Emily Hart was reading an online novel, letting out a sigh.
“Why can’t I ever meet someone like that?”
Emily was Evelyn’s classmate and roommate. Her nickname was “Depression.”
She’d been called that since she was a kid.
Why pick a name that sounds like an illness? Even if it was just a homophone, it still stung.
So whenever someone annoyed her, she’d snap back—
“I hope you end up just like me, and your whole family too!”
At first, people didn’t get it. Then they realized she meant—
“I hope you and your family share my name. I hope you all get depression.”
“What’s so great about that?” Evelyn asked, looking up from her book.
“The heroine’s family is going bankrupt. She’s forced to marry the hero. But guess what? He’s tall, handsome, and crazy rich. The kind you only read about.”
“And he’s good to her. He loves her. He spoils her rotten. She gets to do whatever she wants.”
Emily propped her chin on her hand. “Tell me, when else would a regular girl get to marry into a rich family? Only when she’s bankrupt. And then she lands a gorgeous, wealthy, perfect man.”
“Isn’t that obvious?” Evelyn chuckled. “If the guy was short, ugly, and old—even if he was loaded—would you still want to read that story?”
“True. Those guys are usually just upstarts. They don’t fit the novel’s character setup, let alone the basic requirements of an idol drama.” Emily grinned.
“Exactly. And if the novel didn’t have some twists and turns, how would it stretch to a million words?”
“Right. I’ve spent all my money on this story. Even my meat budget.” Emily sighed again.
“Perfect. You’ll lose weight.” Evelyn shot back.
“Hey, Evelyn, when you graduate, will your family arrange a marriage for you?” Emily turned to her, curious.
Everyone in their class knew Evelyn’s family was loaded.
The teaching building they were in was donated by her father.
And she’d been to Evelyn’s house. It was like a castle. The kind of luxury that screamed money.
According to Evelyn, if her dad wasn’t afraid of thieves, he’d have replaced the roof tiles with gold bars. Just to show off.
But Evelyn never acted rich. She ate the same food, wore the same clothes. A few designer bags and outfits her sister didn’t want. That was it.
And her personality? Not exactly high-maintenance.
“Don’t worry. My family isn’t bankrupt yet.” Evelyn smiled.
“Seriously, though. Your family is rich. Isn’t marriage all about connections among the wealthy?” Emily teased.
“We’re still a long way from being old money. At best, we’re nouveau riche.” Evelyn shrugged.
“Ha! How can you say that about your own family?”
“Just telling the truth.” Evelyn yawned. “I’m sleepy. I’ll take a nap. Wake me in half an hour.”
“Go ahead.” Emily waved her hand and dove back into her novel.
Evelyn climbed up to the top bunk. Before she fell asleep, she thought about what Emily had said about marriage. She couldn’t help but laugh.
Even if they wanted to arrange a marriage, it wouldn’t be her turn.
Her sister, Victoria, was the pride of the family.