Dusk had long passed when Xander's car pulled up in front of the large Manor. This house is three times the size of the place where Scarlett stays with Xander.

Scarlett couldn't hide her worry. Not because she was intimidated by the grandeur of Xander's parents' residence but because this was a new experience for her — meeting her in-laws.

Although her marriage to Xander was based only on a contract and not love, she is legally his wife.

She glances at the man beside her, wanting to know his expression. He looked calm and warm. The aura that emanated from him was not as cold as this afternoon. His warmth could make Scarlett a little bit better. At least this man wasn't giving her any pressure, which was enough. She only needed him.

But later, when she glanced at her appearance, she felt distressed.

Scarlett understood that her hairstyle, especially the color, was too bold for the culture in this country. She was sure if Xander's parents and grandfather saw her like this, they would definitely think negatively of her.

What's more, she knew, in this country, especially for a powerful family like Riley, they would definitely want to have a daughter-in-law from a wealthy and distinguished family.

While her? Obviously far from it. Her family is still fighting over inheritance and money. Nothing to be proud of.

"Xander, is it okay for me to look like this?" Scarlett asks.

Since leaving the White Mansion, Scarlett has been self-debating about whether to continue with her wig or drop it. In the end, she kept her gray pixie wig on. It was because of her fear that the people at Old Riley's residence would see her authentic appearance —  she wasn't sure if the people in this place could be trusted.

Besides, when Xander saw her with the wig on, he didn't say a word, so she felt it was fine. But after arriving at this place, she tensed up.

More and more worries swirled around her mind, akin to a fog covering her confidence to step out of the car.

Xander calmly glanced at the girl. She looks pretty even though she's wearing her ugly wig. And because she doesn't wear her colored contacts, her turquoise eyes captivate him. For a moment, he sank into her naturally seductive eyes.

"X-Xander?" Scarlett felt uncomfortable being stared at by Xander. "...is it that bad? Should I take this wig off?"

Xander took his gaze away before he responded, "NO! It doesn't matter. To me, you look fine!"

'Is that a compliment?'

She felt like the spring breeze rained down on her heart, hearing Xander praising her.

"Thank you. But, I'm just worried that your grandfather and parents will look at me strangely..." A weak smile graced her face as she looked at the main door of the house.

Scarlett couldn't get over this fact. If only she believed the people in this house, she would not hesitate to show her authentic appearance. Somehow, she didn't want to lie to them.

"My grandfather is someone you need to be careful of. But you don't need to worry too much, we're already married, he can't do anything to you. Therefore, we must act like you, and I, are a real couple. Don't let them guess that our marriage is based on a one-year contract, not love…."

She fell silent at his words.

Yes, Xander is absolutely right. No need to use feelings. She just needed to put on an act so that everyone would believe that they were really husband and wife and loved each other.

'Love each other…' Scarlett suddenly felt a flutter when this thought crossed her mind.

"Meanwhile, my parents..." There was a long pause. Making Scarlett look at Xander out of curiosity, wanting to know about his parents.

"They won't care... because they are no longer in this world." He continued.

"Sorry, Xander. I don't know…" somehow Scarlett felt sad to hear that this man no longer had parents, but when she saw his eyes, she was shocked — No sadness emanated from there.

Does he also hate his parents? Just like he hated his grandfather!?

"You don't need to apologize. My Mother died long ago when I was a child. However, you might meet my father's new wife. You need to ignore her!"

When Scarlett heard Xander's voice slightly raised, she immediately guessed that Xander had a problematic relationship with his stepmother, just like her.

Instantly she felt related to him. They have the same issue — facing their evil stepmother.

"Alright, I will remember that."

"Let's go!"

Before getting out of the car, Scarlett made sure her appearance was perfect.

Then, she closed her eyes and took a final deep breath to calm her mind. However, just as she is about to open the door, she hears the car door open, and Xander's hand appears in front of her.

Her heart started racing again.

"Scarlett? Let's go..." He whispered.

She immediately put her hand in his warm hand while trying to hide her blushing face. But it's too late. Xander had seen it, and this man did not spare her.

"This is part of the act, Scarlett." He chuckled when he saw her blush. "Can you see my grandpa's butler at the entrance? He's started spying on us, so you better act properly, my dear wife!"

Scarlett, "..."

She could only scold herself for expecting too much from this man. 'Wake up! What did you expect from him!?'

"Master, Young madam... Welcome!" Alvin greeted them respectfully.

Xander only gave Alvin a slight nod, and so did Scarlett. However, a moment after that, she could feel the butler's intense gaze on her —  he scanned her from head to toe.

Feeling uncomfortable with the butler's gaze, Scarlett lowered her face and followed Xander inside.

Meeting the butler already makes her tense like this. What else to meet his grandfather and stepmother? It would definitely exhaust her from acting in front of them.

'This is going to be a long night! Prepare yourself, girl!' She encouraged herself. While continuing to follow Xander.

They walked along a long corridor and soon arrived at a large dining hall.