Chapter 1

At the marriage alliance banquet, Zachary Pendleton, the only son of General Alfred Pendleton, publicly declared that he had no interest in women.

“I cannot enter such an alliance. Any young lady marrying me would be ruined by our union.”

The hall lapsed into silence as all eyes turned to him at once.

Still, Zachary stood there with an air of indifference, as though he saw nothing improper in his words.

I studied him with curiosity and found my interest unexpectedly piqued.

Never had I expected to find another person as opposed to marriage as I was.

Although I had no intention of attending this banquet, I had ultimately yielded to my parents’ persistent persuasion.

Meanwhile, murmurs spread throughout the crowd.

“Has Zachary lost his mind? If he doesn’t like women, does that mean he prefers men?”

“Besides, if he has no interest in women, why did he attend this banquet in the first place? Is he not wasting everyone’s time?”

“Exactly. My father had hoped for a match between us. As if that were possible.”

I crossed my arms as I listened to the gossip with growing irritation.

This was hardly the first time I had heard of Zachary.

By virtue of his distinguished birth, striking features, and remarkable accomplishments, he had long been the object of admiration among the young ladies of Jamesford.

However, the moment he fell into disfavor, everyone seemed eager to turn on him.

I found their behavior rather distasteful.

I looked at Zachary and spoke without thinking.

“It matters little to me. Ruin me instead. I’m willing to marry you.”

Startled gasps erupted around me.

Alfred, Zachary’s father, looked positively delighted. He grabbed my hand at once.

“You’re from the Radcliffe family, right? Should you agree to wed Zachary, the Pendleton family will provide all that your heart desires.”

It seemed that Alfred had long been beside himself with worry over Zachary’s marriage prospects.

Zachary, meanwhile, watched me from the side with an unreadable gaze.

Suddenly, I heard a voice that seemed to come from nowhere.

“Has Harriet Radcliffe taken leave of her senses? After everything I just said, she still intends to marry me. Is she really willing to throw herself into my hands?”

I blinked and turned to Zachary in bewilderment.

“I beg your pardon?”

He merely frowned, seemingly lost in thought.

“Good Lord. Her lips are exquisite.”

For a moment, I wondered whether I had imagined it. However, before I could give it further thought, I was swept away to discuss the engagement arrangements.

Honestly, marrying Zachary was hardly a poor bargain.

With his lack of interest in women, we could live as husband and wife in name only and lead separate lives. No matter the number of male lovers he might keep, I would not interfere. In return, I could enjoy a life of wealth and privilege.

Alas, all of those assumptions were completely overturned on our wedding night.

The instant we sat on our bed, Zachary's thoughts reached me with startling clarity.

“She is gorgeous. She smells delightful and looks so soft. I want to touch her.”

I stared at him in stunned disbelief.

“Are you quite certain you have no interest in women?”

Zachary seemed momentarily taken aback, though he swiftly schooled his features.

“I am quite certain. I dislike women, so you would do well to keep your distance.”

Yet his thoughts told an entirely different story.

“That was all a lie. In truth, I am hopelessly drawn to women and deeply lustful. I had intended to restrain myself, but since you dared to marry me, it’s only a matter of time before you end up in my bed.”

I felt as though I had been struck by lightning.

It suddenly occurred to me that Zachary was a lecher.

I stared at him in a daze after reaching that conclusion.

“Why did you marry me in the first place?”

His expression remained indifferent.

“Wasn’t it you who took the initiative? You said you were willing to be ruined by me for life.”

At the same time, he thought, “When temptation lies so openly before me, how could I possibly refuse? Such desires have long tormented me, and now, you have come to me of your own accord.”