The House of Royals, a 20,000-square-meter villa, was the most luxurious in all of Cansington. It boasted a garden, swimming pool, and golf course.

In the villa's foyer, Thea sat on a soft couch, gazing around in disbelief. It resembled a palace more than a house. When her grandfather arranged her marriage, she knew any man with a spine would refuse—especially to the Callahan family. She had no idea who her husband would be, but suspected he'd be greedy and lazy, someone coveting her family's wealth. Yet, he'd brought her to this paradise.

James knelt and lifted her veil.

"Don't…" Thea panicked, shrinking away. Her scarred face and body were a frightening sight. What if she scared him off before they were even properly introduced? James removed the veil anyway.

Terrified, her heart pounded. Shame washed over her; she longed to disappear. James gently tilted her face up. The shocking latticework of scars was evident. He traced his fingers over them, his heart aching. He knew it was his fault; if she hadn't saved him, she wouldn't be in this situation.

His face softened—an unusual sight. Almost in tears, he said, "Oh Thea, you've suffered too much."

Unable to meet his gaze, Thea fidgeted with her shirt. Gently, James said, "Trust me. I'll help you recover."

She panicked again. "Get the medicine," she whispered.

James stood and barked a command. The villa doors burst open, and several men in black suits entered, carrying boxes filled with expensive pills, tablets, and other valuable medicines. James began mixing a salve. He crouched by Thea, who was still playing with her shirt. He took her scarred hands, but she pulled away, hiding them. Looking at the floor, she whispered, "What… are you doing?"

"Relax, Thea. Take off your clothes."

Tears streamed down Thea's face as she tugged at her clothing. "Yes, I know I'm ugly. I have scars everywhere. Are you happy now?" she sobbed. She'd expected mockery and humiliation—she'd grown accustomed to it over the years since the incident. Nightmares plagued her; she cried daily, barely remembering happiness.

Looking at James, she bit her lip, tears flowing. His cold heart thawed at the sight of her. He hugged her, solemnly vowing, "I will never cast you aside. No matter what you look like, you're my wife, now and forever."

Stunned, she couldn't respond. He released her and carefully applied the salve to her scars, then wrapped her entirely in gauze—a veritable mummy.

He guided her to sit beside him. "Thea, trust me. Ten days is all it takes. I promise you'll be a different person afterward."

"R-really?" she finally managed, though skeptical.

"Of course. I would never lie to you."

Though she couldn't see his face, his magnetic, gentle voice warmed her heart.

Ten days passed—the happiest Thea had experienced in a decade. She still didn't know her husband's identity, but he cared for her attentively, remaining by her side constantly. Every night, he told stories and jokes, lulling her to sleep. Every morning, his strong hands held her. She'd forgotten what care, let alone love, felt like. Now, she felt she was falling in love.

In the villa, before a mirror, Thea, wrapped head-to-toe in white gauze, felt nervous. For ten days, she'd religiously applied the salve, enduring burning skin. James had assured her that regular application would restore her looks.

"Is… is this really happening?" she asked, clutching his strong hands.

"Yes." He slowly removed the gauze. She knew it was bright, but feared opening her eyes.

"Go on, open your eyes and take a look."

She opened her eyes. Naked, she stood before the mirror. Remnants of the salve remained, but her skin was smooth and unblemished. Her face was almost perfect. Shock rendered her speechless. After a few seconds, she wiped away the salve, touching her skin disbelievingly.

"What…" She was beyond shocked. How could the girl in the mirror be her? Ten years ago, burns and disfigurement had seemed irreversible. But now… She hadn't looked in a mirror in ten years. Seeing her perfect reflection, she wept tears of joy, collapsing into James' arms, the weight of her past grief lifting.

He hugged her tightly. "I'll never let you get hurt again," he promised.

Her initial joy morphed into embarrassment at her nakedness. She broke free, looking away.

James pointed to the bathroom. "I've prepared hot water and clothes, but I don't know your size. Just choose a bra that fits."

Shyly, Thea hurried to the bathroom. James went to the foyer, sinking onto the couch and lighting a cigarette.

A forty-year-old man in a black suit entered, holding a thick file. "General, this is all the information we have on The Great Four. Everything about the Cadens' deaths."

James pointed to the table. "Leave it there."

"General, they're low-class families. Say the word, and we'll take care of them…"

James waved his hand dismissively.

The man stopped. James looked at him. "I'm no longer the General. Investigating The Great Four will be the last time I use my privilege. You're not needed here. Take your men to the border."

The man knelt. "Sir, we'll follow you to the ends of the earth. The border is stable. Don't make us leave."

James pulled him up. "Henry, this is personal. I'll handle it. All I want is peace and quiet, to be with Thea and love her."

"General…"

"Leave! Take the men to the Southern Plains!" James roared.

Henry knelt again. "Take care, General. The Black Dragon Army awaits your return."

"Go!" James sat, waving his hand. Henry left.

Thea emerged from the shower in a white slip dress, humming happily. Touching her smooth skin, she grinned. She stopped upon seeing James smoking moodily. She sat beside him, her face flushed. "Um…" she began, shy and unsure what to say. Even after ten days, being blindfolded changed things. Seeing him now made her shy.

James, roused from his thoughts, looked at her, his eyes sparkling. "Darling, when are we getting our marriage license?"

"What?"

Her confused expression was adorable. He smiled. "I'm part of the Callahans now. Your grandfather's orders make me your husband. Are you regretting it? Don't you want to marry me?"

"I do."

Those two words were all she needed to say. James's care had won her heart.

She glanced at him—tall, strong, and confident. Just looking at him made her blush.

An hour later, hand in hand, they emerged from the Department of Civil Affairs. Thea looked at the marriage certificate. She was officially married. She'd once fantasized about passionate love, but fate, arranged by her grandfather, had led her to James, who'd whisked her away to paradise. In ten days, she'd been restored to beauty. Though she still didn't fully know her husband, warmth filled her as she held his hand tightly.

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