Contract Marriage: The Replacement Groom

Hearing that, Nancy glanced at her and snorted before taking a bite of the moon cake with a chopstick.

Brian and the Maid were oblivious to the little action Nancy just made, they were carried away with their conversation.

"I’ve heard of country V but wasn’t fortunate enough to go there. I’m sure it would be a very relaxing place to spend a holiday."

The maid nodded fervently, "Indeed! The place has a beautiful sight but unfortunately, it doesn’t gain traffic. Also, there was a rumor of an earthquake and tsunami causing chaos there last month. Too bad it wasn’t featured in the news, so I have no idea if it’s another clout-chasing wannabe influencer spreading such fake rumors again," she sighed regrettably.

"Even though it might be fake news, there’s no harm in being careful. Why not ask your family members who live there? I’m sure your grandparents are still there, right?"

She shook her head, "Fifteen years ago, my grandparents died as a result of flood, so my parents left and relocated to Country G." She smiled, trying to mask her ’pain.’

"Oh... I’m sorry, that must have been a painful memory."

The Maid smiled, "It’s fine, it’s fine... Hehehe..." she chuckled.

While Brian and the maid were hitting off real good, Nancy was scrutinizing her up and down with emotionless eyes.

The Maid looked her way and their eyes met. She didn’t take her eyes off the woman immediately like she ought to. It wasn’t her fault, the woman’s overly pale complexion caught her attention, followed by her dark eyes. She was scrutinizing Nancy’s face and noticed that the woman looked a bit weird and her eyes weren’t piercing like she expected but rather dim with hidden pain and rage.

The Maid could tell at one glance that those were eyes owned by someone who has a deep–rooted hatred and revenge in her bones for someone.

Not knowing how much time had gone by, she jolted when she heard a loud ’bang!’

It was Nancy who slapped the table. She wasn’t comfortable with those piercing eyes digging holes in her.

"I– I’m sorry ma!" She immediately stood erect and bowed her head.

"Mom, sh... what’s wrong?" Brian wanted to defend the maid but thought about Jeslyn’s warning and immediately changed his wording.

The woman looked from the Maid to Brian, then ignored Brian and continued eating.

The Maid breathed a sigh of relief but she didn’t dare to raise her head anymore.

Ever since she came into this house, this is her first time coming face to face with Nancy. The woman is indeed scary but looking beyond the powerful woman’s exterior, she could tell there’s a bitter story hidden behind it. Those dark eyes that she looked at for a few minutes just now weren’t those of a villain’s but of someone fighting to survive.

She bit her tongue to pull her mind back. She wasn’t here to feel pity for this woman or try to know her story! Everyone has a story, so Nancy’s is not her business and shouldn’t be. She’s here to kill Nancy and that she must achieve! so she thought.

Nancy moved her gaze to study the Maid one more time. The young lady looked 25 or 26. She’s chubby with tanned skin and a neutral face that wasn’t the prettiest nor the ugliest. She looked humble and happy, most of all, she has a relaxing aura that makes people like her. ’Did you have to go through so much stress?’ she thought.

"What’s your name?" Nancy asked out of the blue, catching the Maid by surprise.

"H- huh?" The maid looked confused for a moment.

"Your name," Nancy repeated.

"Rossa... Rossa Kai."

Nancy looked at her for a long time before she spoke again. "It seems my son is interested in your cooking skills. Can you make other delicious dishes?" Nancy saw how her son had been greedily devouring the well presented moon cake like he was eating the most delicious food in the world.

Rossa Kai nodded but the next minute, she sighed, "I’m just a maid. My cooking skills might not be compared to the quality of food the chefs make."

"Provided it’s edible. From today henceforth, you’ll be in charge of my son’s meal. Failure to do so will result in terrible consequences."

"Y– yes, ma!" Rossa bowed with a smile on her face.

Nancy wiped her lips and got up. Picked up her white handbag to match her white knee-length lace dress and headed for the door.

The two couldn’t take their eyes off her lone back. Even though she looked graceful as she walked, Rossa could tell she wasn’t alright.

Brian gritted his teeth. He wasn’t happy, this woman had been the root of his problems for a very long time but why is he having a second thought after seeing her recent behavior? She seemed to be a lot calmer ever since he was almost poisoned.

The image of Nancy’s worried face flashed past his mind and Brian immediately woke from his stupor. It’s too late to feel sorry.

...

Nancy was seen about to enter her car, but swayed.

"Careful, Ma’am!" Nightcrawler immediately supported her before the other guards stationed around them could see her state. He helped her get into the car before he joined Death in the front seat.

"My Lady, your step-sister is pregnant again," Death reported.

Nancy subconsciously touched her stomach before she looked out the window, "I don’t want to kill her baby anymore... I’m not in the mood to go to the office, take me to Nanny Xie."

The two guards turned their heads to look at her side profile; the woman looked lonely and sad.

The two guards said nothing as the car moved quietly to its destination.

...

At the far end of SIN CITY, a white house could be seen, built in the middle of nowhere. The gates were opened and the black car zoomed in.

When it came to a halt, Nancy got down. Her white gown made her look even paler, maybe that’s why she hates white dresses.

The woman walked in front while her two guards followed by her side. The guards that were stationed around the building all lined up in two rows with their heads bowed.

The proud woman didn’t spare any of them a glance as she moved towards the door with grace and dominance. With her demeanor, one wouldn’t know if she was looking unwell a moment ago.

Standing by the door was an old woman, supported by a walking stick. She smiled when she saw who had come to visit.

"Dear, you came," she said in a fragile voice.

"Nanny Xie," Nancy held her hand and supported the woman back in.