Chapter 1

After three years of secret marriage, Claire wasn't the laid-back Mrs Alexander Sutton. She was also the Young Maestro, and the queen of Alexander's heart.

A dating show was filming at Sutton Manor, and Oscar-winning actress Madeline Summers wanted to set Claire up as her Elite Contrast.

Madeline flaunted her 1.67 million dollars diamond ring?

Claire said, "Sorry, but that ring looks like something you'd pick up at a dollar store. I've got a pair of Sutton family heirloom rings. Wearing them is basically like having the Head of the Sutton Family right by your side."

Madeline dropped a million to buy herself a persona?

Claire said, "Three million, donated under Alexander's mother's name, with full financial transparency. Dare to match that?"

Madeline actually tried to show Claire how to play the piano?

Ethan Sutton, the youngest son of the Sutton family, was totally stunned. "She's the Young Maestro! I'm only good enough to clean her piano bench. What makes you think you're even in her league?"

When Claire's cover was blown, everyone online assumed it was a business deal.

But late at night, the famously reserved Head of the Sutton Family dropped to his knees in a corner of the live stream and kissed her fingertips.

He said, "It took me three years to get you to go public with me. My dear wife, will you finally make it official?"

*****

Madeline felt the sharp, cutting gazes all around her, her fingertips digging into her palms. Jealousy and fear twisted inside her.

As the wild second son of the Sutton family, he'd always kept his antics out of Alexander's sight. But this time, for Oscar-winning actress Madeline Summers, he actually pestered Alexander for a whole month.

Ethan said, "Alexander, Sutton Manor has so much history. Filming a live dating show there would totally blow up online. Come on, help your little bro out, alright?"

It wasn't until a week before filming that Alexander finally agreed to let them shoot the dating show, Love in the Manor, at Sutton Manor.

Late at night, Alexander leaned in close, his voice low and carrying a fresh chill from his recent shower. "It's a few episodes for the show. If you're not comfortable with the cameras, we can move out for a few days."

I sank into the soft silk and down pillows, lazily rolling over. My long black hair spilled across my back, highlighting the porcelain whiteness of my skin.

"Too lazy to move," I mumbled, eyes still closed, drawling out the last syllable. "I'm used to this place. Moving is too much trouble."

I'd been married to Alexander for three years, playing the laid-back First Lady in this rule-bound manor. I had no intention of leaving.

On the day the show started filming, sunlight poured through the ornate windows, lighting up the hallway.

I opened my sleepy eyes, didn't even bother with my brows. Alexander had already warned the crew. There's no cameras in my private space, so I walked downstairs like I owned the place.

The living room downstairs was already crowded. Fill lights, jib cameras, and a bunch of Sutton family servants stood around, looking nervous.

Madeline sat right in the middle, a cloud of perfume swirling around her, carrying herself with the air of the lady of the Suttons. Ethan was beside her, doting on her as he peeled an orange.

Madeline caught sight of me coming downstairs. A hint of a smile played at her lips as she called out to Nanny Martha Baker, "Martha, make sure Claire gets her breakfast too. We wouldn't want her to feel left out."

Martha looked uncertain. Everyone in the Sutton household knew I had a reputation for being hard to please. Unless I gave the nod, nobody else could tell the staff what to do.

I rubbed my wrist, let out a lazy yawn, and nodded slightly. Only then did Martha breathe a sigh of relief and hurry off to the kitchen.

"Morning, Claire," Ethan said, forcing a laugh.

"Morning," I answered, still half-asleep and rubbing my eyes.

"Where's Alexander?" Ethan asked.

"Probably at the office?" I said, not really sure.

Alexander was scary-level disciplined. He'd been beating the sunrise for decades, like clockwork. Not even last night's extra-credit cuddle session could mess up his routine.

As the Head of the Sutton Family, Alexander was always in control, never once letting himself slip.