Carol was about to have a headache just trying to keep her smile in place. Her tone stayed earnest though. "Grace, don't worry. It was totally my fault this time. I'll take better care of Ethan from now on, I promise."

Grace's face softened a little at those words, clearly appeased.

When she heard from Jack that Ethan had been eating all the meals Carol cooked lately, surprise flickered across her face, quickly followed by satisfaction. "Good girl. Knew I picked the right one.

"You'll cook tonight too, okay? I mean, even when I personally make something, Ethan barely touches it sometimes. Seems like he's got a soft spot for you..."

Carol couldn't really say no at that point, so she agreed.

She thought maybe that was the end of it, but after dinner, Grace pulled her aside into a side room, and things only got more awkward when the topic shifted to having kids.

"Ethan doesn't have much time left, you know. You two should... make the most of your nights," Grace hinted rather bluntly.

Carol's face heated up as she floundered for a response. "Grace, we just got married. We're still figuring each other out..."

Grace gently patted her hand and said in a slow, meaningful tone, "I'm not saying you shouldn't build feelings. Love can be made too, while you're at it."

Carol was so caught off guard her face instantly turned red. And then came the final line from Grace: "You two aren't going home tonight. Stay here."

Carol had been counting on Ethan to object-he didn't.

After dinner, he just went upstairs like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Carol followed behind, confused. "We're really not going back?"

Ethan was loosening his tie as he said flatly, "A priest is coming by tomorrow morning to say a blessing."

That's when she remembered Grace had mentioned it over dinner-something about bringing someone in to bless the place for Ethan's sake.

She couldn't help wondering-someone like Ethan, highly educated and rational, actually believed in this stuff?

Almost like he'd read her mind, Ethan said after a pause, voice laced with subtle exhaustion, "I don't buy into any of it."

This was for his mother-her last bit of hope.

He'd long stopped caring about living, but he didn't want to take that hope away from someone who cared.

He turned to her then, his gaze dark and steady. "I'll ask once more-still thinking about that divorce?"

Carol didn't say anything. Instead, she walked straight over to the bed, pulled back the covers, and climbed into the only bed in the room.

Nope.

Ethan frowned. "Who said you could sleep there?"

Carol stared at him like he'd grown another head. "There's only one bed. What do you expect me to do, sleep on the floor? I'm still a respectable woman, you know."

Ethan didn't answer, but his expression said it all-he wasn't stopping her.

Carol looked like she was about to explode from frustration. "What if your mom pops in again for a surprise inspection? You think she made us stay over here for fun?

"You don't want her stressing over you again, do you?"

That finally shut Ethan up-he fell silent, clearly giving in.

Seeing that she got her way, Carol smugly crawled back into bed. But right after saying that, she couldn't help but feel something was off.

Damn, she sounded just like one of those shady bosses in those sketchy videos: "You wouldn't want your husband to find out, would you..."

A shiver ran down her spine. Mortified, she yanked the covers over her head and curled up like a burrito.

"Wait, hang on..." She suddenly remembered something and peeked her head out, just about to say something to Ethan.

At the same time, Ethan was leaning toward her side, probably trying to grab the water on her nightstand.

They ended up way too close-like, nose-to-nose, literally breathing each other's air, on the verge of kissing.

And of course, right then, the door creaked open. Grace poked her head in and caught them mid-almost-kiss. Her face instantly lit up and she yanked the door shut, her voice cheerful from the hallway.

"Don't mind me! Pretend I wasn't even here!"

Both Ethan and Carol: "..."

They scrambled to move apart, the tension thick.

Only one dim bedside lamp was on, throwing soft shadows. Somehow, Carol noticed his ears had turned faintly red. Maybe it was just the lighting, but...

Ethan was the first to speak, his voice a bit lower now, raspier. "You were saying something just now?"

Carol's mind was still blank. She blinked and answered automatically, "...totally forgot."

Eventually, they settled onto the same bed, though a whole body could've fit in the space between them-like they were on opposite ends of a galaxy or something.

In the dark, their silhouettes stayed stiff and still. Their breathing overlapped-hers calm on purpose, his a little uneven.

Moonlight slipped through the curtains and spilled onto the floor, casting pale patches over a night the two of them spent worlds apart in one bed.

The next morning, Carol woke up and found herself wrapped around Ethan like some overzealous octopus-one leg thrown over his waist, arms around his chest, face tucked into his neck.

She flushed in an instant and quickly pulled back, only to realize Ethan was already awake. He was frowning at her like he'd had enough, clearly stuck in that position for a while.

Mortified, Carol mumbled, "Uh... I sleep kind of wild. Why didn't you push me off or something?"

Ethan's voice, still rough from sleep, replied, "Tried. You wouldn't wake up."

Carol let out a sheepish laugh. "Heh... my bad..."

Then she bolted out of bed.

Right before heading out, Carol stared at herself in the mirror, steeled her nerves, and pinched her neck hard, intentionally leaving a visible red mark.

Ethan frowned at her.

She winced and said, "It's for your mom. She'll ask questions."

Ethan didn't say a word, just gave her a long, unreadable look before turning around and heading downstairs.

Sure enough, when Carol followed after him, Grace spotted the mark on her neck and instantly lit up with satisfaction. She handed Carol a bank card right then and there and gleefully encouraged her, "Keep it up! If you hit the jackpot in one go, I will be extra generous with the next gift."

Carol held the card and forcefully smiled.

When the ceremony wrapped, the two left the old house. Jack drove her to work and dropped her off at the company entrance.

She had barely stepped out of the car when a sharp-eyed coworker called out, "Whoa, is that a Rolls-Royce? Carol, don't tell me that's the rich boyfriend of yours!"

Carol shook her head.

Even thinking about Ryan made her cringe-cheating scumbag. Disgusting.

The coworker clearly didn't care about her denial. Carol always looked stunning, so changing boyfriends daily wouldn't even surprise anyone.

She leaned closer, trying to peek inside. Though the windows were tinted, the crack in the front one was just enough to make out a sharp-featured profile. She gasped. "Damn, Carol, your new husband is hot!"

Carol's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly covered her friend's mouth. "Shh! Keep it low-key, alright? This is top-secret!"

The girl nodded seriously.

But by noon, it felt like the entire design department had the scoop-Carol had not only married rich, but the guy also looked like he walked straight out of a drama.

One coworker messaged her privately: "Wait what?! Carol, you're really married? That's one hell of a secret.

"But what about Philip Walker? He's been into you since your first day. This might crush him."

Carol replied without hesitation, "I was never into him. If this makes him move on, then good."

No sooner had she sent it than Philip messaged her directly.

[You really got married?]

[Yeah.]

[Not Ryan?]

[Nope.]

[You've known how I feel for all these years. Even after you broke up, you still didn't give me a shot? Does this guy even love you?]

Carol sighed.

[Philip, you can't force love. We won't work out as a couple, but we can still be friends or coworkers.]

His answer came fast.

[No. Love doesn't work like that. From the moment I fell for you, being 'just friends' stopped being an option. You're just using this marriage excuse to turn me down, aren't you? I don't believe you're married.]

Carol could only reply, [It all happened kinda suddenly. Otherwise, I'd have sent you an invite...]

After that, Philip didn't say anything else.

Carol finally relaxed a bit, but she couldn't help thinking about Ethan.

Love shouldn't be forced.

One-sided feelings never lead to mutual happiness.

But here she was, married to a man she didn't care for-and who didn't care for her either.

It sounded crazy when she really thought about it.

And Ryan, the one she used to think loved her most, turned out to be nothing but trash.

She figured things with Philip were done and dusted, but that evening, her co-workers decided to throw a dinner party and insisted she bring her "plus one."

Carol felt a little stuck. Ethan had already said from the start he wasn't interested in being public-just the fact that he hadn't blocked her was grace enough. How could she possibly convince him to show up?

So she made an excuse: "He's super swamped at work. Maybe next time."

Philip, who had been quiet till now, suddenly spoke up with a hint of disbelief, "You sure he even exists?"

The coworker who'd seen the side profile earlier immediately argued back, "No way! I saw it with my own eyes this morning..."

Philip Walker jumped in, staring at Carol. "Then let him pick you up after dinner. The weather app says there's gonna be a storm. It's not safe for you to go home alone. Don't tell me your husband wouldn't even come get you?"

Sensing the awkward vibe in the room, the others picked up on Philip's frustration and quickly tried to change the topic.

But when the dinner ended, the rain somehow got even worse.

Philip brought it up again, and this time someone else chimed in, "Carol, just call your husband. He should come pick you up."

"Yeah, seriously. It's pouring out there. Just have him come get you," one added before lowering their voice, "Might finally make Philip give up too."

Carol glanced at the buckets of rain coming down and hesitated. Not expecting anything from it, she sent Ethan a message: [Dinner just ended. It's raining hard and cabs are impossible to get. Could you ask Jack to swing by and pick me up? The address is... ]

She didn't expect a reply-just another message lost to the void.

She was just about to hail a ride herself when her phone lit up. To her surprise, Ethan's name popped across the screen.

Startled, she answered immediately.

His voice came through calm and low, hard to read: "Come out. I'm outside."

Stunned, Carol peeked out at the restaurant entrance. Sure enough, a sleek black Bentley sat waiting beyond the rain curtain.

As everyone stepped out, Jack was already hurrying over with an umbrella.

One of the coworkers tugged Carol's sleeve, whispering excitedly, "Is that your husband? He's got serious presence! So good-looking!"

Carol shook her head. "No, not him..."

Just then, Jack reached them, gave the group a mild smile, and turned the umbrella fully toward Carol with respectful ease. "Ma'am, Mr. Mitchell has been waiting for you."

"Guess I'm heading off," Carol said, nodding goodbye to her coworkers before walking toward the car under Jack's shield.

A trail of envious and curious stares followed in her wake.

Once inside, she finally saw the man beside her in his crisp suit and blinked. "You're actually here?"

She thought Jack was just putting on a show earlier. Didn't expect Ethan himself to show.

Ethan kept his eyes ahead, side profile sharp and unreadable. "Just passing by."

Carol looked at him, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, really? Riverton's massive. Mitchell Group's in the east, I work all the way west, and tonight's dinner was in the south. Some coincidence, huh?"

Ethan's gaze briefly flicked to her face-so full of mischief, eyes sparkling like stars. His heart gave a little jolt, but his tone stayed flat. "You caused a scene this morning. Own it."

Carol leaned in a bit, eyes twinkling. "Wow, you really are a plan-ahead kind of guy. Were you, perhaps, waiting here for me? Sounds like you care."

Ethan turned his head away, dodging her gaze. "Keep dreaming."

As she opened her mouth to fire back, a notification popped up-her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Philip: [Carol, truth be told, one of the main reasons I joined this company was for you. Now... I'm applying for a transfer. I really do hope you're happy.]

Ethan didn't even glance over, but clearly heard the buzz. He said evenly, "Sort your personal stuff out. I don't want to wake up one day and see headlines about the Mitchell Group's daughter-in-law flirting around and stirring gossip."

Carol shrugged, slipping her phone away like it was no big deal. "You're blaming me for being too charming. It's not my fault people get drawn to me."

She tilted her head, that sly smile back on her face. "Only question is, when will I charm you too?"

Ethan's Adam's apple moved slightly. He didn't respond, just stared harder out at the rain blurring the city.

The next day, Carol had just wrapped up a meeting with a client when the receptionist called her over.

Thinking it might be another client, she paused, recalling who she had appointments with. "Is it Mr. Lee?"

The receptionist shook her head. "Said his last name is Morgan. Dude's got a real attitude too. He's downstairs waiting-kinda looks like trouble."

Ryan?

Carol's gaze cooled. "I'm not meeting him."

After work, she deliberately lingered a bit before heading out, but the moment she stepped outside the building, there he was-Ryan, leaning against his attention-seeking sports car, moody as ever.

As soon as he saw her, he stormed up. His words came out like he was doing her a favor, laced with blame. "Carol, haven't you caused enough drama? Yeah, I messed up, did what all guys do! But was a flash marriage really necessary? This whole thing's just to get back at me, right?"

Carol stared at him blankly. He reached out, trying to take her hand, speaking softer this time. "Look, I'm here to make peace, Carol. Let's stop this. Let's get back together and do it right. I swear, no more drama from other women again..."

That made Carol chuckle.

She yanked her hand away like she'd touched something filthy, her eyes practically dripping with disgust. "Ryan, seriously? You don't understand plain English? We're done."

"And don't go projecting your sleazy standards onto every guy out there. Spare me the ego trip. My marriage had nothing to do with you. I just needed to clean house-you were the mess."

Her words and the sheer contempt in her expression hit him hard, his face twitching between rage and embarrassment. The stares from passersby only frustrated him more.

He jabbed a finger in her face and started shouting, his tone vicious. "Carol, quit acting all high and mighty! You think you're some kind of queen now, huh? Landed a rich guy? That sickly loser won't satisfy you forever. One day when he's gone, what then? You'll be back on the streets-"

"Smack!"

Her hand landed across his face, loud and crisp, shutting him right up.

Carol's hand tingled from the hit, her eyes icy. "Watch your mouth."

Ryan stood there stunned, his cheek red, struggling to process what just happened. Then he snapped. "You bitch! You just hit me?"

He swung his hand back, aiming at her face.

Carol flinched instinctively, waiting for impact... but it never came.

Instead, a muffled thud rang out, followed by Ryan's pained grunt.

She opened her eyes to see Ryan sprawled on the ground, clutching his side in pain. A firm arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a faintly medicated, sterile-smelling embrace.

Ethan had shown up out of nowhere-still looking pale and lean, but the chill radiating from him was enough to make anyone freeze. He didn't say a word, just stood there, expression stone-cold, eyes flicking to Ryan like he was something no one wanted to step in.

Right then, sirens approached, getting louder. The police Carol had preemptively called arrived, quickly pinning down the flailing, cursing Ryan.

Ethan didn't spare him another glance. He simply turned to Jack and said coolly, "Take care of it."

Jack nodded, walked over to the officers, and murmured, "Officer, Ms. Bennett has stated she doesn't wish to engage. Please handle it however you see fit."

Ethan had his arm around Carol as they headed toward the Bentley parked nearby. Once they were in the car, with the world shut out, he quietly let go.

Carol turned to look at his sculpted profile, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Mr. Mitchell, fancy seeing you here. Passing by again?"

Ethan didn't bother denying the sarcasm. Eyes locked on the road ahead, he remarked flatly, "Not the smartest way to handle that."

Carol raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "He didn't land a hit, did he? You were there... keeping me safe." She deliberately softened her voice on the word "safe."

Finally, Ethan looked at her, gaze deep and unwavering. His tone was calm, but there was weight behind it. "People like him need to learn that putting hands on you comes with a price they can't afford."

Carol froze for a beat.

Was he schooling her on self-protection? Or... was that him standing up for her?

She quickly smiled again, bright and cheery. "Got it. Thanks for the life lesson, Mr. Mitchell."

Ethan frowned, clearly unimpressed with her breezy attitude, but he didn't argue. Just then, Jack got in after wrapping things up and started the engine.

Back at the villa, as they stepped inside, Carol noticed Ethan's steps halt ever so slightly. Without turning, he said, "Just this once."

Sounded more like a warning, but not quite harsh.

Carol responded easily, "Loud and clear~ I'll get dinner started~"

Only when Ethan went upstairs did her smile fade. She rubbed her cheeks, sore from keeping up appearances too long.

Carol had expected him to use this mess as an excuse to bring up divorce again.

But he didn't.

And it hit her-this man, distant as he might seem, handled things sharply, decisively, and with a power that got real results.

He once said he wouldn't clean up her messes. Yet here he was, throwing the Mitchell family's weight behind silencing Ryan.

Sure, maybe it was more about protecting the family name, not letting it get dragged through tabloid trash. But still, it didn't change the fact that she was shielded by it.

The feeling was unfamiliar.

Back when she was with Ryan, she always faced problems solo. Never once did she think someone out there might stand behind her like this.

Now though... awkward as it was, and despite their whole "arrangement," she couldn't deny the sense of security that clung to her.

It didn't feel half bad.

She went to her room and picked up her digital tablet, ready to sketch. But her thoughts kept drifting, her pen hovering motionless over the screen for a long time.

Again and again, Ethan's voice echoed in her mind-

"People like him need to learn that putting hands on you comes with a price they can't afford."

Her heart skipped. No warning, just stumbled over itself.

When she finally blinked out of her daze, she was startled to see a rough sketch of Ethan's profile taking shape on the screen. Just a few strokes, but it captured that cold elegance behind his frail exterior.

Panic flickered through her. She hit delete in a snap, clearing the screen instantly.

Then she pressed a hand to her chest, face slightly burning, and flung herself onto the bed, burying her head in the soft pillow.

Carol, snap out of it.