**Chapter 1: A Union of Convenience**

Helen Le's eyes fluttered closed as she let out a deep sigh, running her fingers through her short, wavy bob. Her mother, Mai, stood before her, a mixture of excitement and nervousness etched on her face. "Okay, con, let's go over this one more time," Mai said, holding up a sleek black folder. "The Ohtani family is one of the most respected in Japan. Shohei's parents are thrilled about the potential match between their son and you." Helen's eyes snapped open, and she raised an eyebrow. "Potential match?" she repeated, her voice laced with skepticism. "You mean arranged marriage, don't you, Mom?" Mai nodded, a gentle smile on her face. "Yes, darling. It's a common practice in many Asian cultures. Your father and I want to ensure you have a stable future, and Shohei's family is willing to provide that for you." Helen's gaze drifted away, her mind wandering to the numerous articles she'd read about Shohei Ohtani, the renowned baseball star. She'd grown up watching him play, admiring his skill and dedication to the sport. But it wasn't just his athletic prowess that had caught her attention; it was his kind heart, his charming smile, and those piercing brown eyes that seemed to see right through her. A flutter in her chest betrayed her calm exterior as she thought about meeting him. She had to admit, a part of her was excited at the prospect of being with him. But what if he didn't feel the same way? Mai's voice cut through her thoughts. "You'll be leaving for Japan next week to meet Shohei's parents and, of course, Shohei himself. I've arranged for you to stay with his family until the wedding." The words sent a shiver down Helen's spine. Wedding? She hadn't even met the man yet, and her mother was already talking about marriage. As she stood there, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions, Helen couldn't help but wonder: what if she fell for Shohei, but he didn't return her feelings? What if he was still in love with someone else? Rumors swirled in her mind, whispers of a past love that Shohei couldn't seem to shake off – Mamiko, his ex-girlfriend, who was said to have been the love of his life. Helen's heart sank at the thought, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand. With a determined look, Helen took the folder from her mother and opened it, scanning the documents within. It was time to get to know her potential husband, to learn about his life, his interests, and his heart. Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would lead her down a path of love, heartache, and self-discovery.