Anastasia had always been closest to her second brother. That night, when their father and eldest brother went out for a business-related socializing, he didn't have to go-but worried they might overdrink, he insisted on coming along to keep an eye on them. After that night, he never returned. The memory brought a sting to Anastasia's eyes, and a sharp pang of regret tightened her chest. If only she had stopped him that day. She lowered her head, letting tears stream down her cheeks. Gemma, mistaking them for sweat from the massage, felt a wave of sympathy. Such a sweet girl, she thought. "Sweetie, thank you so much for your help. If you're tired, take a break. Don't push yourself," Gemma said gently. "I'm fine," Anastasia replied, gathering herself and forcing the tears back. At first, Gemma's back throbbed painfully, restricting her movements. Gradually, though, warmth spread across her waist and abdomen, and even the chronic aches she had carried for years seemed to soften. "I'm feeling much better now. You can stop," Gemma said, smiling. Anastasia returned a soft smile and ceased her work. "Be extra careful next time. Don't hurt yourself again," she cautioned lightly. Gemma nodded, captivated by the girl's bright eyes and gentle smile. There was something oddly familiar about her, as if she had seen her before. She immediately felt a connection. Taking Anastasia's hand warmly, Gemma teased, "You're so lovely. Do you have a boyfriend?" Anastasia froze momentarily. Before she could answer, the teenage attendant she met earlier passed by and said, "Nope, she came here to pray for love." Anastasia remained silent. Gemma's eyes lit up at the revelation. A girl looking for love, with no boyfriend-she couldn't let such an opportunity slip away. "Sweetie, I have a grandson, Gemma began eagerly. "He's 26 years old and has never been in a serious relationship. Since you came here seeking love, and you were the one who helped me, it feels like fate! You should consider meeting him." Anastasia rubbed her forehead, awkward. "Madam, I don't think that's a good idea... "Why not? You want love, I want to help my grandson find someone-seems like a perfect idea to me!" It made logical sense, but something felt off. 1/3 2:07 pm "Our family's well-established," Gemma continued. "After marriage, you'd have complete freedom. As for my grandson, if you don't like him, you can make him sleep on the couch." Anastasia blinked. Curiosity got the better of her. "So what exactly are you looking for in this arrangement?" Leaning closer, Gemma whispered, "People keep saying my grandson is into men. I just want to put an end to those rumors." It was only then that Anastasia suddenly realized. So it's a sham marriage. No wonder he's still single at 26. "You saved my life," Gemma added sincerely. "I wouldn't set you up with someone I didn't trust. My grandson's great-just a little reserved. And he's been in the military for nearly ten years." Anastasia imagined a silent, disciplined man-physically strong, perhaps slightly androgynous in demeanor. Honestly, if she hadn't already made arrangements with Claire, she might have considered him. Maybe she'd even gained a new friend in the process. Just then, Claire called. "Babe! Sorry, my cousin refused the fake marriage plan! He thinks it's ridiculous and that I'm making a mockery of marriage. Should I help you find someone else? You wanted the certificate quickly, and tomorrow's too soon. Can you wait a few days? The company still hasn't finalized a buyer anyway." Anastasia hesitated. "Even if I pay your cousin, he won't agree?" The signal cut out on the mountain, leaving her staring helplessly at her phone. Meanwhile, Gemma pressed on. "My grandson is usually tied up with work and hardly ever home. But that's actually a good thing-you'll have all the peace and quiet you want. "Why not give it a try, sweetie? If, after a year, you're not happy with him, you can simply divorce him. We can even draw up a prenup-I promise we won't ask for a thing!" Anastasia couldn't help but think, This old lady is seriously going to great lengths just to set up her grandson in a sham marriage. Yet every detail seemed to align with her own requirements. First, it was a sham marriage-she didn't have to worry about sharing a room with a total stranger. After all, he might be even more uncomfortable with physical intimacy than she was. Second, it would last only a year. By then, Skycrest Corporation should have completed the transfer of shares, giving her the perfect opportunity to leave without any complications And if Gemma was telling the truth-that her grandson rarely came home and was interested in men-he might actually be the perfect candidate for her 2/3 2:07 pm D The Rose Who Chose His Rival Over Him +8 Pearls