Chapter 4

The scalding teacup was thrust into my hands.

The servant's voice was icy. "Miss Valrose, according to tradition, you must kneel to serve tea to Madam."

The moment my fingertips touched the cup, the searing pain made me jerk my hand back.

The porcelain cup shattered on the floor, pieces scattering everywhere.

"Astrid Valrose!" Zephyr Ashcroft's furious shout came from above. "You don't even know the most basic etiquette?"

I looked down at my reddened fingertips, my voice calm. "I will only serve tea to my future in-laws."

"You didn't want to marry me, did you? Well, I didn't want to marry you either."

As I tried to stand, the bodyguards on either side forcefully pressed down on my shoulders.

I struggled fiercely. "Let go! I'm a Valrose, how dare you—"

A sharp slap interrupted my words.

Madam Valrose stood before me, her eyes filled with disgust. "The engagement gala is tomorrow, and you still don't know your place!"

She turned to Zephyr. "Look at this, the woman who insists on marrying you!"

Zephyr averted his gaze, his tone mocking. "If it weren't for her persistence, I should have married Seraphina."

Seraphina Vance's tears fell instantly. "Zephyr, I dream of marrying you... but how could my family compete with the Valrose family?"

She cried pitifully, and Zephyr immediately pulled her into his arms.

He walked up to me, looking down at me with disdain.

"Astrid Valrose, didn't you use every trick to marry me?"

"Fine. But you must sign an agreement—after marriage, you cannot interfere with anything I do, you cannot return to the Valrose family, and you must dutifully serve my parents, take care of me and Seraphina."

The servant handed over the prenuptial agreement, the black and white text stating "50% of the Valrose family's assets as dowry."

I clenched my fists, refusing to sign, my eyes red as I looked up. "Zephyr Ashcroft! I never wanted to marry you!"

Another slap landed harshly.

Madam Valrose sneered. "The Valrose family is supposed to be prestigious? Raising a daughter who defies her husband!"

"Today, I will discipline you properly for the Ashcroft family, so you don't embarrass us in the future!"

I lost count of how many slaps I endured.

I lost count of how many handprints were left on me.

When they finally let me go, they left me with a warning. "Wear a green dress tomorrow."

Because Madam Ashcroft and Seraphina would be wearing red.

How ridiculous.

The next day at the engagement gala, I still wore the newly designed red cheongsam.

My parents were talking with the Cortez family in the hall, while I greeted guests at the entrance.

It was nearly noon when the Ashcroft family arrived in full force.

They were dressed extravagantly, Seraphina clinging to Zephyr's arm, her red dress and his black suit a glaringly perfect match.

Mr. Ashcroft, who usually bowed and smiled at everyone, held his head high today, as if he were the star of the gala.

Seeing me in a red dress, Madam Ashcroft's face darkened instantly.

"Where are your parents? I want to ask, is this how the Valrose family raises their daughter?"

With so many guests around, I didn't want to cause a scene. "They're inside, you can go directly—"

Before I could finish, Madam Ashcroft rudely poked my shoulder with her finger. "Bring them out to see me!"

I frowned and stepped back, noticing Zephyr approaching expressionlessly.

He stood beside me, pretending to greet guests together.

"Astrid Valrose, you finally got what you wanted, are you happy?"

"But remember, all you have is a title, you'll never have my heart."

His voice dripped with hatred.

As if I had ruined his life.

"Zephyr Ashcroft, I think you've misunderstood, actually today—"

"How dare you ignore me?" Madam Ashcroft suddenly raised her voice, playing a video on her phone—the scene of me kneeling yesterday.

The guests stopped and watched, some pulling out their phones to record.

Even the reporters outside broke through the barriers and crowded around.

"Miss Valrose, is this your compromise to your future mother-in-law?"

"Does your kneeling mean the Valrose family will bow to the Ashcroft family?"

I gasped, quickly grabbing Zephyr's arm. "Make your mother turn off the video!"

But he pulled his arm away, leisurely adjusting his tie.

"If you can learn to be filial to your in-laws, a little embarrassment is worth it."

"Zephyr Ashcroft! Your whole family is insane!"

"What right does someone who begged to marry me have to criticize my family?"

Blinded by rage, I grabbed a thermos from the table, ready to hurl it at him.

But suddenly, a hand reached from behind, gently grasping my wrist.

I turned to see Alistair Cortez standing behind me in a white suit, his gaze calm yet sharp.

"Mr. Ashcroft, how many lives does your mother have, to make my fiancée kneel?"