A past

Inside a BNW M235i, a black car that was moving on the highway, Jeanne leaned her head against the window. She looked passive and lack of vigor. Lazily, she looked at the moving cars in the opposite line.

She didn't want to deal with Roman but she had to. Especially when she wants to say that she doesn't want to marry him.

Jeanne knows what she's doing.

She wastes an opportunity to reinforce the foundation of his parents' business by selecting a boy from the lower-class citizen and canceling her wedding with Roman.

Her marrying Roman Vintidius, O'Dea Central Hospital (OCH) will get support from Vintidius Electronics. Thanks to this, OCH no longer needs to buy medical equipment at high a price because of the feud between businessmen.

An-Heim Medical Corp has bullied OCH for too much and too long. Now, it's time for them to be free from that unethical behavior. Vintidius Electronics offered a way out and Jeanne's parents didn't want to miss it. With the help of Vintidius' family and working with them, her parents will be able to pay back the treatment that An-Heim Medical Corp had been given so far.

This partnership or maybe union is exceptionally important, for her parents, that's it. As for Jeanne, she didn't think much of it and doesn't care about it.

OCH can survive and not bankrupt despite getting harassment from An-Heim for all this time. So, they will be fine despite not making a deal with Vintidius Electronics.

That was the reason behind the union plan that drew up the wedding arrangement between Jeanne and Roman.

Jeanne made another sigh to forget about her parents' silly plan.

Now, she just hopes that Ilia is different from her parents, Roman, and all the garbage around her. She wants him to bring new things to her life and she, very much looking forward to his kindness.

"I don't think making that boy your boyfriend is a wise thing," Maiya said out of nowhere.

Jeanne moved her eyes to see Maiya who is sitting in the front seat, right next to the driver, Mr. Alton. As usual, the maid looked so cold and showed only a slight expression.

To Jeanne, Maiya is a strong and unmovable woman. She couldn't do much to fight the maid physically or mentally. And what's worse, she couldn't guess what the maid was thinking.

But, even though she lost, she could still be angry at her.

"Tell me Maiya!" Jeanne ordered. The girl's sharp eyes looked into Maiya's eyes - which is reflected in the rearview mirror - directly. "From when you heard us and do you think I'd be happy if I married Roman?"

Maiya paused for a moment. Then she said, "From the moment you start to smoke. This smoking habit is also not a wise decision and no, you will not happy being Roman's wife. After all, he didn't pass the test you gave him when you were dating."

"And don't forget about the nasty thing he does on the last day. I see you know it so, don't comment or advise me on the man of my choice and suddenly I have an idea." A smile appears on her face. "Maiya, send that bastard my rejection and the video you take. Threat him if you must. I want him not to make a fuss later."

"...but O'Dea Central-"

"Maiya!" Jeanne cut off Maiya's remarks by saying her name out loud.

Again, Maiya fell silent and then said, "Alright."

Silence enveloped the interior of the car. This atmosphere and the talk earlier, made Jeanne remember her date with Roman. She gritted her teeth. She was furious and disappointed in a boy named Roman.

---[✙]---

Four days ago, at 12:31 p.m.

Jeanne looked at herself in front of the mirror.

A question arises, is she a proper girl now?

There's nothing wrong with the natural makeup she uses. Her shiny black hair was already neatly tied into a bun. Her pink lips were moist, looking fresh and so soft. Her white jade skin was...

Anyway, she's a beauty unquestionably.

As for her clothes. She wore a cute, brownish-white sweater. Skirts would be a bad mix so, she wore white long jeans that covered her slender legs. She meant to wear hot pants but, it was too bold and she didn't want to show much of her skin to Roman. Her footwear was a dark brown sandal.

She asks Roman to bring her to the park for their date. Knowing that she didn't need fancy clothes.

She put on a simple ruby necklace and now, she's perfect!

Abruptly, Jeanne became angry. Moments later, she looked around her room, her lips parted to say, "who said I am perfect?"

His blood-red eyes were wandering around the room, her body trembling in anger as she move towards the places that were hidden from her eyes. She search for someone but in the end, after a few minutes, she didn't find anyone.

With a Huff of annoyance, a handbag, and sunglasses, she left her room.

She didn't want to linger too long to look for the unclear thing that bothered her. She walks down the stairs as think that Roman might have been waiting for her. It's a special day so she hopes he will change from his normal self.

She arrived on the first floor, she wants to spend time in the living room to wait for Roman to pick her up. Unfortunately, before she got there, Maiya found her first.

The maid bowed and said, "Young master Roman is waiting for you in his car."

"Has it arrived here?" Jeanne asked with a hint of happiness. Then, she walked towards the main front door, leaving the corridor to where she wanted to go before.

Maiya followed her young miss and replied, "Yes, about five minutes ago."

"Wow, it's unusual for it to arrive before the promised time."

"I think it's inevitable," Maiya replied with a thin bitter smile. "He would be an idiot if he acted as an important person and came late when he will going on a date with you."

"That's refreshing but, Maiya." Jeanne turns her body to see Maiya. As she walk backward, she said, "don't speak ill of it today."

"... All right." Maiya nodded. "A suggestion, you should also stop using 'it' to refer the young master Roman. And a question, do I have to tag along on your date?"

"I'm going to stop that habit and yes, you have to come with us. We have to follow the rules made by mother and you should have known that."

"...But they'll never know. They go too far away places, you. Know. that."

Jeanne stopped suddenly and Maiya who was following her did the same.

Instantly after they stopped, Jeanne's expression become icy. She glared at her maid with eyes that lost their light.

"They'll know, especially my mother. We have to follow their rules or everything things will go wrong, okay?" Jeanne demanded in a monotonous tone.

Maiya grow silent but a moment later, "I get it," she said.

"Good!" Jeanne responded with a smile and happiness. This expression seemed to indicate that her doll-like expression from a moment ago never existed. "We need to see him as soon as possible."

"I'm right behind you."

Jeanne and Maiya pass through the main entrance, leaving the cozy mansion to visit the merciless world.

Descending the stairs, Jeanne could see a handsome boy standing next to a race car, Audrey R8. His golden hair sway gently as the wind passed. His blue eyes that like a vast sea exude confidence. He's not muscular but he has a pretty good body, not too skinny.

The boy was marvelous as he wore a black suit and yes, he was Roman Vintidius. The boy who will become Jeanne's future husband.

"Sorry for making you wait, let's go," Jeanne said with her best smile.

The girl expected the boy to move. However, he remained standing there, his eyes scanning her for quite a moment.

Getting that stare, Jeanne couldn't help but ask, "Something's wrong?"

Roman made a small nod. "Change your clothes," he said in a commanding tone.

"What?" Jeanne uttered with a hint of surprise.