Falling for the Unexpected Free Preview

"Rhea, take good care of yourself from now on."

"Rhea, you don't have to donate all your scholarships. You're going to Wingston for your studies. The cost of living and tuition there are much higher than in Oldham."

In a remote area of Oldham, villagers were bidding farewell to a beautiful girl.

The girl was dressed in typical attire for a modest background—a white T-shirt and faded jeans.

Her long hair was tied up in a high ponytail, complementing her big eyes. She had a prominent nose and a delicate face with a hint of baby fat, giving her a soft and lovely appearance.

With a large bag on her back and various pieces of luggage in her hands, Rhea Wood boarded the bus to the city. Sitting by the window, she waved to everyone with a radiant smile.

"Goodbye, everyone. Remember to tell Mr. James to hold on a little longer for the school. The children must not miss out on their education. Once I start working and earn some money, I will send it to the school."

Rhea, who grew up in Oldham, got accepted into a university in Wingston and left her hometown.

With the registration date still a while away, Rhea was eager to go to Wingston to meet Mr. Frost, who had been supporting her education all these years.

And, by the way, to marry his “unreliable” grandson...

...

To save money, Rhea took a three-day and two-night train ride to Wingston.

At the agreed-upon place, she met Roger Frost, dressed in a suit, looking every bit as benevolent as she had envisioned.

With a smile on his face, Roger asked, "Rhea, are you really willing to marry my grandson?"

Without hesitation, Rhea patted her chest confidently and said, "Yes, I am!"

She had given it profound thought. When someone extends kindness, it warrants reciprocation with gratitude.

For decades, Roger had been sponsoring children from Oldham to attend school, and she was among the beneficiaries. Such a substantial favor demanded repayment.

Roger consistently lamented that his grandson was a disappointment. At 28 years old, he remained unmarried, a circumstance Roger found pitiable.

Rhea felt that she must help Roger.

Moreover, in Oldham, many people tied the knot after only a brief introduction.

To Rhea, it seemed commonplace for strangers to wed.

The longer Roger observed Rhea, the more content he felt. Over the years, he had sponsored students in the Oldham area and had witnessed her growth. She embodied kindness, sincerity, good looks, and academic excellence. Firm in his decision, he declared, "Since you've agreed, let's not delay any longer. You’ll register for marriage today!"

"Today?"

"Yes, today."

After much cajoling and even a few threats, his grandson had finally consented to marriage. To preempt any potential obstacles, Roger decided they should register their marriage immediately!

Thirty minutes later, outside the City Hall.

Rhea finally met Roger's grandson, Casper Frost, who was often referred to as a "disappointment."

Rhea was a bit perplexed. Shouldn't a "disappointment" be someone like Harry in Oldham, who can't seem to do anything right?

Yet, why does he appear so strangely handsome?

She had never seen such an attractive man in all of Oldham. His hair seemed to radiate, but his complexion was somewhat unpleasant.

Rhea gave Casper a polite smile.

Casper emitted an aura that maintained a noticeable distance from people. His gaze toward Rhea dripped with disdain. Surely, this woman is employing some tricks to manipulate Grandpa into pressuring me to get married.

Under Roger's prodding, the two headed toward the City Hall.

One of the bureau staff could sense Casper's impatience and couldn't help but ask, "Are you both sure about getting married?"

Casper's icy gaze swept over the man asking the question.

The man was startled by that look.

Snap! The seal fell!

Casper took over the marriage certificate and nonchalantly handed it to his grandpa.

Then, he turned around, got into his car, and closed the door, as if he was just there to complete a task he had to do.

Roger reacted furiously, exclaiming, "Wait, you brat! You just got married and are planning to leave her like this?"

Casper lowered the car window and didn't answer Roger's question. Instead, he looked at Rhea with indifference and said, "Remember, it’s a secret marriage. Don't mention our relationship to anyone. I can't afford to have my reputation tarnished because of it."

After uttering those words, he stepped on the gas pedal, leaving behind a trail of exhaust fumes. The car sped away so quickly that Rhea didn't even have a chance to respond.

Roger was so angry that he nearly stumbled and fell.

Rhea quickly went forward to support him and asked, "Mr. Frost, are you okay?"

Roger couldn't bear the embarrassment. He wanted to ask Rhea the same question. Are you okay?

He pretended to cough twice and said with a serious tone, "Rhea, you've seen it too. My grandson is like this—annoying and useless. You won't hate him and want a divorce, right?"

Rhea immediately made a serious promise. "Of course not. Even if he is useless, I will take care of him. I'm from Oldham. In my hometown, once we get married, we have to live a good life together. Divorce is not an option."

If those in Casper’s social circle discovered that someone dared to proclaim the formidable Casper as useless, it would likely elicit shock, Roger thought.

Upon observing Rhea's innocent demeanor, Roger couldn't shake the feeling that he had led a young girl into a wolf den.

Ridden with guilt, Roger resolved to transfer the villa where Casper resided to his granddaughter-in-law discreetly.

Roger instructed the driver to take Rhea to the villa area where Casper lived. His intention was to allow the two young people some time alone to nurture their relationship before eventually returning to the old mansion together.

Meanwhile, Roger promptly departed with the intention of hiding the marriage certificate. There is no room for the opportunity of Casper divorcing in the future!

...

At Mirage Villa.

It was Casper's usual residence. Though not opulent and even somewhat ordinary, it retained its charm with the preservation of many ancient buildings.

It was a special place as it held significance beyond wealth; residing here symbolized status.

Roger, in his haste, forgot to clarify to the driver that he was escorting Casper’s wife. Consequently, Rhea was dropped off at the Mirage Villa area entrance. The driver, without even offering assistance with her bags, hastily departed.

Rhea carried her luggage and found her way to the first district alone.

Upon entering, she encountered a small courtyard enclosed by fences, featuring a three-story building within.

While reminiscent of the richest family's mansion in the village, it exuded a simpler magnificence, putting Rhea at ease.

It appears that Mr. Frost's family isn't excessively affluent. Before agreeing to the marriage, Rhea had worried about potential wealth disparities creating a barrier between them.

This spacious courtyard seems perfect for future vegetable cultivation. As Rhea strolled through, she pondered. After passing the courtyard, she reached the building. She unlocked the front door with the key Roger had provided.

Upon entry, her eyes fell upon a man seated on the living room couch.

It was Casper. He was tall and coatless, his collar casually open, revealing a captivating Adam's apple. A small mole raised slightly at the corner of his eye as he looked up, exuding an air of lazy nobility with every move.

Rhea was stunned. How can someone be so striking, like a character from a painting?

Meanwhile, Rhea bore a large backpack brimming with stuff.

She had packed all the college necessities to save money.

In her left hand, she clutched a pink bucket, and in her right, an old cell phone that was no longer available in the market. Aside from her appealing face, everything else was simply indescribable.

The two presented a stark contrast.

Although nervous, Rhea maintained a sincere smile and greeted, "Hello, Casper. I'm Rhea Wood."

Casper gazed at the woman encroaching on his territory, emitting an imperceptible danger as if the Wolf King's domain had been trespassed.

With a cold voice, he uttered, "Get out of here!"

He said those words without a doubt.

Rhea was startled by the commanding statement. She tightened her grip on the bucket, thinking that it was normal for Mr. Frost to say that Casper couldn't find a wife because he was good-looking but too fierce.

However, she had promised Mr. Frost to take good care of Casper and couldn't simply turn around and leave him because of it.

So, Rhea pondered for a moment and said earnestly,

"I am skilled in cooking delicious food.

"I am also efficient at doing housework.

"I am adept at taking care of people."

Casper remained seated, his entire demeanor as frosty as icicles dangling from the eaves of a winter village. It was as if those icicles were beautiful but possessed enough harm in them to hurt others with ease.

However, Rhea wasn't afraid. When she was a child and didn't have any snacks, she could even break off icicles and chew on them like popsicles.

She didn't mind this kind of coldness and showed a sincere expression.

At that moment, Casper's phone suddenly rang. He casually picked it up with his slender hand.

On the phone, Mr. Frost warned, "Take good care of your wife. She will live in Mirage Villa from now on. If you dare to kick her out... that woman will never be able to be one of the family!"

Casper's voice turned slightly cold. "This is the last time!"

After finishing his words, Casper hung up the phone and squinted his eyes slightly as he looked at Rhea. "You said you want to take care of me?"

Rhea nodded earnestly, her gaze unintentionally falling on the small mole at the corner of Casper's eye, which seemed to carry a bewitching charm.

Casper suddenly chuckled, his laughter cold and sinister like a great demon king revealing sharp fangs as he looked at his prey. "Since you want to stay, I'll grant your wish!"

But it not that easy to live in my place.

Daring to let Grandpa threaten me to get married and take advantage of the situation to enter my home, she has to be prepared to bear the consequences.

Rhea had no idea that this marriage was entirely a result of Grandpa's threat, and Casper was completely against it.

When she heard Casper agree to let her stay, her face lit up with joy. Her unusually bright eyes curved into crescent moons. Her happiness was obvious.

Casper's cold gaze inexplicably paused.

Rhea had already picked up her luggage and stepped into the small building with her other leg.

"Mr. Casper, where did this beauty come from?"

As soon as Rhea entered, she almost bumped into a man wearing a floral shirt. She heard his teasing words.

Only then did she notice that there was more than just Casper in the small building; there were also several other men and women.

In the hall, there was a mess of drinks scattered around, and there were a group of people drinking together.

Meanwhile, Casper seemed to have a barrier around him, sitting alone on the other side.

When he spoke just now, everyone kept themselves quiet, and Rhea was standing outside the door, so she didn't see these people.

At this moment, the gaze of more than a dozen pairs of eyes fell on Rhea.

Upon seeing her enter the room, these men and women with the smell of alcohol surrounded her and made comments about her.

"Haha, it's quite unique. Is it an antique unearthed in a certain year? It looks so rustic."

"Has Mr. Casper's taste changed? With a gem like Whitney by his side, how could he find interest in a girl of such plain appearance?"

"She looks pretty, but is she even of legal age?"

Rhea was surrounded and teased.

Casper did not intervene, looking indifferent.

If it were an ordinary girl, being surrounded and ridiculed by so many well-dressed men and women, she would probably feel inferior and fearful, but Rhea didn't. As a girl who grew up in hardship, she had a strength that was different from others.

She frowned at the crowd and said seriously, "It's very rude of you to behave like this."

The crowd paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

It was amusing to discuss politeness with these individuals.

Consequently, their remarks became even more offensive.

"Some women nowadays, each one more shameless than the last, are trying to infiltrate Mirage Villa as a maid just to get into Mr. Casper's bed."

"Do you even know what you are? Do you think you're qualified to get close to Mr. Casper?"

"Hmph, Whitney has only been gone for a few days, and someone dares to have intentions toward Mr. Casper. Someone like you isn't even worthy of being Whitney’s servant."

"Why don't you hurry up and leave? Don't be a nuisance here."

These young masters were experts at bullying others.

Mainly because Casper didn't intervene, and Rhea's appearance didn't make anyone associate her with Casper, they simply thought she was a new maid trying to catch Mr. Casper's attention by acting differently.

In the midst of their teasing, a man in a floral shirt walked over and pushed Rhea with his hand.

Rhea was carrying too much luggage and couldn't avoid it, stumbling a bit from the push.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her anger. From their behavior and words, she could sense their lack of respect, disdain, and contempt, but she didn't think there was any reason for them to look down on her.

She could tolerate Casper because of Mr. Frost's kindness, but she didn't know any of these people, so why should they lay a hand on her?

The man in the floral shirt saw the defiance in Rhea's eyes and splashed the drink in his hand toward her.

In the next moment, Rhea dropped her pink bucket and grabbed the man's wrist.

The drink sloshed around, and a few drops trickled down Rhea's hand.

Rhea looked at him seriously and said, "Lay a hand on me again, I'll fight back."

She was innocent and kind, but she was never weak. If these people wanted to bully her, she would fight back.

Once, when she went into the mountains to find herbs, she encountered a wild boar. The boar tried to harm her, but she fought back and even broke two ribs in the process, eventually killing the boar.

If she wasn't afraid of a boar, why would she be afraid of humans?

These people had no idea what was going through Rhea's mind. If they knew that in Rhea's mind, they were even lower than pigs, they would probably be infuriated.

The man in the floral shirt tried to pull his hand back but found that he couldn't.

Rhea’s hands were small, but they were surprisingly strong.

Rhea felt the struggle from the other party, and she didn't want to start a fight with Casper as soon as they met for the second time. It would make her seem like mannerless.

So, Rhea let go of her hand. However, the man was exerting force, and when Rhea let go, he lost his balance and fell to the ground, covered in spilled alcohol, looking embarrassed.

The scene fell silent for a moment.

Rhea looked at the man with an innocent expression as she really didn't mean it.

Just then, Casper suddenly spoke up, "It's too noisy. Rhe...Whatever, apologize."

He couldn't even remember Rhea's name.

His tone wasn't harsh or loud. It was just casual, carrying an inherent dominance that brooked no argument, but she argued back. "I didn't do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?"

The scene grew even quieter.

No one seemed to expect someone to dare to argue with Casper face-to-face.

Is this country bumpkin looking for trouble?

Casper often appeared carefree and indifferent, not caring about anything, but everyone knew that he wasn't easy to talk to. It was a kind of lazy and ruthless coldness. The title of "Great Demon King" wasn't just for show, as those who provoked Casper often suffered dire consequences.

Everyone was waiting for Casper's reaction, but Casper didn't show much emotion. His eyes were half-closed as if he was tired, and he simply said with impatience, "Either apologize or leave."

Rhea looked at Casper with her bright eyes, but the brightness gradually dimmed and turned into disappointment.

At this moment, she realized clearly that her husband would not stand up for her.

They wouldn't be like a loving couple, respecting and caring for each other, but she couldn't just leave like this.

She still owed the kindness she received for over a decade. She promised Mr. Frost that she would take care of Casper.

So, Rhea gradually lowered her bright eyes, clenched her fists, and apologized in a low voice, "I'm sorry."

Rhea's eyes revealed her disappointment without any hidden feelings.

It was obvious she did not belong in this city.

Despite offering an apology, she faced sarcasm from someone who approached and pushed her.

The embarrassed man in the floral shirt chose not to escalate the situation. Instead, he channeled his frustration by kicking and damaging her pink bucket.

Rhea continued stepping back.

While she could have easily called Roger for support, she hesitated, not wanting to trouble him on her first day in Wingston.

She lowered her head, the disappointment in her eyes transforming into determination when no one was watching. So, they think they can bully me, huh? Well, I'll remember each and every one of you! And I'll settle the score, one by one!

Little did anyone know that the seemingly vulnerable girl was already scheming her revenge.

At that moment, Casper appeared tired, uninterested in the ongoing farce. He declared, "That's it; I'm done. Let's call it a day."

He was known for his resolute decisions.

When he permitted it, the haughty, affluent young men could frolic and make a ruckus as they pleased.

However, once he spoke, they promptly ceased their antics and readied to depart.

None of them possessed the courage Rhea had to confront Casper.

She remained, standing silently with her head lowered.

He issued another command. "Wendy, arrange for her to stay here. From now on, Mirage won't require hourly workers or maids. Delegate all of the daily affairs to her."

The refined and senior housekeeper approached her.

Those who had not left the house heard Casper's decision and exchanged surprised glances.

At that moment, everyone sensed something out of the ordinary unfolding.

They all knew his peculiarities well. He disliked having outsiders linger in his residence. Even the maids and cooks would depart once their tasks were done. Those who visited were familiar with this protocol. Even Wendy, the longtime housekeeper who had cared for him since he was young, would not stay the night at Mirage.

Yet, Rhea, the maid, was being arranged to stay—a clear sign that she'd spend the night at Mirage, dwelling under Casper's roof!

Shocked and puzzled, they could not comprehend who this maid was.

To them, she appeared plain and unremarkable. They questioned why she was granted the privilege to stay at Mirage Villa.

Filled with astonishment and disbelief, the group swiftly departed.

The house soon fell into utter silence.

Following Casper's directions, Wendy guided Rhea to a room on the first floor and provided her with instructions. "Miss, this will be your living quarters from now on. Mr. Casper's room is on the second floor. He prefers not to be disturbed, so please refrain from going upstairs unless necessary."

Hearing that she would not have to share living space with him, Rhea breathed a sigh of relief.

She was just a college freshman and was not ready to share a bed with a man she'd just met despite being married.

She glanced at the gentle elder before her and recalled the name Casper had used for the latter. Following suit, she said, "Wendy, I get it. Thank you. I'm Rhea Wood. Just call me by my name."

At the mention of her name, Wendy was briefly taken aback.

Typically, only he addressed her by her name. Others, including his friends, would respectfully refer to her as Ms. Hopper.

Her expression softened, and she reluctantly conveyed, "Miss Wood, per Mr. Casper's instructions... you're to tidy up the living room today. And going forward, you'll be in charge of his clothing, meals, lodging, and transportation."

It was evident to Wendy that assigning immediate cleaning duties in such a vast villa to a seemingly young girl was meant to pose a challenge.

Yet, Rhea did not display any discontent. She nodded enthusiastically and replied, "Sure, I'll handle it."

Wendy sighed softly. "Put your things down and come along. I'll brief you on the villa and show you how to use some appliances."

Coming from a humble background, Rhea had not encountered many of the electrical devices here.

Wendy patiently explained, and Rhea sensed her kindness.

In gratitude, she bowed to Wendy and sincerely said, "Thank you very much."

Her obedient and innocent demeanor softened Wendy's heart. Wendy decided to make an exception and gave Rhea her phone number, encouraging her to call if she had any questions in the future. Upon seeing the dark sky, Wendy took her leave.

When Rhea emerged after tidying up a bit, Casper had already gone upstairs, leaving behind a quiet, disorderly living room.

Although she felt exhausted from enduring a three-day, two-night journey on a hard-seat train, the thought of repaying Roger's kindness by completing each task instantly revived her spirits.

I need to repay his kindness! Alright. Time to clean up the room!