Grace Parrish grew up with the Hawthorne triplets, but they were all bewitched by a girl named Arianna Lynch.

Arianna took away all of the triplets' love, which broke Grace's heart.

To put her relationship with the triplets behind her, Grace married a stranger.

Outside the City Hall, Grace looked at the marriage certificate in her hands absent-mindedly.

She was married?

To a stranger she had only met once.

The certificate was fresh new. The husband's name on it was Antonio Kaufman. That was all Grace knew about the man.

"When do you think we should hold the wedding? I'm anxious."

Standing beside Grace, the aloof man fixed his eyes on her.

She thought about it. "In two weeks or so. I need some time to get prepared."

Antonio smiled thinly. A tad of gentleness showed in his black and intensive eyes. "OK. You don't have to do anything about the wedding. Just wait for me to pick you up on our wedding day."

Grace nodded with a faint smile. "I live in the Hawthorne's place in the Larkspur Estates. I'll be waiting."

Antonio's thin lips moved slightly. He seemed to have something else to say. Just then, a phone call came, and a Rolls-Royce stopped in front of him.

"Sorry. I gotta go."

Grace gave him an understanding look, and Antonio got into the car.

His car drove away, became a dot in the distance, and was finally out of sight.

Then, three limos in distinct styles stopped before Grace.

When the doors opened, three men got out. They differed in personalities but looked very much alike.

Alden Hawthorne, the eldest of them, got out first. He strode to Grace with his long legs and airily pushed his gold-rimmed glasses. "Arianna is having a fever. I was taking care of her and didn't come on time to register our marriage."

Drake Hawthorne, the middle child of the triplets, had a slim figure and wore a black trench coat. "Weren't you indecisive about which of us you should marry? It happens we all came late. So, let's talk about the marriage next year."

Bryce Hawthorne, the youngest of the triplets, was straightforward and kept a high profile. "Not next year. Give her several years so she can think it over."

Grace shook her head, took her marriage certificate out of her purse, and smiled.

"I won't choose from you guys because I'm married."

The triplets froze. A trace of astonishment flitted across their eyes. They couldn't believe their ears.

Alden squinted his cold eyes with a frown. "Grace, are you scaring us because we stood you up for Arianna?"

The smile in Drake's eyes vanished instantly. "We look after Arianna because she saved our lives in a car accident. You know we like you. It's always you. You're from a powerful family. Don't be so petty."

Bryce pulled his tie. A tinge of cruelty was detected in his unruly face. "The whole Orlea City knows we like you. Who would have the guts to marry you except us? He would be dead meat! Grace, when did you learn how to fabricate marriage certificates?"

With that, he snatched the marriage certificate away from Grace and tore it into pieces.

He raised his hand and tossed the pieces into the air. They scattered across the ground.

Grace looked at him in disbelief. She wanted to say something but managed to keep her mood in check.

She got married today. It was supposed to be a pleasant day. Besides, it was just a marriage certificate. She could get a new one.

Grace looked at the triplets calmly. "Without the marriage certificate, my marriage still exists. My wedding is set for two weeks later. You guys are welcome to come."

The triplets exchanged a glance. They saw disbelief in each other's eyes.

The three of them shared the same thought. They all believed Grace was playing hard to get.

Drake took a few steps forward and declared coldly, "This trick is getting old."

"It's not a trick."

"Fine. It's not, OK?" Bryce cut in perfunctorily. "You're married? How could you lie like that? I'll see what you do in two weeks."

With a frown, Alden was about to speak when his phone rang urgently.

He answered, and they heard Arianna's feeble crying voice.

"Alden, Drake, and Bryce, why did you suddenly disappear? I feel awful..."

The triplets' expressions changed. Panic was plain on their faces.

Alden's tone softened at once. "Arianna, I came out to buy your favorite food. I'll go back immediately."

"Arianna, don't be afraid. I'm on my way."

"Arianna, wait for me."

The call ended, and the triplets got into their own cars respectively, started the engines, and drove home.

None of them offered to take Grace home.

She was left there alone.

Her hair danced in the cold wind, and her vision gradually became blurry.

Watching the three cars zoom off, Grace smiled wryly. Somehow, she had a sense of loss.

She didn't understand how things between her and the triplets became like this.

When Grace was seven, her parents died in an accident. Afterward, she was raise by the Hawthorne family. The two families had been friends for generations. Grace's engagement was arranged when she was little.

That day, she came to the Hawthorne's house for the first time. In a princess dress, she looked soft and sweet. The Hawthorne brothers fell for her at first sight.

They fought for her nonstop and wanted her to be their wife the first time they saw her.

Their parents had thought it was just a childhood crush. However, the crush didn't pass. The boys still competed for her after they became adults.

Grace was precious to them. She was the apple of their eye. If a boy got close to her or wrote her a love letter, they'd fight him to death.

When they grew up, Alden became the heir to the family. Drake became the best actor in the world. And Bryce became a superstar in electronic sports. They had different personalities but were all attracted to Grace. None of them would withdraw from the competition.

Baffled, their parents decided to let Grace marry one of them on her 22nd birthday.

That was today.

They were supposed to get their marriage certificates at the City Hall today. Grace came, but the triplets, who had said she was their one and only, didn't show up.

They broke their pact because of Arianna.

Arianna was the daughter of the Hawthorne family's new domestic worker. As soon as she moved in, she racked her brains to design encounters and impress the triplets.

She made cookies for them, reminded them not to skip meals, and delivered medication for gastritis to them on a rainy day.

To her dismay, these tricks were cliches to the boys. They remained nonchalant, rejected Arianna as they did other girls, and coldly called her a manipulative bitch. They hated her and didn't wanna see her.

Then, a car accident happened. Arianna stood before them without hesitation. They were unscathed. But hit by the car, Arianna was sent flying and almost died.

Henceforth, the brothers' attitude toward Arianna changed radically.

They became biased in Arianna's favor and had even hurt Grace repeatedly for her.

When Arianna sprained her ankle, they went to her in a hurry and left Grace alone in the dangerous mountain.

There was one time when Grace had a fever of 40 degrees. Then, Arianna played the woman and wanted to go to the amusement park. To grant her wish, the triplets abandoned the feverish Grace.

When Arianna and Grace both fell into the water, they all chose to save Arianna first.

Tons of such things had happened.

Today, they were supposed to register their marriage with Grace, but they all broke their promises.

They had said Grace was the only woman they wanted to marry. They couldn't live without her. But none of them came today.

Everyone in their circle knew how much the triplets had loved Grace these years.

But now, they had forsaken her. If word went out, the Parrish family would be humiliated.

To keep her dignity, Grace married a random guy.

Now that the engagement was off, she had nothing to do with the triplets from today on.

Grace picked up her torn marriage certificate and went to the Hawthorne's place in a cab.

The minute she walked through the gate, she saw Alden, Drake, and Bryce in Arianna's room.

With the three tall, long-legged men standing beside Arianna's bed, the spacious room suddenly seemed crowded.

The brothers all looked restless and concerned. Grace pursed her lips at the sight.

This room used to belong to Grace. It was the best and the closest to the brothers' room.

They had gone to great lengths to decorate it and make it a fantastic princess room.

If they had something delicious or interesting, they'd bring it here to Grace immediately.

They had all said affectionately, "Grace, you're our favorite princess. You deserve the best."

Grace had believed it. But after Arianna protected them in the car accident, they made Grace move into the guest room. They said Arianna was invalid and needed a better environment. If she lived in a room closer to theirs, they could take better care of her.

At that moment, Grace knew she was no longer their favorite princess.

She twitched her lips and went to the guest room.

The next morning, loud fireworks came from downstairs.

Grace was woken up and went downstairs. The living room was full of exquisite gift boxes. In a princess dress, Arianna was surrounded by the brothers, all smiles.

Alden's eyes dripped with gentleness. He handed Arianna the keys to a sports car. "Arianna, you've fully recovered from the cold. Congratulations. These are the keys to the car you like. I bought it for you."

Drake presented an amulet. "I got this for you at the church. There were many people that day. Many of them were my fans. But I got it for you. It'll protect you."

Holding a trophy, Bryce grinned, "Look. I won a competition and brought you the trophy immediately. Arianna, if good luck and safety can be transferred, I'll give mine to you. I wish you safety and joy for the rest of your life."

The brothers put the gifts in Arianna's arms. She could hardly hold them. Her eyes brimmed with tears.

"You're making a fuss. You care so much about me. I don't know what to say."

Her smile broadened. When she saw Grace, she asked deliberately, "Ms. Parrish, it was your birthday yesterday. What gifts did they give you? I'm curious. Can I see them?"

Grace clutched her clothes silently.

Only then did Alden, Drake, and Bryce remember it was Grace's 22nd birthday yesterday. But they got her nothing.

Alden stepped forward and handed Grace a black card. "Arianna was feverish yesterday. So, I forgot about your birthday. I'll make it up to you next time. Buy something you like."

Drake and Bryce also handed Grace a card.

But she didn't take them. She said coolly, "No, thanks. I don't want missed gifts."

The brothers were surprised to hear that.

They intended to mollify her, but she was calm and didn't seem to care. They didn't know what to know now.

Then, they remembered how she lied about getting married yesterday. She must be only throwing a tantrum.

"In this case, we won't celebrate it. I hope you won't regret it."

The brothers observed Grace's reaction.

She stayed composed and nonchalant. "Rest assured. I won't."

That night, the triplets' parents returned from a business trip from abroad.

Arianna was the daughter of a domestic worker, after all. At dinner, she was supposed to work in the kitchen with her mom, Elyse Lynch.

But Bryce grabbed her hand. Then, he held her shoulders and made her sit next to him.

"There are a lot of people in the kitchen. Just sit and eat with us."

Arianna was nervous. When she tried to stand up, Alden and Drake pressed her hands and gestured for her to sit down.

The brothers' parents were displeased to see it. Anger was plain in their eyes. But they said nothing.

Their mom, Karlee Spencer, ignored her sons and looked at Grace tenderly.

"Grace, it was your birthday yesterday. Who did you marry? I've decided on the wedding venue. A pleasant occasion like this must be grand. You'll get married gloriously."

The brothers fell silent.

It was deathly silence at the table.

Just then, Alden spoke in a husky and magnetic voice.

"Arianna had a fever yesterday. So, I didn't go to the City Hall."

"Neither did I. I was taking care of Arianna," Drake said sluggishly. He didn't think it was a big deal.

Bryce said, "I was busy. Grace hasn't chosen from us, anyway. It's too soon to talk about the wedding."

Their words triggered their parents' anger. The couple were about to flare up when Grace received a picture of a wedding ring from Antonio.

"What do you think of this wedding ring? If you don't like it, I can take you to the store to pick another one."

The ring had a pink heart-shaped diamond the size of a dove egg. Countless tiny diamonds surrounded it. It was shining and fabulous.

A gorgeous ring like this would be every girl's dream.

With a smile, Grace handed her phone to the triplets' parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, I'm married. The wedding is in two weeks. Look. My husband sent me a picture of the wedding ring. I like it."

The air in the room seemed to freeze.

No one present could believe it.

The triplets' father, Wesley Hawthorne, and Karlee were too shocked to speak.

After a while, they stammered, "Grace, is it...true?"

Grace was about to say "Sure" when Alden snapped coldly with a long face, "Enough! It's OK for you to kid with us. How can you joke around in front of our parents?"

Drake's smiling face also grew grim. "Grace, you keep joking like this. It's getting boring."

Bryce dropped his utensils impatiently. "You've said twice that you're married. How's it possible? There's still a love letter in your drawer. If..."

Alden and Drake were taken aback. They lost their cool and grabbed Bryce. "What love letter? To whom?"

Bryce withdrew his hand and looked away. He said with embarrassment, "I didn't open it. Nor did I dare. How should I know?"

Grace smiled wryly. She did write a love letter.

And she did like one of the triplets.

She had made her choice before going to the City Hall.

Now, however, it was pointless to talk about it.

Grace was about to speak when the silent Arianna exclaimed.

"Ms. Parrish, this ring... That must be a picture from the Internet.

"I've seen this ring in the magazine before. It's unique in the world. It's invaluable. What kind of man did you marry?"

Grace was stunned. The information was too much to take in. The value of this diamond ring was beyond her wildest dream.

Antonio's identity was a mystery to her. Grace didn't know how to explain it.

Before she spoke, Elyse brought a pot of hot soup. She exchanged a glance with Arianna and nodded almost undetectably.

Next, Elyse pretended the pot had slipped out of her hand. The hot soup spilled.

"Watch out!"

The brothers stood protectively before Arianna at once, in case she got scalded.

No one protected Grace.

The hot chicken soup was spilled all over her.

She gasped. Her skin became red. It hurt so much her eyes welled up.

The gloat in Elyse's eyes told Grace what was going on.

She asked in a trembling voice, "You did it on purpose?"

Elyse was surprised. Tears came out of her eyes instantly. "Ms. Parrish, what are you talking about? Why would I do that? I admit it was my bad that you got scalded. But you can't slander me like that."

Seeing her mom picked on, Arianna came out from behind the triplets and stood firmly before Elyse. There were tears in her eyes. "Ms. Parrish, my mom and I may be poor. But we have dignity and backbones. How can you insult us like this?

"In this case, we'll leave!"

Arianna turned around and held Elyse's hand. They walked together toward the door.

At this sight, Alden's eyes were full of irritation when he looked at Grace. He hissed, "Grace, Elyse is diligent and never complains. It was an accident. How could you say she spilled the soup on you intentionally? Stop being so willful!"

With a frown, Drake looked at Grace in disappointment. "Arianna is soft-hearted. Elyse is the same. How could she possibly do that?"

"Indeed. Besides, even if Elyse did it on purpose, so what? It was just some soup. Do you have to drive everyone away?" Bryce shouted.

He wasn't on Grace's side, either.

Hearing their remarks, Grace was overwhelmed by mixed feelings. She teared up immediately.

The brothers paid no heed to her emotion, though. They glanced coldly at her and ran out of the door to catch up to Arianna.

After the triplets left, Grace's body was hurting like hell, as if her scalded skin were burning. She tried to get up, but the pain was too much. She staggered and fell.

"Grace!"

Wesley and Karlee helped her up hurriedly and asked the chauffeur to take her to the hospital.

When Grace opened her eyes, she saw Wesley and Karlee at her bedside.

Karlee was crying. She wiped tears from her eyes and held Grace's hand.

She apologized, "Grace, we checked the surveillance footage. Elyse did do it on purpose. I knew she and her daughter weren't good, but they're worse than I thought.

"Don't worry. I'll ask my sons to explain it to you. They'll see Arianna's true colors.

"Good girl, don't say you're married out of anger again."

Grace shook her head. "Mrs. Hawthorne, I didn't say it out of anger. I'm really married."

She took a bank card and an emerald necklace from her purse and put them in Karlee's hand.

"Mrs. Hawthorne, this is my savings. I hope it can cover my expenses in the Hawthorne family these years.

"This is the Hawthorne family's heirloom you gave me. You said it was for the daughter-in-law only. It doesn't belong to me. Please take it back."

Wesley and Karlee finally realized she meant it.

Wesley asked repeatedly, "Grace, you're really married? Don't lie to us."

Grace nodded firmly every time.

"Yes, I'm married."

After a moment of silence, Wesley and Karlee sighed again and again.

"Our sons don't have that kind of luck. They've failed you."

They took the family heirloom but wouldn't accept the bank card.

"Grace, listen to us. Keep the money. You'll need it."

Grace pushed the card toward the couple and reassured them with a smile, "Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, I'll feel bad if you don't take the card.

"My parents left a huge inheritance for me. I haven't used it. I've lived with you for so many years. You're like my parents. I asked my husband to pick me up at the Hawthorne's house."

Wesley and Karlee had no choice but to accept the card.

During Grace's hospitalization, the brothers never visited her.

Wesley and Karlee couldn't stand it. When they knew from a domestic worker that their sons had been with Arianna, their anger grew.

"Grace, wait at the hospital. We'll ask the boys to take care of you. You're like a sister to them. They haven't even visited you once. What are they up to?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, it's unnecessary. You're here for me. I'm contented."

Grace stopped the couple. She seemed sincere. So, they gave up.

On her way home from the hospital, Grace got a call from Antonio.

"I designed a wedding gown. It's been delivered to your place."

The ice in Antonio's usually cold voice seemed to have melted. He sounded extremely gentle.

Grace was puzzled. She blurted out, "You know how to design wedding gowns?"

Antonio chuckled, "A little. I want Mrs. Kaufman to have the best, the most thoughtful wedding dress."

Before Grace knew it, her ears turned red. She said, "Hmm," without knowing what he was talking about. Her mind was blank, but her heart was filled with warmth.

When Grace got home, she opened the door to see a glaring white wedding dress. The enormous sweep train was dotted with numerous tiny diamonds. It looked like starlight had spilled over it.

The only flaw was the frail-looking, pretty Arianna was wearing it.

Lifting the skirt, Arianna twirled.

She asked coquettishly, "Alden, Drake, Bryce, what do you think? How do I look?"

"Gorgeous, like a fairy."

"More stunning than many stars I've cooperated with."

"Arianna, when you get married, you'll be the most beautiful bride in the world."

The triplets complimented Arianna. Arianna grinned from ear to ear. She even felt a little embarrassed.

Anger was surging inside Grace. Her body seemed to be burning up.

She strode over and snapped, "Arianna, this is my wedding dress! Who told you to sign for it? And you're even wearing it! You put it on without my permission! That's theft! Take it off!"

Arianna trembled with fright. Her eyes brimmed with tears.

"I didn't know it was yours. I thought it was pretty. So, I tried it on. Sorry, Ms. Parrish. I didn't mean it."

Despite her words, there was no sign of her taking it off. She even touched the skirt fondly.

"You know what you did is wrong. Why are you still wearing it?"

Grace could hardly repress her rage. She couldn't help clenching her fists.

But still, Arianna acted coy. Clutching the skirt, she said, "I've never worn such a pretty dress before. This is my dream wedding dress. Ms. Parrish, you...aren't getting married, anyway. Can you give it to me?"

"Do you have a hearing problem? I said my wedding is coming. This is my wedding dress. You want me to give it to you? Then, what am I supposed to wear?"

Arianna was reduced to silence. Her eyes reddened.

The brothers felt bad to see her so sad.

Alden looked at Grace and rubbed his forehead irritably. "Enough. It's just a wedding dress. You're not really getting married. You're only using this dress to fool us. Drop it already."

"Yes. You're only trying to make us jealous. I told you not to play this trick. Are you addicted to acting?" Drake remarked impatiently.

"The dress is just a prop of your act. Since Arianna likes it, just give it to her. Where did you buy it? I'll pay for it." With that, Bryce handed Grace a black card.

Grace took a deep breath, feeling frustrated. These people were unreasonable.

"I'll say this for the last time. It's not a prop! I'm getting married! My husband designed this dress himself. It means a lot to me. Arianna must take off the dress and give it back to me!"

The triplets got angry when they heard her say "husband." They were about to flare up when Arianna pulled at their clothes.

"Alden, Drake, Bryce, don't fight with her because of me. I'll take it off. I'll give it back to her."

With that, she ran into her room.

When Arianna came out, the dress in her arms had become pieces.

"Sorry, Ms. Parrish. I accidentally broke the dress when I took it off."

She looked at Grace timidly. But there was a triumphant look in her eyes.

Obviously, the dress had been cut. Grace was about to faint from rage.

"You accidentally broke it when you took it off? You cut it!"

"No, I didn't. Sorry, Ms. Parrish. How much was it? I'll give you the money." Arianna sobbed, biting her lip.

Before Grace could say anything else, Alden pulled Arianna into his arms and yelled, "Enough!

"Will you stop? OK. You say your husband designed this dress. Call him. Ask him how much it was. I'll pay!"

Drake and Bryce also echoed, "Yes. Call him now."

The three of them intended to stop Grace's farce. Although they thought she was acting, it bugged them to hear her mention her wedding, wedding ring, and husband. It was driving them crazy. She wouldn't joke about it again only if they laid bare her lie and humiliated her.

To their surprise, Grace gritted her teeth and said, "No problem."

In their presence, she dialed the number saved as "Husband."