Chapter 1

Ethan Blackwood stood was relaxing in a yacht’s grand bar, gripping his glass of whiskey when he heard a familiar voice that jolted his reverie. “Ethan! You have to get out of here, now!” He turned to see Lily Armond, his childhood friend with her green eyes filled with urgency, grab his arm and pull him away out of the yacht. Almost immediately, they heard a deafening explosion! The explosion shattered the peace of the extravagant yacht party, sending flames and smoke billowing into the night sky. The luxurious vessel he was in, trembled under the force of the blast and cries of panic erupted as elegantly dressed guests ran in every direction, contorted with fear. Within seconds, another explosion rocked the yacht, sending many crashing onto the deck and just within the twinkle of an eye, the yacht caught fire. Ethan felt Lily’s grip tighten around his wrist. Her strength surprised him. Despite the fear in her eyes, she was determined. “Come on! The yacht’s going down!” she yelled. She dragged him through the panicked crowd, navigating through overturned tables and debris. The once-glorious chandelier that hung over the dance floor had crashed into the deck, shattering into thousands of sparkling fragments. The screams of the doomed passengers were drowned out by the crackling of fire and the roar of the waves. Lily led him to the yacht’s edge, where a small emergency boat was tethered. Without hesitation, she pushed him in first before climbing in after him. The second they cut the ropes and drifted away, the yacht gave one final, agonized groan before erupting into a massive fireball. The heat was unbearable, even from a distance. Ethan could do nothing but watch as the ship disappeared into the ocean. He had survived! Thanks to Lily. The memory of that night gripped Ethan, as he relaxed on one of the gigantic sofas in his living room. It had been five years, but the memory returned with relentless persistence. Ethan looked out of his penthouse window. It was 6 a.m and he had barely slept. With a deep breath, he grabbed his phone and dialed a number. “I need information on Lily Armond,” he said, his voice steely. “The daughter of businessman William Armond.” “Understood, Mr. Blackwood,” came the prompt reply. Ethan leaned back in his chair, swirling some whiskey in his glass as his mind drifted. Five years ago, that explosion had been no accident. It had been an assassination attempt, just a month after the culprits had succeeded in killing his parents. His family had been one of the most powerful business dynasties in the country until they were betrayed. The Armonds, once their close business partners, had orchestrated the attack. William Armond wanted the business dynasties all to himself and family, so he decided to wipe out the Blackwood family! Of course, Ethan had been meant to die, too. But Lily had saved him. She had known about the plan. Whether it was guilt or something else that had driven her to warn him, he never figured out. But what he did know was that her actions had cost her everything. His phone buzzed, snapping him from his thoughts. It was an email. Lily Armond, age 26. After aiding your escape, Lily was branded a traitor by her own family. She was stripped of her privileges, reduced to nothing more than a servant in the household. She is constantly subjected to beatings, denied food, and treated as an outcast. She has grown frail and unrecognizable due to years of mistreatment. Ethan’s grip tightened around his phone. So this was how they repaid her? By treating her worse than an animal? His jaw clenched as he read the next part of the report. "The Armond family has announced that Lily is to be married in one week. The selected suitor must be a man of no status or wealth." A mirthless smile crossed Ethan’s lips. He didn’t know why the Armonds wanted to marry Lily off to a pauper, but one thing was clear—this was his opportunity. He was going to take her away from that wretched family. And then, he would make the Armonds pay for their wickedness! --- The day of the suitor selection arrived, and the Armond estate was crowded with desperate men from all over. They were under the impression that marrying Lily would grant them access to the Armond fortune. Ethan, now disguised as a destitute and unremarkable man, blended seamlessly into the crowd. He had altered his appearance, growing out his beard, wearing ragged clothes, and adopting the posture of a man beaten down by life. The Armonds' staff meticulously examined each candidate, eliminating anyone who seemed even remotely ambitious. In the end, only five men remained. Ethan was among them. William Armond’s assistant stepped forward. “The final suitor has been chosen. His name is Jacob Reed.” Ethan had introduced himself as Jacob Reed, rather than his real name, "Ethan Blackwood." He knew, of course, that William Armond could easily uncover his true identity if he had used his actual name. With facial surgery and a completely altered identity, there was no chance they would recognize him. Ethan kept his head bowed, concealing the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. The assistant led him into the lavish mansion, where William Armond sat waiting. The man scrutinized Ethan, his lip curling in disgust. “So, you’re the pathetic fool who wants to marry my daughter?” William sneered. Ethan remained silent, feigning nervousness. He knew better than to engage. This man saw him as worthless—he needed to maintain that illusion. William leaned forward. “Before you get too comfortable, understand this. For the next two days, you will be observed. If you fail to meet our standards, you will be thrown out like the garbage you are!” Ethan gave a slow nod, keeping his expression neutral. Let them test him. Let them believe he was just another desperate fool. Because in the end, it wouldn’t matter. He was going to win. And when he did, the Armonds would regret ever crossing him. This was only the beginning.