Chapter 2 The contract marriage with Everett was straightforward. I needed tuition for graduate school, and through the introduction of a mysterious online contact, I somehow ended up as Everett's wife. On the wedding day, there was no ceremony, no celebration-just a contract. He needed a formal marriage to fend off family pressure for three years, with the requirement to keep our marriage a secret from everyone. Occasionally, I'd accompany him to The Vance Family Manor to appease his elders. We had no marital obligations, no responsibilities toward each other, and I was even free to see other people, as long as it never caused a scandal in front of his family. Every month, I received a salary of thirty thousand dollars. When the contract expired, there was a thirty-million-dollar severance package waiting. At that time, Isabella was abroad. I had no idea she existed. So I had no reason to refuse the arrangement. After we married, Everett kept me by his side and taught me many things. I played the part of the perfect Mrs. Vance-accompanying him to banquets, selecting his dress uniforms, and dealing with difficult politicians. Once, a department director got handsy with me. Everett, who always kept his composure, didn't hesitate to kick the man squarely in the knee. Then, holding a wine bottle, he pressed it into my palm, wrapped his arm around me from behind, and whispered, "Do you know what I'm going to teach you today?" Surrounded by the cool, woody scent of his office, I forced a composed voice. "You want to teach me how to resist at the right time, how to control the initiative by knowing when to advance and retreat." He suddenly lifted my hand high, interrupting me. "Come on, this isn't an exam question, don't be so serious." With a muffled thud, the bottle struck the man's head. My palm went numb from the impact. Everett wiped the sweat off my hand with a handkerchief. "Don't forget from now on-I am your backing. Don't let yourself be bullied by anyone again." Chapter 2 20.00% I quickly pulled my hand back, muttering a perfunctory "Got it," and ran off. If I'd stayed any longer, my feelings might have shown. Maybe it was my first time truly caring for someone, or perhaps it was Everett's occasional indulgence that made me forget my place. After marriage, I moved into the villa he bought. Every day, I eagerly awaited his return from work. We'd eat together, talk, and sometimes he even watched movies or went for walks with me. Until one day, he was brought home heavily drunk after a celebration banquet by a female subordinate, his arm draped over her shoulder, standing far too close. "Step aside, Mrs. Vance. I need to get the Mr. Vance inside," she said, her tone tinged with disdain. I didn't move. I reached out to her. "I can handle my husband myself." Just as I was about to close the door, the secretary laughed. "Being Mr. Vance's wife should make you generous." "Jealousy like this... you can't get rid of all the women, and you'll just make yourself miserable." expected Everett, still conscious, to hear the exchange. And apparently, he also noticed my reaction. hen I brought him a bowl of the herbal detox tea I had prepared. He was slumped on the sofa, eyes clear as he stared at me. "You just woke up. Drink a little. It won't feel as bad." Instead, he asked suddenly, "Do you know why I never let you into my ut my attention was immediately diverted. I shook my head. and, leading me toward the study, refusing my attempt to help him. open the door, a large painting filled the room. It depicted a girl of about sixteen or seventeen standing in a flower field, her head bowed and eyes closed as she gently inhaled the scent of the blossoms, only half her face visible. Later, when I first met Isabella, I didn't immediately recognize her. Everett leaned against the doorframe, lighting a cigarette. "I've liked her since I was seventeen. Ten whole years." "If we hadn't argued back then, if she hadn't left in anger, the only person who would have married me Chapter 2 20.00% now... would be her." His tone was casual, but every word struck me like a hammer. Before I could react, he continued bluntly. "I can't give you the response you want, Serena. Best not to have thoughts that don't belong to you." Then, in a negotiator's tone, he added, "I'll draft a supplementary agreement. If you fail to manage your emotions and overstep by interfering in my affairs, it will constitute a breach." "You will not only forfeit all compensation but also be liable for damages." The study was dark; light from the hallway reflected off the floor. I stood frozen, staring at my own shadow, suddenly remembering something I had heard when I first entered The Vance Family Manor. Everett once said about greedy people, "They test the boundaries. The way they squirm just makes you sick." That day, I became the one who disgusted him. I didn't even notice when he left. I stood there until dawn, finally feeling the heaviness in my chest lift. From that moment on, I kept a tight rein on myself-never allowing a hint of inappropriate feeling to show. Calm, polite, respectful-this became my only attitude toward him. Over time, it almost felt like I didn't like him at all. Chapter 2 20.00%