Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Winona panicked as the plot that seemed to be falling into place took an unexpected turn.

"Dad, my friends already know about the wedding. The invitations have been sent out. If we back out now, it'll be a scandal for our family!" she protested desperately.

Martin took a deep breath, struggling to control his frail heart. "So you understand the stakes here! It's not just your reputation on the line, it's the honor of the Jesselton family!" Winona's expression wavered. "Dad!"

Martin turned his attention to Richard, who remained calm, and forced a faint smile. "Mister Richard, I need to speak with Winona privately. I'd appreciate it if you could give us some space." Richard discerned the gravity of the situation and acquiesced with a slight nod. There was no doubt that this was a request for him to leave.

He nodded slightly, glanced at Winona, and made his exit.

hit her. Was Richard upset with her? Was her father

her back to reality. "Come

enraged, and Winona couldn't help but feel apprehensive as she followed him into the study. Once inside, she spoke timidly, "Dad, I know I made

joy, Winona. I don't want to see you suffer. Look at Richard. Does he truly care about you? He married you just to get you to help that woman with her illness. There's no room for you in

we're married, won't

takes to tie down a man, then be prepared to discover him seeing another woman one day." Confusion clouded Winona's

I don't want you to end up like your mother."

telling me you were forced to

feelings for someone else, but she fell ill. I agreed to marry your mother in exchange for her help in curing

with a