Penitent - Chapter 3: Guessing, Growing, Learning

A mysterious natural phenomenon caused the Earth to be plunged into darkness. The world turned into an endless bloody chaos and mankind is on the brink of extinction…

Born into one of the wealthiest families in the country, Layla Rosenzweig's true identity is taken away at the time of her birth by the mistress of her father. She is forced to live as the illegitimate daughter of the Rosenzweig Family. Everyone treats her no less than an outsider in her own house. “This is mine. That is mine. In fact, everything is mine,” Layla's half-sister told her. Everything that belonged to Layla is given to her half-sister, including her boyfriend. Then, she is forced to marry her ex-boyfriend's ruthless uncle, Lucius De Salvo, the most terrifying man in the country. Lucius De Salvo is known for his ruthless ways to get his work done. His name is enough to terrify people. It is said that he is a man devoid of emotions. He will find pleasure in people's pain and misery. He loves to torment those who come under his radar. But why is he so lovely to Layla? Or is it just a pretense?“Are you ready for the wedding night, Darling?” Lucius asked. “I've desired you for a long time.” “What?” Layla was shocked. “Why would you?” “Because you are Layla Rosenzweig. The woman I like.” With that, he captured her mouth for a passionate kiss.

In this world, some say, the truth and the legends are the same. One such legend belonged to the protagonist, Valerian.

Valerian was an orphan, a boy blessed with a beautiful face, and everyone around him, could not help but want to play with him, till one day a prophet passing through their town pronounced him to be cursed.

Since that day, the destiny of the boy seemed to have changed completely, he was shunned by everyone around him, and the gazes that were earlier filled with love and affection, now brimmed with disgust and hatred.

The constant shunning and humiliation made the cheerful child grow up to be bitter and inexpectant. On his seventh birthday, things changed once again.

This time, it was not the people around him who went through a change, but himself. As he grew up, Valerian became a legend in his own sense.

The people sang of a boy, who could not speak, they shed tears for a boy, who could not grieve. He came from nowhere yet he was known everywhere.

Would you like to know this legend? A story where a curse can become a blessing? A story of sacrifice, betrayal, determination, and secrets.

The Crown Prince of the Capital brought a woman back home, hiding her from sight and pampering her to the skies. Rumor has it she's just a bumpkin from the countryside, pretty but utterly useless.Capital city buzzes: Just a vase rising through beauty alone.When the college entrance examination results are released, why is the name of the national top scorer that very 'vase'?At the gathering for the Association of Painters' new apprentices, why is she standing next to the Chairman?...As various disguises are unveiled, everyone is silenced, wishing they could hide. Who the hell said she was just a vase? Stand up!A certain lady, bullied, covers her hands and cries in pain.Lord Chen comforts her: My lovely wife is so beautiful and moving, why would you bully her?People, with anger they dare not express, cover their faces.Please make it clear, who is the one being bullied!