Casting off the Deadweight

On the first day Thea Storme is accepted back to her wealthy family, she signs a betting contract with the fake heiress, Clara Storme.

The contract states that if Clara is able to steal from Thea nine times in a row, Thea will have to leave the Storme family on her own.

Thea agrees to the bet.

On the ninth time, Clara has her eye on Thea's boyfriend, who's a low-income student. She gives him two million dollars and demands that he marry into her family as a live-in son-in-law.

"You want me to marry into your family? Sure."

Thea raises her head in disbelief.

Leonard Falkner taps a finger on the bank card. The moment he meets Thea's gaze of despair, he flashes her a comforting smile.

"But I will marry into your family as Thea's husband. I might be poor, but I still have my pride. Except for the woman I love most, I won't lower my head for anyone in this world."

That day, Clara cries as she runs out of the house. She even agrees to marry into the Larkin family out of spite.

Leonard remains unmoved. He just watches Clara making a fool of herself coldly.

But that night, Thea overhears something…

That night, Thea Storme held the ring she had just finished making.

By chance, she overheard the helpers addressing her poor boyfriend, Leonard Falkner, respectfully.

"Mr. Falkner, are you really going to just stand there and watch Ms. Clara become a widow? Mr. Larkin Senior used to be a military commander. He isn't someone we can cross. Once Ms. Clara marries his grandson, it'll be too late!"

The gentle look Leonard always wore was gone. What replaced it was a coldness Thea had never seen.

"I underestimated Clara. I thought marrying her sister would force her to give in. Didn't expect the little thing to have such a temper.

"Let's do this. The wedding goes on as planned. But before the ceremony, tie Thea up and hand her over to the Larkin family."

"This whole thing and my identity stay secret. I'm going to use this chance to smooth out Clara's rough edges."

In that instant, Thea felt like she had fallen into an icy abyss. The ring slipped from her fingers and shattered against the floor.

She sent her brother, Jeremy Stratton, a message. "I agree to take Clara's place and marry Mr. Larkin to bring him good luck."

…

"I've thought it through. I won't back out. I'll marry Mr. Larkin."

Thea pushed open the door to Jeremy's office. Her expression was hidden in the shadows, giving nothing away.

Jeremy had been gaming. The moment he heard her, he tossed his phone aside.

"You agreed? Really? That's great!" The Larkins just called again. Mr. Larkin's condition is getting worse. He has at most half a month left. They need the wedding before that. I'll start preparing everything right now. What kind of cars do you like? Take your pick from my