I was a mute.

On my coming-of-age day, I was forced to marry Tom Smith, the President's tutor, under the pretext of making him joyous.

He was a sickly man with a crippled leg. He was said to be a madman with a rebellious, murderous and vicious nature.

On the wedding night, I sat nervously in the bridal chamber.

I was an orphan. I was picked up by my adoptive father and used to make medicine when I was seven years old. My blood had miraculous effects and could be used as a medicine. Ever since I could remember, my adoptive father locked me in a small dark room and took my blood every day just to make money.

I had no freedom or playmates. Everyday prison life made me miserable, so I stopped talking.

With a creaky sound, the door was pushed open.

I sat upright and wrung my hands in fear.

The marriage was arranged for me by my adoptive father. I had resisted and refused, but he beat me up in return.

The footsteps slowly stopped and my veil was lifted.

My heart fluttered as my eyes met his.

I didn't expect that Tom was so handsome.

He had a prominent nose and bright black eyes. His hair was tied up on his head. The black suit he wore made him look extremely handsome. The light shone on his angular profile, adding a touch of gentleness to his handsome face.

For a moment, I was stunned.

"I heard that you are a mute. Give me a smile." After a while, his low and cold voice rang out in the quiet bridal chamber. He sounded like an overbearing superior.

I didn't dare to disobey and just smiled stupidly.

"Tsk, good. Smile more from now on."

The next second, he stuffed a piece of maltose into my mouth.

It was my first time eating candy. It was so sweet that I felt sweet in heart.

He treated me very well. He taught me to read and write in his spare time.

He told me that women didn't need to rely on men blindly and shouldn't be confine to the home, but should make efforts to create an independent and beautiful life.

Under his guidance, I understood a lot of things.

And I also knew that all those things about him were rumors. He was actually an extremely good person.

And our relationship was getting closer and closer.

At night, when I brought dinner to the study, I saw him stroking his broken leg with a lonely look on his face.

He tried to stand up, but he failed every time.

My adoptive father once used my blood as medicine to treat Tom, but because his injury was too severe, his leg was disabled long before.

After coming to my senses, I walked to his side, picked up the paper beside him and started writing.

[Mr. Smith, your leg will definitely get better. Don't worry.]

Seeing my words, he curled his thin lips slightly, stroked my hair and said, "Ok, Lily White, I believe you."

Due to the enemy invasion and floods in the south, he rushed to the White House every day and was even busy at night.

I felt worried when I saw him getting thinner and thinner.

I started learning how to cook, and every night I would make soup, then bring it to his study and give it to his confidant. He would drink it all.

I was very happy.

Two months later, the enemy were defeated and the flood was controlled, so he had some free time.

That night we sat under the peach tree and admired the moon. He took out a piece of maltose from his arms and said gently, "Lily, thank you for the soup during this period. This is a gift to you."

I took it with a smile, and the sweet taste of maltose filled my entire mouth.

At that moment, I felt so happy.

Although life in the house was dull, I was very content. My greatest pleasure every day was waiting for him to return home from the White House.

My adoptive father lost all his money in a casino, and even his pharmacy was mortgaged.

He was desperate and came to ask for my help, "Lily, please lend me five hundred dollars. I beg you."

I seldom left the house and didn't have much money. Considering his kindness in raising me for many years, I gave all the money and valuables I had to him. But he was not satisfied, and instead scolded me for being useless, "You wicked girl, the money is not enough at all. You are really useless."

Then he drugged me while I wasn't paying attention, and I fainted.

When I woke up, I found myself in an unfamiliar place with my hands and feet tied.

It was dark around me and a cold wind blew in from the window. I hugged myself in fear, and my eyes was filled with fear.

At that moment, the tightly closed door was pushed open. I looked up and saw my adoptive father walking in with a knife in his hand.

I was very familiar with the knife.

He had been using the knife to take my blood since I was a child.

The bad memories from the past flooded into my mind and I stepped back in fear.

He lit a candle and squatted in front of me with a fake smile on his face, "Lily, I am being chased for debts now. As my daughter, you have to help me share the burden. Now someone offered me a high price for your blood. Just a little. Please help me."

His hypocrisy made me sick.

I wanted to cry and refuse out loud, but I was mute and could only shake my head desperately.

I watched my cut arm and the blood dripping into the bowl. My face turned paler and my head became dizzy.

Seeing that, he still forced me to eat blood-enriching food every day, regardless of my life or death. After I had recovered a little, he took my blood again.

It went on for three whole days.

There were several times when I wanted to commit suicide, but every time I had that thought, I would think of Tom.

He treated me so well, taught me how to read and write, and made me understand how people live in the world.

No.

I couldn't die.

If I died, Tom would be sad.

After six days, Tom finally came to my rescue.

He was dressed in black, and the fatigue in his eyes was clearly visible. When he saw my pale appearance, he was completely panicked.

"Lily, sorry. I'm late."

Leaning in his arms, I stroked his cheek and shook my head gently.

He finally came to my rescue.

After that incident, I was sure of my heart.

I liked Tom. I liked his kindness and gentleness. I liked everything about him.

I was delighted with him at first sight. After spending time with him, I fell in love with him.

Tom was furious at my adoptive father's actions. For my sake, Tom spared his life, sent him back to the countryside, and never allowed him to return Arendonia.

The departure of my adoptive father was a relief for me. Ever since I was adopted by him, my life had been dark, and he was the person I hated and feared the most. Now he had returned to the countryside, and from now on, in Arendonia., there was no one I was afraid of anymore.

My health gradually improved, and with Tom's encouragement, I often went out for fun and boating, instead of confining myself to the house.

In his spare time, he would take me into the White House, encourage me to make friends, and show me the different scenery of Arendonia.

I really enjoyed having him by my side.

I felt at ease with him.

At night, I sat at my desk practicing writing. I wrote his name all over the paper.

Tom Smith.

What a nice name.