The day of my birthday party arrived, and Nathan was introduced as the suitor my mother had chosen for me.

We met briefly that day, and my mother was very pleased with him.

On my birthday, the announcement was made.

Meanwhile, online speculation about Jarvis’s future spouse was rampant, but Jarvis had managed to keep Joyce well protected. No one could discover her identity. Instead, news of my engagement spread, once again tying me to the Mason family.

Jarvis’s manager harbored resentment towards Joyce and had hinted online that Joyce was behind Jarvis’s retirement --- but it attracted no support.

Consequently, Jarvis’s fans directed their anger at me, the one...