he better than Julian?"

Linda sneered. "Of course not! No one in San Francisco is more prestigious than Mr. Evans! What kind of good family would want her? She married some destitute loser. She didn't even dare bring him here, afraid he'd dirty your eyes!"

Isabella's voice held a hint of jealousy. "How could that be? Evelyn is so beautiful. Otherwise, Julian wouldn't have chased her for four years."

"What use is beauty? Trash belongs with trash. Only lowlifes would marry someone of her status. Mr. Evans just saw her as a toy to play with. Only someone of your status is worthy of him…"

Evelyn frowned.

The man in the photo didn't look or carry himself like a destitute loser.

But she couldn't be bothered to argue.

Isabella finished selecting her jewelry.

She tried to put on her high heels but found her gown too tight to bend over.

Isabella smiled sweetly and looked at Evelyn.

Linda immediately shoved Evelyn. "Useless thing, where are your manners? Your sister can't manage. Help her put her shoes on!"

Evelyn remained silent.

Again.

Did Linda really think she was still that ignorant little girl?

Her gaze was cool. "You can help her yourself."

"Evelyn, what attitude is that? You think you can rebel just because you're married? Your husband is just a freeloader. You'll still need to rely on the Ashcroft family!"

Linda's voice rose. "If you don't get on your sister's good side now, you'll beg for her help someday! The Ashcrofts raised you. You should serve them like a slave!"

A tall figure appeared at the doorway.

It was her father, William Ashcroft.

The man frowned. "An important guest is arriving soon. What is all this noise?"

Isabella stayed silent, playing innocent.

Linda began to cry. "It's this wretched girl. Now that she's married, she looks down on me…"

William turned to Evelyn. "You got married? Why didn't you let the family introduce someone? Where's the marriage certificate? Let me see…"

Faced with her distant father's concern, Evelyn paused, then pulled the printout from her bag.

Linda snatched it away. "Let me see what your useless husband is called!"

Isabella asked curiously, "Dad, who is coming? You seem so nervous."

William thought of that person and felt honored.

He excitedly said a name.

"Alexander Vance."

Evelyn froze completely.

…Who?