When his eyes opened

"You want a recommendation letter to Harvard Medical School? Fine. Marry the dying Alpha from the Hartling family in place of my daughter!" I remained silent for a moment before softly replying, "Deal." ***** A black car silently whisked me into the Hartling Manor. Regina Hartling's delicate teacup fell to the ground the moment she saw me. I understood why. To Regina, I must have looked hideous. My blonde hair was carelessly tied up, and my face smeared with powder, making my skin rough and spotty. My lips were dry and cracked, devoid of any color. Only my blue eyes retained some semblance of attractiveness. "What is the Bermond family playing at? My son's fiancée is Kesha, and now they send a bastard daughter! Are they deliberately trying to humiliate him?" "Wait a second," I interrupted her accusations. "May I use the restroom?" Regina paused, her anger seeming to lessen. I knew what calmed her down. Many people said my voice was crisp and pleasant, like a songbird's. At the butler Benson's gesture, I walked into the restroom and closed the door. I took out the best dress my mother made for me before she died—a sapphire blue gown. I lovingly touched the silk fabric and changed into it. Then, I carefully washed the powder off my face, let my hair down, and looked at myself in the mirror, satisfied with the transformation, before stepping out. Hearing my footsteps, Regina looked up. Instantly, I saw amazement in her eyes. I took a deep breath and tried to present my best self. My master always said I had a healthy complexion, sunlit golden hair, and blue eyes as stunning as the sea. "My name is Kylia Bermond, Leo Bermond's illegitimate daughter. My status is indeed quite a disgrace," I said honestly. "Kesha ran away. She didn't want to marry Mr. Hartling, but I do." Regina fell silent for a while. Finally, she spoke, "Then go upstairs and check on my son before you decide if you want to stay." I smiled immediately, knowing that I had won. To become a doctor, even if her son stopped breathing the next second, I would happily marry him. ***** Soon, Benson led me to meet my future husband, Herbert Hartling. Moonlight streamed through the windows, casting a dappled glow on the bed where a handsome man with brown hair lay quietly. His pale complexion couldn't hide his chiseled features. Even in his sleep, the aura of a top Alpha was overwhelming, radiating intense attraction. I was momentarily stunned. After a long while, I walked to the bed and softly said, "Hi, I'm Kylia Bermond." The man remained motionless, his beautiful face showing no reaction, his brows furrowed. I looked at the medical instruments beside the bed and sighed, "Pity. Your time is running out." The instruments indicated his organs were slowly failing, though he still looked strong on the outside. I thought for a while and added, "Maybe I can help you live a bit longer... Let me tell you a secret, I'm the future Moon Priest." And my master is the current Moon Priest. "I'm twenty-one, young, academically gifted, and trained by the priests since little. Now, I want to study medicine." I listed my virtues. "Marrying me isn't a loss for you. So, do you want to marry me? If you remain silent, I'll take that as a yes." I talked to Herbert for a long time, but he remained unresponsive. His hands lay quietly on the sheet, his fingers long and slightly curved as if he was expecting something. I skipped downstairs, seeing Regina still waiting on the sofa. "I've decided." I didn't let the unfortunate mother wait any longer and continued, "I'm staying to marry your son!" Regina finally relaxed, a smile spreading across her face. "Very well, from now on, you are Herbert's wife." She looked happy, and so did I. We gazed at each other, feeling a sudden closeness. "My name is Regina Hartling. Could I call you Kylia from now on?" She then took out a card from her bag and handed it to me. "I noticed you didn't bring much luggage. Here's 500 thousand dollars for your pocket money." Five hundred thousand just for pocket money? I took the card, surprised. "Thank you... Mom?" Regina was startled by my sudden address. Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened slightly, looking cute and funny. I couldn't help but laugh, running back to my room, feeling a hint of warmth surge in my heart. Since my mother passed away, I hadn't felt maternal care for a long time. "Your mom is so nice. I believe we'll get along well!" Returning to my room, I excitedly told the still-sleeping Herbert. He continued to sleep, his eyelids scarred, marring his perfect face. I heard he was in a severe car accident. Before falling into a coma, he lost feeling in his legs and went blind. For an Alpha, this must be a huge blow. "May the Moon Goddess bless you... Let me give you a full check-up."