CHAPTER 899. RULE #1. PREFACE.SYNOPSIS From the moment her cousin Dandara brought her fiancé home, Mariel locked herself in a bubble of self-torment because it was impossible for her to like Leon Rosthchild that much. She was a good girl who loved her entire family, adored her cousin—so why was she so unlucky? Why couldn’t she get that man out of her head?Mariel was on the verge of hating herself for having these feelings when an unexpected truth came to light: Dandara and Leon only had a friendly agreement, one that he desperately needed—a wedding, a wife, even if it was all fake.Mariel wasn’t even thinking when she stepped forward and volunteered. After all, she could help too, right?And Leon wasn’t in a position to refuse—he had no other choice. But one thing was certain: he couldn’t lay a finger on that “baby Keller” because she was a delicate porcelain doll, and he… well, he was looking for a fake marriage precisely so he wouldn’t have to stop being a reckless man.So Rule #1
CHAPTER 900. RULE #1. An Impulsive DecisionMariel’s heart felt like it was about to explode. This seemed completely unreal, even for her cousin’s usual craziness. However, the question that was on everyone’s mind was the first one Cameron asked.“Dandara, was this…? This isn’t real?” he demanded. “You weren’t actually going to marry him? Was all of this… some kind of trap or something?”But beside him, Leon cleared his throat and patted him on the shoulder, pulling a small box from his suit and handing it over.“I’d call it more of a ‘strategy,’” he pointed out. “I think you’ve been running away from this lady for way too long, and we couldn’t let that continue. So, my friend—and I say ‘friend’ because I guarantee that from now on, I’m going to be your favorite person—I suggest you take this ring and use the few seconds you have left to get down on one knee and ask this beautiful woman to marry you. Because someone is definitely signing a marriage certificate today, and we’d all pref
CHAPTER 901. RULE #1. A Smart Girl."Alright, alright!" Leon exclaimed, because if he was honest, he didn’t have much time to start interviewing candidates, and Mariel Keller had almost everything he was looking for in a wife—at least the most important things. "If you can help me with this, I’ll be in your debt for life… though you’re already a millionaire, so I’m not really sure how I’d pay you back.""I didn’t know friends had to charge each other," Mariel smiled at him with a sweetness that would be the worst punishment for the Count of Rosthchild—though he didn’t know it yet. "But I’ll think of something."Leon wasn’t sure if he was sighing out of relief or nerves. He needed a marriage that looked real to his family in order to secure the title. He had discussed it with Dandara because he trusted her straightforward nature and carefree attitude… but Mariel? The girl seemed like a porcelain doll—fragile and delicate. Yet here she was, standing in front of him with an oddly determi
CHAPTER 902. RULE #1. RulesMariel took a deep breath as she clasped her hands in her lap."I think I'm starting to understand why you chose Dandara to put on this show," she murmured. "It's obvious she could tell anyone to go to hell with great enthusiasm. But I'm not as fragile as I look, so… I'll help you. We just need to set simple rules, like respecting and supporting each other… and things like that."Leon ran a hand through his hair, realizing he was out of options, and nodded."Alright, in that case, I appreciate it, and… let's make things as clear as possible. Okay? So… Rule number one: don't fall in love," he said, looking at her seriously. "I know I can be charming, but I'm… I'm a womanizer, really, and no matter how gentlemanly or gallant I seem, I don't want anything serious with anyone. So don't fall in love, because if you do, things will end very badly. I'm just…""A rabbit with Parkinson’s," Mariel recalled. "Okay, Rule number one: don't fall in love." She paused for
CHAPTER 903. RULE #1.Welcome to the Himalayas!The ceremony was so quick that when Mariel looked at the ring on her finger, she could barely believe she was officially Mrs. Leon Rosthchild. There were no special guests, no choirs, no flowers, and certainly not the dreamy white dress most brides imagine. Mariel had insisted that there was no need for all that pomp—she might seem naive, but she knew very well that if that man saw her getting too excited, he’d bolt in the opposite direction faster than any of his Ferraris.So she just put on a simple pink dress she found in her closet, one that accentuated her delicate figure and, if possible, made her look even sweeter.Dandara, who had been by her side the entire time, gave her a tight hug before they said their goodbyes at the courthouse door. However, as soon as she let go, her hand landed firmly on Leon’s chest, not caring if she was wrinkling his suit, and she gave him a direct warning.“You’d better take care of her, Leon,” Dandar
CHAPTER 904. RULE #1. Wedding Proofs"What did you just say?" Leon repeated, incredulous, realizing that if by some miracle he had actually fallen in love with a woman, his mother would have hurt her without a second thought, simply because she couldn't control her tongue."Conquests!" Countess Freda replied coldly before turning to Mariel, scanning her from head to toe. "It's obvious you're a very naïve young girl to believe any of my son's lies," she spat with disdain. "But let me make one thing clear—you will not be staying in this house. The Count and I do not allow mistresses under our roof."Mariel's eyes widened in a very well-feigned gesture of surprise, but before she could react, Leon stepped in, determined to put an end to his mother’s venom."Enough, Mother!" he said firmly, raising Mariel’s left hand for her to see the ring. "Mariel is not a conquest. She is my wife. We got married this morning, and since I knew you’d probably lose your mind and doubt it… here’s the proof
CHAPTER 905. RULE #1. A Bad JokeMariel looked at herself in the mirror and spun around one last time, making sure her dress was in perfect condition. She had chosen something simple yet elegant, with lace details that added a touch of sophistication without losing the sweetness that always seemed to accompany her. She took a deep breath, gave her reflection one last smile, and stepped out of the dressing room, ready to meet her father-in-law.Leon was waiting outside, his expression a mix of pride and nervousness."You look perfect. Very modest, just the way my parents like it. Ready?" he asked, offering his arm."Of course not, and neither are you," she replied, taking his arm firmly. "Any advice?""Just… take a deep breath," he joked, "and don’t pay attention to anything they say. They have no filter, no tact, nothing.""Got it."With a knowing smile, Mariel nodded, and together they walked toward the main dining room, where the double doors were already open. As they entered, her
CHAPTER 906. RULE #1. Of Princes and DragonsMariel finished arranging her little corner in Leon’s closet before putting on her favorite pajamas: a set of loose pants and a t-shirt covered in animal prints.By the time she came out of the bathroom, Leon was pouring two glasses of brandy, but when he looked up and saw her in her animal pajamas, he let out a laugh that echoed through the entire room.“What?” Mariel asked, pretending to be offended but failing to hide her smile.“Nothing, nothing,” he replied, trying to hold back his laughter as he handed her one of the glasses. “It’s just… do you have any idea how adorable you look?”She took the glass, glancing at her pajamas, then looked back at him mischievously.“Of course I do,” she said, raising her glass in a small toast. “Men can’t resist throwing themselves at me when they see me in something this sexy.”“Hey! Just how many men see you in pajamas?!” he demanded, pretending to be genuinely concerned… or maybe not…“Don’t worry,