From Mockery To Makeover: The Ugly Wife Who Redefined Beauty

Chapter 1 Outrageous Behavior "Drop the kn**e this instant!" At the Lewis Group's project bidding meeting, chaos broke out when Elijah Lewis, the CEO, was suddenly confronted by a woman wielding a kn**e. The crowd went wild: some shocked, some amused, and many scrambling to record the unbelievable scene on their phones. Fortunately, Elijah's assistant, Phillip Cooper, stayed calm, quickly calling in the security team and barking at the woman to stop at once. But she showed no trace of fear whatsoever. Completely ignoring the chatter and panic around her, she leaned lazily against the table, eyeing the kn**e she had playfully waved right in front of Elijah's handsome face. "Mr. Lewis, since I've already made my move, you don't need to keep playing hard to get anymore," she said slowly, tilting the bl**e so a streak of light flashed across Elijah's eyes. Their eyes met, and for a brief second, the woman faltered. It wasn't the least surprising; Elijah's striking looks were enough to daze anyone. He had a calm and commanding way of carrying himself. Even his shirt and trousers were always neat to perfection, every button fastened. There was such an elegance and aloofness about him. The whole time, he was carefully studying the bold, reckless woman before him. He knew who she was. Not only because she was Adeline Wright, heiress of the Wright Group, but also because of her well-known reputation. Everyone in the city said she had tiny eyes, thick brows, a mole-covered face, and that she was overweight. And now, she seemed to be quite crazy as well. She looked nothing like the heiress of a powerful family. Yet here she was, fl**ting shamelessly with him in public, speaking as if they shared in**macy. If this continued, Elijah knew the next day's headlines could destroy his reputation. "Adeline Wright, are you done causing trouble already?" Elijah didn't know her well, but given the situation, he had no choice but to put a stop to this drama sternly. Still, he didn't dare make any reckless move. After all, she was armed, and the way she held the kn**e showed she wouldn't hesitate to use it. "Elijah, don't be so serious. I'm just playing with you," Adeline replied. She puckered her thick lips in a mock-co**ettish way, acting all theatrical and unhinged, her voice sugary sweet. She leaned in dangerously close, almost brushing her lips against his, making some of the onlookers gag in disgust. "Is Adeline out of her mind? How dare she mess with Mr. Lewis like this!" "What a shame. Her father worked so hard to build the Wright Group, and after losing both legs in that accident, everything ended up in the hands of this fo**ish girl!" "Maybe she lost her senses after what happened to him." "Or maybe she's pretending to be crazy to win Elijah's sympathy!" "Exactly. There's no way the Wright empire would be handed to such a f**l. They say her father never liked her, and he probably has other illegitimate children out there more capable than she is." The murmurs buzzed around Adeline, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she regarded Elijah with a mischievous look. At first, Elijah was surprised she was unfazed by the remarks. Then, unexpectedly, he broke into a smile, utterly amused. "You're surprisingly calm. Or maybe I should say... you're..." He left the sentence unfinished, waiting to see her response. To his surprise, she moved even closer, answering without hesitation, "Shameless? Is that what you wanted to say?" Now that they were so close, their breaths mingled. The onlookers gasped, stunned by her audacity. Adeline only chuckled, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "Mr. Lewis, you've yet to see just how shameless I can be." Saying that, she yanked his tie, winding it around her fingers and pulling him roughly into her arms. The kn**e spun easily in her hand before she clamped the handle between her teeth, the bl**e pointing downward. Suddenly, Adeline roughly bound her arm to Elijah using his tie, dropping the last bit of courtesy she had shown. She was convinced that Elijah wouldn't resist, not when she was holding a kn**e. To a third party, the scene looked utterly indecent. The journalists in the room were ecstatic, their cameras flashing nonstop, some already drafting explosive headlines to publish. What a sensational story this would be! Elijah Lewis--the young, handsome, wealthy CEO, admired across the business world--now literally tied to Adeline, the infamous ugly heiress of the Wright Group! Elijah's dignity was in shreds. Nothing had ever prepared Elijah for Adeline's outrageous behavior. His assistant, Phillip, was frozen in shock, while the security guards were thrown into confusion, rushing to call for reinforcements. This wasn't just any woman; this was the Wright family's heiress. Realizing that Adeline wasn't doing this out of desperation but with a clear plan, Elijah thought carefully. She wasn't short on money or power. She had to want something. "Are you doing this because you want me to give you a recommendation for Apex Medical Aesthetics?" he asked calmly. Apex Medical Aesthetics was famous across the region for its world-class cosmetic surgery team and was one of the most profitable businesses owned by the Lewis family. At his words, Adeline's expression changed in an instant. Then she forced a laugh. "Ha-ha, Elijah, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. Even now, you still manage to joke." His remark even drew a few laughs from the crowd. But Adeline scowled. She pulled harder on the tie and pressed the kn**e closer to his perfectly sculpted face. "You..." Elijah began, but she swiftly cut him off, her tone cold and menacing. "I know you're desperate to end this madness, so do as I say. Remember, the kn**e doesn't care who you are." Then she raised her other arm and addressed the onlookers. "I hereby announce that Elijah Lewis and I have been secretly dating for several months. Today, I'm officially declaring that our wedding will take place on the sixth of next month. We expect all our distinguished guests to attend and celebrate with us!" Her announcement dunked the entire room into a horrified silence, broken only by Elijah's assistant, who shouted in shock, "What?" Chapter 2 Go And Get Our Marriage Certificate "Hey, I'm going to marry him, so why are you screaming like that? Do you have a problem with it?" Adeline pressed the kn**e against Elijah's throat as she shot the question at his assistant. "I..." Phillip stuttered. Adeline rolled her eyes in annoyance. He couldn't even string words together. Just as Adeline was distracted, she suddenly felt a strong force overpowering her. "Ah!" It was Elijah. Though he had seemed calm and passive, Elijah had been waiting patiently for the right moment. In an instant, he overpowered her, snatched the kn**e from her hand, and pinned her down against the table, completely immobilizing her. "Elijah, you're playing dirty!" Adeline shouted. Although she looked plump, she was no match for his strength. Elijah frowned with suspicion, eyes narrowing as he severed the tie. He felt a wave of satisfaction at getting back at her. Staring at the plump woman before him, he showed no kindness and ridiculed her without hesitation. "Weren't you also playing dirty a moment ago?" With that, he prepared to hand the kn**e to Phillip to end the ridiculous scene before it worsened. But Adeline wasn't ready to stop. She started rambling again, acting all pathetic. "Elijah, you're so heartless! How can you treat me this way? My vi**inity..." Being a renowned CEO of a listed company, every minute of Elijah's day carried great value. Even attending today's bidding meeting had been squeezed into his already packed schedule. He had no patience to waste on such absurd behavior, especially from a woman he considered unattractive. Elijah looked extremely furious now, the veins on his arms bulging. His face had gone pale and hard, his eyes sharp and threatening as he forced out each word. "What nonsense are you spewing?" He leaned so close that Adeline could feel his harsh breath on her skin. His body was tense, his anger ready to explode at any second. Seeing his reaction, she didn't dare say another word. Her cheeks burned red, and the boldness she had shown earlier melted away, leaving her looking shy and fragile. Her once-defiant eyes now shimmered with tears. "I haven't lied, have I? Elijah, what are you going to do to me now? I'm not afraid of you! Whatever you want to do, go ahead. I won't be scared!" Adeline refused to back down as she confronted the dangerous Elijah, whose patience had already reached its limit. He looked like a volcano, ready to erupt at any minute. Then he caught a sweet, soothing scent from her. Elijah froze at once, visibly stunned. For years he had struggled with bipolar disorder, one that no treatment or imported d**g had been able to control. Yet this woman's natural scent worked better than any expensive medication, instantly softening the storm within him. But he quickly hid his reaction and straightened, towering over her once more. His voice was low and commanding. "I'm not like you. I don't act without thinking." Then, with a single gesture, he ordered the bidding meeting to be suspended. He glanced discreetly at Phillip, who immediately understood. Without a word, Phillip, backed by security guards, escorted Adeline out of the main hall. ...... Adeline thought they would throw her out on the street, but to her surprise, Phillip brought her into a separate meeting room nearby. Five minutes later, Elijah entered. Adeline's eyes widened in shock as she watched him sit in the main chair at the conference table. Facing her--bound tightly with rope and visibly uncomfortable--he let out a faint chuckle, then crossed his legs and gave Phillip a signal. Phillip, who had worked beside him for years, caught the silent order immediately. Back in the chaos, he had already realized Elijah wanted Adeline kept. Without hesitation, he untied her ropes, revealing deep red marks on her skin. Phillip took a long sip of water, thirsty after the ordeal, but before he could speak, Adeline blurted out, already brimming with excitement, "Mr. Lewis, I knew you had sharp judgment. Let's be straightforward; let's just go and get our marriage certificate!" Phillip nearly choked on his water, coughing violently and even splashing some onto Elijah's polished shoes. Elijah scowled immediately. Flustered, Phillip fished out a handkerchief and bent down to wipe Elijah's shoes. Meanwhile, Adeline smiled sheepishly at what she'd put Phillip through and added, "Was that really necessary? Well, your boss and I are a perfect match. We're deeply in love..." Elijah could take no more. He exhaled and fixed her with a glare. That look alone made Adeline's shoulders tremble, forcing her to fall silent. "I don't have time to waste on your games. Tell me straight--what do you want?" Elijah's commanding tone only reminded her of what he was: a young, self-made CEO who had built his empire with talent, confidence, and charm. He was really impressive. With only a few words, a direct look from his firm eyes, and the authority in every gesture he made, Adeline couldn't help but be deeply awestruck. "You... you wouldn't have had me brought here unless you knew I wanted something from you," she said nervously. The truth was, Elijah still didn't know her real intentions. He was only testing her and trying to figure out why her scent had such a strange effect on him. Adeline swallowed hard and darted a glance at Phillip. Understanding what she meant, Elijah said flatly, "He's my man. There's no need to hold back. Say what you came to say." Relieved, Adeline straightened up, ready to reveal her true intentions. She cleared her throat and finally spoke. "Mr. Lewis, I'm sorry for approaching you this way today. I know that although our families are of similar status, we've never been close. My reputation is terrible, so it's nearly impossible for me to reach you in any normal way. I could only use this extreme method to force you to notice me." As she finished, she pulled a rolled-up document from her sleeve. It looked as though she had been hiding it carefully for some time. "Today, I risked completely destroying what little name I have left, not for myself, but for the future of the Wright Group and the Lewis Group together!" The future? The Wright Group and the Lewis Group? Hearing her words, Elijah raised a brow sarcastically. His stern face suddenly broke into a mocking smile, like he had heard a ridiculous joke. "The Wright Group and the Lewis Group have always stayed out of each other's way. When did our futures suddenly become tied together?" Chapter 3 Why Should I Help You Adeline was briefly taken aback by Elijah's words, but she refused to be moved. She drew in a breath, kept her eyes fixed on him, and spoke with determination. "I know very well that the Wright Group can't measure up to the Lewis Group. But, Mr. Lewis, you must also know that the higher the climb, the harder the fall..." She was practically cu**ing Elijah to his very own face! Phillip, standing to the side, could barely tolerate Adeline's rambling any longer and was about to intervene, but Elijah stopped him with a simple lift of his hand. That gesture only gave Adeline more confidence. "Today's bidding event may look smooth and orderly on the surface, but in reality, it's full of traps. As one of Waemery City's top business leaders, you might not see the schemes happening right under you. I have proof. Take a good look, and you'll see I'm not just talking nonsense or making this up." She carefully smoothed out the wrinkled documents she'd brought and laid them out in front of Elijah. She said, "The Lewis Group's bidding slots are rare and valuable, but the Wright Group is just as qualified and experienced as the rest. Still, our rivals manipulated the process, bribing members of the evaluation committee and submitting false documents. As you know, my father was in a serious accident a few months back and is still in intensive care. I've been holding the company together by myself, and these competitors are trying everything to crush us. Do you think that's fair to a company that has the right to bid? And if unqualified companies are added to the slots, could that not affect the Lewis Group's future?" Elijah skimmed the documents containing several pieces of evidence while listening to Adeline's determined words. He knew business was about strategy, not just effort. Her reasoning wasn't entirely off. And it wasn't hard for him to tell if she was lying. The question was--why would she go to such extremes, even proposing marriage, just to get his attention? What was she really after? As if sensing his doubt, Adeline continued, "Mr. Lewis, let me be straightforward. I came here today for two reasons. The first is about the bidding. The second is to propose a fake marriage between us. An alliance between the Wright Group and the Lewis Group would strengthen us both. My father built the Wright Group from the ground up, and its projects and qualifications are among the best in the industry. Since his accident, I've been running the company while also caring for him at the hospital, hoping that one day he'll wake up to find the Wright Group still standing strong. But I underestimated how brutal the business world is--competition, online smear campaigns, employees being poached, and now this corrupt bidding process. I've faced one setback after another. If this continues, the Wright Group will be swallowed whole by greedy businessmen." As Adeline recounted the Wright family's ordeal, even Phillip found himself caught up in it, almost moved by her struggle. But Elijah remained cold and asked flatly, "Why should I help you?" His question was reasonable, yet wasn't there any sympathy in him for a young woman fighting to keep her father's company alive? Of course, this was the man known for his composure, the domineering CEO who held assets worth trillions. Phillip silently sighed to himself. Adeline steadied herself, blinking back tears, and addressed the man in front of her. She said, "Mr. Lewis, I know exactly what you're thinking. You're a businessman. You won't lift a finger unless there's something in it for you. And I also know what you're curious about. People gossip that my father has illegitimate children, and it's true. They've been eyeing the Wright family fortune for years. But let me tell you this: my father built the Wright Group with the support of my mother's family, and I will never allow them to take what belongs to her. That's why I've been hiding my real appearance and abilities, pretending to be weaker than I am, just to make them drop their guard so I can make my moves." Her eyes glistened, but her voice was firm, each word full of conviction. "If you agree to this fake marriage with me, I'll hand over all my shares in the Wright Group to you." Adeline met Elijah's eyes head-on, but his cold stare still made her shiver. "I know you're a wealthy CEO, and money is hardly what you need most. But who ever says no to having more? Don't worry; we won't register it legally. It'll only be a pretend marriage. We can even forge the documents if we have to." Chapter 4 Wasn't Entirely Useless Forge documents? The mere thought carried unimaginable risk. With his reputation, being associated with forgery would mean total ruin. Elijah couldn't help but chuckle softly, amused. A teasing smile on his lips, he asked in a low voice, "What kind of charm do you think you possess that would make me willing to play along with such a performance?" At his words, Adeline froze, momentarily at a loss for words. She had put in so much effort, yet here she was, being dismissed simply because of how she looked. But she wasn't going to accept defeat so easily. If subtlety wouldn't work, she would take a bolder approach. Straightening her shoulders, Adeline inhaled deeply and glanced at Phillip. "Would you mind preparing a basin of clean water for me?" At Elijah's slight nod, Phillip moved quickly to carry out the request. "He's very obedient," Adeline remarked meaningfully. Elijah remained seated, watching her curiously. "I pay him to do his job. Nothing more." Adeline asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Then if I paid you, would you listen to me as well?" Elijah gave her no reply. Just then, Phillip returned with the basin of water. Adeline rose from her seat at once and took the basin. Enough of the endless talk; it was time to show him. Men were visual creatures, after all. Perhaps this was the only way to break through his indifference. As Elijah watched on, the woman he had thought unattractive changed in an instant. With one quick move, she yanked out all the padding hidden in her clothes and bent over the basin, splashing her face with the water. When she lifted her head, the transformation was breathtaking--luminous eyes, a delicate nose, and an elegant face that could easily draw one in. Phillip gawped at Adeline, stunned. Ugly? What nonsense. The woman before them was a natural beauty. She was slender and graceful, with not even a trace of fat on her frame. Her damp lashes clumped into soft strands, giving her a delicate, tender look that stirred sympathy in anyone who gazed at her. Even Elijah was momentarily speechless as he gaped at Adeline. "Mr. Lewis," Adeline began, "I understand we're strangers, so it's natural you wouldn't immediately agree to a partnership. That's fine. I can wait. What matters is that I prove my determination to work with the Lewis Group. I will not give up so easily. I'll come back here every single day if I have to." Elijah scowled. "Every day? Are you planning to disrupt my company on a daily basis?" "No, I'll be here to see you. It's hardly an inconvenience. It's just an extra stop on my way." "I don't have that kind of time to waste." "This isn't wasting time. I'm helping you prevent a looming crisis for both the Lewis Group and the Wright Group." "The Lewis Group is one of the leading corporations in Waemery. Do you truly think we require your help?" "You still don't believe me, Mr. Lewis? Take today's bidding meeting as an example. If I hadn't stepped in, you might have let those flatterers sway you into signing a reckless deal--one that could have harmed not only the Lewis Group but also you personally..." Some lines were never meant to be crossed, given the consequences for doing so. And right now, Adeline had crossed one of such lines and pushed Elijah too far. This perpetually busy CEO had little patience to start with, and because of his short temper, he barely tolerated idle chatter. Elijah had a displeased frown on his face and approached Adeline menacingly. Without warning, he wrapped an arm around her neck, his lips brushing against her ear. When he spoke, his voice was slow and cold and dangerous. "I don't need you to teach me how to do my job." Adeline shuddered with terror. She darted a desperate glance at Phillip, silently pleading for help. Phillip sensed the abrupt change in Elijah's mood and was just about to intervene when Elijah suddenly let her go. Casually, he adjusted his jacket, acting like nothing had just happened. Just like the first time he had leaned close to Adeline, he caught that faint fragrance. It reminded him of the fresh mountain breeze drifting in through an open window at dawn or the biting cold wind on a snowy night--so pure and clean it was impossible to put into words. And strangely enough, whenever that scent reached him, Elijah felt his restless mind settle. It was more soothing than any medicine he had taken in years. Perhaps this woman wasn't entirely useless after all. He sized her up from head to toe, taking in her shaken form, though he still had no intention of giving in to her unreasonable demands so easily. Finally, as Elijah decided to respond, Phillip's phone rang. "Mr. Lewis, it's for you." "Answer it," Elijah instructed, assuming it was a business call. But he was surprised when he heard the familiar, nagging voice; it was his mother. Worse still, the one pressuring him to get married was right here and could hear word of the phone call. His mother began, "Elijah, how much longer are you planning to avoid me? When will you finally meet the two girls I introduced you to? I've told you countless times, stop being so selective. You're nearly thirty! If you keep dragging this out, how do you expect me to face your grandmother? She's desperate for great-grandchildren! I don't care about your excuses. By Friday at the latest, you must meet them. In fact, I have three more waiting. I'll arrange them all if I must. But you cannot marry if you won't even take the first step!" Her voice carried loud and clear through the meeting room, and Elijah's face darkened considerably. Adeline, meanwhile, watched him closely. His silence and rigid expression told her just how uncomfortable he must be feeling. She smirked mischievously. Elijah caught the glint instantly. He knew she was scheming again. This time, he decided to beat her to it. "I'll get married," he declared into the phone. Chapter 5 Was She Regretting It Already "What?" A shrill cry rang out from the other end of the phone. Elijah gave Phillip a small hand signal to end the call, then turned his eyes toward Adeline, whose jaw had fallen open in shock. "Meet me at the City Hall this Friday." Adeline stood frozen, completely taken aback. Was this really happening? Could she truly align herself with the Lewis Group so effortlessly? ! Elijah, however, didn't look the least bit moved. It might appear that he had given in under pressure, but Elijah was no man to be cornered by two nagging women. As the CEO of the Lewis Group, he was used to controlling situations, not the other way around. He had already seen through it. Adeline, the heiress of the Wright family, might have fallen on hard times, but she carried a unique scent that brought calm to his unsettled mind. That alone solved a major personal issue for him. On top of that, a convenient, superficial marriage could finally put an end to his family's constant nagging about settling down. For Adeline, her aim would be achieved. For Elijah, it was like killing two birds with one stone. He wasn't sure yet how complicated things would get with this woman, but one thing was certain: the Wright family was far too insignificant to threaten the power of the Lewis Group. This marriage would cost him nothing more than a bit of time and energy, which were things he could afford to spare anyway. ...... Outside the City Hall, the summer air was heavy with the buzz of insects, as if even nature was celebrating the new couples lining up to register their marriages. All around, life seemed vibrant and hopeful. But Elijah did not share the mood. His sleek, limited-edition black Bugatti was pulled up by the roadside. From the driver's seat, he lowered the window slightly, gazing at the lively crowd. The heat blazed on, irritating him further. Behind the wheel, Phillip noticed the displeasure on his face through the rearview mirror and quickly offered an explanation. "It's probably because of today's good weather. That's why the place is so crowded. But don't worry; I booked ahead. No need for you to wait in line." Elijah lifted his eyes to the sky, only to be nearly blinded by the glaring sun. She was late. Elijah glanced at his watch. Ten o'clock sharp had been their agreed time. It was now ten past. What had he expected from a woman with no sense of time, who only knew how to stir up trouble with her games? Elijah leaned back lazily in his seat, crossing one leg over the other. He reached out, ready to take his phone from Phillip and review documents. But then, a soft, cheerful voice floated in through the window. "Mr. Lewis, you're finally here!" Phillip jumped so suddenly that his phone slipped from his hand with a loud clatter. Phillip picked it up with a resigned smile, while Elijah sighed and closed his eyes. Opening them again, Elijah saw Adeline waving at him from the window. This woman was nothing but trouble. Yet today, she looked completely different from the bidding meeting. Her delicate face gleamed under the morning light, her eyes sparkling like stars, her skin smooth and flawless. When she smiled, dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her white shirt and jeans were simple but flattering, showing off her slender figure. Her long hair, loosely tied, fell in gentle waves down her back. Even compared to well-known actresses, she stood out as naturally elegant. For once, Elijah was caught off guard. The surprise on his face was gone in an instant as he composed himself, ready to speak, but Adeline had already reached inside, unlocking the door and letting herself in. "Hey! I told you to wear a white shirt. Why are you dressed in black?" she asked, sounding quite disappointed as she stared at his sleek, all-black tailored suit, which contrasted sharply with her outfit. She rolled her eyes at him. Elijah only made things worse by replying calmly, "It's only a fake marriage. No need to be so particular." He adjusted his jacket and made to rise. But Adeline blocked him, meeting his gaze with a mischievous grin. Elijah squinted, knowing she was up to something. Sure enough, she produced a neatly folded white shirt and a baseball cap, speaking with playful seriousness. "Mr. Lewis, haven't you heard of putting on a convincing performance? If we're going to pretend, we should do it right. There are too many people inside. With your status, you'll attract too much attention. I even made a reservation. So please, put on the cap before we go in!" Without waiting for his reply, she got out of the car, shut the door and turned away, waiting patiently. To Elijah's own surprise, he didn't feel anger. Instead, he found himself going along with her. Perhaps it was her careful planning. Or perhaps, once again, it was her scent working its influence. Once inside, Adeline guided him into the reserved office Phillip had arranged. "Why are you crying?" Elijah asked, startled, when he noticed Adeline's teary eyes. Unsure how to handle it, he stepped forward instinctively, his tall frame shielding her from view. She was the one proposing getting married, yet she was crying. Was she regretting it already? That wasn't good. For the past several days, after announcing his marriage plans, Elijah hadn't received a single call from his mother, and he was savoring the peace. All he needed now was the marriage certificate, and the constant pressure would finally disappear. "It's nothing... I just feel a little sad that I'm about to be a married woman..." To Elijah, her presence in his life felt like pure chaos. And yet, in less than twenty minutes, the papers were signed. Their marriage was official, sealed, and stamped. Outside the City Hall, Adeline looked at the certificate, giggling happily. Elijah shook his head and began striding toward the car. But she quickly caught up, sounding serious. "Mr. Lewis, now that we're married, shouldn't you at least visit my family?" Elijah stopped, ready to dismiss her outright, but then she flashed her phone screen. His mother's contact information glowed on the screen. He glared at her dangerously. He suddenly recalled the moment during the registration process when Adeline had asked to use his phone, claiming she needed to scan some information. Now it was obvious she had saved his mother's number on purpose, keeping it as her bargaining chip. Suddenly, Adeline softened again and tugged lightly at Elijah's sleeve, her watery eyes fixed on him. "Just this once, please. Help me with this, and I promise I won't disturb your mother. We'll stick to what we agreed--a marriage in name only, our lives completely separate." Surprisingly, Elijah didn't feel the surge of irritation he expected. He was almost accustomed to her little tricks. But there was something else. Adeline's father was still in intensive care. So why was she so eager to take him to see the Wright family? Could it be... &6&