Chapter 3

After a long while, Phillip finally opened his eyes lazily. "Chloe."

"Yeah?"

"Do you have any idea why I wanted to marry you?"

"Not a clue."

He let out a soft laugh. "Because you're ruthless enough and dumb enough."

I frowned. "Ruthless, sure. But dumb? How am I dumb?"

He sat up straight and leaned in close. A faint trace of expensive cologne lingered in the air between us. "You knew exactly what kind of man I am, and you still dared to marry me. If that's not dumb, then what is?"

I met his gaze. "So what about you?

"You knew I was a woman who'd just been dumped, and you still wanted to marry me.

"People will say you picked up the leftovers Dutton tossed aside. So what's in it for you?"

The amusement in Phillip's eyes deepened. "A little peace. By marrying you, I don't have to deal with all those noble ladies the Queen keeps trying to throw at me.

"You are my perfect excuse."

I got it now.

I understood. This was a transaction. Phillip offered me protection; I played the role of his wife in name only.

"Alright," I nodded. "I agree. But I've got a few conditions."

"Let's hear them," he replied.

"First, my premarital assets remain under my sole control. You cannot touch them. Second, after the wedding, we live separate lives and do not interfere with each other.

"Third, if you ever meet someone you want to marry, you will file for divorce and pay me a generous settlement, so I can walk away and start over."

Phillip listened, then stared at me for a long moment. Suddenly, he burst out laughing.

He laughed so hard he was practically doubled over, tears almost streaming down his face. "Chloe, you really are the most interesting woman I've ever met. Alright, I'll agree to all your terms.

"As long as you behave yourself and play the role of my wife, I promise no one will ever dare bully you again."

The coach came to a stop. The butler's voice called out from outside, "Lord Phillip, we are home."

I followed Phillip out of the coach.

This was the Sherman residence.

But it was nothing like the opulent estate I'd pictured. The grounds were vast and eerily quiet, with an emptiness that felt almost cold.

An elderly butler in plain attire stood at the entrance with several members of the staff. "Welcome home, Lord Phillip. Welcome home, Lady Chloe."

Phillip waved his hand casually. "Frank, take Chloe to Clearlight Court. From now on, she is the lady of this house."

Frank bowed respectfully. "My lady, please follow me."

I followed Frank through the long gallery. Along the way, I barely saw anyone.

A far cry from the gossip about the Shermans throwing wild parties every night.

Clearlight Court was elegant.

In the courtyard, several crimson winter camellias bloomed brilliantly against the snow.

Every item in the room was new. Someone had clearly prepared everything with care.

Frank had hot water and fresh clothing sent up. "Lady Chloe, please refresh yourself. Dinner will be served shortly."

I nodded.

Cathy discreetly pressed a folded bill into Frank's hand.

He demurred briefly, then accepted it.

Frank looked at me hesitantly. Finally, he only said, "Lady Chloe, Lord Phillip is not the villain they make him out to be."

With that, he withdrew.

I bathed and changed into a plain, modest dress.

Dinner was lavish, but I ate alone. Phillip did not show up.

That was fine by me. I was glad for the solitude.

Life after marriage was more peaceful than I expected.

Phillip kept his word and left me alone. We rarely saw each other.

Phillip spent his days who knew where. He returned late each night smelling of whiskey. But he never came to Clearlight Court.

The servants all treated me with respect, and Frank even put me in charge of running the household.

My days were spent reviewing ledgers, tending to the gardens, or taking Cathy out to check on my rental properties.

Those premarital assets were my only security. I had to keep a firm grip on them.

The quiet routine was so comfortable that I nearly forgot the humiliation and torment of the Ludwig family.