From a distance, I watched as my stepsister complained to her mother. We were around the same age, but that was where our similarities ended. I was the shy type, while she was outgoing. Her beauty was extraordinary, while mine was only ordinary. It was no surprise that she had been chosen to marry my supposed fiance in just a few days.

"Have you prepared everything for the journey to the castle?" My father's voice startled me. I turned around and bowed before him.

"Yes, Father," I replied in a formal tone.

"Good. Now, go and help in the kitchen," he ordered before walking away, joining his new wife and my stepsister.

As I watched him leave, I bit my bottom lip, trying to maintain a smile despite feeling broken inside. Ever since my mother's passing, I had felt incredibly lonely in the household of the famous hunter in the Nightshade Empire.

My father had taken a second wife after my mother fell ill and eventually passed away. It was hard not to become sick when a mistress was living with us. My stepmother held significant influence and was related to the ruler of the Nightshade Empire.

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I walked away, following my father's instructions to help in the kitchen. Despite being the first daughter, I was still treated like one of the servants, even with several maids in the household.

"Good morning, Miss!" The maid greeted me as soon as I entered the kitchen, and I smiled back.

She had been my confidante for a long time. Unlike my stepsister, I didn't have a personal maid. It was slightly revolting at first, but I couldn't complain. Well, I tried once, but my father became angry, and that was the last thing I wanted. Despite everything, I loved my father so much.

"Why are you here in the kitchen? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your wedding?" she asked excitedly.

"There's nothing exciting about it, okay?" I stated matter-of-factly.

"Who knows? Maybe you'll meet a handsome prince wearing a luxurious beige or red trench coat, with a bonnet to cover his hair. Come on! Your sister is going to marry the most eligible bachelor!" she tried to make a point, but I just rolled my eyes in response. I found it hard to believe in destined meetings.

"You and your wild imagination," I replied, shaking my head slightly.

Living in a city with four seasons, I had no plans to relocate to a cold region. The Nightshade Empire was a small country, but its cities experienced various seasons. I was lucky to live in here, where we enjoyed all four seasons. Summers were mild and pleasant, winters long and cold, fall was lovely, and spring a combination of all. I would never trade it for a prince!

"He can probably give you a princess treatment," sheinsisted.

"Stop it! I'm not marrying a prince or anyone else," I declared firmly.

"Are you still waiting for someone to find you a suitable husband?"

"No. I've given up on that, Celeste. Perhaps, I should accept the fact that I'll be an old maid soon," I decided.

When I learned that my stepsister was betrothed to the man who was supposed to marry me, I expected my father to find a husband for me as well. I waited for weeks, months, and even a year, but it never happened. It seemed like he had forgotten about it.

"I wish I could help," hes said, taking a deep breath.

"Your friendship has been a great help to me, Madame," I assured her, reaching out to touch her calloused hand. "I appreciate it."

"Oh, Miss, I just want you to be happy."

"Thank you," I replied, suddenly becoming emotional over my situation.

For a long time, I had struggled to remain strong, but there were moments when the pain of being neglected by my own family would strike. Without a handkerchief in my pocket, I used my palm to dry my tears.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. So, what are you cooking, by the way?" I asked, attempting to change the subject. But as I turned around, her expression changed, and when I followed her gaze, I saw my stepmother.

"Follow me," she ordered.

I looked at the maid in bewilderment. For once, my stepmother didn't shout at me. She had a two-faced personality at home. In the presence of my father, she would immediately become a good stepmother, but in his absence, she was mean and cruel.

"Hey!"

"Oh, yes," I hurried to follow her outside the kitchen.

She led me to the upper floor of the manor, and I felt confused as she took me into my father's study.

"Father," I greeted him, unsure of what to expect.

"Sit down, darling," my father said, using my childhood nickname.

I smiled timidly, touched by the familiarity of the name. "Yes, Papa."

As I sat, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. My father's gaze towards me was warm, and for a moment, I wished it would last longer. However, as soon as my stepmother began to speak, my father's expression turned dark and menacing.

I looked at her in bewilderment. She suddenly burst into tears, but I knew better. She was a master of manipulation.

"Please help your sister. I beg you, please. You are the only person who can help this time," she pleaded, kneeling before me.

I reached out to help her up, torn between compassion and suspicion. "I don't understand what's happening, but I will help," I assured her, my voice filled with determination.

She nodded, tears still streaming down her face. I turned to my father, hoping for some explanation, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"I will do it," I finally agreed, my voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination.

My father nodded, relief evident in his eyes.