Chapter 1

Both Xander Fox and Theodore Wynn proposed to me at the same time.

The chat panel wanted me to pick Theodore to raise his daughter, Natalie Wynn, into a strong, independent woman who could escape Kieran Fox's control.

But I ended up marrying Xander instead.

Everyone tells girls to protect themselves, but no one teaches guys to respect women.

*****

I was a well-known socialite in the capital's elite circles.

Bored with dating men, I suddenly wanted to marry for fun.

The news spread, Theodore Wynn and Xander Fox, the heads of Wynn Group and Fox Group both knelt and proposed to me simultaneously.

I stared at the two men kneeling before me, unsure what to do.

Theodore was calm; Xander was a charming playboy.

Both were golden boys, hotter than any male model I'd dated.

But they shared one thing.

They both had a child.

Theodore's late wife was Natalie Wynn's mother.

Xander was tricked by a woman and had a son, Kieran Fox.

Since I was becoming a mom anyway, I'd choose the sweet little girl.

I reached out to Theodore.

Then, glowing blue comments floated across my vision.

It looked like live chat panel scrolling during a video.

[Yes! It's Jasmine Soon! Natalie's saved!]

[I hope Jasmine makes Natalie strong and independent.]

[Thinking of Natalie being locked up, assaulted, and forced to abort by that crazy Kieran makes me so upset. My eyes are swollen from crying.]

[What toxic male lead story is this? Kieran tortured Natalie, killed her dad and fiancé, and faced no punishment.]

[Seconded. This story is messed up. Reported.]

The flood of comments made me realize I was living in a novel.

The leads were Natalie and Kieran.

Kieran was twisted since childhood, growing darker, possessive, obsessive, and assaulting Natalie. He had half the criminal code against him.

Everyone in the chat wanted me to marry Theodore and teach Natalie to be strong and stand up for herself.

Would that truly keep her safe?

Many girls are tough, brave, and self-reliant.

Evil in human nature and harm from the outside always seep in.

You cannot fully guard against trouble.

Just going out to pick up a package, and suddenly people spread slut-shaming rumors about you.

Reject a guy hitting on you at a barbecue, and he becomes violent.

Wear a cute dress, and creeps secretly snap photos.

Even fully covered, you still get groped.

These kinds of things happen all the time.

Many online videos teach women self-defense.

You rarely see reminders for men to respect women and avoid harming them.

Wouldn't it be better if harm never occurred?

All of Natalie's pain stems from Kieran.

I smiled at Kieran's dad, Xander, and said, "Let's marry."

Xander was surprised but slipped the ring onto my finger.