“Dad, is there anything else you want to tell me?” Ariana Sinclair clutched her father’s hand tightly, her face still streaked with tears.

This was the third critical notice from the hospital. But unlike the last two times, the doctor only said one thing—“Say whatever last words you have.”

That simple sentence hit her like a bomb, tearing her heart apart.

Daniel Sinclair knew he wasn’t going to make it. The only thing he still worried about was Ariana’s future. “Ariana… the marriage I arranged for you... with the Sterling family... don’t forget it...” he said with great effort, his words barely audible.

Hearing that, Mrs. Sinclair finally broke down and burst into tears.

“I remember, Dad. I haven’t forgotten. The engagement with Uncle Richard’s family—I accept it,” Ariana quickly reassured him.

Daniel looked visibly relieved at his daughter’s promise.

He felt sleepier by the second. His eyelids grew heavy, and the sound of Ariana calling his name, the sobbing from his wife... everything seemed to fade away.

Ariana... from now on, you’ll have to walk this path alone. Daddy won't be able to walk it with you anymore...

His fingers began to lose warmth. That pale hand slipped out of Ariana’s grasp and fell weakly against the side of the bed.

“Dad!”

“Daniel!”

Ariana's cries grew more desperate, yet no matter how loudly she called, her father didn’t respond. Tears poured from her eyes like a broken dam as she stood frozen, watching doctors and nurses rush over, trying to save him, only to eventually shake their heads silently.

Then, a white sheet was gently pulled over Daniel Sinclair’s still body.

Her mother collapsed in grief, sobbing louder than ever.

And at that moment, Ariana Sinclair truly understood—her father was gone, forever.

—

One year later.

Bali lived up to its reputation as a tropical paradise. The island, freshly washed by a brief rain, now smelled crisp and clean. Bright-colored flowers bloomed wildly under the sun, the vibrant petals glowing. The endless blue ocean sparkled under the light—everything was just picture-perfect.

Today, the whole island seemed ready to celebrate love.

The wedding was massive—easily one of the most elaborate in ages. The wide beach was packed; not a single empty seat among the crowd.

And Ariana Sinclair was the bride in this grand wedding.

After Daniel’s hundred-day memorial, the Sterling family elders began organizing the marriage between their son and the Sinclair daughter. There was no emotional foundation whatsoever between them. Rumor had it Ethan Sterling had kicked up more than a few fights over it. But nothing ever changed—he couldn’t win against the elders.

Ariana had heard those rumors too.To be honest, Ariana Sinclair wasn’t unaware of how rushed and absurd it felt to hand over her life to someone she barely knew. Someone like him—one of those silver-spoon heirs— probably thought she didn’t measure up. It was like something ripped straight out of an old-school arranged marriage drama. But for her father, she'd made up her mind. No matter how much of a mess this marriage turned out to be, she was going to make it work.

She stood alone in a white wedding dress, delicate tulle trailing across the sand. Pale yellow roses bloomed across the fabric, specially designed by Milan's most mysterious couturier, Linda, at Mrs. Sterling’s request. The high-low hem just skimmed her knees, revealing long, fair legs.

Ariana stood at the floral arch, bowing thirty degrees to every guest arriving. As for the groom... she had no clue if Ethan Sterling would show or not.

This could’ve been any girl's dream wedding—blue skies, turquoise sea, and a rose-covered aisle. Yet even surrounded by all those vivid blooms, Ariana didn’t fade into the background for a second.

“Wow, that must be the bride. She’s stunning!”

“I heard she’s from an ordinary family. Don’t know what kind of luck led her to marry into the Sterlings.”

“But where’s the groom?”

“Probably couldn't be bothered. Who knows what she pulled to land this marriage.”

“Don’t talk nonsense, I heard it’s some kind of childhood engagement. Their fathers were real close.”

Ariana just kept bowing, silently listening to the chatter, good or bad, like none of it touched her.

By noon, the venue was packed.

“Bride and groom, please make your entrance!” The emcee called out for the second time, but the groom was still a no-show. The crowd grew restless. Ariana stayed calm, uncaring. Even if Ethan never showed up, even if it was just her standing there, she’d still call it a wedding.

“This is just a joke, really. No need to take it so seriously.” A voice rang out from the doorway.

Heads turned. Ethan Sterling strolled in—suit half-buttoned, collar open, collarbones on display, that cocky air unmistakable. He stepped right up, grabbed the mic from the emcee, and said, “Thanks for coming, everyone. Think of this whole thing as a childhood fantasy come to life. Officially, sure, I’ve got a wife now. But honestly? She’s got nothing to do with me. If anyone’s got a decent girl to introduce, seriously, I’d appreciate it.” Then, with a smirk, he handed the mic back and walked off like he couldn’t care less.

“That disgrace of a son! This is your fault—you spoiled him rotten!” Richard Sterling couldn’t stop coughing from the anger. He’d fought with his son about this marriage more times than he could remember over the past year. And now this? He’d completely embarrassed the entire Sterling family.

Mrs. Sterling looked just as frustrated. “Why is it my fault? He never listens to me anyway! And now? Great. How am I supposed to explain this to Mrs. Sinclair?”Ariana Sinclair stepped forward gracefully and motioned for the emcee to pass her the mic. "There was a bit of misunderstanding between me and my husband before the wedding. He’s just being a bit childish today, and I'm sorry you all had to witness that. I’ll talk to him properly once we’re back. I hope you guys understand! Please, enjoy your meal."

After that, she kept her smile on and started moving from table to table, offering toasts to the guests. Her calm, composed demeanor made it easy to forget the groom hadn’t shown up. Slowly, the atmosphere shifted back to what a wedding should feel like, mostly thanks to Ariana holding everything together.

Mr. and Mrs. Sterling finally relaxed a little. I mean, where else could you find such a well-mannered and beautiful young woman like her? She carried herself with grace and intelligence. After only a few meetings, they were already very fond of her—Mrs. Sterling even treated her like she was her own daughter.

Ariana continued the rounds, drink after drink, and somewhere along the way, even her smile started to lose its warmth. Maybe this whole thing was just a pretend game. And the other lead? He just decided to call it quits halfway through.

When it all finally wrapped up, she sent the Sterlings off and barely held it in any longer. She rushed to the bathroom and threw up everything in her stomach.

Mrs. Sinclair quietly walked up behind her, heart aching. A groom bold enough to pull something like this at the wedding? What hope was there for the days ahead? No one else might be able to see how hurt Ariana was, but as her mom, how could she not notice?

"Sweetheart, if things ever get too hard, just come back to me, alright?" Mrs. Sinclair gently patted her daughter’s back.

Ariana took a second to fix her expression, then stood up and grabbed her mom’s hand. "I’m okay, really. Don’t worry about me. Mom, it’s getting late—why don’t you go home and get some rest?"

After making sure her mom was in the car, Ariana finally let out a long breath.

"Well well, isn’t this the bride herself? First time I’ve ever been to a wedding where the groom ditched."

She turned around and saw a flashy woman standing there, heavy makeup and all, throwing attitude like confetti. But before Ariana could even think of a reply, her stomach rolled again, and she rushed off toward the bathroom.

The woman’s voice followed behind her, irritated and loud. "What’s with that attitude?! You know why Ethan didn’t want to marry you, right? It’s because he’s in love with me!"

That almost made Ariana laugh. If Ethan really had a thing for someone like her, then, well... the two of them really were a match—like trash finding its lid.