Chapter 1

Helen Wyatt's wedding was scheduled for the next day.

As the bride, she lounged around in her room without a care in the world—while I was being bossed around by our parents.

"This isn't fair," I protested.

"Amber, Helen's wedding is tomorrow. As her younger sister, shouldn't you be doing more to help?" My mother, Wendy Belmont, remarked, her voice laced with impatience.

Meanwhile, Helen sat there, a smug, self-satisfied smile playing on her lips.

I should've known it would end up like this. I muttered a curse under my breath.

I was fully aware that our parents always favored Helen, yet I still tried to snitch on her, hoping this time they'd finally stand up for me.

"It's fine, Amber. If you're feeling tired, I can take care of it," Helen offered, reaching for the things in my hands.

But before I could respond, my father, Brian Wyatt, cut in firmly, "Helen, you're the bride. You can't be pushing yourself the day before your wedding. Go upstairs and rest."

Helen nodded and headed upstairs gracefully.

My parents' eyes followed her, filled with warmth and pride. But when they turned back to me, that kindness vanished, replaced by apparent disappointment.

"Just look at your sister—so elegant and poised, the perfect example of a true lady. And then there's you," my mother snapped, her eyes scanning me sharply. "What do you have to show for yourself besides your appearance?"

Helen and I may have been identical twins, but aside from our looks, we were worlds apart.

She exuded grace, elegance, and charm with every movement. She excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting—and especially in dance, where she had a shelf full of trophies.

Our parents adored her, and it was clear she was their pride.

As for me, I was the tomboy. Dance was beyond me, and I struggled just to avoid embarrassing them.

Sometimes, I couldn't fault their favoritism. If I were in their place, I'd probably feel the same way about Helen.

It wasn't that they treated me badly, really. They just preferred her. Thinking that made the sting a little easier to bear.

With that in mind, I steeled myself and decided to stop complaining.

I stayed busy until evening. Just as I finally settled down to catch my breath, Mom called, "Amber, check your sister's room and make sure the decorations for tomorrow are ready."

I nodded and headed upstairs.

I knocked softly on the door and called out, "Helen."

But there was no answer.

That seemed odd. Had she fallen asleep already?

I turned the doorknob and stepped inside, only to find the room empty.

Where could she have gone at this hour?

I pulled out my phone and dialed her number, my eyes quickly scanning the room for anything unusual.

Her phone went straight to voicemail. Just as I was about to call again, something on the dressing table caught my eye. It was a note.

"Mom, Dad, I really don't want to marry Felix. Please don't come looking for me. I just need some time alone."

As I read the note, a scream escaped my lips.

I grabbed the paper and rushed downstairs to show our parents.

They stopped dead in their tracks, quickly putting down what they were doing.

One dialed Helen's number, while the other rushed to send someone out to search for her.

Thankfully, Helen's phone rang.

After a few agonizing seconds, someone finally picked up.

"Helen, where are you?"

Before she could answer, the distant sound of an airport announcement echoed through the phone.

Mom's face instantly changed. "Helen, are you at the airport? Which one? Should I come pick you up?"

"No, Mom. Felix is practically a cripple now. How could you expect me to marry someone like that?"

Mom went quiet at Helen's words.

She wasn't wrong. Felix Affleck had indeed been left disabled.

Half a year ago, he had been in a terrible car accident. His car flipped after a collision, and although he somehow survived, shards of glass from the shattered window had pierced his eyes.

Despite the Affleck family's insistence that he was fine, Felix hadn't been seen in public since the accident.

Whispers circulated that he had gone blind.

Helen had always been proud and strong-willed, so there was no way she would accept a blind man as her husband.

Mom tried calling her again, but her phone had already been switched off. The three of us exchanged uneasy glances.

Dad slammed his newspaper on the table, his expression dark with fury. "That reckless young lady!" he growled. "Just wait until she gets back. I'll make sure she understands the consequences of her actions."

He immediately sent someone out to search for her.

By 10:30 pm, there was still no word.

At last, Mom and Dad seemed to accept the reality of the situation. They sank onto the couch, quietly discussing what to do about the wedding tomorrow.

"Mom, Dad, should we let the Affleck family know if the wedding needs to be canceled or postponed?"

I couldn't keep the question in any longer. It was already late. If we didn't speak up soon, and the bride didn't show up the day of, there wouldn't be time to manage the fallout.

To my surprise, my parents exchanged a look before turning to me.

My stomach dropped. Something felt amiss.

"Mom... Dad... You're not seriously thinking of having me take Helen's place, are you?"

Caught off guard by how quickly I'd guessed their intentions, Mom gave a hesitant nod, her expression tense.

I stared at her, my eyes wide with disbelief.

Yes, Helen and I were identical twins. Our looks and figures were almost impossible to tell apart.

But our personalities couldn't be more different. She was quiet and gentle, while I was bold and outspoken.

Anyone who knew us even a little would see right through the charade.

Not to mention, marrying Felix would be a complete nightmare.

It wasn't that I resented him for being blind. It was more the memories he left behind that I couldn't quite forget.

Back in high school, it didn't matter how late I was or which wall I tried to sneak over. He was always there, waiting like a tireless warden.

He'd grab me by the collar, his voice ice-cold as he said, "Two points off for being late. Five for climbing the wall."

It didn't matter how sweetly I pleaded or how many times I reminded him of our families' connection. He never once wavered.

He'd just pull out that little record book of his and jot down my name, like it meant nothing at all.

By the end of the semester, our class had earned the dubious honor of ranking last in discipline—thanks to me.

Of course, this meant countless parent-teacher meetings, followed by more than a few stern lectures at home.

I shook my head in disbelief. The thought of someone like Felix becoming my brother-in-law was a nightmare in and of itself.

And if I had to look at his face every day for the rest of my life, I'd be so stressed that I'd probably fall apart before hitting 30.

Seeing me refuse, my parents' faces darkened.

"Amber, we can't let the partnership with the Affleck family fall apart. It's the most important one we have. If we lose it, thousands of people at the company will be left in the lurch."

Mom's eyes locked onto mine, filled with urgency.

Dad gently squeezed her hand. "Your mom's right. If we lose this deal, the company won't make it.

"And really, what's wrong with Felix? Yeah, he has an eye condition now, but he's got the looks and status. If your sister hadn't turned him down, do you honestly think someone like you would even be in the running?"

A lump caught in my throat. Felix's reputation was infamous throughout Jewel City.

He was cold, heartless, and impossible to figure out. In other words, he was one of the most challenging people to deal with.

But the worst part was the rumors. Everyone was saying that Felix's injuries from the accident weren't just limited to his eyes. He'd also been severely injured from the waist down.

Helen had heard that Felix could no longer function sexually, which was why she was so desperate to escape the wedding.

I stayed quiet, holding back everything I wanted to say. Eventually, Dad let out a long, weary sigh.

"Forget it. If she doesn't want to, we can't force her to marry. I'll call the Affleck family right now and cancel the wedding. Losing this deal won't mean bankruptcy. At worst, we'll just face some cash flow issues."

For a moment, relief washed over me. I finally thought my parents weren't as heartless as I'd believed.

But just as a faint smile began to form on my lips, Mom suddenly collapsed into tears.

"What's the difference between a broken cash flow and bankruptcy?

"Wyatt Group supports thousands of employees who depend on their jobs to survive. If we go bankrupt, they'll lose everything. Amber, you're no longer a child. It's time you start carrying your weight in the family.

"And besides, we wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you."

I froze. Even after more than 20 years, Mom still held a deep resentment over this.

Back when my grandfather, Mark Wyatt, was alive, the Wyatt and Affleck families were equals—both in status and influence. People in Jewel City often spoke of us with pride, as symbols of regional strength.

When Mom was pregnant, a fortune teller had taken one look at her belly and predicted she was carrying twins.

He said that one of them would be a blessing from a past life, while the other would be a karmic debt.

At the time, my parents had brushed off the fortune teller's words as nothing more than superstition.

But when Mom went into labor, Helen arrived smoothly, while I stubbornly refused to move, trapped in the womb.

Mom ended up suffering from severe bleeding, while Dad paced anxiously outside the delivery room.

Then came a devastating call from his secretary, reporting that Wyatt Group's biggest business partner had abruptly pulled out of their deal.

Clara Winslow, the housekeeper who had served our family for years, later told me that Dad's face went ashen when he heard the news. His hand shook as he held the phone.

After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice low and tense. "It seems this is the karmic debt we must repay."

Chapter 2

I was still very young back then and didn't understand why my parents' gaze always followed Helen. They loved her far more than they ever loved me, and I would act out just to get a sliver of their attention.

But no matter what I did, the way they looked at me never held the same warmth or affection they showed Helen.

As I got older, I finally understood the reason—and with that understanding came guilt. Little by little, I stopped trying to fight for their love.

Still, I never imagined that even after more than 20 years, my mother would still be holding on to that resentment.

Seeing me remain silent, she spoke again. "If our family were still what it used to be, we wouldn't be begging the Afflecks for a partnership. Amber, you're not a child anymore. Think carefully about what you're going to do."

After a long pause, I finally nodded. "When Helen comes back... can I go back to living my normal life?"

I asked the question nervously, already knowing the answer. It was impossible. Still, my parents nodded quickly, as if trying to ease my discomfort.

"Of course. As soon as Helen returns, we'll switch you back right away. You just need to mimic her as best as you can in the meantime."

Affleck Group now stood at the pinnacle of Jewel City's elite circles, with Felix's mother, Yelena Carter, renowned for her uncompromising standards and discerning eye.

By all measures, my family should have been far beneath the Afflecks.

But Helen was the exception—handpicked by the Affleck family elders as their ideal daughter-in-law.

Not only did the Afflecks admire her, but she was also seen as the perfect bride among all the distinguished young women in Jewel City.

Her temperament was soft and graceful, like a serene spring that nurtures everything in its path, leaving behind a calm warmth.

Her beauty was mesmerizing—delicate yet striking, like a radiant flower in full bloom.

With her elegant poise and gentle nature, she exuded a charm that captivated countless young heirs.

Yet, as sisters, I always seemed to fall short. People often said that while Helen and I shared the same looks, our personalities couldn't be more different.

From a young age, Helen was always surrounded by admirers, while I never even received a single love letter.

Now, I was expected to mimic her every gesture. To put it simply, it felt like an insurmountable task.

The atmosphere outside was growing more hectic. I knew the makeup team had arrived.

Mom quickly closed the door and dressed me in the style Helen usually wore.

"You look just like Helen when you're silent," she said. "Let's hope we can keep this up a little longer."

She gently rested her hand on my shoulder, her face etched with worry.

I turned and wrapped my arms around her waist, looking up at her with determination. "Don't worry, Mom. I won't let anyone find out."

She patted my hair fondly. "You're the level-headed one, Amber. When Helen comes back, I won't let her off easy."

I forced a smile, though I knew the truth. If Helen returned, she would never face real consequences.

It had always been this way. No matter what Helen did wrong, Mom and Dad never held her accountable.

As I continued to mimic Helen, Clara arrived with the makeup team in tow.

She froze when she saw me. "Ms. Helen, you look so pale. What's wrong?"

I breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Helen and I had grown up side by side. I knew her better than anyone. We shared everything.

Imitating her was second nature. Even though Clara had seen us grow up, she couldn't tell us apart. If I could fool her, tricking the Affleck family should be just as easy.

I forced a smile, mimicking Helen's tone. "I suppose I'm just a little reluctant to leave home, Ms. Winslow. I haven't been sleeping well."

Just then, the makeup artist stepped forward. "Don't worry, Ms. Wyatt. We'll make sure you look absolutely stunning."

I thanked her softly and allowed the team to begin their work.

Clara glanced around the room. "Where's Ms. Amber? Where did she go?"

Panic surged within me, my mind scrambling for a response.

My mother smiled calmly, offering no sign of concern. "There's an issue at the company. She went to take care of it and won't be back until later."

Clara nodded, seeming to buy the explanation.

With each brushstroke, my reflection in the mirror began to resemble Helen more and more.

I carefully copied her usual expression, allowing my lips to form a subtle smile. It made me look even more like her.

Felix wouldn't be able to tell the difference. After all, Helen and he had barely spent any time together.

By dawn, the bridesmaids had arrived.

In our world, both love and friendship were inevitably tainted by self-interest. Genuine sincerity was a rare commodity in this circle.

Helen's bridesmaids were all daughters of influential families. While they were friendly with Helen, I'd never been particularly close to any of them.

They crowded around me, offering polite compliments on my makeup and wedding dress.

I found their flattery hollow, but I forced myself to smile and go along with it.

"Hey, where's Amber? Wasn't she supposed to lead the Bridal Bingo?" asked Linda York, the second daughter of the York family.

She and Helen had shared a tight bond ever since high school.

"Who knows where Amber's run off to?" Mom said with a laugh. "Don't worry about her."

The others nodded without question.

As soon as Mom left, the whispers started.

"Amber's unbelievable. Her sister's getting married, yet she's nowhere to be found."

"Right? She has no manners at all. It's honestly disgraceful."

"Let's face it. She's just jealous of Helen. Skipping the wedding is her way of making a scene and trying to steal the spotlight."

I was left speechless.

I didn't even know these women, so why were they so eager to spread such false stories about me?

In the end, I cleared my throat and explained quietly, "She had something urgent at the company. It came up out of nowhere. She didn't leave on purpose."

Linda's brow furrowed in disbelief. "What's with you today, Helen? I thought you couldn't stand your sister. Why are you even defending her?"

The others shifted their gazes to me, confusion creeping into their expressions.

I quickly dropped my head, praying they wouldn't catch on.

"Helen, did Amber bully you again? You don't have to hide it. We'll back you up, you know."

I waved my hand, stumbling over my words. "No, s-she didn't bully me."

Technically, I wasn't lying.

Helen may have always said I wasn't acting like a proper lady, and sure, I thought she was way too uptight and boring—but I never bullied her. If anything, she was the one who had always been hard on me.

Suddenly, Linda's expression soured, and she stormed right up to me.

"What do you mean she didn't bully you? I know you're kind, Helen, but you can't keep defending her. Don't you remember? When you were little, she'd take your clothes, your toys, and even your allowance.

"And in high school, she ruined your performance dress so you couldn't go on stage. If that's not bullying, then what is?"

The others quickly joined in.

"I've never met anyone as mean-spirited as Amber. If she were my sister, I'd have put her in her place a long time ago."

"Honestly, she has no respect for anyone. Thank goodness you kept us away from her, Helen. Otherwise, we might've been her next target."

I stared at them, my mind racing in disbelief.

I heard every word they said, but none of it made any sense to me.

When did I ever take anything from Helen?

When did I ever ruin her dress?

Why would she say such things about me?

Was this the reason no one in our circle ever wanted to befriend me?

The memories flooded back all at once.

Back in school, Helen made sure we never spoke in public.

Whenever I suggested hanging out, she'd shoot me a look of disgust and remind me that I wasn't the type of person she could associate with.

No wonder her friends never liked me. No wonder I was met with such inexplicable hostility from everyone.

It was all her—spreading lies about me behind my back, poisoning their perception of me.

But why? Why would she do this to me? Weren't we supposed to be family?

My heart ached, but I refused to let it show.

I forced a smile, offering a quick excuse to brush the conversation aside.

I slipped into a quiet corner where no one could see me, desperately fighting to hold back the tears threatening to fall.

I knew I had to confront Helen when she came back. I needed to understand why she had betrayed me.

"Look! Look! Mr. Affleck is here!"

As the women around me cheered, I turned my attention toward the window.

Downstairs, the wedding convoy had arrived.

A sleek black Porsche led the way, flanked by an impressive line of luxury cars.

Felix stepped out of the vehicle, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

He donned a flawlessly tailored black suit, the sharp lines sculpting his tall, commanding silhouette.

His broad shoulders carried an air of strength and confidence.

I couldn't help but admit it—Felix was undeniably handsome.

Despite having cursed him countless times in high school, I had never once uttered a word against his appearance.

His features were perfectly sculpted, as if shaped by the hands of an artist, each detail a flawless creation.

His lips were pressed together, emanating an intense, almost magnetic energy.

Perhaps mindful of appearances, Felix left his eyes uncovered. With calm, deliberate steps, he moved forward.

His friend, Luke Castro, stayed right behind him, cautious that Felix might lose his footing.

As though sensing something, Felix's gaze shifted toward me. His eyes shimmered like stars scattered across a midnight sky.

I found myself wondering—could a blind man really have such a luminous, penetrating gaze?

Chapter 3

I sat upright on the bed, my fingers tightly interlaced, a nervous knot twisting in my stomach.

Linda shot me a teasing glance. "Well, well... I never thought I'd see the unshakable Ms. Helen Wyatt looking so shy in front of her groom."

I gave her a strained smile and dropped my gaze.

But it wasn't shyness that had me on edge—it was fear.

I feared that Felix would see right through me.

"Helen, wasn't this gown made by Lilian Tomlinson, the world-famous designer? I heard she's nearly impossible to book. Looks like Mr. Affleck really pulled out all the stops."

Linda's eyes moved over my wedding dress, her admiration evident in her expression.

I looked down at my gown.

The Affleck family had it delivered just two days ago.

I could still remember the moment Helen unwrapped the package.

Though I'd never fantasized about a wedding, I found myself momentarily spellbound.

The dress was elegantly simple, its delicate, handcrafted lace patterns flowing smoothly into the long, sweeping mermaid train.

The curve-hugging silhouette molded to my figure, accentuating my graceful curves and stunning shape.

Honestly, I was taken aback when I slipped into the dress.

Despite Helen and me being identical twins, there were still subtle differences in our figures.

Yet, the dress fit me perfectly—like it had been made just for me.

But that couldn't be the case. It must've been a lucky coincidence, a result of the handmade variations.

The noise outside grew louder, and I could sense Felix standing just beyond the door.

My heart raced, and my fingers began to tremble.

The bridesmaids eventually let Felix through the bedroom door. It was Felix, after all. Who could really stand in his way?

The moment his eyes locked onto mine, something in his gaze deepened.

I was taken aback. It was no wonder his gaze always seemed so intense. Now, seeing him up close, I realized his vision was perfectly fine.

Still in shock, I heard a bridesmaid gasp behind me. "Mr. Affleck—your eyes!"

Felix shot her a sharp glance. She instantly fell silent, fear tightening her lips.

The others exchanged nervous looks, but no one dared to say a word.

Undeterred by the stunned faces around him, Felix kept his eyes locked on mine.

I instinctively held my breath, terrified he might expose me right there.

After a brief pause, his lips curled into the faintest smile. "Why are you staring at me like that? Don't you recognize me?"

Flustered, I quickly lowered my head, avoiding his gaze.

Noticing the tension, Luke jumped in with a grin, trying to ease the mood. "Damn, Helen, only you could get Felix to smile. He's been in a foul mood all day until now."

I relaxed a little at Luke's words. He and Felix had been high school classmates, so I knew him fairly well.

Back when Felix used to get me in trouble, Luke would always try to speak up for me. He never managed to change anything, but I appreciated his attempts.

Aside from Luke, no one else dared to joke around with Felix. The others merely offered awkward smiles.

"It looks like no one's saying anything in protest. Guess we'll just take the bride, then," Luke said playfully.

It was only then that the bridesmaids snapped out of their daze. They grabbed the props they had prepared and started setting up the pre-wedding games they had arranged.

Sensing the groomsmen's competitive energy, a smile tugged at my lips. But just as I lifted my eyes, I accidentally locked gazes with Felix again.

My smile instantly vanished, and I quickly turned away.

Once the games were over, Felix swept me into his arms and carried me out the door.

As we made our way down the stairs, Felix leaned in close and whispered, "We're approaching the stairs. Hold on tight."

"Okay," I replied a little belatedly, wrapping my arms around him.

At the bottom, my parents were waiting.

They, too, seemed taken aback to see that Felix's eyesight was perfectly fine.

Despite the surprise he felt deep down, Dad's face remained impassive, having faced countless challenges in his life.

Mom, however, couldn't conceal her shock. She stared at Felix intently until Dad gently nudged her, pulling her back to reality.

She reached for her handkerchief, dabbing at the imaginary tears in the corners of her eyes. In a soft voice, she reminded me to respect the Affleck family's rules once I became a part of their household.

I knew exactly what she meant. It was her subtle way of warning me not to let anything slip. I nodded, reassuring her that I understood.

Once we got into the car, my nerves only grew tighter. My palms were damp with sweat.

Felix pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped my hands. "Don't be nervous. I'll be right here by your side," he whispered.

What he didn't know was that I was only this nervous because he was right beside me.

Mom lightly tapped on the car window, and the driver rolled it down. Expecting her to say something more, I leaned in closer.

"My precious daughter, I can't believe you're about to get married. I'm really going to miss you," she said.

A wave of warmth washed over me. Just as I was about to respond, she suddenly pulled me into a tight embrace and whispered in my ear, "Make sure you keep up the act. If anyone finds out, I won't hesitate to take action."

My smile froze instantly. Mom maintained her loving facade, gently stroking my hair as she signaled for the driver to start moving.

The rest of the ride was quiet, a silence born from my fear of saying the wrong thing and getting caught, but mostly from the cold dread that Mom's warning had planted in me.

Doubts swirled in my mind. Perhaps I could fool Felix, who didn't know Helen well. But what about Yelena, who knew her better than anyone?

Even if I managed to deceive the entire Affleck family, how could I possibly live with myself?

Lost in my thoughts, I stole a quick glance at Felix.

He might not be able to consummate the marriage for now, but the mere thought of sharing a bed with him tonight left me feeling uneasy.

"Why are you so nervous?" Felix teased, making my heart race even faster.

"N-No, I'm not," I stammered.

He let out a soft chuckle and gently took my cold hand, threading his fingers through mine.

I instinctively tried to pull away, but caught myself just in time.

When we reached our destination, Felix stepped out of the car and held his hand out to me.

I took a deep breath and placed my hand in his, following him down.

Outside, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. There were countless eyes watching, all eager to catch a glimpse of Mrs. Affleck. The weight of their stares made my nerves tighten even further.

"Don't be afraid. I'll hold your hand the whole way," Felix said.

His words worked like a calming spell, easing my anxiety little by little.

During the ceremony, I kept a serene smile on my face, receiving praise from every direction.

"As expected of Ms. Helen Wyatt, her every movement radiates grace. She's the epitome of an ideal woman. Any man would be lucky to marry someone like her."

"What a stunning pair. They're truly made for each other. By the way, has anyone seen Ms. Amber?"

"I heard from Mrs. Wyatt that she went off somewhere to have fun. How could she do that on a day like this? It's so inappropriate."

Somehow, the conversation shifted to me, and before I knew it, everyone began comparing me to Helen.

I had heard it all before, but it still stung each time.

"Are you hungry?" Felix's voice cut through the chatter, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "Let's get something to eat."

Truthfully, I hadn't eaten anything since last night, aside from a bit of half-cooked pasta. As a result, I was starving.

"But all the guests are still here. Wouldn't it be rude to slip away?"

Felix chuckled softly, taking my hand in his. "Why should we care about what they think?"

Without waiting for a response, he led me to a quiet corner and asked me to wait there.

I stood rooted to the spot, feeling completely bored. What seemed like an eternity passed, and he still hadn't come back.

At this point, I wasn't just hungry—I was drained.

I wasn't used to wearing high heels, and these new shoes were especially painful, digging into my feet with every step.

I glanced around. Seeing no one nearby, I slipped off my shoes and stepped barefoot on the floor.

I tossed the heels aside, ready to sit and give my aching feet a much-needed break.

Just then, Felix appeared, carrying a tray of pastries.

As his gaze fell on the discarded heels, he raised an eyebrow.

I quickly shot to my feet. "You're back!"

Internally, I groaned. Could the timing be any worse?

Felix chuckled softly as he walked over.

I tried to hide my feet beneath my dress, silently hoping he hadn't noticed.

But he reached down and gently lifted my foot. I wanted to pull away, but his grip was firm and unyielding.

He carefully applied a band-aid to my foot before retrieving a pair of soft slippers. "Let's see if these fit."

It turned out that he hadn't just gone to grab food after all. A wave of embarrassment washed over me, and my cheeks turned bright red.

Felix picked up my heels and neatly set them aside.

He gave my forehead a light tap and said, "If something's bothering you, you should tell me right away."

Before I could say a word, he held a pastry up to my lips and gently fed it to me.

I murmured a soft "thank you," but he simply shook his head. "There's no need for that between us."

I took a bite of the warm, fragrant pastry, my heart stirring with questions.

What had gotten into Felix? He used to be so cold and distant, keeping everyone at arm's length.

But now… he was thoughtful. Even his voice had a gentleness I'd never heard before.

Perhaps marriage truly could change someone.

If this was the man he was becoming, then maybe being married to him wouldn't be so bad after all.

Once we'd finished eating, Felix led me back outside.

Wearing the slippers he'd brought, the pain in my feet eased, and for the first time all day, my smile came naturally.

At last, after a long and tiring day, the wedding came to a close.

Yelena shared warm smiles with Felix's father, Harry Affleck, as they saw us off. Without wasting a moment, Felix and I headed back to his villa.

Chapter 4

I hadn't felt much during the wedding itself, but now, the emotions hit me all at once.

As I watched Felix drive, a surreal feeling crept in—like I was dreaming with my eyes wide open.

When we finally got home, I sat at the vanity, feeling a little awkward under Felix's persistent gaze.

I quickly wiped away my makeup and hurried to the bathroom.

The hot water rushed over me, and only then did my racing heart start to settle.

A knock on the bathroom door startled me.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice coming out sharper than I meant.

After a pause, Felix's voice came through, tinged with amusement. "You forgot your nightgown."

I wanted to disappear into the floor. Could things possibly get any more awkward?

Through the frosted glass, I caught a glimpse of his figure stepping away. I cracked the door open just enough to grab the nightgown.

After my shower, I unfolded it, only to be taken aback by its bold, provocative style.

As my fingers brushed over the delicate fabric, a wave of helplessness overtook me.

Wearing it was embarrassing, but not wearing it wasn't an option. I couldn't exactly walk out of there in the nude.

After a long mental struggle, I gritted my teeth and pulled the nightgown over my body.

Besides, Felix was sexually incapable, so there was nothing to worry about.

I cautiously opened the bathroom door. At the sound, Felix lifted his head.

His intense gaze made me uneasy, and I instinctively pulled at the nightgown, which barely covered my hips.

Felix's Adam's apple bobbed. He set down his documents and slowly moved toward me.

My heart raced as his hand reached out. But to my surprise, he simply tugged a lock of my hair free from the strap of my nightgown.

"Sit down," he said. "I'll dry your hair."

His fingers moved gently through my hair, the soft hum of the blow dryer filling the room. Neither of us uttered a word.

Once Felix had finished applying hair oil to the ends, his deep, husky voice broke the quiet. "I'm going to take a shower."

I couldn't tell if it was real, but for a moment, I felt a brief kiss on the top of my head.

Shaking off the thought, I took a moment to glance around the room, taking in the space.

The villa was beautifully decorated in a refined Volkaran style, perfectly matching my own taste.

But the bed was enormous.

How was I supposed to share a bed with a man I had no emotional connection with?

Just then, an idea came to me. In the walk-in closet, there was an extra silk comforter. I quickly pulled it out and laid it across the bed.

While sleeping apart wasn't an option, at least we could have separate blankets.

This way, I could protect Felix's pride. It felt like a win-win solution. Honestly, I felt a bit proud of myself.

Just then, Felix stepped out of the bathroom. He was only wearing a towel around his waist, casually drying his hair.

Droplets of water clung to his skin, tracing a path down his neck and across his chest. They disappeared into the defined muscles of his abdomen, following the contours of his waist.

I swallowed, unable to ignore how stunning Felix's body was.

My gaze slipped downward, but the moment it landed on his waist, I quickly looked away.

It was such a shame. No matter how flawless his physique was, it didn't change the fact that he couldn't perform sexually.

Felix's gaze shifted to the bed, pausing on the extra comforter I had laid out. His brow raised slightly in confusion. "What's this?"

I hurried to clarify. "Don't get me wrong. This is for your sake."

It wasn't that I disapproved of him. I just wanted to preserve his confidence as a man.

Without saying a word, Felix discarded his towel and slowly made his way toward the bed.

He climbed on, half-kneeling as he leaned in closer. His face drew near, and I could smell the faint trace of his body wash. He was way too close.

Felix's gaze remained fixed on me. "For my sake? Is this really what's best for me?" he murmured.

Under his unwavering stare, my throat went dry. I instinctively tried to move back, creating a gap between us.

"Yeah," I whispered.

Felix caught my movement in an instant. His fingers wrapped around my ankle, and with one swift pull, he closed the distance I had tried to create.

In fact, he was even closer than before.

"Tell me, how is sleeping apart supposed to be good for me?" he asked.

I mumbled incoherently, struggling to find the right words.

I couldn't exactly tell him it was to preserve his self-esteem, could I?

His slightly calloused fingers brushed against my ankle, sending a shiver up my spine. The sensation made me flinch and instinctively pull away.

"Go on. Say something," he murmured.

His gaze felt like it could burn right through me. I steadied myself and said, "I just didn't want to upset you, alright?"

Felix's brows furrowed, clearly confused. "Why would I be upset?"

I turned my face away and whispered, "Well, isn't it because you're not sexually capable right now? I thought it would be better if we slept separately. Otherwise, wouldn't it just make you feel worse?"

Felix's expression darkened instantly. "Not sexually capable? Who told you that?"

"W-Well, there were rumors that you injured your private parts in the accident."

Felix's gaze darkened, almost like he was about to consume me. I instinctively recoiled, scrambling to reassure him.

"Don't worry. Now that I'm your wife, I would never look down on you."

But the more I spoke, the darker his expression became. I rushed to add, "And I swear, I won't tell anyone. My lips are sealed."

Yet, his face remained unchanged, his eyes narrowing further.

"M-Medical technology these days is incredibly advanced. I'm sure it can be cured. So... don't worry too much—"

But before I could finish, Felix snapped. In an instant, he lunged toward me.