A few days later, Desmond walked in clutching a massive bouquet of roses. He shoved them toward me. "Want to be my girlfriend?"

Back then, I was so intoxicated by the idea of being loved that I didn’t see the rot underneath.

From dating to walking down the aisle, it only took us six months.

On our wedding night, I rested my head against his chest, blissfully content.

Then, he leaned into my ear and said, clear and cold: "My task is finished."

I chuckled, looking up at him, confused. "What?"

He stared back, his expression deadly serious. "You’d never been in a relationship. I’ve effectively taught you the ropes so you won't get taken advantage of when you’re with someone else."

"My parents kept me until I was twenty-five; it was time I paid them back."

"They wouldn't have agreed to let me be with Vienna if I didn't marry you."

"So, this is a sham. To our parents, we’re a married couple. The rest of the time? You’re you, and I’m me."

My mind went completely blank. I just stared at him, hollowed out.

Desmond stood up, looming over me with an air of clinical detachment. "So, Serenity, tell me—why would you ever want to be in love with someone like me?"

God, he was right. Why did I?

I hated myself for it.

It wasn't until much later that I realized his parents had leveraged his inheritance—the keys to the family empire—to force him into this marriage.

My phone screen lit up with a notification: "Your market analysis report was brilliant; the board is thrilled. We're launching the Southside branch next quarter and are currently building the core team. Interested?"

I fired back a reply instantly: "Yes. Thank you. I’m ready whenever you need me."

The bedroom door creaked open.

Desmond gave a dry, humorless laugh. "Drop the act. I know you're not asleep."

"You never sleep on an empty stomach."

I buried my face into the duvet and mumbled, "I’m not hungry. It’s too late. It’ll just sit like lead."

"I can boil some hawthorn tea for your digestion."

"Don't bother. I’m going to sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow to pick up Seven."

Desmond stiffened, his voice dropping an octave. "You only sent her away yesterday. You’re already missing the cat?"

"Yes."