LOGINJust as Amber was trying to calm her racing heartbeat, a slow clap echoed from behind them. The sound was elegant—but laced with sharp mockery. “What a touching performance, Dave. I almost shed a tear seeing how protective you are of your new toy.” Amber turned—and instantly froze. Standing before her was a woman who looked like she had stepped straight off the cover of Vogue. Her black hair was flawlessly styled, and the sleek black silk dress wrapped perfectly around her slender figure. It was Bella—Dave’s ex-wife. The woman who had destroyed his reputation with a single scandal. Bella’s gaze fell on Amber, scanning her from head to toe with clear disdain. “So this is the girl you chose to replace me? A bit… skinny, isn’t she?” Bella let out a soft laugh, then turned her sharp eyes toward Dave. “I didn’t know your standards had dropped so drastically. Or maybe you just needed someone desperate enough to agree to your ridiculous contract.” Dave didn’t loosen his hold on Amber
The flashes of camera lights burst again as reporters snapped photos of Amber and Dave from every angle.This was big news—something that would explode across the internet. A young businessman who had been divorced by his wife for being “incompetent” as a husband was now suddenly appearing with a woman struggling financially.Even a fool would think this was nothing but a staged lie.After the provocative scene on the red carpet, Dave didn’t give Amber a chance to protest. His grip on her waist tightened as he guided her calmly into the grand ballroom, as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell in front of the world’s media.As soon as the large doors closed behind them, the noise of camera shutters was replaced by the soft clinking of crystal glasses and the soothing melody of classical music. But for Amber, the quiet inside felt even more terrifying.“Let go of me, Dave,” Amber whispered through clenched teeth. She tried to pull away, but his hand on her bare back pressed even firmer,
Amber remained sitting stiffly in her chair while Dave stood very close behind her. The man’s masculine scent seemed to surround her, making it hard for Amber to breathe. “You’re trembling,” Dave whispered. His voice was no longer cold like when he spoke to Jeff. It sounded heavy and rough. Amber tried to stand, but Dave’s hand came down on her shoulder, gently pressing her back into the chair with quiet authority. “Dave, you don’t have to pretend anymore. Jeff is gone,” Amber said, her voice slightly shaking. Dave didn’t answer. Instead of stepping away, he walked around the chair and knelt on one knee in front of Amber. This position made their faces level. The small distance between them allowed Amber to see the dark glint in the man’s gray eyes. “Pretend?” Dave repeated with a low laugh that sounded almost like a growl. Suddenly, Dave gripped both armrests of Amber’s chair, trapping her between them. His face moved closer, only a few millimeters from Amber’s lips. “I did it
Dinner passed in a very tense atmosphere. Jeff barely touched his food. His eyes kept dissecting Amber with a look filled with disbelief, anger, and regret that he tried to hide behind arrogance. Suddenly, Dave’s phone vibrated on the table. He glanced at the screen, then stood up. “I need to take this call from New York. It’s important,” Dave said flatly. He briefly looked at Jeff—a clear warning in his gaze—before walking out to the dining room balcony. As soon as the glass door closed and Dave moved away, the mood at the table changed instantly. Jeff dropped his fork harshly and leaned toward Amber. “Impressive acting, Amber,” Jeff hissed mockingly. “How much did Uncle Dave offer you? Are you really that desperate for money that you’re willing to sell yourself to a man who will never even touch you in bed?” Amber clenched her fists under the table. “This is none of your business, Jeff. You were the one who called me a poor woman. I’m just doing what I have to do to surv
Amber jolted awake, her heart pounding. When she looked up, she saw Dave standing beside the bed. He was still wearing his suit, and his mere presence made the spacious room feel suddenly smaller. “I… I’m sorry. I was exhausted,” Amber said quickly, pushing her hair back into place. “Come with me. The legal consultant is waiting in the library,” Dave said flatly. He didn’t wait for her reply. Amber followed him through the marble hallway. Every servant they passed bowed deeply, their eyes fixed on the floor. The strict discipline in this house felt suffocating. When they entered the library, a middle-aged man in a neat suit stood up immediately. “Mr. Oliver. Miss Pierce.” Dave took his seat behind the large wooden desk and gestured for Amber to sit across from him. A thick stack of documents lay between them. “This is our legally binding marriage contract,” Dave began, his voice calm but firm. “Duration: two years. During that time, you will accompany me to every soc
Amber scoffed inwardly. All men were the same. Even Dave, rumored to be gay, wanted to see her naked. She gripped her wine glass, her hands trembling. The chill of the crystal was nothing compared to the cold aura emanating from the man before her. Dave Oliver sat with his legs crossed, looking every bit the powerful sovereign on his leather throne. "I can give you exactly what Jeff offered. On one condition: you dance for me," Dave said, his voice devoid of expression. Amber fell silent for a moment. At the very least, dancing for Dave alone was far better than being a spectacle for a leering crowd. She stood up immediately, bracing herself to undress. Dave remained reclined on the sofa, watching her every move with a flat, clinical gaze. Amber felt a flicker of confusion. Why did he show no sign of interest, even as she stood nearly bare? Oh, she had forgotten—Dave supposedly had no taste for women. "Put your clothes back on!" Dave barked just as Amber reached for the clasp of







