Chapter 1 A Trap Should a woman alwaysgive her first timeto someone she loves?

The moment the sharp pain ripped through her, Katherine Clarke realized that her chance for that was gone for good.

Faced with a stranger forcing himself on her, she cried so hard her vision blurred. Her instincts told her to run, but her weak, disoriented body couldn't move. All she could do was give in to the nightmare and sink into despair.

When she finally accepted there was no escape, she clenchedher jaw and tried to hide how scared she was. Her voice was dry and broken as she muttered, "At least use protection."

The man on top of her stopped for just a second but didn't say a word. Instead, his actions became even more violent.

She didn't know how much time had passed before it ended. Completely worn out, she lost consciousness.

The next morning, when she woke up, the suite was quiet and empty. The messy bed and the pain in her body told her clearly-it hadn't been a nightmare. It had really happened.

It had all been planned. What was supposed to be a regular business dinner turned out to be a trap. She'd been given drink after drink until she could barely stay awake, then sent to that room to be taken advantage of.

Last night, when she realized she had been set up, in her half-conscious state, she had thought of Julian Nash-her husband-who had just come back from a business trip. She messaged him again and again,calling nonstop. When he finally answered, his voice was cold and distant. "I'm busy. Call the cops."

Even now, his words kept ringing in her ears.

With just a few words, he had crushed all the love they'd shared and what little pride she had left.

A bitter laugh slipped out as the pain in her heart turned numb. She slowly pushed the blanket off and got out of bed.

Just then, a business card slid off the bedand fell to the floor.

She stopped in her tracks. She picked it up slowly, and the second she saw the logo, her blood ran cold.

It was from Nash Group.

The room had been dark, and she never saw the man's face. But out of all the things she could've imagined, she never thought the man from last night would be connected to Julian's company.

Could Julian have had somethingto do with this?

......

When Katherine got back home, she saw a pair of shoes she knew too well-Julian was back. She paused, took a breath, and headed upstairs.

Julian came out of the bathroom, wearing a clean bathrobe. Even in something so simple, his natural confidence and sharp looks stood out. His hair was damp, his features sharp, and he carried himself with that usual cool distance.

His gaze landed on Katherine, and a faint frown formed between his brows. The look in his eyes was cold and distant. Maybe even filled with scorn. "What is it?" he asked flatly.

Katherine just looked at him.

They never should've ended up together. Their worlds had always been miles apart. Three years ago, when Julian's father had been dying, she was the bone marrow donor who saved him. In exchange, he promised to grant her one wish.

She used that wish to marry Julian.

Back then, she had been young and foolish. She thought she could make it work-that even a man who wasemotionally closed off could be opened up over time.

But to Julian, she was nothing more than an opportunist.

He resented her. For three years, he expected her to wait on him and care for him, all the while never truly seeing her as his wife.

And Katherine had taken it all without complaint.

After her family fell apart, holding on to Julian hadn't just been about needing a roof-it was about love. She wanted him to love her. So, no matter how cold he was, she kept finding ways to convince herself it was okay.

But after last night, she had nothing left to give.

She still didn't know if Julian had anything to do with what happened. But she had a feeling that it had something to do with his family. She had walked into this house ready to confront him, butjust standing here, looking at him, she already knew. This would only end with her pride in pieces.

Her voice came out rough, strained from everything she'd been through. "Julian..."

But he didn't even glance at her. He walked straight tothe closet, reaching for the shirt and tie Katherine had prepared for him, like it was just another morning.

With his back to her, his tone was cold and careless. "Stop standing there. Go makebreakfast. I'm heading out in half an hour."

Katherine didn't move. She stood her ground, her voice quiet but steady. "Julian, let's get a divorce."

Chapter 2 Signing The Divorce Papers Julian didn't even flinch at Katherine's words. He simply adjusted his tie and turned to look at her, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "This is about last night, isn't it? You're upset I didn't come running when you called?"

Just thinking about the night before sent a deep ache through Katherine, right down to her bones.

Julian's voice was as cold as ever. "Eloise called earlier. She said the Lewis Group deal went through. Apparently,you played a big part. You'll get your bonus. Don't worry."

Katherine frozein place.

Eloise Nash was Julian's favorite little sister, the one he never said no to.

It all came back to Katherine now. Eloise was the one who brought her to that dinner.

Since it had something to do with Julian's business, Katherinehadn't dared to take it lightly. She couldn't hold her liquor, but she still drank-just to do something that might help him.

She never thought that night would end in something so cruel.

Yet to Julian, Eloise had probably just made a small mistake. Something he could overlook. Nothing worth getting upset about.

The hopelessness inside Katherine had swallowed the pain whole. She let out a dry, bitter laugh. "Then let's just cut to the chase. I'm sure you know what happened to me last night. And it won't be long before it spreads. You're the pride of the city, after all. How could you let someone tainted like me ruin your perfect image?"

Julian stepped closer, towering over her. "Tainted? You used a bonemarrow donation to push your way into this marriage three years ago. So did you really believe you were so pure and innocent before?"

In three years of marriage, he'd almost never stood this close.

But this wasn't closeness. It was a knife-sharp, cold, and straight to the heart.

Katherine stood there, completely still. She thought about all those quiet moments when she watched him from a distance, wondering if he'd ever look her way. He'd always been distant-but not like this. Why did it feel like he hated her now? Like he was holding on to some silent resentment she could never understand.

Before she could fall too deep into her thoughts, Julian checked his watch and said sharply, "Skip breakfast. Just make lunch and send it to my office."

......

Katherine didn't follow his orders this time.

He'd never treated her kindly. And for years, she had endured it without saying a word. But today was different. Today, she asked for a divorce and vanished without another word.

Sometime after noon, Julian's assistant, Cayson Price, stepped into the office carrying lunch.

Julian glanced briefly atthe lunchbox.

It didn't take long forhim to realize that Katherine hadn't made it.

He frowned, but with barely any time to rest, he didn't bother complaining. He ate a few bites just to fill his stomach.

Honestly, after three years of being used to Katherine's cooking,nothing else tasted right anymore.

The bad lunch had already put him in a mood, but things got worse when he walked back into his office and saw the divorce papers waiting on his desk.

Catching the look on his face, Cayson paused and asked cautiously, "Sir, you didn't tell your wife it was you last night, did you?"

Julian's thoughts immediately jumped back to the night before. His expression turned cold.

He had only gone to find Katherine to avoid a public mess. The last thing he wanted was a scene tied to his name. But he hadn't expected the version of Katherine he saw-drunk, vulnerable, clinging to him like he was the only thing keeping her steady. She kept whispering his name, crying like she was breaking from the inside.

And somewhere in that moment, he snapped.

Maybe it was her softness. Maybe it was just pent-up frustration. But when desire took over, he stopped thinking. His restraintdisappeared. And what followed lasted until long after midnight.

To him, it was a slip-up. Not something he needed to explain, especially not to someone like Katherine. She was driven and greedy. He'd make it up with money. That should do.

As for those divorce papers...

Julian stared at the documents and let out a cold, humorless laugh. He signed without hesitation.

Then he flung the folder toward Cayson. "Send them to her."

As Cayson turned to leave, Julian's voice rang out again, low and sharp. "Find out who arranged for her to be at that hotel last night."

Chapter 3 To Live For Herself Katherine spent nearly the entire day at the hospital.

Her twin brother, Austin Clarke, had been born with a neurological disorder. He was twenty-four now, but his mind had never grown past that of a small child.

Life had been good for Katherine, until she turned eighteen. That was when everything shattered.Her father went to prison, and the shock pushed her mother into a deep depression. Their family business collapsed soon after, and with it, so did any chance of continuing Austin's treatment.

Just like that, everything landed on Katherine's shoulders. The burden of the entire family.

Those years nearly crushed her. She worked endlessly, carrying more than any young woman should, trying to hold the broken pieces together. After getting married to Julian, for a moment, she thought she'd found someone who could save her, but even that hope slipped away.

The memory tugged at somethingburied deep inside, and her eyes quietly filled with tears.

As the sky outside turned from gold to grey, her mother, Ivy Clarke, approached. Ivy worked at the hospital and had been looking after Austin there, making sure he stayed safe. "It's getting late," she said gently. "Julian must be off work by now. You should head home. Don't give him any excuse to be upset."

Katherine's response was calm but honest. "I won't be going back. I'm divorcing him."

Ivyfroze.

"Was it Julian's idea?" she asked, her voice uncertain.

"No," Katherine replied. "It was my idea."

Before she could say more, Ivy quickly cut in, her voice laced with panic. "Why would you even think of doing that? He's not even the one pushing you away after what happened last night. Katherine, you have to understand-people like us... wecan't expect the Nashes to treat us as equals. Their pride runs deep. Sometimes people make mistakes; these things happen."

Katherine looked at her mother, stunned.

"Who told you what happened?" she asked slowly.

Ivy met her daughter's pale, drained face. Her heart ached, but she couldn't bringherself to say it outright. "I've failed you. I couldn't protect you. But think about it, darling-if you walk away from Julian now, what happens to me? To Austin?"

Ivy didn't answer the question directly, but Katherine already knew the truth.

It could only have been Eloise behind last night. She was the only one capable of pulling the strings like that. She probably reached Ivy first, too, feeding her words to keep Katherine silent.

After all, Eloise had never liked her.

As Katherine looked at her mother's downcast, apologetic face, something inside her froze. The bitterness ran so deep it almost made her laugh.

The home she poured everything into was never trulya place of safety and love.

Her hands curled into fists at her sides. She shook her head slowly, more in sorrow than defiance.

She could still bear it all, if needed. But now, she finally had the strength to live for herself. Without saying a word, she turned to leave.

Just as she stepped away, Ivy clutched her arm, her voice shaking. "You've got a job now, sure, but what about your dad? Without Julian, who's going to help prove his innocence? Can you really stand by while he spends twenty-five years behind bars?"

Katherine's voice came out soft, tired to the bone. "Mom, if Julian ever intended to help, don't you think he would've done something by now?"

It was true. Her marriage to Julian wasn't just about love. At the time, she'd had no one else, no other lifeline. But once the vows were spoken, she knew he couldn't stand her. And because of that, she had never begged him for help, not once.

And now that it was finally over, she wouldn't bring any of it up again.

Seeing the firm look in her daughter's eyes, Ivy backed down. She wiped her tears and quietly said, "Kathy, the Nash family... they're not people to cross. Just don't do anything foolish."

Katherine stood by herbrother's hospital bed, watching him sleep.

She didn't say a word, just turned quietly and walked away.

As she stepped outside, she noticed someone standing near the entrance-Julian's assistant.

Cayson approached with his usual professional calm. "The divorce agreement has been signed by Mr. Nash."

Katherine's mind blanked for a moment. Without a word, she slowly lifted her hand and accepted the documents.

......

That evening, Julian came home to find a new housekeeper waiting for him.

Katherine had clearly chosen her replacement with care-experienced, efficient, and capable of handling the home effortlessly.

But Julian didn't keepher for long. He sent her away the same day.

He believed Katherine would eventually return and didn't want to adjust to anyone else. Even so, the days that followed left him in a foul mood-three years of routine weren't so easy to shake off.

His mood cast a shadowover the entire company. Everyone felt it.

A few days later, Eloise showed up at his office. She barely stepped inside when she caught him lashing out at a subordinate.

She hurried in and tried to soothe him. "Julian, calm down. You'll wear yourself out like this."

Julian glanced at her coldly. "Why are you here?"

Eloise's eyes sparkled with something cunning."I heard about your argument with Katherine.Don't tell me you're actually getting divorced?"

Julian's eyes narrowed. "Who said that to you?"

Chapter 4 She Cheated On You Eloise's face stiffened a bit. "It's all over the place, Julian. Everyone knows how much you hate her. You really don't know? She was fooling around with that older guy from Lewis Group while you were away. They even stayed at a hotel together."

Julian didn't show much reaction. "Stay out of things like this."

"But she cheatedon you, Julian!" Eloise cried.

"Were you right thereat the bed, watching them?" he shot back.

Eloise clampedher mouth shut immediately.

For all her entitlement, even Eloise couldn't handle that edge in his voice. She backed off, worried she'd overstepped. But she still muttered, barely audible, "I seriously don't get why you kept her around this long. If I were Louisa, I'd be furious. When are you divorcing that woman and marrying Louisa? She's the only one who deserves to be part of this family."

"That's enough," Julian said flatly."Let my driver take you home. I'vegot work to do. Don't get in the way."

Eloise grabbed his arm and pouted. "You've been in such a bad mood lately. Since Katherine's gone, why not let Louisa stay with you? She could take care of you."

Julian didn't bother replying. He simply gave her a cold, warning look.

Eloise huffed and turned on her heel.

Just as she got to thedoor, she heard his voice. "Cayson, come in."

She turned back and saw Caysonholding a contract folder with the Lewis Group logo on it.

She had a feeling what this was about and quickly stepped in front of him. She whispered, "Cayson, you know I matter more than some people. Just don't say anything that'll upset my brother, okay?"

Cayson smiled in that polite, unreadable way of his. "Of course, Miss Nash."

Once inside, Julian gotstraight to the point. "What did you find out?"

Cayson shared a few truths to report back to Julian. He mentioned that the hotel footage had already been erased-nothing was caught on camera. It basically kept Eloise in the clear.

Julian's face revealed nothing. He didn't say a word.

......

Though the divorce papers were signed, the official process still had a few weeks to go. In the meantime, Katherine lived alone.

During her marriage, she'd juggled different jobs and saved up enough to handle her brother's medical expenses. Now that she had some breathing room, she began brushing up on her skills and started sending out her resume.

She kept herself occupied, trying to shut Julian out of her thoughts. But a man like him-smooth and attention-grabbing-was impossible to avoid. His name kept popping up in the news.

Just a few days ago, there was a paparazzishot of him in another city. He'd rentedout a whole private beach for some woman.

Katherine knewexactly who that woman was.

Julian, after all, was still a man. He might have been forced into an unwanted marriage, but heclearly knew how to indulge himself occasionally.

Katherine looked at the picture and forced a bitter smile. She kept reminding herself that one day, she'd move on. It was only a matter of time.

But that peace didn't last.

One day, she got a callfrom the Nash estate,asking her to come back.

Usually, they'd go straight to Julian. This felt strange. She hesitated, then asked, "Did something happen?"

The butler on the other end answered coldly, "Your mother came by today, had an argument with the Nash family, and got so upset that she fainted."

When Katherine arrived in a hurry, the first person she saw was Julian.

The living room was wide and luxurious, but his presenceseemed to fill every inch. When his eyes fell on her, they carried a quiet intensity that made her skin crawl.

She glanced around, but her motherwas nowhere to be seen. She had no choice but to walk up to Julian.

"Where's my mom?"she asked.

It had been two weeks since they'd last seen each other. Back then, she would've looked at him withlove-always caring for him, always tending to him.

He had always dismissed her devotion, but now, hearing her cold tone, he was just as annoyed. He didn't say anything, his lips pressed in a tight line.

Just then, the family doctor walked in. "Your mother's awake and resting inthe guest room. I'll show you to her."

Katherine put on a polite smile. "Thanks," she said, following him.

As she walked off, Eloise came down the stairs toward Julian. "Julian, Dad's in the study. He wants to talk to you."

She caught sight of Katherine disappearing down the hallway andscoffed. "That family's such a drain. I bet her fainting act was just to make us look bad and try to get some money out of us."

Julian stayed calm. "If you can't keep your mouth shut, at least learn when to."

Eloise huffed. "Fine."

She narrowed her eyes, a smirk forming as she followed Katherine down the hallway.

Chapter 5 A Fifty-Million-Dollar Deal When Katherine got to the guest room, she quickly found out what had gone down.

Apparently, after hearing about the divorce, hermom had shown up with pricey gifts, hoping to talk to Laurence and plead on Katherine's behalf.

After all, Katherine had once saved his life-her mom thought that had to count for something.

Unfortunately, Eloise was home at the time and stopped her atthe door. She didn't let Ivy in or even let her leave. So Ivy ended up standing out there for hours in the scorching sun.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as Ivy choked out, "Kathy, I know I made a fool ofmyself... but I only did it because I care. You love Julian so deeply-how couldI stand back and do nothing? I just wanted to give you one more shot, that's all."

Hearing that, Katherine was hit with all kinds of feelings,but she didn't show any of it.

Because hermother cared? Really?

No-it wasn't about her at all. It was about chasing the Nash family's money and power.

Not wanting to cause a fuss in someone else's house, Katherine helped her mom up and said, "Come on. Let's go. And don't come back here again."

Right then, Eloise threw the door open and sneered, "Leaving already? Don't stopthe show now. My dad's a softie-he falls for pity parties. If you cry a littleharder, maybe he'll persuade Julian to let you keep mooching off us like a leech."

Katherine's face went ice-cold.

During her three years of marriage to Julian, she had never taken anything that wasn't hers. Still, Eloise never stopped picking ather. And Katherine had kept quiet every time-for the sake of peace.

But all that tolerance had just invited more humiliation.

Now, she refused to endure the humiliation in silence.

Standing protectively in front of her mom, Katherine looked straight at Eloise. With a calm but cutting smile, she said, "Tell me something. What exactly did I do to you? As my sister-in-law, why are youalways trying to mess things up between me and Julian? Do you have some kind of hidden agenda or what?"

Eloise's face twisted with irritation. "Sister-in-law? Please. Don't flatter yourself."

Katherine tilted her head and replied, "Oh? That hit a nerve? What's really eating at you? That deep down, you wish you were the one married to Julian?"

Eloise's face went pale and then red with anger. "You're insane! Who do youthink you are, talking to me like that?"

Katherine gave her a small, knowing smile. "If I'm wrong, prove it."

Eloise had no words. How was she even supposed to prove she didn't have feelings for her own brother?

She told herself Katherine was just playing mind games, trying to cause a rift between her and Julian.

She never thought Katherine, who was usually so quiet, could be this sharp. Furious, she raised her hand to slap her,but Katherine grabbed her wrist mid-swing and held it tight.

Eloise yelped in pain, not used to anyone grabbing her like that. "Let go of me, you bitch!" she snapped.

Katherine stared into her furious eyes, but her mind was stuck on that awful night-how she'd beenforced to drink and then violated by a stranger.

No woman could just walk away from something like that as if it never happened. Still, no matter how much ittore her apart inside, she couldn't ignore the reality in front of her. She had a family to protect, and Julian's influence wasn't something she could afford to challenge. So, she pushed her rage down and kept quiet.

But Eloise, still fuming, kept poking the wound. "Mybrother has no idea you slept with that old guy from Lewis Group. Just wait... I'm going to destroy you!"

Katherine didn't hold back anymore. With fury blazing in her eyes, she slapped Eloise so hard the sound bounced off the walls.

Eloise screamed and instantly broke down in tears.

Then came the sound of footsteps from outside.

Julian stepped in, composed asever, but the whole room stiffened the moment he showed up.

As soon as he walked in, the tension dropped into dead silence.

Katherine didn't budge or lookaway. She just released Eloise's arm and moved to the side.

The second Eloise saw Julian, she cried even louder, "Julian! She slapped me! You've got to defend me!"

Julian looked at the bright red handprint on Eloise's cheek, then slowly turned to Katherine. Hisvoice was cold and sharp. "How dare you hurt her?"

Katherine clenched her fists, her voice cold and steady. "You think I went too far? What about what she's done to me? Should I give her a taste of her own medicine?"

Eloise's crying hitched. Her expression shifted, and panic started to show.

Julian's expression darkened. "What exactly did she do to you?"

"Julian-" Eloise tried to cut in.

Katherine spoke over her, slicing right through. "She worked with the Lewis Group's CEO and trapped me. They used me like a bargaining chip for a fifty-million-dollar deal. So tell me, Julian-if your wife is worth fifty million, how much is your sister worth? Half a billion?"

Chapter 6 I Had My Fun Julian's faceturned stormy in a flash.

That night, he'd convinced himself he'd arrived in time to prevent anything terrible from happening. What he hadn't expected was learning that Eloise had pulled the strings behind it all.

Sure, she was bratty and entitled, but this levelof cruelty? That was new.

Eloise started panicking, her voice rising as she snapped, "I didn't do anything to you, Katherine! You went to that dinner on your own. You chose to drink! You were just upset my brother wouldn't sleep with you, so you threw yourself at some other man, and now you want to pin the blame on me?"

Katherine let out a chilly laugh. "If you're so innocent, let's get the cops involved. Let them sort out the truth."

The shift inthe room was immediate.

Eloise stiffened, clearly shaken.

Get the cops involved? Not a chance. No matter how bad thingsgot, Katherine was still Julian's wife, and if this scandalblew up, it would drag the entire Nash family through the mud.

In a panic, Eloise looked to Julian, hoping he'd bail her out.

But his gaze had already turned icy. "Go get your face looked at first," he said flatly.

He wasn't about to escalate things further. Eloise might be in the wrong, but she'd been slapped. That was punishment enough in his eyes.

To Katherine, his words hit harder than any blow. Her heart sank as a bitter emptiness settled in.

She should've expected this. Even if a random stranger had done this to her, Julian still wouldn't defend her. Honestly, he might've even been relieved it happened.

The room went quiet for a beat until Ivy's voice cut through.

"Julian, I'm to blame," she said, crying softly. "Ididn't teach my daughter right. If you're upset, be upset with me. I'll go say sorry to Eloise, okay?"

Katherine didn't move.She was numb to thiskind of shame by now.

Julian didn't even acknowledge Ivy. Instead, he looked straight at Katherine."Come upstairs. My dad wants to see you."

He was only here because his dad had told him to bring Katherine up. He hadn't signed up for this drama.

However, Katherine stood her ground. "We're getting divorced. What's the point in pretending anymore?"

Julian's reply was sharp. "The divorce hasn't been finalized. Whether you really mean it or not, you're still expected to follow through on what's required of you."

Ivy gave Katherine a nervous nudge, trying to get her to comply.

Seeing Katherine's clear resistance made Julian even more annoyed. "Don't test my patience," he said, his voice sharp and cold.

Katherine bit down hard andsaid nothing. She simply walked ahead without a word.

So this... this was what it felt like when love completely ran dry.

There was a time when just catching a glimpse of him felt like magic. Back then, even a single word from him could brighten her entire day. But now? She watched his lips move and felt nothing-no interest, no hope, not even pain.

They climbedthe stairsside by side.

Julian stood next to her, his towering figurecasting a shadow over hers, just like theirmarriage-empty, stifling, and devoid of light.

His scent, all too familiar, clung to the air, making it hard for her to breathe. She instinctively shifted away, trying to create some space.

Julian noticed. He glanced at her sideways, his memory still fresh with howbiting her words had been moments ago.

She hadn't always been like this. From the start, she'd played the role of the obedient wife.

But to him, it had always felt fake. She was exactly the type ofwoman he despised-someone who knew how to charm her way into power, who smiled sweetly while quietly scheming behind the scenes.

And when she'd used his father to corner him into marriage? That had sealed it for him. Disgust didn't even begin to cover it.

As they reached the second floor, Julian suddenly reached out and took her hand.

The warmth of his palm caught Katherine off guard for a moment.

"It's just for show," he said in a flat tone. "Don't read too much into it."

She stayed quiet.

They'd pretended to be a loving couple before-awkward and unconvincing-but it always involved a bit of physical contact.

Katherine took a deep breath and tried to stay composed.

Then Julian added a warning, "Don't say a single word about what happened with Lewis Group's CEO. You know who'll suffer if this gets out."

Every word hesaid made her feel sick.

She tried to pull her hand free, but he held on tight. In a burst of frustration, she dug her nails into his palm.

He flinched slightly. Thesting faded fast, but the fury it sparked didn't.

She snapped back, "Relax. I'm not about to run toyour dad and spill everything. It was just one night, right? I got paid, had my fun-no big deal."

Hearing that, Julian went still.

Chapter 7 Julian Was Impotent Hadfun?

Julian certainly hadenjoyed himself that night, hadn't he?

But Katherine? Hadn't she been reduced to broken sobs, shaking as if he'd stripped away her dignity, even desperately pleading with him to use protection?

And afterward, hadn't tears spilled endlessly down her cheeks, each drop a silent echo of devastation and despair?

Exactly which part ofthat nightmare could ever be called "fun"?

Julian's eyes lingered on Katherine's delicate profile, piercing effortlessly through her feeble facade as memories of her flushed cheeks and trembling softness from that night stirred vividly within him.

A faint smirk curved his lips. "Congratulations. After three years of abstinence, you finally got laid."

Katherine's lashes quivered faintly. She swallowedback the sharp bitterness rising in her throat, determined not to crumble under his scornful gaze.

......

Laurence Nash's health had long since declined, and he seldom stepped outside anymore. Still, under the family's watchful care, he didn't look especially fragile-his features held onto their familiar warmth and gentle ease.

He had turned the reins of the family business over to his son Julianyears ago and had never shown anything but kindness to Katherine. She, in turn, had always treated him with steady, respectful deference.

Now, even after Julian had worn her down completely, leaving her spirit shredded, she kept her disillusionment tucked away. The last thing she wanted was to add to Laurence's burdens.

As Laurence gazed at his confident son and the quiet, ever-composed daughter-in-law, a sense of peace settled over him-though in some unspoken way, it felt incomplete.

A grandchild. That was the missing note in his symphony of contentment.

He came out with it, blunt as ever. "Well? When are you giving me a grandchild? I won't be around forever-who knows how much time I've got left?"

He dragged out that line every time they came by. Katherine had stopped answering long ago, leaving Julian to field the blow.

Julian's brow creased. Not wanting to provoke his father, he kept his voiceeven. "It's not something we can rush."

"Three years, and still nothing? How much more time do you plan on wasting?" Laurence asked, pretending to be patient. "You're both in perfect shape-so what exactly isn't working here?"

Julian stayed quiet, his fingertip drumming lazily against the table, clearly gearing up to dodge the question yet again.

But Laurence wouldn't let it go. "Julian, just be straight with me-are you... having trouble in that area?"

A muscle jumped in Julian's cheek. "Dad, I'm twenty-six. Do you seriously think that's even on the table?"

Laurence wouldn't let it drop. "You never know. These things creep up on you, even if you're unaware."

Julian let out a tight breath, irritation flickering in his eyes as he turned his head toward Katherine.

She was peeling a tangerine, the very fruit that always turned his stomach. His mood soured even further.

He clamped his mouth shut, a decision that only fueled Laurence's suspicion. Turning to Katherine, Laurence prodded, "Kathy, is that true?"

The question caught Katherine completely off guard, leaving her frozen for a beat.

Was Julian impotent? How would she possibly know about it? Not once in three years had he stayed the night. They hadn't even shared a kiss.

Yet remembering how he'd behaved today, a jagged bitterness tore through her chest.

"I doubt it..." she murmured, drawing her brows together in quiet hesitation.

That slight crease in her expression landed like a bomb. Laurence turned ghostly white. Julian's face, meanwhile, went hard and stormy.

Just a few offhand words-yet they landed like a slap, as if she'd ground his name straight into the dirt.

Julian's tone sliced through the room. "Katherine, you'd better think before you speak."

She held hisgaze without flinching.

Alright then-she'd phrase it more delicately. "Julian has a few... concerns, but I believe he's seeking help."

Julian's entire frame went rigid, stunned into stillness.

Laurence shot to his feetin alarm. "Julian! Whenthe hell did this happen?"

A dangerous glint sparked in Julian's eyes. His tone cut like a blade. "You really believe whatever nonsense falls out of her mouth?"

"She's your wife," Laurence snapped, voice rising. "She lives under the same roof, sleeps beside you every night-if anyone knows your body, it's her. Why wouldn't I trust what she says? And Cayson told me you've never so much as glanced at another woman. I thought you were just cold by nature, but now I'm wondering-were you hiding something all along?"

Julian's face turned grim, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked carved from stone.

Overcome with fury and disbelief, Laurence broke into a harsh, rattling cough, his chest heaving with the effort.

Katherine sprang into action, hastily pouring him a glass of water and gently patting his back. "Don't stress. With how far medicine's come, there's nothing that can't be dealt with."

Even so, a furrow remained between Laurence's brows. "Still..."

She pressed on with a light tone. "And if itever came to that, IVF's a completely normal option now. Tons of people go that route."

Her words were meant to soothe-but a faint bitterness clung to Laurence's voice. "But Kathy, Julian's only in his twenties..." He trailed off, the weight of the thought sinking in.

What kind of marriage wasit if the two of them couldn't even be intimate?

Katherine responded with a faint,nonchalant smile.

Yet that small, indifferent curve sliced into Julian's pride like a sharpened blade.

It practically screamed, "Who cares if he is impotent or not?It doesn't matter to me anymore."

Julian clenched his jaw, irritation simmering dangerously beneath the surface. "Dad, there's nothing wrong with me."

Laurence raised a skeptical eyebrow. "If that's true, show me."

"Show you? What-am I supposed to get an erection right here in front of you?"

Chapter 8 Did I Ever Beg You To Get Me Pregnant Laurence's eyes flared with rage. He was breathing so hard it looked like he might explode. After a minute ofholding his chest and settling down, he finally spoke.

"If you're so eager to prove your point, then bring me a grandchild before the year's over!"

The cup in Katherine's hand almost slipped from her grip. Her entire body went still.

Julian noticed her stunned face and gave a bitter chuckle. Hewasn't about to help her. This was her problem to deal with. He kept his mouth shut, leaving all the weight of it on her.

"Make me proud, Kathy," Laurence added, hopeful and firm.

Katherine stayed quiet. It didn't matter what she said-either way, she was cornered. So shegave a tight nod, just to keep things moving.

Laurence looked both thrilled and restless. The moment tired him out,and he finally retired to his room.

Once Katherine and Julian left the study, both of them let their fake smiles fall away.

With how broken things were between them, all that baby talk wasn't funny-it just felt ironic.

Katherine could tell Julian saw her as manipulative all over again. One look athis cold face was enough to confirm it.

Then, out of nowhere, he turned to her.

His eyes were sharp, and his voice came out flat. "Funny how much it bothers you that I never laid a hand on you."

Katherine kept her cool. "Not really. We've been married for three years and have never been intimate. I just feel that what I told Laurence makes sense."

"So now I'm impotent? Is thatit?" he snapped.

"How would I know? Maybe call your mistress and let her break thenews to your dad," she shot back.

Julian laughed bitterly. "Wow. That mouth of yours-too bad it stayed shut for the last three years."

He regretted showing mercy on her that night-he should've gone all the way until she passed out.

Katherine looked down, clearly done arguing.

"You can't hide the divorce forever," she said softly. "He'll find out eventually, so you might as well tell him now."

"Katherine, you're the one who nodded and agreed, right in front of him," Julian reminded her.

"I just-"

Julian didn't let her finish. "You jumped at the chance-what, backing out already?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "I've got to hand it to you, though. Your methods? Way sharper than your mother's. You really know how to use your value to your advantage."

The insult landed hard. She understood exactly what he was implying-that she was using the baby talk to manipulate Laurence.

Her jaw tightened as she fired back, keeping her voice low. "Isn't it your call whether or not I even get pregnant? You play the perfect son in front of him, but behind his back, I'm suddenly the villain? What did I do, exactly? Did I ever throw myself at you and beg you to get me pregnant?"

Julian's face clouded with anger, but before he could reply, shouting echoed from outside.

They headed down and saw Camille Nash-Julian's stepmother-had just come back.

Laurence had separated from his first wife under complicated conditions. A year later, he married Camille, who later gave birth to Eloise.

Julian and Eloise were half-siblings, but they never had bad blood. His relationship with Camille, however, was icy-civil on the outside, but there was no warmth behind it.

Camille walked in still visibly annoyed. She faked a smile when she noticed Julian and Katherine, but it was clearly strained.

"Julian, you're heading out already? Eloise was really hurt. I just got back from the hospital and didn't get to entertain you properly. I hope you won't take it the wrong way."

Her tone seemed courteous, but the subtext was obvious; she was pointing fingers at Katherine.

Katherine, however, ignored her. Shealready had enough on her plate. One more jab wasn't going to shake her.

Julian kept his usual distance. "If she's that badly hurt, she should've stayed at the hospitaland stopped stirring up drama," he said flatly.

Camille knew full well her daughter wasn't blameless.She gave an awkward chuckle.

Once they were gone, her face darkened, and she went straight to Laurence's room.

Camille hadn't lasted this long in the Nash family bybeing reckless. Even if her daughter had been humiliated, she couldn't afford to start a fight just yet.

In her eyes, Katherine had no support, no family to protect her, and now Julian had turned his back, too. There would be time to settle the score.

Just as she was steadying her nerves, Laurence stirred the pot again. "Julian thinks he can trick me again. I'm done with this. Find someone trustworthy and send her to their place to keep an eye on things. I want a grandchild."

Chapter 9 I'll Happily Make Way Camille's pulse skittered nervously, dread pooling in her stomach. "Laurence, isn't it crossing aline for us to interfere in such personal matters?"

If Julian truly gave the Nash family its long-awaited grandson, her daughter Eloise would lose what little standing she had left in the family.

Yet Laurence remained stubbornly resolute. "I realize it'sdistasteful, but that brat has left me no choice. Just follow my instructions-the sooner we handle this, the better."

...

Once Eloise returned home from the hospital and discovered Camille had agreed to the live-in housekeeper scheme, her tone turned razor-sharp. "Mom! How could you go along with something like this? If that scheming bitch actually manages to conceive Julian's child, what happens to Louisa? She's the one who should be married to my brother!"

Camille gave her daughter a knowing glance, murmuring dryly, "Don't pretend your sudden concern is all about Louisa. You're just using her as an excuse to get close to her elder brother, aren't you?"

Eloise flushed hotly. "Louisa would still be a better match than Katherine. Besides, if I marry into the Wright family, it'll benefit you just as much as me."

Camille had alreadymeticulously weighed the advantages.

A sly smile curved her lips. "Relax, dear. I've goteverything under control."

......

Katherine had long grown accustomed to misfortune following her around, but even she hadn't imagined her divorce would twist into such a tangled mess.

From the day she'd stepped foot in the Nash estate that day, Laurence's health had spiraled alarmingly downward. The family doctor had practically moved in, cautioning everyone that Laurence couldn't bear another emotional blow.

Katherine knew exactly which "blow" he was referring to.

Yet Julian behaved as if nothing was pressing. He buried himself in work, carefully sidestepping any mention of the divorce, clearly determined not to upset his father with the truth.

Several days later, the new housekeeper Camille had personally selected finally arrived.

Katherine was at home, busy preparing nourishing dishes that she'd regularly been sending over due to Laurence's declining health. The scent of freshly made broth still lingered in the air, prompting an enthusiastic compliment from the housekeeper.

"Mr. Nash is truly fortunate to have married someone as thoughtful as you," the housekeeper remarked warmly. "But his father mentioned that everything's fine on their side. You can relax and focus on improving your relationship with Mr. Nash."

An uneasy chill tightened around Katherine's heart. This woman had clearly been planted here by Laurence himself. A mobile spy, practically glued to her every move.

After slipping into her uniform, the housekeeper entered the kitchen, offering a helpful smile. "It's getting late. Should I set a place for Mr. Nash at dinner?"

Katherine hesitated, unsurehow to respond.

Since signing the divorce papers, she and Julian hadn't shared even one meal together. It seemed unlikely tonight would be any different.

She opened her mouth to offer some vague excuse, but just then, the front door clicked open.

Her head snapped around instinctively. A soft glow from the entryway's sensor lights gently outlined Julian's tall, slender figure.

Julian's looks were impeccable. A face sculpted so finely it seemed perfect from every conceivable angle. Katherine remembered a popular online remark she'd once read about him. "With looks like that, who cares if he's dead weight in bed-I'd gladly take him anyway."

Katherine quickly shook offthe absurd memory, dismissing the intrusive thought.

Julian shrugged out of his tailored suit jacket and moved toward the sink, rolling up his sleeves to wash his hands. The sight of the new housekeeper didn't catch him off guard at all-clearly, he'd already known.

Quietly relieved, Katherine finished packing the freshly cooked food into a thermos, already planning a believable excuse to slip away.

Julian had been dining out for weeks now.

The savory scent of a proper home-cooked meal, after endless days of bland takeout, suddenly sparked his dormant appetite.

His attention subtly shifted to Katherine's hands.

Feeling the weight of his gaze, she met it evenly, grasping exactly what he was after. "This is for Laurence," she said firmly. "If you're hungry, have the housekeeper whip something up for you."

Julian glanced meaningfully at the pot.

Without hesitation, Katherine scooped out the remainder, meticulously packaging it away until only a thin skim of broth remained at the bottom.

Julian's eyes narrowed slightly, an unreadable expression fixed on his face-did she really just deny him even the smallest taste?

Katherine flashed him a sweet, innocent smile. "Did you want some broth?"

Before Julian managed a response, she tilted the pot, sending the fragrant broth cascading directly down the drain. "There we go. All taken care of."

A muscle flickered along Julian's tightly clenched jaw, but he held his tongue.

Yet, Katherine's fleeting triumph came with consequences.

With a spy now under their roof, Katherine felt caged. She couldn't afford to let their charade slip, and counting on Julian to resolve the issue was out of the question.

Sleepless that night, she slipped on a jacket and quietly made her way to the study.

"I can handle your father," she began quietly, eyes troubled. "But we'll need an airtight reason. Maybe it's time to bring your lover home. Claim you've fallen in love with someone else-I'll happily make way."

Chapter 10 Are You Free To Sleep With Me Julian let out a cold, humorless laugh. "So if my dad getstoo worked up and something happens to him, it's all on me now? That's a convenient little setup you've got there."

Katherine's brows furrowed. "Then tell me, what's a better solution?"

"You're the one itching for a divorce, not me. Why should I be the one offering options?" he shot back, his voice laced with disdain.

Katherine clenched her jaw, feeling like his indifference was squeezing the air out of her lungs. "Then maybe we should just be honest with him."

Julian looked overat her, his eyesnarrowing slightly.

The study was spacious, and she'd purposely chosen a seat far away, keeping her distance.

Her words, her tone, even the way she looked at him now, it all screamed one thing-she was determined to divorce him.

Fighting off the urge to snap, Julian said icily, "Even if you manage to calm him down after telling him the truth, does that mean the drama ends there? Your mom, your brother, your jailed dad-will they all magically disappear from my family's radar?"

"I never dragged you into any of their problems," Katherine shot back.

"True, you didn't come asking for handouts.But do you even know the stunts your mom's been pulling while you look the other way?"

Katherine's eyes went wide. "What areyou talking about?"

Julian's voice cut like glass."Go ask her. See what kind of favors she's been cashing in."

Deep down, she already knew. Her brother's hospital bills and her father's so-called privileges in prison-those didn't come from thin air.

"Katherine, unless you're ready to pay back every favor, quit tossing around this divorce card. You wanted this life, so keep playing the part," said Julian coldly.

Her stomach twisted. He'd endured their marriage for three years, and now it felt like he was ready to make her pay for every second.

She gave a bitter laugh. "So what's the plan, then? No divorce, and suddenly you want a baby?"

"Works for me."

She stared at him, stunned. What had gotten into him? Rage bubbled just beneath her calm. "And how exactly are you planning to make that happen? Because let's be honest-getting there the normal way would be a miracle for you."

A muscle tightened in Julian's jaw as a flicker of curiosity crossed his face. What would she be like if she actually took the lead?

The thought amused him. With a faint smirk, he said, "Alright then. Show me what you've got. Or skip the effort-just drug me. I'll even have a few bottles delivered."

Katherine was stunned into silence.

He eyed her from head to toe, then added with a sneer, "Actually, you'd better get a whole case. You're gonna need it."

Boiling with rage, Katherine turned on her heel and stormed out, the door slamming behind her.

The housekeeper, who had clearly been listening in, gave a fake little wipe of the floor and chirped, "Aren't the two of you heading to bed soon?"

Katherine didn't even look her way. With a storm brewing on her face, she strode off toward the bedroom by herself.

She tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn't come. Her thoughts were too noisy. So instead, she got up and began quietly gathering everything in the room that reminded her of Julian, stashing them away like she was clearing him out of her life bit by bit.

While clearing out a drawer, her hand brushed against a business card she'd tucked away and forgotten.

Her eyes fixed on the number, and a wave of shame rushed up her chest. She clamped her lips shut, trying to swallow it down.

A reckless thought slipped into her mind, one she hadn't dared to consider before.

Julian didn't love her, yet he held on likeshe was his possession.

Now he wanted a child, and she was supposed to magically make it happen on her own?

Alright then. Challenge accepted.

Katherine studied the card. No name. Just a title-an executive at Nash Group-and a phone number.

But she hadn't forgotten him from thatnight-tall, strong build, defined muscles. He was young too. Hard to miss.

Drawing in a deep breath, she typed out amessage and hit send.

......

The next morning, Julian skipped breakfast entirely and headed straight to work.

Cayson was waiting, holding out a cup of coffee like usual.

Julian took a sip, then winced. "What the hell is this? Didyou make this swill yourself?"

Cayson cringed and swiftly reclaimed the cup. "Apologies,sir. I'll get you a fresh one."

But instead of leaving, he just stood there, with coffee in hand, like he had something to say but couldn't spit it out.

Still stewing from the night before, Julian's gaze sharpened. "Are you planning to turn into a statue, or are you going to speak?"

Cayson drew a deep breath, bracing himself. There was no point in stalling. "Sir, I need to tell you something."

"Goon."

"It's about your wife."

Julian's eyebrow lifted. He waited,silent but alert.

Swallowing hard, Cayson continued, "She messaged me last night..."

Julian's expression hardened. "She texted you? What exactly did she say?"

Without answering, Cayson simply handed over his phone. "Better if you read it yourself."

Julian took the phone and glanced down at the screen.

The message was blunt. "Hi. Are you free to sleep with me?"

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The sharp pain tore through me before I even understood what was happening. My vision blurred with tears as a stranger pinned me down, his weight crushing any hope of escape. I begged, voice breaking, 'At least use protection.' He didn’t answer—just laughed and pressed harder. When I woke up, the suite was empty. The bed was a crime scene. My body, evidence.

I called Julian. Again and again. When he finally answered, he said, 'I'm busy. Call the cops.'

Now, standing in our bedroom, I watch him adjust his tie like nothing happened. His eyes flick over me, cold, dismissive. 'Go make breakfast. I’m leaving in half an hour.'

My hands tremble, but my voice doesn’t. 'Julian… let’s get a divorce.'