Chapter 1

A hint of a smile appeared in Justin Oaks' eyes.

"Good girl. Haven't you always wanted us to do a pre-wedding photoshoot together? Once I've wrapped up my work, we can fly abroad and get that photoshoot done."

Once he was done speaking, he didn't bother waiting for Lynette Colt's response. He merely redirected his focus back on the work folder in his laptop.

The glow of the screen illuminated Justin's face, highlighting the effortless confidence and composure with which he handled everything.

But that facade only lasted until Justin's phone lit up with a new text. That was when a hint of anxiety crept into his previously neutral expression.

"Don't worry, Christina. I'll find a way to resolve this problem. I swear, I won't let injustice befall you."

The moment Justin ended the call, he raised his head to look at Lynette.

"Lynn, some paparazzi caught us on camera the day we went home to my parents for a meal. Right now, the trending topics on social media all circulate around everyone's suspicion about the authenticity of my relationship with Christina."

He didn't even hesitate to say what was on his mind. "Later at the press conference, I want you to announce to everyone that you're the one who fabricated the photos, and that you're actually—"

"A manipulative wench who's in love with you but failed to pursue you, am I right?"

When Justin silently agreed with Lynette's answer, the latter felt her eyes starting to burn with tears.

"You don't want Christina to suffer from injustice, yet why are you putting me through the same ordeal? Are you still aware that I'm your actual wife?"

For a moment, Justin looked stunned. But right now, his mind was filled with Christina's sobs.

"Lynn, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your designs, right?"

Lynette felt as though she was just struck by lightning. She just stared at Justin in disbelief.

"Is that a threat?"

After all, Justin had witnessed the way Lynette spent countless sleepless nights and devoted so much blood, sweat, and tears to her design. To think that he'd use the fruits of her labor that she had spent the last eight years cultivating as leverage over her and force her to destroy her own reputation just so he could protect Christina!

Justin's expression never faltered. "As long as you cooperate with me, I can invest in your studio."

Invest?

Sorrow surged into Lynette's heart immediately.

Some time ago, she had pleaded with Justin to invest in the studio that she intended to establish. But he had turned her down with excuses like "negative impact" and "people will find out about our relationship".

Yet now, Justin offered to invest in her studio for Christina's sake.

Soon, the numb Lynette was whisked to the press conference, as though she were a marionette.

The reporters immediately flocked toward her.

"Ms. Colt, did you fabricate the photos to drive a wedge between Mr. and Mrs. Oaks so you could swoop in and steal him away?"

"Did you get involved in Mr. Oaks' marriage just so you could take Mrs. Oaks' place?"

"I heard that you're an award-winning designer. Can you confirm that you obtained your awards through legitimate means?"

"Everyone can tell that you're very skilled at Photoshop. This isn't your first time getting involved in someone else's marriage, right?"

Poor Lynette turned white as a sheet in the face of the slanderous questions. On instinct, she tried to defend herself.

"I didn't—"

But before she could get more words out, she received a harsh slap from Christina Jenkins, who had just arrived at the scene. As a result, Lynette collapsed to the floor.

"Ms. Colt, I understand why you feel the need to take a shortcut in life. But this time, you chose the wrong person to mess with."

Christina could be seen linking arms with Justin. There was nothing but trust written all over her face.

"My husband will never betray me in our marriage! Also, I will not accept your apology. I just hope that you'll strive to become a good person in the future. Stop trying to ruin other people's families just to achieve your goals, okay?"

While the reporters were envious of Justin and Christina's loving relationship, they couldn't help but cast looks of disgust and hatred at Lynette.

Someone took advantage of the chaos to aim a kick at Lynette. Immediately, water bottles, shoes, and even microphones were chucked in her direction.

Waves of pain struck Lynette on the spot. She instinctively looked at Justin as she tried to call out to him for help. But all she saw was Justin wrapping Christina in a tight, protective embrace. His gaze remained cold as he watched Lynette get beaten up black and blue.

Just as Lynette's consciousness was about to fade away, she suddenly recalled the time when Justin had made a solemn vow to her at a private wedding three years ago. It had taken place right after she agreed to tie the knot with him secretly.

"Lynn, from now on, you're no longer alone. I will become the safehouse that blocks out the storms for you. I'll be the home that you wanted the most."

But Justin never gave Lynette the home she wanted throughout their three-year marriage. There was no such thing as a safehouse, either.

All she ever experienced were the storms that Justin had personally brought to her.