"Exactly," Samuel said. "And it will also establish me as someone who makes bold, unconventional decisions. Someone who sees value where others see only tradition and class barriers."

He looked at his guard seriously.

"That’s the kind of reputation I need to build if I’m going to eventually challenge my father’s control of this household and the business. People need to see me as a leader who thinks differently, who isn’t bound by conventional limitations."

The guard was nodding now, beginning to understand the strategic value.

"And besides all that," Samuel added, his expression becoming more thoughtful, "she’s genuinely interesting. In a household full of boring, predictable people following boring, predictable social scripts... she’s actually ’interesting’."

He thought back to their conversation.

"She challenged me. Refused my first offer. Demanded better terms. Negotiated like an equal. When’s the last time ANYONE in this household did that?"

The guard had to admit: "Never, young master."

"Exactly," Samuel said. "So yes, I’m going to marry her. Yes, it will cause scandal and confusion. Yes, my father will be angry and Maya will be outraged."

He smiled again.

"But I’m genuinely curious to see what this unusual woman can accomplish when she has actual power and resources instead of just survival instincts."

The guard bowed respectfully. "If that’s your decision, young master, then of course I’ll support it completely."

"Good," Samuel said. "Because I’m going to need your help managing the logistics of this announcement and dealing with the fallout."

"Of course, young master. Though... may I ask one more question?"

"Go ahead."

The guard hesitated, then asked carefully, "Are you at all concerned that she might be... using you? That this is all manipulation on her part?"

Samuel laughed—a genuine, surprised laugh.

"Of COURSE she’s manipulating me! That’s exactly what makes her perfect for this role!"

He shook his head, still smiling.

"I don’t need a sweet, innocent, devoted wife who’ll just agree with everything I say. I can get that anywhere. What I need is a partner who’s smart enough to manipulate me when necessary, to challenge my assumptions, to see angles I’m missing."

He looked at his guard seriously.

"The question isn’t whether she’s using me. The question is whether our mutual use of each other creates something more valuable than what we could achieve separately. And I think it will."

The guard bowed again. "You’re wiser than I am, young master. I’ll trust your judgment."

"Thank you," Samuel said. "Now, start making discreet inquiries about marriage ceremonies and legal documentation. I want to understand exactly what’s required before I make any formal announcements."

"Yes, young master. Right away."

As the guard hurried off to begin his research, Samuel stood alone for a moment, thinking about what he’d just committed to.

Marrying a servant with no background, no family, possibly no real past.

It was absolutely insane.

It would cause enormous scandal.

His father would be furious, Maya would be dangerous, the entire household would be in chaos.

And yet...

Samuel found himself genuinely excited for the first time in years.

Because finally, FINALLY, something interesting was happening in his boring, predictable life.

And that unusual servant girl—whoever she really was, whatever her real story might be—was at the center of it all.

’This is either going to be brilliant,’ he thought, ’or an absolute disaster.’

’But either way, it won’t be boring.’

He smiled to himself and headed toward his study to start planning.

Behind him, still hanging laundry in the servants’ courtyard, Heena allowed herself one small, satisfied smile.

’Phase one complete,’ she thought. ’Now for the hard part: actually surviving long enough to make it to the wedding.’

Because she had no illusions—Maya was going to escalate dramatically when she learned about this engagement.

And an escalating, desperate enemy was the most dangerous kind.

.

.

.

Just like in every Cinderella story, everything proceeded exactly as those fairy tales always claimed.

The prince fell in love with the hardworking, beautiful servant girl. Despite all obstacles and social barriers, their love conquered all. They decided to marry against everyone’s wishes, proving that true love transcends class and status.

At least, that was the story that began circulating throughout the household and village.

A sweet, romantic tale spread like wildfire: the young master had literally fallen for the servant girl’s beauty and incredible work ethic. They loved each other desperately and wanted to get married despite the scandal it would cause.

Of course, the old Master was strongly against the match—what father wouldn’t be when his heir wanted to marry a lowly servant?

But Samuel had never listened to anyone’s objections in his entire life, so he decided to marry her regardless of what everyone thought.

The gossip was delicious, scandalous, and utterly romantic in the way common people loved.

And Maya? Maya literally could not handle it.

Not because she had any romantic feelings for Samuel—God, no. She viewed him as an annoyance at best, an obstacle at worst.

No, Maya couldn’t handle it because someone she considered beneath her—that damn servant woman who should have been groveling and starving—was suddenly going to become her social equal or possibly even superior as the young master’s wife.

The very thought made Maya’s blood boil with rage and humiliation.

How DARE that servant girl rise above her station? How DARE she succeed where Maya had been trying to destroy her?

So from that day forward, you could say that Heena should have felt even more problems and troubles coming toward her from Maya’s direction.

But Heena had been smart.

One of her conditions for agreeing to marry Samuel was that the wedding had to happen within TWO DAYS.

Of course, Samuel had initially rejected this ridiculous timeline.

"Two days?!" he’d said, looking at her like she’d lost her mind. "That’s impossible! No matter what, I’m still the young master of a respectable merchant household. My reputation is well-established in this region. Getting married so hastily would cause enormous scandal—people would think you’re pregnant or that I’m being blackmailed or—"

But Heena had insisted, using the arguments she knew would work on him.

"If you want your family’s entire property eventually," she’d said calmly, "don’t you need to establish your independence from your father as quickly as possible? Don’t you want to make that old monster regret ever betraying your mother?"

She’d looked at him seriously.

"The longer we wait, the more time your father and Maya have to sabotage this marriage. The more time for them to spread rumors, create obstacles, maybe even arrange an ’accident’ for me."

She’d paused, then added: "Two days. A quick, decisive move that they can’t counter. That’s how you win this."

And Samuel, recognizing the strategic wisdom even if it went against all his instincts about proper procedure, had reluctantly agreed.

---

’’[The Wedding Day]’’

So in just two days—before anyone in the household could fully process what was happening or organize effective opposition—the marriage took place.

And even though it was organized in only two days, it was a surprisingly grand affair.

Samuel had resources and connections. When he decided to do something, he did it properly.

The ceremony space was decorated with red silk banners and paper lanterns. Tables were set up with expensive food and wine. Musicians were hired. Guests from Samuel’s business and social circles were hastily invited.