Chapter 1

"Why do you always create stories that end happily? Are you blind, hypocritical, or a woman living in a high-walled palace who can't see the suffering around you? Don't you think you've exaggerated the meaning of the word 'love'?"

- Aron Henderson

"Do you know what your problem is? You lack patience. Be patient! Let love come to you and bring you happiness."

- Juliet

*****

Aron continued to stare at a reply letter from Juliet. He had read the letter countless times, and every time he finished reading it, he would smirk mockingly.

Love and happiness? Yeah, right.

According to Aron, Juliet was a foolish writer who always exaggerated the meaning of the word love. This was evident from all of Juliet's novels, none of which ended sadly. They were all happy.

Juliet must be a woman living in a fantasy world. Because in the real world, not everyone had a happy ending. Well, including Aron himself.

But no matter how much Aron enjoyed mocking Juliet, he couldn't deny that he had never read a romance novel other than Juliet's works.

Indeed, Aron despised romance novels. He enjoyed reading, but he had never spent a moment reading a romance novel. He himself didn't understand what fate awaited him that he accidentally came across Juliet's novel and liked every word Juliet wrote.

Yes, Aron stumbled upon Juliet's novel by accident. He was shopping for books, and he bought many books. However, somehow, Juliet's novel ended up in his pile of books. When he checked the payment receipt, the novel was also listed as one of the books he had bought.

Maybe the book accidentally fell into his shopping basket. Anyway, Aron didn't want to think too much about it. What was clear was that the cover and the story description brought out Aron's cynical nature. He read the book with the intention to mock, but he ended up being captivated. Eventually, Aron admitted that although Juliet was a writer of fanciful stories, her ability to string words together was undeniable.

As was Aron's habit, when he liked an author, he would seek information about them.

Strangely, Aron couldn't find any information about an author named Juliet, except that she was a popular female writer. Even her fans knew nothing about her. She was very mysterious.

But there was one unique thing about Juliet. She gave her fans the opportunity to send letters every six months, and all those letters would receive a direct response from Juliet herself.

That's when Aron sent a letter to Juliet, which received a reply three days later. He continued to keep the letter even though five months had passed.

Aron wasn't a sentimental person. He kept Juliet's letter out of curiosity. He wondered if it was true that by being patient, he would find love and happiness, like Juliet wrote. The reality matched Aron's expectations. What Juliet wrote was just empty words without meaning. A bedtime story.

Annoyed, Aron squeezed the letter in his hand.

Deep down, perhaps Aron hoped that Juliet's words could come true. However, Aron was also a human with feelings. He was tired of living in a pit of misery.

But it seemed that love and happiness were not willing to come near him. Aron's belief in Juliet was in vain. Five months had passed since he received the letter, and Aron's life hadn't changed. The hell he lived in was burning his body and soul day by day.

"Aron, the woman has arrived."

Aron released the crumpled piece of paper from his grip and let it fall on his desk. Then he looked up to see Carter, his friend and personal assistant. Carter was the only person Aron trusted.

"What is she like, as we suspected?" Aron asked coldly.

"Yes, Mrs. Keiran intends to arrange a marriage between you and that woman to facilitate her plan to seize the inheritance that falls into your hands."

"Does that old woman think I will fall in love with her chosen woman and willingly sign over the estate?"

"It's possible. I suggest you consider rejecting this arranged marriage," Carter advised.

Aron's gaze fell on a pile of papers on the desk. "No, Carter. I won't refuse. It's not my style to run away from the battles set for me." Aron took a letter from Juliet, which had become crumpled, and tidied it up. He then carefully placed the paper back into the drawer. "Escort me to meet them."

Carter nodded. Without a word, she walked behind Aron's wheelchair and pushed him out of the spacious room, which was also part of Aron's office.

**********

The woman was very beautiful, and Aron wouldn't deny it. Unfortunately, Aron had already regarded her as an enemy for a simple reason: he knew Keiran, Aron's stepmother.

"Aleeza, let me introduce my son, Aron Henderson," Keiran said with a nauseating smile. Then the woman turned to Aron. "Aron, this is the woman Mom informed you about the other day, Aleeza Whitaker."

Aron didn't bother to glance at the woman who claimed to be his mother. His sharp gaze was fixed on Aleeza, who returned it with a shy smile. In an instant, Aron realized that Aleeza was just like Keiran, a hypocritical woman who wore a mask in front of others.

"Hello, Aron," Aleeza greeted shyly.

Aron didn't respond to Aleeza's greeting. His gaze remained fixed on her face.

"It seems like Aron is captivated by you, Aleeza," Ines, Aron's oldest stepsister, openly hostile demeanor. However, Aleeza pretended not to notice and maintained her shy smile.

Seeing Aron still silent, Keiran took over the conversation. "Aron, Aleeza is Ines's college friend from abroad. According to Ines, Aleeza is very suitable for you, and Mom think so too."

"Enough with the small talk, and just get to the point. What do you want?" Aron finally spoke. However, his words were sharp and cold, and his eyes remained fixed on Aleeza.

There was a moment of silence. Keiran, Aleeza, Ines, who were in front of Aron, and Carter, who stood faithfully behind him, chose to remain silent.

Finally, Keiran cleared her throat and once again put on her fake smile. "If you feel compatible with her, we plan to marry you."

"As for you, do you not mind marrying a disabled man like me?" Aron asked Aleeza directly, his tone still cold.

"I don't judge people based on-"

"As I suspected. Snakes like you should stick together." For the first time since entering the living room, Aron turned his gaze toward Keiran. "Just set the wedding date and make all the arrangements yourself. I'll marry as you wish. But don't shed tears if you still can't get what you want after this marriage."

With that, Aron signaled to Carter that he wanted to leave the living room. Obediently, Carter pushed Aron's wheelchair away from the three stunned individuals.

**********

"That bastard!" Keiran angrily tossed a beautiful vase nearby, shattering the expensive artwork on the floor.

This was Keiran for you. When she couldn't get what she wanted, she would vent her frustration by destroying things. That's why she had intentionally installed soundproofing in her room to ensure her activities couldn't be heard.

"Enough, Mom. What matters is that our initial plan succeeded," Ines advised.

"But what if I fail, as he suggested? Especially given his attitude, I think it's very difficult to get close to him," Aleeza added.

Keiran stared intently at Aleeza. "Regardless of whether you can get close to him or not, all I need is his signature."

"And what if I fail?"

"Then you and your family will end up on the streets." Ines spoke harshly. "Make a strong effort. If you succeed, we can help your family escape from the burden of debt."

Aleeza sighed. "Why don't you just kill him if you want to get all this wealth? If the reason is fear, poison and hitmen are good options."

"What's stopping you?" Aleeza was curious.

"My late husband understood well that I desired his wealth and was willing to do anything to obtain it. That's why he made a will that prevents me from harming his beloved son." Keiran clenched her fists in anger.

"What's in the will?" Aleeza inquired further.

"First, the entire inheritance goes to Aron Henderson. Second, all this wealth will be donated if Aron dies. Third, Aron cannot evict us from this house or from the company." Ines explained.

"The last part benefits you greatly," Aleeza commented.

"How does it benefit us?" Keiran retorted. "All it does is make us servants to that cursed brat. And you've seen for yourself how we have to pretend to be sweet in front of him. Keep smiling even when he openly insults us."

Aleeza nodded in understanding.

"That's why you must not fail," Ines said seriously. "No matter how you do it, make him sign the document transferring all of this wealth."

Aleeza looked at Ines and Keiran with equal seriousness. "You are my only hope to save my father's company from bankruptcy. I will try my best not to fail."

Keiran and Ines smiled with satisfaction at Aleeza determination.

**********

"Aron, don't play with love. What if you truly fall for that woman?" Carter offered advice while helping Carter move to his bed.

Aron was in pain, but he hid it from Carter's view, maintaining a neutral expression. He didn't want his friend to worry.

Carter interpreted Aron's silent demeanor as a sign that he didn't want to continue the discussion. Of course, she couldn't see the cold sweat on Aron's back as he desperately tried to endure the pain.

As the days went by, the pain in Aron's paralyzed legs intensified. The medication prescribed by the doctor did nothing to help.

Aron hadn't been paralyzed since childhood. He had experienced an accident three years ago that left him with his legs rendered useless, forcing him into a wheelchair.

Aron was certain that the accident was not an accident at all. There must have been a family member behind it. However, the police couldn't find any evidence of foul play. Either the police were too inept in their investigation or they were in cahoots with Aron's family.

Now, Aron had come to accept that he would never walk again. He continued to take the prescribed medication because the doctor said it would minimize future leg pain and prevent further complications from his paralysis.

The pain mentioned by the doctor was now a reality. Every time Aron had to change position or move, the pain was excruciating, as if his legs would detach. If this continued, Aron might have to accept the amputation of his legs.

"Alrigh, Aron. I'll excuse myself to my room," Carter said.

Since his father's death, Aron had asked Carter to stay in his house. He needed someone he could trust, as everyone else in the house was an enemy trying to destroy him.

"Before you go, please get my book," Aron requested with the same neutral expression.

Since his father's passing, even Carter hadn't Aron smile. He always wore a stoic face and acted coldly.

"Of course. Which book would you like to read?" Carter asked as he walked to Aron's bookshelf in a corner of the room.

"Juliet's works. Any one will do."