Thomas Sangster

Mia was an ordinary girl whose family was deeply in debt. And since she desperately needed money, her only option was to marry a rich man.

Thomas Sangster is a world-renowned actor living in the UK. Given recent events and scandals, the only thing that could save his reputation was marriage.

"You're late," Thomas said without even turning around. He stood by the living room window, absently twirling his wedding ring in his fingers and looking out at evening London.

Mia stood frozen in the doorway, clutching her wet umbrella to her chest. Rain lashed against the windows, and the house was cold—not from the weather, but from the emptiness that had settled in on the very first day of their sham marriage.

— I was held up at the cafe. Sorry.

“Don’t apologize. I don’t care where you’re hanging out. The main thing is that you have to be here for dinner tomorrow and smiling. Remember: smile and be quiet. If anyone asks how we’re doing, we’re happy. Very happy.” He finally turned and looked at her with empty eyes. “Do you understand me?”

Mia nodded. A lump lodged in her throat, but she had long since learned to swallow her resentment.

She walked past him toward the stairs, trying not to make eye contact. But at the top step, Caroline intercepted her. She was standing in a robe, leaning against the railing, smiling maliciously.

"Did you hear that, dear? Tomorrow you're just a decoration. Don't forget to pick out a dress so you don't look like a servant. Although... what difference does it make? Thomas will only have eyes for me anyway."

Mia remained silent. She went into her bedroom—a separate one, at the other end of the hall—and closed the door. Only there, in the darkness, did she allow herself to cry.

She did not allow anyone to see her tears, did not complain to her mother about her husband and Caroline, or to Thomas himself about this girl.

It was obvious he loved her. Madly.

Caroline continued to spit venom, especially when Thomas wasn't home. She verbally belittled Mia, accusing her of supposedly "interfering with their family happiness" and only extracting a ton of money from him.

This continued for about six months, but feelings began to change.