I had an arranged marriage with Lucas Gray. I couldn’t forget my childhood friend, and he had an unresolved love for his childhood sweetheart. The kicker? Those two were actually a couple. Originally, we agreed to secretly sabotage their relationship and then divorce once we succeeded. But when I saw them kissing, Lucas forcefully kissed me. He said, “Your childhood friend kissed my sweetheart. I can’t let myself be at a disadvantage.” I believed him. Until later when I got pregnant. I cried! He said, “It’s legal, and you made the first move.” 0 On the day Lucas and I got our marriage certificate, the wedding photographer tried multiple times before sighing in frustration. “Are you two really here to get married?” “Sir, you look like you have a grudge against this lady.” I chuckled. “You’re right, he does kind of hate me right now.” That’s because the person he wanted to marry wasn’t me, but his childhood sweetheart Bella Johnson. I was actually quite satisfied with him though. Even though the person I wanted to marry wasn’t him either, but my childhood friend Zack Carter. But what could we do? My unattainable childhood love and his unresolved sweetheart were passionately in love with each other. After discovering their relationship, I tried every way I could to break them up. But my efforts were largely ineffective. Then my family received a marriage proposal from the Gray family. I was happy about it. Arranged marriages, you know – all wealthy heirs understand. It’s just a piece of paper, not about feelings. The key point is that his situation was truly similar to mine. I’d gain a highly intelligent ally. We could break those two up and then divorce later. Plus, I heard from my dad that the Gray family had willingly conceded several big projects to seek this marriage alliance. At least three hundred million dollars in profit per year. No matter how you look at it, I was coming out ahead. Looking at Lucas’s gloomy face beside me, I had to admit his looks were really not bad. Even angry, he was so handsome. I should try to cheer him up a bit. I stood on my tiptoes and hooked my arm around Lucas’s neck, whispering in his ear. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure out our situation in due time.” “Come on, let’s take the photos first.” I grabbed his hand and adjusted our position. He looked at his hand tightly gripped in mine, then at me. His expression changed from gloomy to expressionless. Well, as long as we could get the photos taken, that was fine. After leaving city hall, Lucas drove me home. I was flipping through our two red marriage booklets when I suddenly spoke up. “Husband.” The car suddenly slowed down. Lucas turned his head, his eyes locked on me with complex emotions. I continued. “Sigh, I’ve wanted to call Zack ‘husband’ for so long. I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance in this lifetime.” Before I finished speaking, Lucas let out a heavy breath and suddenly floored the gas pedal. Terrified, I grabbed Lucas’s arm and promised him. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make sure you get to call Bella ‘wife’!” Lucas didn’t respond. His face was tense, and the car sped up even more. I gripped the handle and screamed repeatedly. This was too much, Lucas. Just because he couldn’t marry the girl he liked. Was he trying to drag me down with him? 0
That evening, I moved into Lucas’s house with my belongings. Not much, just one suitcase. I hadn’t planned on staying long anyway. It was just to appease our parents, and to make it more convenient when we discussed plans to break up the other couple. Lucas wasn’t home. I toured the rooms one by one with my suitcase. Finally, I chose a large south-facing suite. “I’ll stay in this room.” The housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, looked troubled. “This is the master’s room.” “It’s so empty it looks unused. What a waste to let him have it. I don’t care, I want this one.” As we were at an impasse, Lucas strode over and pushed me into the room. “Fine, we’re married after all. We’ll share.” “Sharing is fine.” I was certain he would remain chaste for his beloved Bella. I relaxed and flopped onto the bed. Then the mattress dipped beside me. Lucas’s lips curved into a smile as he flipped over, trapping me in a small space. Since he had just returned from the office, he was still in his suit. The silk satin tie hung by my ear. I couldn’t resist, mimicking a move from manga. I reached out and grabbed his tie, twisting my wrist to wrap it around once. The tie shortened, bringing Lucas’s face closer. He was so handsome, with sharp, defined features and captivating phoenix eyes looking down at me. His hot breath burned my cheeks. We remained frozen for a long time. My heart was pounding like a drum. I looked away, no longer daring to meet his gaze directly. “Bella really has no taste, rejecting someone as handsome as you to like Zack instead.” I was the first to back down, releasing his tie and pushing him away. “You’re the same.” Lucas walked to the bathroom door and took off his suit jacket. “I’m not the same. Zack and I grew up together. The timing of when you meet is very important.” “Timing?…” Lucas repeated those two words, chewing them over as he started unbuttoning his shirt. I jumped off the bed and quickly headed for the door. At the doorway, I paused and turned back. “Lucas, you look super hot in a suit. Wear them more often in front of Bella.” Turn, close door, all in one smooth motion. I let out a breath and swallowed hard. I had accidentally caught a glimpse of his chest muscles. They were so… full… 0
That night, I lay in bed texting Lucas. “You there?” He replied instantly. “Mm.” “Let’s discuss our battle plan for breaking up Zack and Bella.” “Fell asleep.” Damn, this Lucas doesn’t seem to care at all. He stopped replying to my messages altogether. For the next few days, whenever I caught him, I’d ask, but he always brushed me off with various excuses. Eventually he just started leaving early and returning late from work, going straight to his room and locking the door as soon as he got home. I stayed up late writing a detailed plan, but he wouldn’t even look at it. He was really slacking off, totally unreliable. Men, if they don’t put in effort, how can they find love? I’d have to rely on myself. Finally, on Saturday, I caught Lucas just as he was leaving his room. “Even CEOs need to rest, right?” “Time to put some effort into your love life.” Lucas looked me up and down for a few seconds, his brows furrowing. I twisted into an S-shape and did a little twirl for him. “Just bought this sexy dress. How do I look?” “Going to seduce Zack with it. Won’t he be head over heels?” Lucas averted his gaze, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he paused for a good while. “No good. You’re flat-chested. That dress just emphasizes your flaws.” ??? You can call me eye candy, but saying I’m flat-chested is not okay! Angry, I walked up to him and put my hands on my hips, sticking out my chest. If I wasn’t half a head shorter than him, I would’ve shoved my chest in his face to open his eyes! “Where am I flat? Where?!” “I’m a B cup! 34B!” “Are! You! Blind!” The sexy dress was a low-cut, tight-fitting spaghetti strap number. I’d even stuffed in two extra pads. I’d definitely squeezed out some cleavage, yet he dared to call me flat! Lucas tilted his head back towards the ceiling, turned around and fled into his room. With a bang, the door was locked. Soon after, the sound of the shower running came from inside. Oh? Taking a shower to smell nice before seeing Bella? What a closet romantic. 0
In the end, I changed into a plain black dress. Lucas was right, we were going to spy on them, so it was better not to stand out too much. But he wore an all-black suit. Looking arrogant like some young mafia boss. We had barely started tailing them when several fangirls came up asking for his SnapChat. So the situation became: Zack and Bella strolling arm in arm. Me hiding and sneaking around behind them. And Lucas lagging behind, smiling and dealing with fangirls. I was fuming. I rushed over, about to start scolding him. But then I heard Lucas’s deep, magnetic voice. “Sorry, I’m married.” Then he looked at me with eyes full of tender affection. Lucas was such a good actor. That one glance was full of the deep love of a man who adored me to the bone. I quickly swallowed my anger and put on a smile, linking my arm with his. Instantly, I received several glares from the fangirls. I curved my lips and raised my chin. Why did I feel a sense of pride, like I was showing off that this handsome man belonged to me? 0
Flirting with those floozies almost made us lose sight of our targets. I pinched Lucas’s arm, gritting my teeth as we hurried to catch up. Zack and Bella went into a movie theater. Lucas and I quickly bought tickets and sat right behind them. The movie was a romantic French art film. I couldn’t focus on it at all, staring at every move the couple in front of us made. They held hands for a bit, then whispered to each other. I anxiously poked at Lucas, telling him to quickly think of something. But he just took my hand in his. “Watch the movie properly. It’s very artistic.” Fine, fine, fine. No wonder no one loves you. Our rivals are right in front of us, about to kiss, and you still have the mind to appreciate art. So infuriating! I tried hard to pull my hand away, but he held it firmly. Just as I was about to turn and scold him, the couple in front had already started kissing. I frantically tugged at the hand he was gripping, as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. I leaned close to Lucas and whispered urgently. “What do we do?! They’re kissing!” “Should we use the soda or the popcorn?!” I was so eager my butt had left the seat. Lucas remained as calm as an outsider, not responding. His eyes were fixed on me as he suddenly pulled hard. I lost my balance and fell into his arms. He cupped my face and lowered his head. In the dim light, I couldn’t see clearly, but his eyes seemed to be sparkling. An ambiguous atmosphere arose spontaneously. The way he looked at me was exactly like how the male lead in the movie gazed at the female lead. I recoiled in shock, trying to dodge backwards. “Hey hey, what are you doing?” Lucas lowered his voice, full of endless temptation. “I can’t let myself be at a disadvantage.” “…” His kiss fell lightly. His lips were surprisingly soft, with a hint of coolness. In the stuffy movie theater, it was like a cool drink, quenching my thirst. My head was in a daze. Lucas only let me go when I was nearly out of breath. I was gasping for air, my face flushed red. The couple in front had disappeared, but Lucas acted like nothing had happened. By the time Lucas helped me into the car, I was in tears. Lucas rarely showed a panicked expression. He hurriedly wiped my tears, asking softly what was wrong. I cried out loud. “Lucas, that was my first kiss!” “I hadn’t even kissed Zack yet, and you took it! You owe me, you owe me!” But Lucas just smiled. The kind of smile that showed all his teeth. “Then I’ll let you kiss me once too, to make it up to you.” He grinned at me mischievously, looking just like a playboy toying with someone’s feelings. I couldn’t stop crying. Lucas took out his suit handkerchief and wiped my tears. He cupped the back of my head, really about to kiss me. I pushed him away forcefully, giving him a solid slap. “Lucas Gray, you’re taking advantage of me!” “Do I look like the kind of woman you can just play around with?!” Not giving him a chance to speak, I rushed out of the car and took a taxi home. 0
I stayed at home for half a month. I turned off my phone completely. Lucas came every day, but I refused to see him. Finally my parents couldn’t stand it anymore. “You newlyweds have been fighting long enough.” “Lucas said earlier that you two got along well. If it’s not some major issue, just forgive him.” What sincerity? What sincerity does he have? Coming to my house after work every day and lingering outside – is that what he calls sincerity? I irritably pressed buttons on the remote, flipping through channels. This stupid TV didn’t have anything I wanted to watch. But from the corner of my eye, I was drawn to something shiny in my mom’s hands. In a black velvet box lay a dazzling piece of jewelry, sparkling brilliantly. I scooted over. “Mom, what’s that?” Getting closer, I saw it was a diamond necklace. Shaped like a phoenix with spread wings, ready to take flight. Even though I’d seen many nature-inspired designs before, I was still struck by its powerful sense of vitality. “This is Lawrence’s new work. Only he could create such a lifelike piece of art.” My mom’s eyes were full of admiration. Her fingertips kept tracing the edge of the box, like she didn’t even dare to touch the necklace itself. I smacked my lips beside her. “His works are so rare, how did you get this, Mom?” My mom glanced at me and sighed, with a regretful look like I was wasting a treasure. She shoved the box into my arms. “Lucas brought it. It’s for you, to apologize.” I couldn’t help but smile, my lips curving upwards. I may not really appreciate art, but what girl doesn’t love sparkling diamonds? Opening the card at the bottom of the box, my expression changed. I suddenly sprang up from the sofa. [Zack and Bella are having dinner at Rose tonight. Change clothes, wear the necklace, and let’s go together.] Rose was a famous romantic restaurant known for proposals. What was Zack planning to do by taking her there?! I quickly picked out an evening gown that best matched the necklace, slipped on some heels, and rushed out the door. Lucas was wearing an all-white suit, hands in his pockets, leaning casually against his Maybach. I seriously suspected he was deliberately posing. Like some cliché Prince Charming. I looked down at my own pure white gown. Fine, then I guess I’m the cliché Snow White. As soon as I got in the car, Lucas took my hand. “What are you doing? Trying to take advantage of me again?” “We’re legally married. How can it be called taking advantage?” “We’ll go in like this. When Zack sees us, he might be shocked and realize the one he truly likes is someone else.” “This is using jealousy to trigger deeper emotions hidden in one’s heart.” As expected of the heir to Gray Corp, his methods were more sophisticated than mine. I gripped his hand back, sliding my slender fingers between his to interlock our hands. “Then let’s make it look more convincing.” His long fingers trembled slightly, then held mine tightly. 0
I was so nervous that I didn’t notice Lucas sitting up straight, his posture slightly stiff. Entering Rose, I thought we’d sit to the side and pretend to run into them by chance. But to my surprise, Lucas led me directly to sit opposite Zack and Bella. What a dramatic confrontation. My palms were sweating nervously, sticking to Lucas’s hand. Bella, with her bright eyes, spoke up first. “Luke, what’s this about?” “My wife, Lily Nelson.” Luke? She was still calling him that even though he’s married? I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and showed off the big diamond on my ring finger. Eat your heart out. Zack’s expression did become a bit unnatural. “Lily, when did you two…?” I linked my arm through Lucas’s, feigning intimacy. “We just got our marriage certificate a month ago.” “It’s a business marriage.” To avoid misunderstanding, I added that last part specifically. “Congratulations. Is that necklace Lawrence’s new work? I tried so hard to get it but couldn’t. I can’t believe Luke got it and gave it to his wife. He really dotes on you.” “Zack, I want one too.” Bella clung to Zack’s arm and pouted. I stared at Zack, my smile growing wider. Zack pressed his lips together without responding, lowering his gaze. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “I have some good news to share too.” Bella held out a gold-embossed invitation. “Zack and I are getting engaged. The engagement party is the day after tomorrow.” “We’d like to invite you two as a couple.” She emphasized the word “couple” heavily. Lucas took the invitation, his expression natural. “We’ll be there.” Engaged? They’re getting engaged? My head suddenly felt like it was exploding, my ears ringing. My stomach felt empty and nauseous. I retched a few times and left the table. As soon as I turned away, tears started falling. I quickened my pace, running out of the restaurant. Behind me, I heard Bella’s surprised exclamation. “Is Lily pregnant?” 0
The night of Zack and Bella’s engagement party, I got drunk at a bar. I ordered eight male models to surround me, with two kneeling to massage my legs. If I couldn’t sleep with the man I liked, I might as well sleep with a hot guy, at least to make myself feel better. I was stroking the chins of the male models one by one, trying to decide who to take home tonight. That’s when Lucas burst into the private room. His face ashen, he fished me out from among the male models. I sprawled on the table, refusing to leave, my eyes still on the models. “Hey hey, what are you doing?” “I haven’t chosen who to take home yet.” Lucas’s expression darkened further. He hoisted me over his shoulder, looking as fierce as if he was kidnapping a bride. “If you want to crash a wedding, go to the engagement party.” “Did you come to the wrong place? Why are you looking for me?” Back home, I was tossed onto the sofa. The more I thought about it, the more wronged I felt. Tears and snot flowed freely. Lucas frowned, his lips pressed into a line as he wiped my face with a silk handkerchief. I clutched Lucas’s shirt hem, not letting him leave. “You owe me my male models. You owe me, you keep me company, waaah.” Actually, looking closely, Lucas was much more handsome than those male models. Great body too, and clean. Most importantly, those lips. So soft. I hooked my arms around his neck, hanging my full weight on him. I breathed into his ear, biting out each word. “Why don’t I just pick you for tonight.” Lucas’s eyes flashed. He looked down at me for two seconds. Then he grabbed the collar at the back of my neck and plucked me off him. “Look carefully. I’m not one of your hired male models.” I grinned at him: “You’re my husband.” Lucas didn’t hear clearly. “What?” As he leaned down, I pounced on him. Lucas held my hands, his breathing unsteady. “Lily, do you know what you’re doing?” He bent down and picked me up in his arms. With a few long strides, he carried me into the bedroom. “Lily, don’t regret this.” My head was so dizzy. Why would I regret it?
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