Chapter 2

2

Justin and I went on a short business trip. I came home a few hours early and found Naomi sleeping in our bed.

"Oh, I had such a headache. I didn't mean to fall asleep here. Sorry, Lynn," she said, her apology sounding completely fake.

Her tone was dripping with defiance.

"Lynn… she didn't mean it. You have to understand her situation," Mrs. Miller chimed in immediately.

"She's pregnant and going through a lot. As the daughter-in-law of this house, you need to be generous."

There it was again. "Be generous. Be the bigger person."

I snapped, "I heard you the first time." My cold stare made Mrs. Miller flinch.

She scurried away but came back a moment later with a few crumpled bills.

"Naomi accidentally ruined some of your clothes. They probably got stretched out. Here, go buy something new."

I looked at the two hundred dollars in her hand and almost laughed. That wouldn't even cover the perfume Naomi stole.

Naomi's eyes were full of smug satisfaction.

I just smiled back. It didn't matter.

I mentally added the cost of the ruined items to a list I'd give Justin later for reimbursement.

Everything had a price.

The truth was, Justin and I were in a marriage of convenience.

I grew up in a family that valued sons over daughters. They had massive debts.

Debt collectors used to harass me, even threatening to cut off my brother's fingers if I didn't pay.

My parents decided to sell me off, basically.

Justin, on the other hand, was being pressured by his family to settle down.

We were negotiators for rival companies and met during a deal.

Justin's family was wealthy enough, and we realized we could help each other.

I told my parents I'd give them my entire dowry to pay off their debts.

But the condition was that they had to sign a legal document cutting all ties with me.

They hadn't raised me with any love anyway. This marriage was my way out.

So, Justin and I had a big wedding, but we secretly signed a private agreement.

We both got what we wanted.

I got my freedom from my toxic family.

He got to maintain the illusion of a happy family for his parents.

His parents were constantly on the verge of divorce, and he thought a stable son would keep them together.

I sighed as I sat on the couch. "What's wrong?" Justin asked, coming home in his casual clothes.

To be fair, Justin was a great guy. He was handsome, kind, and very generous.

But he had a secret: Justin was sterile.

It was a dealbreaker for most women in traditional families.

His parents were desperate for a grandchild to fix their broken marriage.

"Your sister-in-law is acting out. She's ruined my makeup and my clothes," I told him.

"I've heard pregnancy hormones make people unpredictable. Just hang in there a bit longer," Justin said softly.

"Once the baby is born, my parents will have something to focus on, and our contract will be over."

"Take this and buy yourself some new things. Sorry for the trouble," he said, transferring a large sum of money to my account.

I grinned at the notification. "Well, she is pregnant. I should definitely be the bigger person."

Justin paid very well for my cooperation.

Our relationship was strictly professional, a business partnership where we played a role for his family.

My side of the drama was over, but Justin still needed me for now.

But with Naomi's baby on the way, things were changing.

A baby would do more to keep his parents together than our fake marriage ever could.

We planned to end the contract as soon as the baby arrived.

However, I noticed a faint lipstick stain on his collar.

Thinking about Naomi's recent moves on him, I kept my mouth shut.

We were a couple on paper, but we lived separate lives.

I knew Justin had a girlfriend on the side. I didn't care. I wondered if Naomi would.

Once Naomi delivered the "family heir," I could walk away with my pockets full.

Justin's infertility was a secret only the two of us shared.

Naomi's baby was the only way the Miller bloodline would continue, making it incredibly precious.

I didn't mind letting her have her way for a few more months.

But seeing that I wasn't reacting to her provocations, Naomi started pushing even harder.