Chapter 1
The first time I met Charles, he didn't hold back with his opinion of me.
He said, "I thought Austin's sister would be as good-looking as he is, but turns out she's pretty average."
Austin was Charles's best friend and my older brother.
Later, Charles and I got married for business reasons, and he absolutely hated me.
Not only did we sleep in separate rooms, but he also slammed the divorce agreement in my face.
As he wanted, I was ready to file for divorce when the three years were up.
But while I was tidying up the study, I stumbled upon his private diary.
He'd written, [Why was my wife so cold to me?
[The divorce date is coming up. Will she stay for me?
[Her old crush is too much for me to compete with. What can I do to win her over?]
The last page was scribbled in a panic.
It showed: [Would seduction work?]
*****
On our wedding day, Charles Evans looked pissed off the entire time.
Back in our bedroom, he yanked off his tie and got straight to the point.
"Nina, I don't love you," he said.
He sat down on the couch, his long legs crossed in a relaxed, careless way.
"We're only together for business reasons. There's nothing between us, and you know that," he added.
I kicked off my high heels and let my bare feet sink into the carpet.
My calves were killing me, and I didn't feel like wasting words on him.
"So, what are you trying to say?" I asked.
Charles was clearly irritated, seeing me so unfazed.
He stood up, towering over me.
"I'm laying down three rules for us," he said.
I walked over to the dressing table and took off my earrings.
"Go ahead," I said.
"First, we're sleeping in separate rooms. You're not allowed to touch me or get into my room."
"Sure."
"Second, I'll give you some money. In three years, we'll get divorced, no strings, no drama. We'll walk away clean."
"Alright."
Charles was momentarily stunned by how quickly I agreed.
He raked his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated.
"And finally, the most important one," he said.
He came up behind me, staring at me through the mirror.
"Every week when we go back to my parents' place, you have to pretend we're a loving couple in front of them," he continued.
I couldn't help but think about how Charles only married me because his dad broke two canes over him to force him into it.
I let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Of course. That's exactly what I want," I said.
I turned around and shot him an up-and-down look, as if he were nothing but trash.
"Are you done? Then get lost. I'm going to bed.
"Just so you know, I'm taking the master bedroom," I told him.
Charles stood there, stunned.
He probably never expected to meet a woman with this much attitude.
After all, everyone thought that I, Nina Sutton, was a docile, well-behaved girl.
"Nina, don't push your luck," Charles said.
I pointed toward the door.
"The master bedroom has great soundproofing. I'm a light sleeper, so if you don't want me to wake you up in the middle of the night, you'd better sleep in the guest room," I said.
Charles clenched his jaw.
"Alright, have it your way," he muttered.
He slammed the door behind him.
That night, I slept like a log.
Honestly, I didn't feel a thing about my new husband's cold attitude.
From the start, I knew Charles never really liked me.
That comment he'd made five years ago was still clear as day in my mind.
"But turns out she's pretty average," he'd said.
Since we both couldn't stand each other, we'd have to ride out these three years.
I'd grab the cash and walk away.
It wasn't a bad deal.