Chapter 1

Kathleen Silva was in high spirits—her two-year long-distance relationship had finally ended. She had a bright smile on her beautiful face, and even the winter chill couldn't dampen the excitement of seeing Ryan Page again.

She stood at his front door with her suitcase, heart full of joy, as she entered the passcode.

The moment the door opened, she froze. Two bodies were entangled on the couch, and her mind exploded in shock.

She clenched her fists tightly. The people on the couch hadn't even noticed her.

Fighting back nausea, Kathleen pulled out her phone and turned on the video recorder.

The woman finally spotted her and let out a sharp scream.

Ryan was also startled. He quickly grabbed a blanket to cover himself while shielding the woman behind him.

"Kathleen, what the hell are you doing?"

Kathleen's eyes were red as she replied, "This is too good not to share. I'm posting it to my story."

Hearing that, Ryan no longer cared that the woman behind him was naked. He wrapped the blanket around himself and lunged forward to snatch Kathleen's phone.

"Take one more step, and I'll send it to everyone," Kathleen warned.

Ryan didn't believe her and kept approaching.

She immediately hit "Send all".

He was stunned. He couldn't believe the woman he thought was gentle and sensible could be this ruthless.

"Kathleen, are you out of your mind?" Ryan roared, the veins on his forehead bulging with anger. He looked like he wanted to kill her on the spot.

Kathleen raised her phone, where 911 was already dialed in. "I've called the cops."

Ryan's eyes widened. "You…"

Seeing how cold and ruthless she was, he pointed at her and snapped, "Fine. This isn't over!"

Her eyes were frosty. "I wasted two years on you for nothing. Even a dog would've been more loyal."

…

After leaving Ryan's place, Kathleen went straight to her best friend, Chelsey Reid's house.

She stayed there for five days, and Chelsey had been cursing Ryan nonstop.

This morning, Chelsey noticed Kathleen staring gloomily at her phone. She leaned over and hugged Kathleen, cajoling her, "Don't feel bad. You should be glad that you saw his true colors."

Kathleen shook her head. "I'm not upset anymore. I'm just hesitant about the marriage my dad arranged."

"What?"

Apparently, Kathleen's father, Peter Silva, had set up a marriage for her. He kept urging her to come home and talk about it.

The guy came from a wealthy family. He was tall, handsome, and an only child.

If she agreed to marry him, his family would offer a seven-figure wedding gift. If she got pregnant within two months, she'd receive a reward of millions. And if she bore him a child, she'd become the lady of the family, inheriting endless wealth.

Chelsey clapped and scoffed. "This must be your stepmother's idea. If it were really such a good deal, wouldn't she have her own daughter marry him? It's a trap."

"So, do you know anything about it?"

"Well, they're not lying. But there's one key detail she left out."

"What is it?"

"The guy's name is Shawn Vance. He's rich, good-looking, and powerful. Women in Neviton City used to dream of marrying him or at least spending a night with him."

"Shawn Vance…" Kathleen repeated the name. "Sounds familiar."

Chelsey snorted.

"In Neviton City, everyone knows that name. Last year, he was exposed for having a terminal illness and doesn't have much time left. He used to have a girlfriend, but she went abroad after finding out about his illness. In short, marrying him is like marrying a dead man."

So that was the catch. It was pretty tragic, though.

Chelsey scoffed. "That saying about stepmothers being evil is spot on. Yours wants to marry you off to be a widow."

"I can always remarry after he dies," Kathleen commented.

Chelsey's eyes widened.

"Wait, are you actually considering this? The guy's practically on his deathbed. How awful must he look now? And wanting to get married at this point? He obviously just wants to leave behind an heir before he dies. A man at a time like this is a total psychopath!"

Kathleen said softly, "But he gave a lot."

Chelsea was speechless.

"Besides, I'll inherit everything if he dies. I'll be rich and free. Everyone will envy me." Kathleen's expression was nonchalant as she spoke.

Chelsey looked stunned. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Not at all," Kathleen replied, completely serious.

"I've thought it through. Love is like a ghost—everyone talks about it, but no one's actually seen it. There's no point chasing after it. Besides, we work so hard just to make money and be free. If there's a shortcut, why wouldn't I just take it?"

Chelsey replied, "Why does that almost make sense?"

Kathleen smiled. "Because that's the reality."

…

That night, Ryan called Kathleen from someone else's number. He screamed at her, calling her pretty but useless.

When she hung up, he switched numbers and called again. She blocked several numbers until she finally turned off her phone.

…

The next morning, messages flooded in after she powered it on. Most of the messages were from Ryan. He had said everything imaginable.

Their group chat had blown up, too. He accused her of having fake boobs, calling her a slut who faked innocence…

Each message was nastier than the last.

Kathleen took a deep breath and forced down her rage. She called Peter and agreed to the marriage.

…

They went to the Vance residence, but Shawn wasn't there. His parents met them instead.

Hearing that Kathleen was willing to marry Shawn, they could barely contain their excitement.

She had only one condition. They had to first register the marriage as she wanted to make it legal. As for a wedding, she didn't need one.

They had no objections. If anything, they were terrified she might back out.

Both sides quickly reached an agreement. Shawn's father, Henry Vance, even arranged for a staff from the city hall to come to the house and issue the marriage certificate on the spot.

That was when Kathleen first saw a photo of Shawn.

The man in the photo looked just like Chelsey had described. He was strikingly handsome, with deep, magnetic eyes that seemed to draw one in.

If he weren't dying soon, a man like this would never have been within her reach.

The marriage certificate was handed to Kathleen.

She studied the wedding photo that the Vances prepared to commemorate the marriage. Although it was photoshopped, it looked decent enough.

Shawn's mother, Judy Smith, handed her a bank card. Even without a wedding, they still gave her a wedding gift. On top of that, they provided her with a hefty living allowance.

They were extremely generous. The amount was staggering, and the card itself felt heavy in her hand.

She didn't refuse and accepted it with ease.

She glanced again at the marriage certificate, eyes lingering on the name "Shawn Vance". She wondered how he would feel knowing his parents had "sold" him off.

…

Peter was beaming as they left the Vance residence.

"The Vance family must have given you quite a lot, right?"

He stopped, looking uneasy. "What are you talking about?"

"Drop the act."

Kathleen stopped and looked at him. "You only thought of me because it benefits you."

Peter looked awkward. "Kat…"

She raised a hand to stop him. She didn't want to hear any of his self-righteous nonsense. Walking ahead of him, she said indifferently, "This is the last time. Don't ever contact me again."

…

When Chelsey found out Kathleen had actually married Shawn, she paced in circles, distraught.

But what was done was done. There was no undoing it.

"Your dad's ruthless. He knew it was a fire pit and still shoved you in. You're silly, too. Why were you so quick to sign the papers? If he ends up hurting you, at least without a marriage certificate, you could've just run. Now that you're legally married, you can't even escape even if he wants you dead."

She was so worked up and worried that her eyes reddened.

Seeing Chelsey so upset warmed Kathleen's heart. She smiled and tried to soothe Chelsey. "I may be married, but I don't plan on showing up in front of him anytime soon."

Chelsey stared at her.

Kathleen's eyes glinted mischievously. The thought might be a bit wicked, but it was the truth.

"Didn't you say he won't make it past February? That's less than three months away. I'll just lie low until he can't move anymore. Then, I'll show up."

It sounded like the perfect plan, but reality was cruel.

A few days later, someone came looking for her. "Mr. Vance would like to meet his wife."

Chapter 2

In the dead of winter, the wind sliced like knives. Even the heat in the MPV couldn't warm the chill in Kathleen's heart. She was nervous, no doubt about it.

Then again, what could Shawn possibly do with his days numbered?

Steadying herself, she texted Chelsey and told her to stay calm.

The car pulled up in front of Neviton City's largest entertainment club.

The driver opened the door with practiced politeness, but there wasn't a hint of respect in his attitude.

Kathleen stepped out, following the man ahead through a dazzling corridor until they reached the innermost private room. The double doors swung open, and the man stepped aside.

"Mr. Vance, she's here." With that, he gestured for her to go in.

There was no turning back now. Having come this far, she stepped inside without hesitation.

The door shut behind her.

The confined space was heavy with tension. The air felt thin, and her heartbeat thundered in her chest.

Her eyes swept across the room and landed on a figure lounging on the couch.

He sat with one leg crossed over the other, leaning back into the leather couch. From a distance, it was hard to see his face.

A faint red glow flickered in the dim room. The smell of tobacco hung faintly in the air.

Kathleen took a deep breath and walked over, finally getting a clear look at his face.

He wasn't photogenic. In person, he was far better looking. The only difference was that he seemed even paler than in the photos.

The shirt he wore was unbuttoned slightly at the collar, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his throat and collarbones.

That sickly pallor made his finely sculpted features look even more ethereal, but he had surprisingly good energy. He didn't look like someone on the brink of death.

With a face like that, it was no wonder that so many women dreamed of having his children.

As she stepped closer, Kathleen finally spotted the marriage certificate in his hand.

Right, Judy had taken his copy back then. There was no way they'd keep something like that from him.

She was foolish to think she could stay hidden.

"Ever heard of people dying chasing the dollar?" Shawn stared straight at her.

Any woman willing to marry him at a time like this must be after his wealth.

Kathleen knew there was no dodging this. He was clearly warning her that she could die because of money. So, she decided to play along. Her lips curled into a charming smile.

"Who is to say that I didn't marry you out of love? Maybe I've been plotting this for a long time."

Shawn's fingers tightened around his cigarette.

Plotting this for a long time…

There might be women like that, but not under these circumstances.

He saw right through her lies and fake smile. Stubbing the cigarette in the ashtray, he beckoned her forward with his slender fingers.

Kathleen swallowed and took another step.

Shawn dropped his leg down and sat up straighter. He suddenly seized her wrist and yanked her down onto his lap.

Caught off guard, she stumbled and fell hard against his chest. He then pushed her upright, one hand slipping around her waist.

Even through her coat, she could feel the heat of his palm.

Before she could react, he tilted her chin up with the edge of the marriage certificate. His eyes glinted with mockery as he said, "Marrying me out of love?"

Her heart thudded, but she kept her composure.

The corner of the certificate scraped her chin, but she didn't flinch.

She looked him straight in the eye. "Pretty sure every unmarried woman in Neviton's got a crush on you."

He let out a cold chuckle. "Aren't you afraid of dying?"

"I am."

He raised an eyebrow.

Kathleen looked utterly serious. "We all die eventually. But if I get to be your wife before that, I'll have no regrets."

"What a load of crap," Shawn thought.

He shoved her away and even brushed the spot on his leg where she'd just been sitting. His disgust couldn't have been more obvious as he said, "Divorce."

Kathleen steadied herself, her gaze falling on the marriage certificate he'd tossed aside. She calmly reminded him, "There's a one-month cooling-off period before a divorce."

Shawn looked up at her. Kathleen shut her mouth.

He rose to his feet.

He was tall and lean, having broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His long legs stepped forward, the hem of his trousers brushing lightly against Kathleen's coat.

He shot her a cold glance that made her swallow whatever admiration she had for him.

"I'm not getting a divorce," Kathleen said.

Shawn halted, a chill flashing through his eyes.

She met his gaze. "I'm not fooling around."

Shawn narrowed his eyes.

Kathleen continued sincerely, "I thought it through. Becoming your wife is the only way I can take care of you openly and have your children. I don't care how much time you have left. I just don't want any regrets. Call me selfish, but as long as I can be with you, I'll do whatever it takes."

She spoke with deep emotion, her eyes glistening with tears. Even she was impressed by how quickly she could summon such feelings.

Shawn stepped closer, his voice icy. "You'll do whatever it takes?"

His presence bore down on her, suffocating and sharp. But she steeled herself and nodded. "Of course."

A faint smile tugged at Shawn's lips. That slight curve sent a chill down Kathleen's spine.

He sat down again, barking, "Kneel."

Kathleen thought she'd misheard. However, his cold and dark eyes were telling her she hadn't.

"You can't even do that?"

Now she finally understood what Chelsey meant by "psychopath".

The contempt in his eyes made her frown. She shrugged off her coat and tossed it onto the couch, tying her loose hair into a ponytail.

Without any hesitation, she straddled his lap.

"How about this?"

From this angle, she was slightly taller than him. When she lowered her eyes to meet his, she caught a flicker of surprise in his gaze.

The tight black sweater clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination. Her jeans hugged her hips, and her straight posture made her waist look even more supple.

She was close enough that their breaths mingled.

Their posture was intimate and suggestive—just a breath away from turning into something steamy.

Kathleen was gorgeous. She was even more stunning than the wedding photo.

Her upturned eyes gleamed playfully. That faint smile on her lips made her all the more alluring.

Shawn leaned back, arms spread across the couch. His deep-set eyes held nothing but the reflection of her seductive smile.

"Take it off."

His pale lips moved faintly, asking her to continue.

Kathleen exhaled silently and reached for the buttons on his shirt.

Her fair, delicate fingers met the black buttons, creating a stark contrast like black-and-white chess pieces.

She kept her hands steady and began unbuttoning his shirt. Each button revealed more of his chest.

His skin wasn't sun-kissed but pale, carrying a unique kind of allure.

One button followed by another button. More and more of his chest came into view.

Kathleen held her breath. The playful smile was starting to slip.

She lifted her eyes slightly.

Shawn glanced down at her with a cold, detached gaze.

He looked like a king on his throne—aloof and untouchable. To him, she was nothing more than a plaything trying to please him.

Kathleen gritted her teeth and continued unbuttoning his shirt. However, the moment her hand accidentally brushed against his abs, he grabbed her wrist firmly.

She looked up and met that abyss in his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat.

"So slow. At this rate, when will you be able to give me a child?" Shawn was displeased with her speed.

Her breathing hitched, but she didn't want to run away.

She smiled faintly and replied, "You can't rush these things. They say children conceived in passion turn out smarter and more beautiful, too."

He narrowed his eyes. "Is that so?"

"Yeah." She boldly slid her other hand beneath his shirt.

However, Shawn was quicker. He grabbed her hand and asked, "How is it fair if I'm the only one getting undressed?"

Chapter 3

Shawn's gaze swept over her striking figure, the implication clear.

Kathleen's expression stiffened. She didn't want to back down—surely he wouldn't actually do anything here.

She grabbed the hem of her sweater and started lifting it.

Her slender, pale waist was revealed. The edge of her white lingerie stood out starkly under the black sweater.

All of a sudden, he shoved her off with a look of sheer disgust.

Kathleen nearly stumbled, but she managed to steady herself. She suppressed the joy surging and wore a look of innocent grievance.

Shawn shot her a cold, sideways glance. She sure knew how to put on a show when money was involved.

"Get out!" He hated hypocritical women like her.

Relief surged through Kathleen like a tidal wave. Although her heart soared, her face was full of reluctant sorrow.

"Darling…"

"Get out!" he snapped again, clearly irritated.

Without hesitation, Kathleen pulled down her sweater, grabbed her coat, and left.

It wasn't until she stepped out of the club that she finally let out a long breath. Even without a coat, she didn't feel cold. Her heart was racing.

It had been risky and intense, but she'd made it out unscathed. It could be considered a narrow escape.

…

The next day, she invited Chelsey out for a feast.

"You've got guts," Chelsey commented, genuinely impressed.

Kathleen hooked arms with her. "Fortune favors the bold."

Chelsey had to hand it to her.

"Aren't you afraid he'll actually go through with it?"

"With that face, body, and family background, it's easy to be drawn to him."

"What?" Chelsey frowned.

"Actually, having a kid with him wouldn't be a bad idea." Kathleen added, "Our baby would definitely be gorgeous."

Chelsey was speechless.

Kathleen just grinned while Chelsey warned her not to push her luck. If he brought up divorce again, she should just go along with it.

Being abused in a marriage was considered domestic violence. The law never really came down hard enough on the abuser in cases like that.

"Alright," Kathleen replied, understanding Chelsey's concern.

…

After their meal, Chelsey looked a lot calmer.

They wandered around the mall, laughing and chatting. Suddenly, Kathleen stopped in her tracks.

Chelsey frowned, too. "It's that jerk."

Kathleen didn't want to see Ryan again. It wasn't out of lingering emotions, but from sheer physical disgust.

"Let's go," she said, tugging Chelsey in the opposite direction.

Chelsey frowned. "What are you afraid of? I haven't even settled the score with him yet."

She shook off Kathleen's hand and rolled up her sleeves, as if she were ready to fight.

Kathleen grabbed her. "It's not fear. I just don't want to get anywhere near trash."

Chelsey spat in agreement. "Right. Filthy scum."

They turned and walked off.

"Kathleen." Ryan caught up and blocked their way.

Chelsey stepped in front of Kathleen, ready to confront him head-on.

Kathleen pulled her to the side and faced Ryan directly. "What do you want?"

"You've made my life a mess. What do you think I want?"

Ryan had lost all his reputation. If he didn't teach her a lesson, he'd never be able to let it slide. As he spoke, he reached out to grab her. He missed as Kathleen dodged quickly.

Frustrated, he turned rougher as he aimed for her wrist again.

Kathleen slapped him hard across the face. The sound rang out loud and clear. Her palm even stung from the force.

Ryan's face snapped to the side. He stared at her in disbelief, eyes burning with rage.

"Kathleen, how dare you hit me!"

"You should be glad I didn't have a knife." Her eyes were filled with loathing.

"And if you touch me again, I'll come to your house and finish the job."

She'd always been the type to push back harder when provoked. When someone crossed the line, she didn't care what the consequences were.

During their brief relationship, Ryan and Kathleen had barely seen each other. Most of their contact was through calls and messages.

She'd always been gentle and sweet. He thought she was just a pretty, obedient little girl. He never expected her to have such a wild streak.

He couldn't help but think that Kathleen needed some taming.

Chelsey pulled her away as a crowd had started to gather. At times like this, it was always the woman who got gossiped about.

Ryan rubbed his stinging cheek and shouted after her, "Let's see how tough you really are!"

…

Not far away, Shawn had seen the entire thing unfold, including the part where Kathleen slapped Ryan across the face.

Even Colin Howe was surprised by her guts.

"That guy is Ryan Page, a famous, rich playboy. A few days ago, a video of him started making the rounds in their social circle. Looks like it was Mrs. Vance who filmed and leaked it."

Ryan had already gotten the video taken down, but Colin had managed to retrieve a copy. He handed his phone to Shawn.

Shawn watched the video in silence.

Colin pursed his lips and put the phone away. "That guy is a scumbag. After what she did to humiliate him, he'll probably try to get back at her."

"She should always consider the consequences before she acts."

Shawn turned around. "If she gets payback, she brought it on herself."

Colin fell silent. Should he remind Shawn that Kathleen was still his legal wife? He caught up to Shawn. "Mr. Vance, are you still going through with the divorce?"

Just thinking about her fake, pretentious face made Shawn frown. "Yes."

…

Kathleen stayed at Chelsey's place until evening. Chelsey cursed Ryan again, while also worrying that he'd come after Kathleen for revenge.

Kathleen didn't seem to be afraid.

"Why not get your husband to help? You're his wife, after all. He can deal with Ryan."

She still felt a flicker of fear whenever she thought of Shawn. He was seriously dangerous. "Do you really think I dare treat him like a husband?"

"What are you going to do now? Do you want to just move in with me?"

"He wouldn't dare touch me."

Kathleen promised over and over that she'd keep herself safe before Chelsey finally let her leave.

…

The apartment was a modest two-bedroom that Peter had bought her before marrying his new wife. It wasn't big, but it was enough for her.

Kathleen had just showered. She was lying on the couch and scrolling through videos when a string of numbers popped up on the screen.

It was an unfamiliar number. Kathleen waited a while before picking up.

"Who is this?"

"Divorce at the courthouse at 8:00 am tomorrow."

Hearing that voice, she glanced again at the number on the screen.

Her first thought was how he got her number. Then again, it was probably easy for someone like him to find it.

He was so relentless.

Kathleen sat up cross-legged and pulled a wry smile. She spoke in a soft, delicate voice. "I married you because I intended to spend the rest of my life with you. I never planned to get divorced."

"No divorce? So are you just waiting to become a widow?"

Those words made Kathleen uneasy. She had thought about that at first, but hearing it from him felt completely different.

"Don't say that. Medicine is advanced these days. Everything is treatable. As long as you stay positive and corporate, you'll certainly be fine."

She really thought that way. No one could hear those words without feeling uneasy.

Shawn stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, picturing the indifferent look. "If you don't want things to get ugly, you'd better be sensible," he warned.

Kathleen could tell that he didn't accept this marriage.

Neither one of them was a fool. Whether she was being genuine or not, he could tell.

"I can't agree to this unless you talk to your parents. If they're okay with it, then I'll go along with it."

There was some impulse in their marriage, but honestly, marrying anyone probably led to the same outcome. At least things would be simpler with him.

Shawn's eyes narrowed slightly. Kathleen was indeed smart.

His parents were thrilled about the marriage. There was no way they'd agree with it. Her scheming made him despise her even more.

"Do you think it's that easy to go against me?"

His low voice was full of displeasure. Kathleen still felt a flicker of fear.

"It's late. Your health isn't good. Get some rest. We'll talk once you have thought it through or convinced your parents. Goodnight."

She didn't give him a chance to reply and ended the call immediately. Putting down her phone, Kathleen let out a long breath. Staring at the number, she still saved it under "Shawn Vance".

Setting down her phone, Shawn's pale, handsome face surfaced in her mind. He must be furious right now.

In any case, she would just keep her distance. It was better to see him as little as possible.

However, the next day, Judy sent someone to bring Kathleen back to the Vance residence.

Chapter 4

It had only been a few days since Kathleen last visited the Vance residence. Yet, the moment she stepped out of the car, the maids greeted her respectfully.

"Mrs. Vance."

That title made her heart skip a beat. She steadied herself and walked into the house, trying to act natural.

Inside the spacious living room, Shawn was seated next to Judy. Judy looked at him with a tender, doting expression, tinged with concern.

Kathleen couldn't help but envy that kind of mother-son relationship. Warm moments like this were blurry in her own memory.

"Come sit with us, Kat," Judy said gently, motioning her over.

Hearing her voice, Kathleen almost thought it was her own mother calling her with a smile.

She pushed down the wave of sadness in her chest and walked over. Judy signaled for her to sit next to Shawn.

Kathleen knew just how much Shawn didn't want her there, but with Judy watching, she smiled and obediently sat beside him.

Judy turned to look at the two of them, beaming. "You're such a beautiful couple. It's truly a perfect match."

Shawn's expression was icy, while Kathleen offered a shy smile.

"Shawn, Kat is a good girl. She's your wife now. You should treat her well."

He showed no reaction.

Judy then turned to Kathleen before standing up and extending her hand.

Kathleen followed suit and took Judy's proffered hand.

Linking arms with her affectionately, Judy chatted as they headed upstairs.

Once the door was closed, she gently let go and spoke in a soft but distant tone. "You and Shawn aren't living together?"

Kathleen shook her head.

"That won't do." Judy frowned. "How can you build a relationship if you don't even live together?"

But Kathleen knew that wasn't really what she meant. Judy didn't care whether they bonded or not—she just wanted them under the same roof so they could have a baby.

They were rushing to find him a wife just to ensure that the family line continued.

Kathleen knew perfectly well what was going on, but she still explained gently, "We got married without him even knowing. Of course, he hasn't accepted me yet. If I move in with him now, it'll only make him hate me more."

She spoke sweetly, coaxing her. "Don't worry, I'll do my best. Since I've married him, I want to build a real life together. I would love to have children with him to make this family whole."

Her attitude was good, and it seemed to please Judy.

She lightly patted Kathleen on the shoulder. "You're a sensible girl. As long as you give the Vance family an heir, we won't treat you poorly."

Kathleen smiled obediently.

"You'll both stay here tonight," Judy added, leaving no room for discussion.

Kathleen's smile froze slightly.

Judy just kept smiling, as if she hadn't noticed her awkwardness. "Opportunities don't just fall into your lap. You have to create them."

Kathleen forced a smile, barely lifting the corners of her lips, but soon, she felt a little more at ease. There was no way Shawn would go along with something like this.

…

After dinner, she waited for him to leave. To her surprise, he stood up and headed upstairs. Her brows furrowed slightly.

A moment later, a maid brought out some fruit.

Judy smiled and handed the plate to Kathleen. "Take it upstairs and share it with Shawn."

Kathleen accepted it and replied sweetly, "Okay."

She took a deep breath as she headed up the stairs.

Stopping in front of the door, she raised her hand and knocked. The door opened to reveal his pale, expressionless face, his eyes indifferent.

"Darling," she said coquettishly.

Shawn's expression darkened even more.

Kathleen lifted the fruit plate and tilted her head with a playful smile. Her eyes sparkled, sweet and charming. "Have some fruit."

Shawn noticed a shadow at the stairwell. He stepped aside to let her in.

As soon as the door closed, he shoved her against the wall. The washed cherries were scattered across the floor.

Kathleen's back slammed against the wall. Even though she was wearing a sweater, it still hurt. She looked up into his eyes. They were cold, dark, and bottomless, radiating danger.

His hand closed around her throat, with no concern for how much pressure she could take. "What are you after, going to all this trouble?"

Kathleen realized she'd been too quick to say he wasn't a psychopath. Her throat burned. She struggled for air and slapped at his shoulder.

Shawn finally let go when he saw her eyes turn red and wet, looking genuinely pitiful.

She coughed hard for a moment before finally catching her breath. She passed the fruit plate to him again.

Shawn frowned. She looked like a fool, still offering him fruit after that.

"Your mom said you should eat more fruit. It's good for your health," Kathleen explained between unsteady breaths.

He took the plate from her.

Kathleen slid down the wall, hand pressed to her chest. Her heart was pounding so hard she could feel it in her palm. She had almost died earlier.

Shawn didn't think he'd been particularly rough, but seeing her like this made him wonder if he'd gone too far.

"What could I possibly do to you?" she asked helplessly, tinged with bitterness. "If you think I'm after something, you can draw up an agreement. I won't lay a finger on anything that's yours."

Shawn looked down at her. Looking unexpectedly pitiful, she tilted her chin up slightly, eyes misty. This time, she seemed pretty sincere.

"I will," he replied bluntly. None of what I have has anything to do with you."

"Then, is it okay if I admire you?" Kathleen gazed up at him. Her soft, teary eyes were filled with longing and careful hope.

Shawn suddenly found it amusing. She married a stranger after she'd just broken up with Ryan. Now, she was asking the questions as if she were deeply in love with him.

He crouched down to meet her gaze. "How many faces do you have?"

Kathleen was speechless.

"By falling for a man on his deathbed, are you planning to die with me when I go?" His words were laced with venom.

Seeing her dazed expression, he sneered. "You don't want a divorce? Fine. I'll play along. Whatever your final goal is, to me, you're nothing more than a name. That's all."

Even though he still looked pale and unwell, the sheer force of his presence at such close range left Kathleen flustered and breathless.

Shawn rose to his feet and looked down at her with disdain. "Don't mention your identity to anyone. You have nothing to do with the Vance family."

Kathleen drew a quiet breath but said nothing. She took his words as her answer.

She never planned on telling anyone anyway. This marriage wasn't going to last.

"You'll have to put up with me tonight." She looked up at him, her eyes misty as she blinked. "Judy wants us to stay together."

Shawn turned away. "Sleep wherever you want. Just not on the bed."

Kathleen fell silent.

Chapter 5

Shawn walked into the bathroom without sparing Kathleen a second glance.

In the quiet room, Kathleen reached up and touched her throat. For a moment back there, she really thought he was going to strangle her.

He didn't have to say a word—she'd stay far away from him alone.

She moved into a shadowy corner of the room, letting out a silent sigh. The path to becoming a rich woman was tough.

When Shawn came out of the bathroom, he glanced toward the doorway and found her original spot empty. Assuming she'd left, he took a few steps before spotting her hiding in the darkness.

Kathleen was sitting on the floor, messaging Chelsey.

Chelsey knew she was spending the night under the same roof as Shawn and couldn't help worrying about her.

Snapping a photo of the floor, Kathleen sent it to Chelsey. "Don't worry. My desire to touch him is stronger than his."

Just after she sent it, she heard a faint noise.

She looked up and saw Shawn in gray pajamas. The collar was slightly opened, revealing his fair-skinned neck that would make women envious. His Adam's apple moved in an almost sexy way.

His damp hair and languid expression gave him an air of effortless nobility. He was truly handsome and captivating.

His features were striking. There wasn't even a single flaw to find. Just looking at him felt like a win, let alone becoming his wife.

"You should rest earlier," Kathleen said politely, remembering his poor health.

Shawn walked straight to bed without even looking at her. He pulled up the covers and switched off the light.

Kathleen fell silent.

In the huge bedroom, she felt like a stray cat in someone else's home. The original resident didn't like her, so she had to hide in the shadows and make herself as small as possible.

Suddenly, she lost the urge to share anything with Chelsey.

From Shawn's perspective, he hadn't done anything wrong. If she were in his shoes, she probably would've called the police.

She leaned against the wall. The room was heated, so at least it wasn't cold.

She put down her phone.

She was now staying in a stranger's house. It felt strange to share a room with someone she barely knew, but who happened to be her husband.

The past few days felt like a dream—a mix of bitter and absurd.

She sighed quietly and closed her eyes.

An old saying popped into her head, "You've made your bed, now lie in it."

…

Kathleen woke up from the cold. She wasn't carried to bed, and there was no blanket draped over her. None of that warmth existed here.

Shawn was indeed heartless.

He had already washed up and dressed, standing nearby.

"There's a change of clothes in the bathroom. Clean yourself up. Don't give people the impression I abused you."

Kathleen rubbed her nose and couldn't hold back a sneeze.

Did he really care what others thought?

She steadied herself against the wall. Sitting for so long had made her legs numb, her waist sore, and her neck stiff.

Shawn watched coldly as she struggled toward the bathroom. For once, he felt a strange emotion. Maybe he just didn't expect her to have spent the night on the floor.

She kept her distance even after marrying him—at least she knew her place.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

Glancing at the screen, he looked toward the bathroom and answered.

"Shawn, I fell." On the other end, Kathleen's choked voice came through.

His brow furrowed. She began to cause trouble just when he thought she knew her place.

"If you fall, just get up."

Tears welled in Kathleen's eyes. When she heard that cold reply, they spilled over.

If she could get up, would she have called him?

"I can't move." She sniffled, her voice thick with pain.

She'd been standing on one leg while pulling off her pants when something in her leg gave out. Her leg went weak, and she fell.

Luckily, she managed to drag her phone with her. Otherwise, she would've been screaming herself hoarse by now.

His cold words made her suddenly feel wronged, but she couldn't really blame him.

Shawn said nothing on the other end of the line, but Kathleen could already guess what he was thinking—that she had it coming.

"Shawn…" she called out again.

She heard a faint click, and the call ended.

Just when she felt hopeless, the bathroom door opened.

Shawn's expression was dark as he looked at Kathleen lying on the floor.

She was wearing only a black bra on top, exposing a large patch of fair skin. One leg was still tangled in her jeans, the other bare.

It was the most awkward and undignified position he'd ever seen.

Kathleen knew she must've looked terrible. She hadn't meant for things to end up like this. Being stared at like that made her flush with shame.

"I really can't get up." She tried to push herself up to prove she wasn't lying. However, the moment she moved, the pain made her tear up again.

Shawn's gaze darkened. He bent down and lifted her into his arms.

The moment his hands touched her bare skin, his throat tightened as he suppressed the strange feeling in his chest.

Keeping his eyes strictly forward, he carried her out of the bathroom and placed her on the bed.

Kathleen didn't care that it was his bed anymore. She yanked the blanket over herself, mumbling, "Thank you."

She'd never been this embarrassed.

She could have fallen down anywhere else, but not in his bathroom. She had even taken off her clothes. The only consolation was that she hadn't taken everything off.

Biting her lip, she was too ashamed to say anything.

Shawn took out his phone and made a call. "Come over to the Vance residence… Not me… Alright."

After hanging up, he glanced at Kathleen, curled up under his blanket.

The thought of her being half-naked in his bed made him frown. She really knew how to stir up trouble—a real pain in the neck.

…

After a moment of silence, Kathleen guessed he'd probably called a doctor. She slowly tugged the blanket down and asked in a muffled voice, "Can you get me some clothes?"

Shawn stood still.

"If someone sees me like this…" She bit her lip and continued, "I am your wife, at least on paper. And I'm lying in your bed…"

"Shut up."

He turned and went to the bathroom. When he came out, he tossed a set of women's loungewear onto the bed.

Kathleen had seen the bathroom's large walk-in closet before. It was fully stocked with toiletries, lingerie, and comfortable loungewear. They were all thoughtfully prepared.

She took the clothes and began to change, but she struggled with the pants.

Her back ached, and her leg wouldn't lift. She looked to Shawn for help as she couldn't pull up her pants.

He read her silent plea, his expression dark like a summer thunderstorm.

"Please help me."

She wasn't doing this on purpose. She really couldn't move. This was the first time she ever needed help with something like this, too.

"Or you could call Judy."

In the end, Shawn walked over to the bed. Without much gentleness, he yanked the blanket aside, leaving her completely exposed.

Chapter 6

Kathleen still felt a flush of embarrassment. Her breath was unsteady, her body rising and falling with each breath.

Her stomach was flat and toned, the black underwear standing out sharply against her fair skin. Her slender legs stretched across the gray sheets, creating a striking contrast that caught the eye.

She had a great figure, which Shawn had noticed before.

However, it was now displayed more clearly. The softness he had felt while holding her earlier still warmed his fingertips.

Shawn swallowed quietly and bent down to tug off the other pant leg. He slipped her loose-fitting pants on and pulled them up to her waist.

His fingertips brushed her skin. The area he touched tensed up slightly and trembled.

His eyes swept across her face. Her complexion was fair with a hint of blush, and she seemed a little uneasy.

He pulled the blanket back over her. As he turned to leave, someone knocked at the door.

"Come in." His private doctor walked in, glancing at Shawn first.

"She had a fall. See if it's serious." Shawn instructed with a glance.

The doctor gave Kathleen a quick check, pressing on a few spots. He confirmed it was just a strained muscle and advised some stretching.

Noticing her uneven breathing, the doctor said, "You have a bit of a cold."

"Yes," Kathleen replied.

"Are you trying to conceive?" the doctor asked.

Judy, who had followed the doctor in, raised an eyebrow at that. She clearly cared about the answer.

Before Shawn could say anything, Kathleen nodded and replied, "Yes."

The doctor glanced again at Shawn, clearly surprised.

Shawn's gaze fixed on Kathleen, heavy with a silent warning.

Kathleen lowered her eyes. She clearly said that for Judy's sake.

After writing up a prescription, the doctor and Judy headed downstairs, leaving only Shawn and Kathleen in the room.

Because of what she'd said, Kathleen felt a bit awkward around him.

For once, Shawn didn't press her about it. He just stepped into the study next door.

…

A while later, Colin knocked on the door.

"Mr. Vance, I've brought what you asked for." He handed Shawn a file. "It's the agreement, drafted as you instructed."

Shawn took a quick look. Then, he walked into the bedroom and handed it to Kathleen. "This is the terms of our agreement. Sign it if you really want this marriage."

Kathleen hadn't expected him to be so quick.

She flipped through the pages. When she saw the last clause, she asked, "If—and I'm just saying if—you end up falling for me, does the agreement still count?"

"There's no such possibility," Shawn replied immediately.

She hadn't expected a different answer anyway. This agreement was just to make him feel better. It didn't change anything for her.

"Nothing in life is absolute," she replied quietly.

Shawn gave her a sharp look that spoke volumes—none of it friendly.

Kathleen understood perfectly. She picked up the pen and signed her name. Then, she snapped a photo of the document on her phone before handing it back.

Her decisiveness caught Shawn's attention. Sometimes, she did know her place.

"From now on, find your own excuses to turn down trips to the Vance residence."

…

"What does the agreement say?" Chelsey asked curiously.

Kathleen sat cross-legged on the couch. She wrapped herself in a blanket while blowing her nose. "A lot, but a few key points stood out. First, no physical contact is allowed."

Chelsey laughed. "He thinks you're some kind of pervert."

Kathleen sniffled. "Well, with that face and body, he does make me want to be one."

"...What else?"

"Second, if we run into each other in public, we pretend we don't know each other."

"He really doesn't want to be married to you."

"Third, I'm not allowed to talk about our relationship with anyone. And the most important clause is I can't fall in love with him."

Chelsey sighed. "Is it you he can't stand, or just marriage in general?"

Kathleen shrugged. "Both, probably. But mostly it's me."

"He's guarding against you in every way. What do you even get out of this? It doesn't benefit you at all."

Kathleen's phone buzzed with a new message. She clicked on it and raised an eyebrow.

"No benefit? I don't have to deal with in-laws or take care of a husband, and I get a six-figure monthly allowance. What's not to like?"

"Are you serious? What if he dies and people gossip about you?"

"Everyone dies eventually. It's just a matter of when. Besides, it's not like I plan to get married again," Kathleen said coolly.

Chelsey frowned. "I think you just don't believe in love anymore. That's why you're so casual about this."

"Don't make this about love again," Kathleen corrected her. "And I'm not casual. You haven't seen how hot he is. He doesn't look sick at all. Who knows, he might not even die. If that happens, I win."

Chelsey couldn't smile. She felt Kathleen wasn't marrying for money or by choice. It felt more like self-destruction.

Kathleen's phone rang again. She frowned at the caller ID but still picked up with a cheerful tone and a warm attitude.

…

After the call, she snorted lightly. "Time for this 'married' status to come in handy."

"How?" Chelsey looked puzzled.

"To keep away admirers."

Kathleen had applied to be transferred to Neviton City because of Ryan. What she hadn't expected was that Troy Pollard had also done the same. He was a higher-up's son and had a crush on her.

Tonight, he'd even organized a team dinner for everyone in the department.

Kathleen hadn't officially reported to work yet. But since they often met at exhibitions, everyone knew her. It wouldn't look good to skip the dinner.

On the way there, Chelsey suddenly thought of something. "What happens if you break the agreement?"

…

Shawn had indeed included a punishment for the most important clause. If she broke it, she would have to squat in the middle of the city and bark like a dog.

It was hard to imagine someone like him coming up with such an undignified punishment. That alone showed how much he disliked her.

It was childish, for sure. But it worked on both of them, mostly for keeping her in line.

Kathleen got out of the car, pulled her coat tighter, and walked into the restaurant.

The private room was open, filled with laughter.

Someone at the door spotted her and called out, "Kathleen, there you are! We've been waiting for you!"

Kathleen greeted them with a warm smile. "Sorry, I'm late. I was napping off a cold and overslept."

"Are you alright?" Troy asked, looking concerned.

She nodded. "It's just a mild cold, nothing serious."

They were all familiar faces—people she'd worked with or met through events. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.

Word had spread from the main office that Troy liked her, making tonight's undertone obvious.

Someone thoughtfully left the seat next to him empty. Kathleen sat down and joined the conversation.

They were all seasoned workers, with endless things to talk about. The room stayed lively, and there was never a dull moment.

…

After dinner, Troy stepped out for a moment while everyone was still talking. When he returned, he was holding a bouquet of champagne-colored roses.

Everyone bit back smiles and shot knowing glances at Kathleen.

She wasn't stupid. She knew what this was.

With so many people watching, it would be awkward to reject Troy outright—especially when they'd be working together.

The door was left open, and passersby stopped to peek. Who could resist some drama?

"Kathleen, I heard you're single again. Will you give me a chance to love you?" Troy stood in front of her, boldly declaring his feelings.

The room erupted in cheers, but no one pressured her to accept.

Kathleen rose, facing his pursuit with complete honesty. "Sorry, but I'm not single. I'm already married."

Chapter 7

Everyone's smile faded. Surprise flickered across their faces.

Troy was stunned for a moment.

He deliberately glanced at her bare, ringless fingers. With a chuckle, he commented, "You've really thought of everything just to turn me down."

Kathleen knew no one believed her. It wasn't like she could drag Shawn out here just to prove it. "I wasn't making things up to reject you," she said with a sigh.

"Then, why not introduce us to your husband?" Troy's smile remained warm.

Kathleen bit her lip as she explained, "He is busy…"

Troy cut her off. "Kathleen, I followed you all the way from Bexley to Neviton. I really like you."

He didn't care how others were looking at him. His expression was sincere and earnest.

"If you're really married, then I wish you all the best. If you're lying just to reject me, though, there's no need for that. I'm only asking for a chance." He stepped closer. "I genuinely like you. I want to be with you."

The people nearby were visibly moved. They couldn't understand why Kathleen would reject Troy—someone who was a good catch in every sense.

Someone finally spoke up. "Come on, just give him a chance."

Everyone there had accepted his dinner invitation, and they all knew the purpose of this little gathering. So, they all began urging Kathleen to give it a shot.

Right then, her phone rang. She looked down at the caller ID, and her eyes visibly lit up.

"Darling…" Her coquettish voice made Troy's expression shift. The others exchanged startled looks.

Kathleen let out a quiet breath. She didn't care how much Shawn hated being called that. He had just called at the right time.

"We just wrapped up here. Are you done with work?"

She heard nothing from the other end but kept going, "I'm at Moonlight Restaurant. It's fine. I'll wait for you."

She hadn't expected Shawn to actually show up, and she even forgot to ask why he called. Perhaps he just dialled the wrong number.

After hanging up, Kathleen gave a helpless little smile. "That was my husband just now."

"You're really married?" some asked.

"I am," she replied firmly.

Troy's expression darkened.

Seizing the moment, someone teased, "You didn't even tell us about something this huge! If we hadn't asked, we'd never have known you were married. You've kept it well hidden. Now that we've got the chance, at least let us meet the lucky guy who married you."

The others echoed his words.

Kathleen knew they just wanted to see whether she was lying.

She was starting to feel a little diffident. The marriage was real, but it seemed to be impossible for Shawn to meet them.

What kind of married woman couldn't even bring her husband out in public?

She'd been cornered. With no way out, she forced a smile that was probably more like a grimace.

"Maybe next time. He's still tied up with work. I have no idea how long it'll take."

"It's fine. It's still early anywhere. We'll just hang out and wait with you," Troy pressed.

Kathleen gave a dry laugh.

With so many people around, she couldn't exactly ask Chelsey to find some guy to pretend to be her husband.

"It's raining," someone commented casually.

Kathleen glanced out the window. Rain streaked down the glass, blurring the city lights like a watercolor.

Perfect. Now they had an excuse to stick around even longer. The longer they waited, the hotter her face burned.

She was indeed married, and her husband wasn't coming. What was real started to feel fake.

The rain was getting heavier, causing the streets to be nearly empty.

Suddenly, her phone rang again. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the caller. She drew in a breath. "Hello?"

"Are you coming out or not?" Shawn's voice was cold.

Kathleen was stunned. She looked out the window and asked, "You're here?"

"How pathetic."

She bit her lip. No matter how unpleasant his tone was, he had at least saved her from the awkward mess. Ending the call, she said to the others, "My husband's here. I'm going to head out."

"We'll walk you out."

Kathleen smiled faintly.

She couldn't figure it out. Since Shawn hated their relationship being exposed, why would he suddenly be so kind and show up now?

Still puzzled, she stepped out of the restaurant. Outside, the pavement was wet and gleaming.

A black Maybach pulled up with its hazard lights flashing.

Kathleen wasn't sure if it was his. She was about to call when the driver's door opened.

Colin stepped out with an umbrella and walked toward her.

"Mrs. Vance."

His words made everyone freeze, but Kathleen felt a wave of awkwardness.

"Mr. Vance is waiting in the car."

"Okay." She turned to her colleagues, who all wore various expressions. "I'll go now. Let's meet again sometime."

Colin raised the umbrella over her head and walked her to the car.

…

When the back door opened, she saw Shawn sitting inside, eyes closed. He was completely uninterested in the scene outside.

Colin closed the door after she climbed in. Then, he folded the umbrella, got back in, and drove off.

Everyone outside stood there, watching the car disappear into traffic.

Someone muttered, "Kathleen really married well."

"Why didn't her husband show his face? Who is he?"

"Just look at the driver. Her husband must be someone important. Maybe he doesn't want to be seen."

"Or maybe he doesn't love her. I mean, who keeps a whole marriage secret? Even now, he shows up but stays hidden. That's not what love looks like."

Kathleen could guess what they were saying, but she didn't care.

She was just wondering why Shawn had bothered to come at all. He'd saved her, although he didn't even get out of the car.

"Thank you."

Shawn slowly opened his eyes. "He's courting you?"

Caught off guard, Kathleen turned to look at him.

Troy hadn't brought the flowers when they left the restaurant. They hadn't even walked out together. How did he know?

A sudden thought struck her. Her eyes widened. "Did you see us?"

That was why he had called. That call was intentional.

Her eyes sparkled, but Shawn clearly had no intention of answering.

"Yeah, he's courting me," Kathleen admitted honestly.

"Then, why not marry him?"

She pursed her lips. "I don't want to marry someone I don't love."

Shawn's gaze darkened slightly. "What a coincidence."

Kathleen was confused. "What do you mean?"

"I don't want to marry someone I don't like either."

She fell silent, staring straight ahead. The conversation ended abruptly.

He was probably thinking of the woman who'd left him and gone abroad.

Honestly, Shawn had it rough. His days were numbered, and the woman he loved left just like that. In the end, he ended up marrying some random woman under pressure from his family.

Kathleen could understand how he felt.

"Stop the car."

Colin pulled over, waiting for instructions.

Shawn said coldly, "Get out."

He tilted his head slightly, clearly talking to Kathleen.

She pressed her lips together. It made sense, although it was quite unexpected. He had already been kind enough to help her out. There was no need for him to send her all the way home.

Kathleen wasn't upset. She just opened the door and got out.

The rain was still fine and dense. Within moments, her clothes were speckled with water.

She closed the door and stood there by the road.

The car started to pull away before stopping again. Collin stepped out and passed her an umbrella. "The rain's heavy. Take this."

"Thanks," Kathleen responded, accepting it without hesitation. Colin got back in and drove off.

She watched as the car disappeared into the traffic.

…

In the car, Colin glanced at the rearview mirror. "You went out of your way to help her. Then, why did you drop her off halfway?"

"I just don't like her."

Shawn looked out at the rain-slick street. The water shimmered like glass.

Colin said nothing more.

Not liking someone—sometimes, that was all it took.