Chapter 1

On our wedding night, my wife demanded that I wear a blindfold. She told me that her body was reserved only for her true love, her childhood sweetheart.

My heart turned to ice instantly. My voice was sharp as I snapped, "Are you my wife or his?!"

My wife yelled back even louder, "I might have married you, but that doesn't mean I have to show myself to you. Marital pressure is still pressure. I'm only giving myself to Zackary Miller because you aren't even worthy."

Later, when she begged to be my wife again, I realized she was the one who wasn't worthy.

1

"Are you going to put it on or not?"

Cora Hayes was wrapped up so tightly she looked like a mummy. She thrust the black blindfold toward my face, acting as if she were a martyr preparing for execution.

I let out a bitter laugh. I felt a level of humiliation I had never known before. As I stood there frozen, Cora lost her patience.

"Just put it on already!" she hissed, reaching out to shove the mask over my head.

I stared at the woman in front of me.

She was wearing a thick turtleneck sweater. Every inch of her skin, even her neck, was hidden from my sight. It felt like a slap in the face.

The anger inside me boiled over, killing any shred of affection I had left. I grabbed her wrist and questioned her, "Are you my wife or his?"

I pushed the blindfold away, feeling like I couldn't breathe in that room.

I had always known she had a crush on someone else for years. But I never imagined she would humiliate me like this on our wedding night.

She wanted to make it clear that her heart and soul belonged to another man. Even though we were legally married, I wasn't allowed to have her.

She really underestimated me.

Cora's voice was full of mockery. "I was supposed to be his wife anyway!"

When she saw the shock and disbelief in my eyes, she looked even more satisfied. "I only let him see my body. He's touched every inch of my skin. From my soul to my flesh, I belong entirely to Zackary!"

After her little speech, she threw on her coat and slammed the door as she left.

She used the cruelest way possible to hurt me. Our years of growing up together meant nothing compared to a few sweet words from that guy. I felt like the strength had been drained from my body.

I didn't have to marry her!

This marriage was a business arrangement proposed by her father.

Her family's company was failing and desperately needed a bailout.

She had lived a sheltered life and knew nothing about business. Her father didn't dare tell her the truth because he didn't want her to feel the pressure.

Mr. Hayes had come to me, begging for this alliance. He asked me to marry Cora.

He did it out of love for her.

He knew I had feelings for Cora and believed I would protect her for the rest of her life.

Besides, once we were married, I would be obligated to save the Hayes family business.

I had loved her for years. So, when her father made the request, I agreed.

Even when my own parents threatened to kick me out of the family company and disown me, I still chose her.

I had been in management for years and held enough resources to save her family. I was confident I could turn things around.

Cora's parents understood this, but Cora clearly didn't.

She was angry at my parents for their disapproval, and she looked down on me.

To her, I was just a guy running a small creative studio. She thought I was pathetic compared to her boyfriend Zackary, who was a low-level manager at some firm.

The roar of a red sports car echoed through the villa district as she sped away. I felt a strange sense of relief, like a weight had finally dropped. She was going to Zackary, no doubt.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

I realized then that she and I were finally headed for different paths.

By the time I showered and tried to sleep, I received a text from Zackary.