Chapter 4

Channing's POV

There were dozens of sets of lingerie and stockings.

Bridget had always dressed conservatively in the past. But ever since meeting Keaton, her outfits had become increasingly provocative.

"Huh? You've already been discharged?" Bridget looked a little nervous when she saw me. "I… I went on a business trip a few days ago… It was for an overseas deal…"

She stammered through her explanation and hurriedly hid a pair of men's swim trunks in her hand.

"I… I took Keaton along to broaden his horizons… Don't misunderstand. We had separate rooms when we were abroad. You know I used to have a younger brother. After he died, I started treating Keaton like a younger brother and spoiling him…"

"It's fine. Do as you please," I said indifferently.

I couldn't be bothered to listen to her insincere explanations, so I went to the spare bedroom.

That night, Bridget entered the spare bedroom wearing the new lingerie and fluorescent stockings. She climbed onto the bed with a seductive smile.

"Channing, it's been so long since we've been intimate with each other. Tonight, I'll make it up to you…"

As she spoke, she reached over to undo the buttons of my pajamas.

In the past, whenever she rejected my marriage proposals, she would make it up to me with physical intimacy. I used to fall for her cheap trick every time.

But now, it only made me feel disgusted.

"No." I slapped her wandering hand away.

Bridget was embarrassed and angry at my rejection.

She scolded, "Enough, Channing! Don't be such a child! I already apologized, didn't I? What more do you want?"

My tone remained calm as I said, "I'm a man of principles. I can't sleep with someone else's wife."

Those words seemed to have an almost magical effect. Bridget was instantly left speechless.

While we were stuck in an awkward silence, there was a loud pounding on the front door.

Keaton had arrived.

He pleaded, "Ms. Sherman, my mom told me to sleep with my wife so she can have a grandchild as soon as possible. She kicked me out, so now I'm homeless. Can you take me in? She's going to video call me later. She won't be at ease until she sees me sleeping in the same bed as you."

Bridget turned to look at me with a conflicted expression. "Channing, you—"

I cut her off. "I'll give you two some space, so you can keep up the act."

I calmly got out of bed and picked up the suitcase I had already packed that evening.

A look of relief immediately appeared on Bridget's face. "Okay, go stay at a hotel for a few days. I'll put on another show for Mrs. Joplin tonight. Tomorrow, I'll go file for a divorce with Keaton. Once the one-month waiting period is over, I'll meet you at the city hall.

"Even though Keaton and I will be sleeping in the same bed tonight, we'll use separate blankets. You won't have to worry about anything."

She was still explaining herself when I walked out the door. Once outside, I hailed a cab and headed straight to the airport.

…

Third-Person POV

A month later, it was a gloomy, rainy day.

Bridget was going to the city hall to register her marriage to Channing. The waiting period for her divorce from Keaton had ended, so she was single again.

Of course, Keaton didn't want that.

He pleaded and threw a tantrum, refusing to let Bridget leave.

"Ms. Sherman, am I not good enough? Can't we make our fake marriage real? I love you! I'm your husband! Besides, Channing has been gone for a month. That means he already knows you've changed your mind. He must have chosen to leave on his own rather than humiliate himself."

Keaton was about to say more when Bridget slapped him hard across the face.

Fuming, she said, "Do yourself a favor and take a good look in the mirror. Do you think I'd marry you for real? As if you're worthy of being my husband. I only married you as part of the act. Don't flatter yourself!

"Also, I found out that your mother was faking her illness. You should be grateful I didn't report you for fraud. So, stop deluding yourself! You can never have me! Only Channing is fit to be my life partner."

Under Keaton's resentful gaze, Bridget walked through the rain to the entrance of the city hall, still wearing a high-end designer wedding dress.

She sent Channing a text. "My dear, I'm waiting for you at the city hall. Even though there's wind and rain, my love for you will withstand it all and never change! Come and take your bride home!"