Chapter 1

This was the third time I'd heard Yuvan Smith's thoughts.

The first time was when the Sinclair family came to discuss a marriage alliance.

"Discuss" was a generous word. The meeting was only meant to preserve the last shred of my dignity and hide the truth that I was being displayed like merchandise for people to choose from.

Kayla Sinclair's gaze swept over me casually, like she was inspecting an item in a store window. There was clear dissatisfaction and disdain in her eyes.

Just when I thought this one-sided matchmaking session was about to fall apart, Yuvan's mocking thoughts suddenly rang in my ears.

'Benjamin is the 99th marriage candidate Kayla's looked at, and he's the ugliest one so far. If she picks him, my chances will be much better. No matter whether it's looks or talent, I'm miles ahead of him. He's just a spoiled rich kid living off his family. That's exactly the type Kayla hates. Once they're married, she won't even spare him a glance.'

Yuvan even let out a couple of smug chuckles in his head before encouraging Kayla to choose me.

Before I could process what was happening, my father had already packed my luggage and thrown me out the door in one smooth motion.

There was a hint of confusion in Kayla's displeased expression, but she didn't say anything. She simply told her driver to take me with her.

The second time was on our wedding night.

With a cold expression, Kayla pushed a gentle, obedient woman into my room.

Before that, I'd looked into her background.

Kayla was the only daughter of the Sinclair family. She was exceptionally capable, far surpassing her uncles and older relatives. People called her a once-in-a-century genius.

Having a powerful wife like her was the best security I could ask for. For someone who just wants to live quietly and not work too hard, this was perfect.

I absolutely had to stay on Kayla's good side. For my sake, she wouldn't treat my family badly.

Because of that, I initially thought she was testing me, using a woman to see whether I could stay loyal.

I scoffed inwardly and got ready to launch into a full courtroom argument to prove my point.

Before I could start, Yuvan's thoughts rang out beside my ear again.

'What's he expecting? Does he seriously think Kayla's going to spend the night with him? Benjamin really knows how to dream. Kayla already promised she'd be with me tonight, and he still wants to cling to her? He should look in a mirror first. Ugly people really do cause the most trouble.'

Then, Kayla said, "Even though it's our wedding night, I'm afraid you'll have to put up with this."

That was when I finally began to understand what she meant. And with Yuvan's inner thoughts, I finally realized she had done all of this to keep herself for him.

She wasn't doing this because of PTSD or avoiding intimacy because she couldn't handle it.

All of that was a lie.

The only thing that was real was her love for Yuvan.

With that realization, I swallowed the long speech I'd carefully prepared and accepted her arrangement with a smile.