Astrid opened her mouth to say something, but another wave of nausea slammed into her before she could get a word out. She doubled over, trying to steady her churning stomach, but nothing came up. Just then, Magnus handed her a glass of water.

"Thanks," she murmured, swishing it around her mouth before taking a slow sip to settle herself. Magnus lingered by the door, watching her closely. "Are you... pregnant?" he asked. "If you are, and you don't want River to know, you can keep the baby. I'll help you raise it."

The offer hit her like a freight train. Her hand froze mid-sip, and she just stared at him, completely dumbfounded.

Magnus didn't back down. "Of course, if you decide you don't want it, I'll go with you to to get an abortion. But going back to River? That might not be an option now. My family knows about our marriage, and if he shows up, it'll cause a scene."

Astrid wanted to correct him, but the words that spilled out took a different turn. "Why would you... offer to raise a kid that isn't even yours?"

Magnus's brow furrowed, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "We're married. If there's a child and you want to keep it, I'll stand by you."

Astrid paused, letting that sink in. Was there really a man out there willing to raise another man's child? Seemed too good to be true.

But wait. She shifted the glass to her other hand and let out a small laugh. "Magnus, I've never even been with River. How could I be pregnant? I think it's from burning the candle at both ends to pay for Dad's treatment. I skipped meals left and right, and last night I probably overdid it. That's why my stomach's off."

Magnus's frown deepened. "You've really been neglecting yourself like that?"

"Huh?"

Before she could react, Magnus scooped her up and carried her to the car. Once inside, he grabbed a jacket from the back seat and handed it to her. "Put this on. We're getting you checked out."

Only then did it hit her—she was in her sleepwear, no bra underneath. His jacket carried a faint, comforting scent, and she was grateful for the cover.

At the hospital, they were among the first in line, and Astrid quickly got started on her check-up. The clinic was known for its thorough, state-of-the-art exams.

Not long after, the doctor turned to Magnus with a disapproving look. "How could you let your wife's health get to this point? It's not just about feeding her. If you'd waited longer, this could've become something serious."

Astrid opened her mouth to explain, but Magnus stepped in first. "You're right, doctor. I didn't pay enough attention. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

The doctor, seemingly satisfied with his response, wrote out a prescription. "I'll give you a remedy. When you get home, make her some oatmeal. Health is the foundation—without it, what good is all the money in the world?"

"Yes," Magnus replied seriously, taking the prescription.

He went to pick up the medicine, then said to Astrid, "Stay here. I'll be right back."

"I can—"

Astrid started, but the doctor cut her off. "Let him handle it. It's his job."

Magnus gave her a small smile and left.

The doctor turned back to Astrid. "Your husband seems like a good man. How did you end up in this condition then?"

Astrid forced a smile. "We just got married. He didn't know how much I'd been slacking on my health."

The doctor nodded and moved on to the next patient.

Magnus returned quickly with the medicine, already bending down to pick her up again.

"No need, Magnus. I can walk."

"It's fine. You're light as a feather."

Astrid felt her cheeks flush with heat. "I can really walk."

He relented, walking beside her with the meds.

In the car, Astrid pulled out her phone. "How much was it? I'll transfer the money to you."

Magnus, already settled in the driver's seat, suddenly leaned over.

Astrid held her breath, caught completely off guard.

"The agreement clearly says all expenses during our marriage are on me. When you come home to meet the family, do you want them thinking this is just a marriage of convenience?"

Astrid recalled the contract's fine print and nodded. "Alright, Magnus. Understood."

She put her phone away.

As he drove, Magnus asked, "Is your stomach like this because you're working five jobs a day?"

She nodded firmly. "But I don't regret it. I worked my ass off for Dad's treatment. Even though it didn't end well, at least I tried."

Magnus felt a pang of sympathy but kept his mouth shut.

"I should thank you," Astrid said, turning toward him. "You gave me a loan when I was desperate."

Magnus looked out the window, hiding his emotions. "It was nothing. You're a talented employee. You deserved a little help."

"That's why I've stopped complaining about you."

He raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

Maybe the hospital visit had made her bolder. "Even though you said overtime wasn't mandatory and you paid for it, when things got busy, I still had to stay late. I might have grumbled..."

Her voice trailed off.

Magnus chuckled. "Called me a tyrant? A slave driver?"

She laughed awkwardly.

"It's hard to control sometimes, especially in your advertising department with those tight deadlines."

"I get it," Astrid said. "I understand. Even when you didn't ask, I chose to stay late to get the clients what they needed."

The conversation left a lighter air between them, but one question still nagged at Astrid. After a pause, she asked, "Doesn't it bother you if your wife has been with another man?"

"If it's someone I truly care about, it wouldn't. I'd only regret not meeting her sooner."

She glanced at him, realizing how different he was from her first impression. If she'd met him first, maybe things with River wouldn't have been such a mess.

When they got home, Astrid realized they had two hours before work. She decided to brew the prescribed medicine.

In the kitchen, she found Magnus had already warmed up the herbal remedy and poured it into a bowl for her.

"Isn't this medicine supposed to be brewed?"

"These days, clinics make it for convenience. Young people don't have time. You can buy it pre-made and just reheat it."

Astrid hadn't known that. When her dad was sick, the doctor had only mentioned it was too late for treatment, not prescribed anything.

As she drank, she mused on how Magnus didn't match the picture she'd painted of him. Even River had never done this much for her. As the saying goes, comparisons can be brutal.

After breakfast, Astrid headed to work, and Magnus reminded her, "Try to have oatmeal for lunch. Doctor's orders."

"I will."

At her desk, she caught snippets of her coworkers' chatter.

"Did you hear? Last night I saw Mr. Marshall walking with a woman. I bet he's married—that's his wife."

"What does she look like? Are you sure? I can't believe Mr. Marshall's married!"

"Since you saw her, could she be someone from our company?"

Astrid's heart raced. Had her colleague Camilla seen them？

“You all know it’s Katalina Larson,” Camilla was the first to react, practically bouncing with excitement. “Oh my gosh, it’s Katalina! I heard she’s totally into Magnus Marshall. Their families go way back, you know? She’s so accomplished, they’d make such a power couple!”

“Yes, totally agree! They’re perfect for each other! She’s always been the one making the first move, but Magnus never seemed interested before. Could it be he’s finally catching on?”

Astrid finally let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

She’d nearly forgotten how much Katalina Larson was into Magnus, always dropping by to see him at Amazon. From everyone else’s point of view, Magnus should obviously marry someone like Katalina. So why would he pick her instead?

She didn’t have Katalina’s money. Sure, Astrid had talent, but her social status didn’t come close to Katalina’s—the heiress of the Larson Group, who’d been running the family business like a champ.

Astrid, on the other hand, was just… ordinary. Even if she’d earned some recognition in her field, anyone in their right mind would choose Katalina over her, right?

“Astrid, what’s up with you?” Camilla asked, giving her a curious look.

In the past, Astrid would’ve jumped right into the gossip, but not today. Now that Magnus was her husband—even if it was just a contract—gossiping about his private life felt… wrong.

“Nothing, just didn’t sleep well last night,” she replied, heading to her desk.

Everyone knew her situation, so no one pressed further. Since it was time to start the day, the chatter fizzled out as people turned to their screens.

Around ten, the supervisor announced that Magnus wanted to hold a meeting with their department.

Astrid and Camilla were on their way to the conference room when they nearly collided with Fallon Silva.

Fallon shot Astrid a cutting glare. “Watch where you’re going, will you?”

Camilla’s face went dark. “How could you—”

Astrid quickly tugged Katalina back, not wanting her to take the brunt of Fallon’s venom.

She turned to Fallon, plastering on a smile. “I believe I was walking just fine. You’re the one who bumped into me. Or are you saying you weren’t paying attention?”

Fallon sneered, “Astrid, remember, I’m your manager.”

“Oh, really? For how much longer, I wonder.”

Fallon’s brow furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Astrid just gave a mysterious smile and walked into the meeting room with Camilla trailing behind.

Camilla whispered, “Astrid, are you planning to go for her position? I’ve told you before, you’re crazy capable. You should totally go for it! I’ve got your back!”

Before, Fallon’s attitude had always puzzled Astrid. Then she’d seen Fallon with River Knight, and everything clicked.

After all, Fallon had a habit of using Astrid’s designs while putting her down. Did she really think Astrid was that easy to push around?

Astrid smiled. “I’m thinking about it.”

“Do it!”

Before, she’d worked her ass off for River Knight. But now that she knew how they’d both played her, there was no way in hell she’d let Fallon get another free ride.

Inside the meeting room, Magnus was already seated. Seeing him in this new light made her feel slightly off.

But she acted like nothing was different, settling in with the others—and catching Magnus glance her way.

That one glance was enough to make her grip her pen like a lifeline, feeling like she was sneaking around behind everyone’s back.

Once everyone was present, Jorge Knight spoke. “We’re holding this meeting because the city plans to develop a large public park. We got the bid, but we need a killer design. I want each of you to submit a proposal. You’ve got one week.”

Fallon tensed up immediately. “Mr. Marshall, does everyone have to submit?”

Magnus looked straight at her. “Is there a problem with that?”

“No!” Fallon shook her head quickly. “It’s just—some people might not be ready for such a big project. Isn’t that a bit risky?”

Magnus turned back to the group. “The city is heavily invested in this. They want a park with real character, something culturally rich, different from everything else out there. Usually, only a few of you would work on this, but this time, I want everyone involved. We need fresh eyes.”

Camilla whispered excitedly to Astrid, “Astrid, this is your moment to shine!”

Astrid had handled a few big projects before, but the plum assignments always went to Fallon. And those designs? They were Astrid’s anyway.

So yeah, for Astrid, this was a golden opportunity.

She turned to Katalina and smiled. “You should try too.”

Camilla nodded eagerly. “No way I’m letting this pass me by.”

Fallon looked like she wanted to argue, but Magnus shut her down before she could start.

“Any other questions? If not, we’re done here. And Astrid, please come to my office.”

With that, Magnus left without giving Astrid another glance.

It felt normal on the surface, but Katalina and a few others turned to Astrid with worried looks.

“Astrid, Mr. Marshall never calls you into his office. You took personal leave recently—he shouldn’t be upset. Why’s he asking for you now?”

“Yeah, Astrid, did you do something against the company?”

Astrid was just as confused. Why would Magnus summon her?

Unable to come up with a reason, she reassured them, “It’s fine. I’ll find out soon enough.”

Left with no choice, she followed him.

Fallon was a nervous wreck, but she didn’t dare act up in the meeting. She knew Magnus’s temper all too well.

If everyone was submitting designs, would Astrid still design for her?

Fallon hurried back to her office and quickly call River Knight.

“River, you’ve gotta help me out. Your uncle landed a huge city project and now he wants every designer to submit a proposal! Usually, I’m the one handling the big stuff. What is he thinking?”

River tried to calm her down. “Don’t worry, it’s just a formality. Your design is untouchable.”

“But you know those designs aren’t mine. They’re Astrid’s. Do you think she’ll still design for me now?”

River chuckled smugly. “She wouldn’t dare refuse. Relax, I’ll handle it.”

“Okay.”

With River’s assurance, Fallon finally relaxed. She’d gotten so used to being praised, to having the industry’s respect. When she’d heard River and Astrid broke up, she’d panicked. But still, Astrid was so head-over-heels for River. Surely she’d come running if he asked, right?

...

Astrid reached Magnus’s office and promptly shut the door behind her.

Half-expecting that move, Magnus gave a faint smile as he pulled out a lunch container and handed it to her.

“The doctor said you should be eating oatmeal every day now. I had some delivered for you.”

Astrid was touched by the thoughtfulness, but quickly tried to refuse. “I can grab some myself later.”

“Street food isn’t good for your stomach. Listen to me—I don’t want you not being able to eat when we get home.”

He had a point, so she accepted. But his words carried a strange intimacy that made her cheeks flush.

Walking out of Magnus’s office, she felt like a thief. What would she say if someone spotted her carrying food from his office?

Luckily, she made it back to her desk without running into anyone—until Camilla rushed over, eyes wide with shock. “Is that from Mr. Marshall? Are you and Mr. Marshall…”

That statement made half the office look up.

Astrid panicked, quickly denying it. “No, no! It’s from my aunt. I’ve been having stomach issues, so I picked this up after leaving Mr. Marshall’s office. It’s got nothing to do with him.”

Camilla hadn’t thought much of it at first, but Astrid’s nervousness was a dead giveaway.

“Astrid, the you I know wouldn’t act like this. Are you and Mr. Marshall—”

Before she could finish, Astrid blurted out, “Seriously, there’s nothing going on. Don’t overthink it. Just—”

In her rush, the marriage certificate slipped off her desk.

Everyone stared at the thing on the floor while Camilla bent down to pick it up.