Chapter 2

"Did you have fun?"

I froze for a second, then quickly nodded.

"Yeah, I did. Though my kind of fun is just strength in numbers. It can't compare to having your beloved Ms. Rogers by your side."

Something in my answer must have displeased John, because the coldness around him deepened instantly.

In the past, the moment I saw that expression, I would have rushed over to comfort him, carefully trying to cheer him up.

However, now, I only looked at him in confusion.

So he came all the way here just to ask whether I was having fun?

Puzzled, I reached out and casually squeezed a man's abs again.

John suddenly moved, taking a few steps toward me before saying coldly, "There are reporters outside the club. We need to cooperate for appearances."

Realization hit me immediately.

No wonder he had stopped accompanying Claire. So it was because the media were outside.

Of course. To avoid the paparazzi catching anything inappropriate and causing public backlash that might affect the cooperation between the Dyke and West families, he had no choice but to come find me.

Since it involved business, I did not argue. I got up cleanly and flashed those handsome men a regretful smile.

"Sorry, everyone. I have something to deal with. Next time we can–"

Before I could finish the word 'meet,' John grabbed my wrist and dragged me straight out of the private room.

Faced with his complete lack of gentleness toward women, all I could do was purse my lips in silent irritation.

Once outside the club, I looked around.

Forget reporters. There was not even another person in sight.

I raised a brow. "Where are the reporters?"

John ignored the question. After the valet brought the car over, he opened the passenger door for me like a perfect gentleman and guided me inside.

His movements were smooth and natural, as though we were truly a loving couple.

But I knew better.

He was only acting.

Since he kept refusing to say where the media were hiding, I stopped asking. He would not be so bored as to lie to me about something like this. The reporters were probably lurking in some corner nearby.

After John got into the car, it suddenly hit me.

This was the first time since our arranged marriage half a year ago that we had ever been alone together.

If this had been my previous life, I would have treasured an opportunity like this. I would have gone out of my way to show my best side, hoping to move his heart.

But now, I could not even be bothered.

As soon as the car started moving, the alcohol hit me properly. Without saying another word, I leaned back against the seat and fell asleep.

By the time I woke up again, we had already arrived at Moonlake Villa.

Moonlake Villa was our marital home, though I had always been the only one living there.

John stayed in a luxury apartment near Dyke Group headquarters instead, conveniently next door to Claire.

Not expecting him to keep up the gentleman act and open the door for me, I pushed it open myself and lightly hopped out of the car.

After taking only a couple of steps, though, I realized John had gotten out as well.

I could not help staring at him in surprise.

"John, you're not staying at the apartment tonight?"

He glanced at me indifferently without answering and continued walking toward the villa.

Since the house was technically shared marital property, there was not much I could say. I simply followed behind him.

The moment we entered, I was about to call for the housekeeper, Mrs. Morgan, to make me some soup to combat the hangover when John interrupted me.

"It's late. Don't wake anyone up. I'll make it for you."

He rolled up his sleeves and walked into the kitchen.

Watching his back as he busied himself there, my chest tightened slightly.

John was always like this.

He clearly did not love me, yet in private he would always do these strangely gentle things.

Like making me soup tonight.

Like holding my hand during our wedding ceremony and telling me not to be nervous.

And because of moments like these, the me from my previous life had mistakenly believed we could become a normal married couple someday.