Chapter 1

Sex was something that always left people yearning for more.

After a night of passion, the room was left in disarray. Clothes were scattered across the floor, with torn lace lingerie entwined with a man's shirt, creating a chaotic yet intimate scene.

Nancy Xander got out of bed barefoot and bent down to pick up her scattered dress. Just then, the sound of running water from the bathroom abruptly ceased, and Jason Palmer emerged, half-naked.

Before she could put on her dress, a pair of large hands suddenly gripped her waist tightly. Jason's warm breath brushed against her ear as he leaned in.

"I have plans this afternoon," Nancy said, slipping out of his embrace to put on her clothes.

A month ago, she had drunkenly stumbled into his room by mistake. One thing led to another, and under the influence of alcohol, they set off a spark that couldn't be extinguished.

The morning after that wild night, Nancy had been very satisfied with him. She was not someone who would ever settle for less. After deciding to turn their encounter into a casual arrangement, she set three rules with Jason.

The first was that they would not fall in love. The second was that they would leave immediately after their rendezvous. The third was that if either of them found someone else, they would cut ties without hesitation.

There were no emotional entanglements or mutual benefits between them. Their connection was purely fueled by the primal desire they shared during the quiet, lonely hours of the night.

"You're so heartless," Jason said, sitting on the couch with a cigarette between his fingers. Through the pale blue smoke, he took in her perfect figure with an appreciative gaze.

After putting on her clothes, Nancy turned to look at him. Jason sat on the sofa with a white towel loosely wrapped around his waist.

Droplets of water clung to his well-defined abs, and his sharp side profile, paired with his mesmerizing almond-shaped eyes, exuded an irresistible allure.

Jason was incredibly attractive. For now, Nancy was quite satisfied with their arrangement.

Shaking off her thoughts, Nancy smiled and waved at him. "Mr. Palmer, see you next time." With that, she opened the door and left without hesitation.

The room fell into silence. Jason stubbed out his cigarette, his lips curling into a faint, amused smile.

…

As soon as Nancy got into a taxi, her phone rang. It was her stepfather, Ethan Miller.

"Nancy, I've arranged a blind date for you tomorrow. He's a great match—he's got a car, a house, and is offering a 200-thousand-dollar bride price. I've sent you the details. Make sure you behave!"

Ethan's commanding voice grated on her nerves, and a flicker of disgust flashed in her eyes.

"I'm not going," Nancy said firmly.

For the past few months, Ethan had been pressuring her to go on blind dates and get married. On the surface, he claimed it was for her own future, but Nancy knew his real goal was to pocket the bride price.

If it weren't for her mother, Linda Bennett, and her desire to spare her any trouble, Nancy would have confronted him long ago.

"Nancy, don't you dare!" Ethan roared. "All these years, I've fed you, clothed you, and paid for your education.

"Now that you're of age, you need to repay me by getting married and earning me that bride price! If you don't show up tomorrow, I'll make sure your mother's life is a living hell!"

Nancy's expression turned cold as she heard his threats. Her hand tightened around her phone.

Ever since Linda had remarried Ethan, Nancy had lived cautiously and avoided creating unnecessary trouble for her mother.

However, after years of enduring and compromising, even the decision of her own marriage was being stripped from her hands.

She wanted to resist, but the image of Linda kneeling and begging her not to defy Ethan came to mind. That pitiful sight made Nancy take a deep breath, and the words of rejection she had planned to say got stuck in her throat.

"Fine. I'll go," she finally said.

…

Nancy sat across from a greasy, bald man at Northstar Café the next day.

He looked at her with a sense of entitlement and said, "Once we're married, I expect you to quit your job and focus on your duties at home as I'll give you 500 dollars a month for expenses.

"Your main responsibilities will be to take care of the house, look after my parents, and have two sons for me within a year."

Nancy lowered her gaze and quietly stirred her coffee, listening to his pompous monologue.

"By the way, stand up and let me take a look at your hips. My mom says wide hips are good for bearing children. I don't want a woman who can't give me sons—that'd be a waste of money," Baldhead added, his lecherous gaze roaming over her.

Nancy couldn't help but laugh at his ridiculous words. Meeting his sleazy gaze, she curled her lips into a mocking smile and retorted, "Don't you have mirrors at home? If not, you could always use a puddle.

"Do you really think you can demand anything with your looks and attitude? Does your family have a throne that needs an heir?"

Her response left Baldhead's face flushed with rage. He jumped to his feet, firing off insults. "You're an ungrateful, uncivilized woman! No wonder no one wants to marry you.

"Do you even understand how lucky you are to have someone like me? You won't find another man as good as me.

"Apologize now, let me kiss you, and maybe I'll forgive you. Otherwise, I'll make sure your name is dragged through the mud in every matchmaking circle!"

Nancy stared at him in silence. She had seen shameless men before, but this level of audacity was unparalleled. Enough was enough. There was no reason to tolerate him any longer.

Without hesitation, Nancy picked up her coffee and flung it into his face. "Dream on! I'd rather stay single for the rest of my life than settle for a bald loser like you!"

She grabbed her bag and turned to leave, but Baldhead quickly blocked her path.

"You bitch! Do you think you can just walk away after throwing coffee in my face?" He sneered, his lecherous gaze sweeping over her again.

Nancy coldly asked, "What do you want?"

He smirked lewdly. "What do I want? I want to sleep with you. Women like you need to be put in their place!"

With that, he lunged at her, grabbing her roughly and letting his hands wander where they shouldn't.

"You bastard! Let go of me!" Nancy struggled with all her might to push him away, but the strength difference between them was overwhelming. Her resistance seemed almost laughable.

Just as she felt utterly helpless and desperate, Baldhead was suddenly flipped backward in a perfect arc and slammed onto the ground.

The weight on her disappeared, and as Nancy straightened her clothes, she looked up to see Jason's familiar face.

Their eyes met midair, and Nancy's lashes fluttered. She quickly turned her gaze away.

"Ow! My damn back! Who the hell threw me, you son of a bitch? You're asking for trouble, aren't you?" Baldhead groaned on the ground, cursing nonstop.

Jason's sharp gaze locked onto Baldhead's right hand. He coldly said, "That hand of yours should be crippled."

Without a moment's hesitation, Jason stepped on his hand with brutal force. The room was filled with a blood-curdling scream as Baldhead howled in pain.

Nancy couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction watching his pathetic state.

Baldhead shakily got to his feet, his chubby face twisted with rage and frustration. "You'll regret this! I won't let you get away with it!"

After Baldhead left in a huff, the café fell into a sudden, uncomfortable silence.

It was the first time since they had become friends with benefits that they had run into each other in public.

"Mr. Palmer, thank you for your help just now," Nancy said.

Just as she was about to leave, Jason suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Do you really think you can just say 'thank you' and walk away after I saved you?"

Nancy paused, caught off guard by his words. "Well, what else should I say? How about I buy you a coffee?"

Jason's question took her by surprise, and she stood frozen for a moment. His gaze dropped slightly as he took another step toward her. "Nancy, do you think my help is worth just a cup of coffee?"

He paused, then added, "If you really want to thank me, there is something I need from you."

"What is it?" she asked.

Jason replied, "I need a wife."

Chapter 2

Jason's warm breath brushed against her earlobe, sending a shiver down Nancy's spine. She subtly smiled, raising her hand to gently push him away. "Mr. Palmer, don't forget our agreement."

No emotions, just sex. Since the rules were set long ago, they couldn't be changed on a whim.

Jason smirked as he met her serious gaze. "Rules can be broken. From what I've seen today, Ms. Xander, your family is pressuring you to marry. Since we're both facing the same issue, why don't we enter into a fake marriage?"

Nancy raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "How would that work?"

"We get a marriage certificate, fool both our families, and after three months, we divorce. In the meantime, you'll be free. The only thing I'll ask is that we pretend to be affectionate in front of my parents."

Nancy fell into thought. She had ruined her blind date earlier, and Ethan would never let her off the hook. He might continue to drag her into endless matchmaking, trying to force her into another one.

A marriage certificate could protect her, and no one could pressure her anymore. Out of all her limited options, Jason was the most suitable candidate for this arrangement.

After thinking it over, Nancy met his deep gaze and smiled. "Mr. Palmer, I look forward to working with you."

…

An unfamiliar emotion stirred within Nancy as she stared at the freshly minted marriage certificate in her hand. She had actually gotten married to her friend with benefits.

"I have a meeting this afternoon. Should I drop you off at the studio?" Jason's voice, deep and magnetic, pulled her back from her thoughts.

She slipped the marriage certificate into her bag and shook her head. "No need. You go ahead with your work. I have other things to do this afternoon."

Now that she had the marriage certificate, she needed to go home and tell Linda. It would also help put an end to any more of Ethan's schemes.

Just then, a taxi pulled up in front of her. She waved to Jason and got into the car without another word.

Jason's gaze followed the taxi until it disappeared from his view. He then opened the car door and followed.

Nancy reached her old apartment building, where there was no elevator. As she struggled to catch her breath, a heavy ashtray suddenly flew at her from inside.

The ashtray struck her forehead, leaving a deep cut, and blood immediately began to drip onto the floor.

"Nancy, you've got some nerve," Ethan roared. "I went through all this trouble to find you a match, and not only do you refuse him, but you also cause trouble by having Mr. Zodwick beaten up.

"Now, you're going to apologize. Mr. Zodwick has agreed to marry you if you apologize, and if I lower the bride price. You should count yourself lucky to have such a good man still willing to marry you."

Nancy wiped the blood from her forehead and coldly lifted her gaze toward the bald Bill Zodwick and Ethan, who were sitting on the couch.

At that moment, Ethan was grinning obsequiously, trying to win favor with Bill. "Mr. Zodwick, don't pay her any mind. She's been spoiled by her mother.

"Take her home and teach her a lesson, and I'm sure she'll improve. With her looks and figure, 150 thousand dollars is more than reasonable. Who knows, maybe next year she'll give you two strong sons to carry on the family name."

Bill sneered, clearly unimpressed. "150 thousand dollars? That's too steep. Ethan, I'm only here because of you.

"She has a temper and a knack for causing trouble. A woman like her isn't worth my time. If you lower the bride price, maybe we can work something out."

Nancy watched the two of them bargain over her like she was nothing more than a commodity.

"My marriage is none of your business," she interrupted.

Ethan sprang up in frustration.

"You ungrateful brat! After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay me? You're nothing but an ingrate! You will marry him, whether you like it or not!" he snarled, pointing at Bill.

Turning to Bill, Ethan smirked and added, "Mr. Zodwick, I'll sell this woman to you for 100 thousand dollars.."

Bill chuckled. "That's fine with me. Don't worry. I'll make sure she behaves."

Nancy couldn't help but feel disgusted by their words. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out her marriage certificate and placed it on the coffee table with a calm expression.

"I'm already married," she said simply.

The atmosphere in the room froze, and for a moment, no one spoke.

Bill's face flushed with fury.

"Ethan, are you messing with me? She's already married, and you're still trying to offer her to me? Do you think I'm an idiot? I've had enough of this family!" he snapped, grabbing the milk and eggs he'd brought and storming out in a huff.

Ethan rushed to the door. "Wait, Mr. Zodwick, let me explain…"

However, the only response he received was the door slamming in his face.

Nancy felt a rush of satisfaction seeing Ethan's defeat. She was glad she had gotten the marriage certificate earlier. It had given her the leverage she needed to fight back.

Ethan's face twisted in fury as he glared at Nancy. "Nancy, you've really grown some guts, huh? How dare you quietly get married without a word? Who's the lucky guy? How much did he pay for the bride price?"

"None," Nancy replied coolly.

Ethan's eyes nearly bulged with fury at her response. Just as the slap swung toward her, Nancy sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow.

She stared coldly at the enraged Ethan.

"Ethan, ever since my mother married you, you've treated me like nothing. You've beaten me and insulted me whenever it suited you, and now you want to use my marriage to bargain for a bride price? Don't get your hopes up. I won't let that happen!"

For years, Nancy had put up with Ethan for Linda's sake, but now, she refused to tolerate it any longer. She knew that submitting would only encourage him to get worse.

"Nancy, you've really gotten bold, haven't you? You're free now, but don't forget, your mother still belongs to me. If you don't listen, her life won't be easy. Do you think I'm bluffing? When she comes back, I'll make sure she regrets it."

Ethan's venomous words echoed in Nancy's ears, and she could no longer suppress her rage. In a swift motion, she slapped him across the face.

"Ethan, I've got proof of all the shady things you've been doing, from theft to soliciting. If you lay a finger on my mom, I'll make sure we both burn this bridge for good."

She was never the kind to back down. She aimed for a lethal strike. Nancy's threat rattled Ethan, and his face turned ashen with panic.

"You damn bitch! How dare you threaten me? Get the hell out of here now!"

Nancy scoffed coldly and turned toward the storage room to pack her things. Her belongings were few. After years of living in this place, it only took one bag to carry everything.

As she slammed the door behind her, Ethan's cursing was cut off.

Through the window of the stairwell, Nancy saw the vast blue sky and birds soaring freely. A sense of melancholy stirred inside her.

From today on, she had completely freed herself from Ethan. She was free.

Chapter 3

As Nancy stepped out of the apartment building, she spotted Jason standing not far away.

Under the shade of a tree, he was dressed in a sharp suit, his chiseled features drawing the attention of people around him.

Their eyes met midair. Nancy raised an eyebrow in surprise and walked up to him. "What are you doing here?" she asked, wondering how he found her.

She hadn't given him the address of her complex.

Noticing the scrutiny in her gaze, Jason smirked and said, "I was worried about you, so I followed you here."

Over the years, she had learned to handle everything on her own. She never relied on anyone's help or concern, but his simple statement touched her deeply.

She quickly lowered her gaze, hiding the emotion in her eyes. After a moment, she composed herself and gave a small, forced smile. "Thanks for your concern, but I've already handled things at home."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Nancy slapped her forehead in frustration. She still had the design drafts to finish.

Glancing at the time, Nancy hurriedly said, "Mr. Palmer, I have class this afternoon. Could you please take me to the studio now?"

Jason nodded slightly, opened the passenger side door, and gestured for her to get in.

"Sure. I'll drop you off."

During the drive, Nancy was busy making changes to her design. The household matters had delayed her work, and now the client was pushing for the final draft. She had no time to waste.

15 minutes later, the car came to a steady stop, and Nancy grabbed her handbag and hurried out of the car.

Jason smiled as he watched her rush off. Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was a call from his grandfather, Alfred Palmer.

Jason sighed and rubbed his temples before answering. But before he could speak, his grandfather's booming voice came through the phone.

"You brat, get back here right now! If you don't come back, you can forget about being my grandson!"

Before Jason could say anything, Alfred hung up abruptly. His grandfather sure had a temper.

The dial tone echoed in his ears, and Jason's dark eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness as he turned the car around.

…

Nancy spent the entire afternoon finalizing the design revisions. Once she was done, she quickly grabbed a taxi to meet with the client, Carson Lewis.

This project involved redesigning and renovating a villa. To satisfy the client, she revised the design several times, and this version was the one she was most satisfied with.

Due to traffic, Nancy arrived later than expected.

As she entered the villa, she spotted Carson pacing in the living room with an unreadable expression. She rushed over to him and said, "Mr. Lewis, I apologize for the delay, there was some traffic on the way here. This is the updated design for your review."

She handed him the design, but Carson didn't take it.

Just as Nancy was about to speak, Carson suddenly closed the distance between them. "Ms. Xander, don't you think you owe me some compensation for being late?"

His warm breath brushed against her ear, and she looked up to see his lecherous gaze. Her instincts instantly screamed in alarm.

She subtly stepped back, creating space between them. "Mr. Lewis, please take a look at the design first. This project has already been delayed, and the higher-ups are pushing for progress," she said, trying to defuse the situation.

Carson grinned mischievously. "Why the rush? We need to build some rapport before finalizing things, don't we? Ms. Xander, you smell so good."

The large living room felt empty with just the two of them. As he took another step toward her, Nancy tightened her grip around her handbag.

Though Carson was an important client, she would not allow him to take advantage of her for the sake of one contract.

Just as his hand reached out, Nancy swung her bag at Carson with all her might. "You scumbag! Just because you're a client doesn't mean you can take advantage of me! Look at yourself before you make demands!"

In the industry, being harassed was unfortunately common. Most people would let it slide, but Nancy wasn't like that. She never forgave slights and always made sure to retaliate.

After tearing up the design in frustration, Nancy grabbed her bag from the floor. Just as she was about to leave, Carson interrupted her, saying, "Nancy, I'm one of your company's biggest clients. If you walk out that door, don't think this deal will continue. I'll also file a complaint. Do you believe me?"

The anger Nancy had just managed to suppress flared up again. She paused and sarcastically said, "My job isn't selling myself. Feel free to file that complaint."

With that, Nancy slammed the villa door shut behind her. As far as she was concerned, this deal wasn't worth the trouble.

…

As Jason stepped into the house, he was immediately bombarded with a lecture.

"You're already 30 years old, and you still haven't brought a wife home! I'm giving you a month. If you don't find a girlfriend, your grandmother and I will die in front of you!"

Jason sat down on the couch with a look of resignation. The older they got, the better they were at throwing tantrums.

He leaned back casually, then took out his marriage certificate from his pocket and placed it on the table, calmly saying, "You don't need to die. I've already gotten married."

His words landed like a thunderclap in the quiet room.

Alfred picked up the certificate, inspecting it closely before his face broke into a wide grin upon seeing the official seal.

"My good grandson, you really made me proud! How did you meet your wife? What's she like? Let us see her picture!"

Seeing Alfred's eager, gossip-hungry expression, Jason's lips curled into a faint smile. "When the time is right, I'll bring her over to meet you."

Chapter 4

Nancy returned home late that night. After graduating from college, she had used the money she earned from part-time jobs to make the down payment on this apartment.

She had always lacked a sense of security, but after owning this place, Nancy finally felt like she had a safe harbor in Rostenville. Though it was far from the city center and not very spacious, she really liked it. After all, it was her very own home.

Suddenly, the ringtone interrupted Nancy's thoughts. She picked up her phone and saw that her mother was calling.

As the call connected, Linda's apologetic voice came through.

"Nancy, I'm sorry. It's because of me that you've suffered again. I couldn't protect you."

Nancy felt a lump form in her throat. "Mom, don't say that. I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't have gotten married without your approval, causing you to bear the brunt of Ethan's anger. By the way, did he do anything to you today? Do you want me to come pick you up?"

Even though Nancy had leverage over Ethan, she couldn't shake the fear that he might lose control and take it out on her mother.

"Nancy, your Uncle Ethan has a bit of a temper, but he's actually a good man. He didn't hurt me today, and I'm fine here. I'm used to living here, I wouldn't be comfortable at your place," Linda replied, rejecting the offer.

Nancy wasn't surprised by Linda's refusal. Over the years, she had made several attempts to bring Linda to live with her, but each time, she had declined.

"Nancy, now that you're married, just focus on your own life. When you have time, bring your husband to visit us. After all, we're family," Linda said.

Nancy frowned at her mother's words but eventually gave in. She didn't want to go back, but she knew it was something she couldn't avoid.

After hanging up, Nancy lost her appetite. She quickly washed up and went to bed. However, her sleep was far from peaceful.

…

As Nancy was working on her design drafts the following day, the door to the studio was suddenly kicked open with force.

A group of people stormed in, surrounding her with hostility. She frowned slightly, and an ominous feeling stirred within her.

"You shameless little slut! How dare you seduce my husband? How can there be such a morally corrupt woman in Rostenville? Let's beat this slut to death!"

Before Nancy could react, she was slapped hard across the face. Then, rotten vegetables and eggs were hurled at her, leaving her in a disheveled state.

The scene only came to an end when her boss, Rowena Ziegler, finally arrived.

In the office, Pauline sat arrogantly on the sofa, sneering. "Ms. Ziegler, I trusted you with the villa design, but this vixen seduced my husband! You better give me an explanation today!"

"I didn't," were Nancy's first words after being slapped.

Upon hearing this, Pauline immediately jumped up from the sofa. "What do you mean? Are you saying you didn't seduce my husband? How come his photo album is filled with your pictures? I've seen enough people like you who're willing to do anything for money! You're disgusting!"

Nancy had been tolerating this for the sake of the studio, but this relentless accusation pushed her limits.

She took a deep breath, looked up at Pauline, and firmly said, "Mrs. Lewis, I went to the villa to discuss the design.

"Your husband was the one who made advances toward me, and when he tried to assault me, I tore up the design and left. I never seduced him."

Pauline's face darkened instantly. She turned to Rowena, unleashing her anger. "Ms. Ziegler, is this the behavior you tolerate from your employees?

"How dare she slander my husband to clear herself! What kind of lawlessness is this? Do you really believe I won't file a complaint right now?"

Upon hearing this, Rowena immediately stepped in. "Mrs. Lewis, please calm down. I will investigate this thoroughly and give you an explanation."

She paused before adding, "It's getting late. Let me have someone take you home now, and I will personally apologize tomorrow. How does that sound?"

Seeing Rowena's placating attitude, Pauline finally relented with a huff. "I'll give you a day to investigate, but don't think you've won me over so easily."

As the office door slammed shut, Rowena turned toward Nancy with a look of helplessness. "Nancy, I know this isn't your fault, but Mrs. Lewis clearly demands an answer. For the sake of the studio's future, you need to take some time off. Once this blows over, you can return to work."

Nancy frowned and protested, " still have many clients to attend to. Besides, I'm the victim here! Why should I stop working? I don't agree with this!"

Rowena's expression hardened. "You don't have a choice. The studio is in the middle of a crucial transition, and I won't allow any complaints that could harm our reputation. As for the clients you're handling, I'll have someone take over your tasks. Go home and rest."

Rowena's direct approach left no room for negotiation.

Nancy wanted to fight back. At worst, she could just quit and put an end to this humiliation. Yet, reality hit her.

Where else could she find a job that offered the same salary and benefits as Sheek? Besides, she still had her mortgage to worry about.

In the end, she had no choice but to give in. Taking a deep breath, she pushed down her frustration and nodded. "Okay, I understand."

After handing over all her tasks to her colleague, Winnie Jenkins, it was already late in the afternoon.

"Nancy, are you okay?" Winnie asked with genuine concern.

Nancy forced a faint smile. "I'm fine. Work has been hectic recently, so I'll take this opportunity to rest for a while. It's getting late. I'll head out now. Bye!"

As the elevator doors closed behind her, the forced smile vanished from her face.

She had joined Sheek right after graduating from university and had poured her heart into her work over the years. To deliver designs that satisfied her clients, she had even pulled 48-hour shifts without rest.

She had worked so hard, yet when it truly mattered, she was still the one cast aside. How laughable.

With a soft chime, the elevator reached the first floor. As Nancy stepped out, someone abruptly bumped into her right shoulder, sending her off balance. She stumbled, bracing for a painful fall.

At that crucial moment, a strong arm caught her, preventing her from hitting the floor.

"Nancy, no matter how much time passes, you're still this careless."

A familiar low voice echoed above her. Nancy looked up and found herself staring into Caleb Falcon's deep, dark eyes.

This was the first time they had met since their breakup. Nancy quickly hid the flurry of emotions in her eyes and withdrew her hand, putting some distance between them.

She coldly said, "Let's not bring up the past. Thank you for your help. Goodbye."

With that, she turned to leave, but Caleb blocked her path.

Chapter 5

"Nancy, are you still angry with me? It was wrong of me to abandon you back then, but I'm here now. Shouldn't that be enough to make up for it? Honestly, I've missed you all these years," Caleb said.

Caleb had cheated on her with her college roommate for the sake of power and status, and now he was here, saying such things in a high-handed manner. Nancy felt nothing but disgust.

She had been so blind back then to ever get involved with such a scumbag.

"Caleb, we're over. Please don't interfere with my life anymore. And just so you know, I'm married. Please show some respect."

"You're married?" Caleb frowned, clearly not believing it. "Nancy, it was Yvonne who kept instigating me to break up with you. I've never stopped thinking about you. Now that I have wealth and power, I'm here to make it right.

"Don't joke about being married. I've already planned everything—I'll buy you a villa in Rostenville. You won't have to work anymore. Just do whatever makes you happy. I'll visit you often, and when I have time off, we can travel abroad together..."

His incessant rambling grated on Nancy's nerves. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind, and she let out a cold laugh.

"Caleb, if I'm not mistaken, aren't you married to Yvonne Summers? Are you suggesting I become your mistress?"

Her sharp question left Caleb momentarily stunned, but he quickly shook his head and said confidently, "Yes, I'm married to Yvonne, but my heart has always belonged to you.

"Nancy, I can't give you a title right now, but I'll divorce Yvonne soon. Once that's done, you'll be the only Mrs. Falcon, and the Summers family fortune will be under my control."

Looking at his deceitful face, Nancy felt a wave of nausea.

"Caleb, you disgust me. Yvonne spent a fortune on you and supported you through everything. Now that you've made it, you want to abandon her and make me your mistress?

"You're shameless. You may be wealthy now, but in my eyes, you'll always be a freeloader!"

The word "freeloader" struck a nerve. Caleb's face darkened, and he stepped forward, backing Nancy into a corner. His expression was sinister.

"Nancy, don't you dare call me that!"

"Oh? Did I hit a nerve?" Nancy scoffed. "Back in college, you were living off your student grant. Now that you've got a good life, you've forgotten all the hardship. If I remember correctly, you even had to marry into the Summers family, right?"

Her sarcastic remarks contorted Caleb's face with rage. In a fit of fury, he grabbed her by the throat and roared, "Nancy, shut up!"

Years of luxury had made him forget his poverty-stricken past, yet Nancy's words forced him to confront the fact that everything he had was thanks to the Summers family's generosity. The chaotic thoughts clouding his mind only made him tighten his grip.

Nancy struggled to break free, but his hold was too strong. Just as she was about to lose her breath, someone kicked Caleb away with force, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"Are you okay?"

A familiar voice echoed in her ears, and when Nancy looked up, she met Jason's concerned gaze. She touched her reddened neck and shook her head. "I'm fine, how did you know I was here?"

"You weren't answering your phone. I got worried," Jason replied as he picked up her fallen bag and stood protectively in front of her.

Then, he shot Caleb a cold, mocking glare. "A grown man bullying a woman? You're hardly worthy of being called a man," he said sarcastically.

Since it was around the time employees were leaving for the day, Nancy didn't want to cause any trouble and quickly grabbed Jason's hand. "It's getting late, let's go home."

Caleb seethed with fury, and he snapped, "Home? What home? Let her go! Nancy is my woman!"

He quickly got to his feet, blocking their path with an air of menace. "Nancy, who is this man?"

Without hesitation, Nancy raised her hand, revealing the matching diamond rings on both of their fingers. She answered succinctly, "This is my husband, Jason Palmer."

Caleb scanned Jason from head to toe. When his gaze fell upon Jason's dusty pants, a look of disdain crossed his face.

"Nancy, what kind of life do you think you'll have with this poor excuse of a man? Look at him—he's a mess. What can he offer you? You still have time to change your mind. If you come back to me, I'll buy you whatever you want."

Nancy's simmering anger flared once more. She took a step forward, standing firmly in front of Jason. "My man doesn't need your judgment. Whether he's rich or poor, he's the one I've chosen, and that will never change. As for you, just looking at you disgusts me," she coldly said.

Without another glance at Caleb, Nancy intertwined her fingers with Jason's. "Let's go, darling."

As they walked past Caleb, Nancy didn't spare him a single glance. Jason stepped right on his foot as they left.

A pained howl echoed through the lobby. "You broke ass! How dare you step on me? I won't let you off for this!"

…

Nancy led Jason to her place.

"Go take a shower and change into some clean clothes. The staff dorms aren't great, but you can stay here for free from now on. Even if it's a fake marriage, we still need to put on a show."

Jason glanced down at his clothes at her words. He had forgotten to change after inspecting the construction site earlier that day, and now it made sense why he had been getting so many looks.

"Alright."

Soon, the sound of water running from the bathroom filled the air.

Nancy kicked off her heels and collapsed onto the couch with exhaustion written all over her face. So much had happened today that she hadn't had time to fully process everything.

The one thing that weighed heavily on her mind was her job. Being falsely accused by a client had put her on unpaid leave, and she needed to find a way to clear her name.

If she couldn't, her reputation in the industry would be ruined, and her career might come to an abrupt end.

But how could she prove her innocence?

As Nancy's mind spiraled, the shadow of a figure suddenly loomed over her. She looked up and was met with Jason's sculpted features. Water droplets from his damp hair fell, tracing the muscles on his neck, making him all the more mesmerizing.

Jason was undeniably handsome.

"Are you hungry? I'll cook dinner," he said.

Nancy nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'm starving."

Jason headed to the kitchen without saying another word. With practiced ease, he pulled ingredients from the fridge and began chopping vegetables. Before long, the aroma of cooking filled the air, and he set down a simple yet exquisite two-dish, one-soup meal on the table.

As Nancy took a bite, her eyes widened in shock. "Oh my god, this is delicious! How can you cook this well?"

His cooking was on par with a five-star chef's.

Jason smiled. "If you like it, eat more. I'll cook for you all the time."

Under the soft light, Nancy couldn't help but think how lucky she was. Not only was Jason handsome, but he could cook too. Apart from being a little poor, he had no other flaws.

She really had hit the jackpot.