4

Livia returned to the party hall.

The atmosphere was still lively, with famous singers taking turns on stage. Laughter and music echoed through the grand space, but Livia's heart felt heavier with every step.

She returned to Damian's side-her husband now-and found him already speaking to another woman.

The woman was stunning. Elegant. Clearly someone from a wealthy and powerful family.

"Congratulations on becoming the wife of such a great man like Brother Damian," the woman said with a sweet smile.

She had called Damian "Brother." That familiarity-it meant they were close. Too close.

"Thank you, Miss," Livia replied with a practiced, graceful smile, as though truly grateful to be married to the man standing beside her.

"Just call me Clarissa," the woman said lightly.

"Alright, Miss Clarissa," Livia replied, still smiling.

Clarissa ignored the hint of distance in Livia's tone. Instead, she leaned into Damian, wrapping her arm around his with ease-like it was hers by right. "Brother, will you stay for the rest of the party?" she asked, smiling coyly, completely ignoring the presence of Damian's wife.

"You look as handsome as ever tonight."

"Let go of me," Damian snapped, his tone sharp and cold.

Clarissa's hand dropped immediately, her smile faltering. That tone... he had never used it on her before. Was it because of Livia? Did he actually care about this girl he married? No. Impossible.

Clarissa clenched her fists. She knew exactly who Damian used to love.

Without another word, Damian turned and left them both standing there. A few guests greeted him with respectful bows as he passed, before he disappeared into the VVIP lounge, surrounded by powerful men.

Livia clenched her hands silently at her sides.

'Damn it, Damian. You called me back here just to leave me again? I would've rather stayed in the garden with David.'

"You really think Damian married you because he loves you?" Clarissa asked, her voice dropping into something far colder than before. The sweetness was gone, her gaze sharp enough to slice.

Livia didn't blink. "Miss Clarissa, you should ask my husband why he chose me."

"You're just a nobody. Don't dream of ever winning his heart."

Livia took a long, deep breath to suppress her annoyance. 'What is her problem? Why curse me like this out of nowhere?'

"At least he chose to marry me, and now I'm his wife," Livia replied, voice sweet, lips curved in a perfect smile.

Inside, she felt nauseous. 'Ugh. That came out more smug than I wanted.'

Clarissa's face twisted with rage.

"Do you even know who he loves? Who he's slept with?"

"I don't," Livia said calmly. "But starting tonight, I'm the one sharing his bed."

Clarissa's face turned scarlet.

"You-!"

"I don't know what kind of relationship you had with my husband before, Miss Clarissa," Livia cut her off, her tone steady, "but please don't bother me in the future."

"You think you've won, don't you?"

Clarissa stormed away, muttering curses under her breath, her eyes sharp with hatred.

Livia watched her go, shoulders straight, jaw tight.

She had to act tough. If she let her guard down even once, people like Clarissa would tear her apart. Marrying Damian Alexander had already stripped away her pride. She wouldn't let them take anything else.

...

The night wore on, and the party gradually came to an end.

"Take the young lady home," Damian instructed one of his drivers before leaving in a different car with Assistant Brown behind the wheel.

Livia stood on the steps, watching her husband's car pull away. She bit her lower lip, hands curling into fists.

This was what she had expected.

The wedding was over.

And now, real married life began-an abyss waiting to swallow her whole if she took even one wrong step.

"I'll take you home, Young Lady," the driver said as he opened the door for her.

"Thank you. Sorry for the trouble," Livia replied politely as she got in.

The driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror, startled by her manners. No woman close to Damian had ever spoken to him like that.

He caught a glimpse of her reflection-tears were silently streaming down her cheeks.

The car eventually passed through a towering iron gate and into a massive estate.

Livia looked out the window. The garden was beautifully lit, but it felt more like a gilded cage. She saw guards standing quietly, watching. The moment she entered, she had lost her freedom.

A maid greeted her at the entrance. There was no sign of Damian's mother or sisters. They had either gone home or continued the party elsewhere-just like him.

"Welcome, Young Lady. Congratulations on your wedding," the maid said, bowing.

Livia forced a smile.

'Please don't call me that. I'm just the girl exchanged for debt. You all probably have more honor than I do.'

"You must be tired. I'll show you your room."

A man led the way up the grand staircase. Livia followed quietly, numb.

They stopped in front of a double door.

"Please, come in. This is your room-and the Young Master's."

Livia hesitated. Couldn't she sleep elsewhere? Anywhere else but here?

"Please, Young Lady."

"...Okay."

She stepped inside. The room was as luxurious as she had imagined-elegant and cold.

"If you need the bathroom, it's through that door. And here's your wardrobe. Your clothes are already arranged."

Livia blinked.

'What? My suitcase is still downstairs...'

"The bathroom is connected inside as well. Please rest. I'll take my leave."

"Thank you," she said automatically.

"You don't need to thank me, Young Lady."

After the servant left, Livia collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted. She took a deep breath.

This wasn't a dream. She had really fallen into a bottomless pit.

She could only hope there weren't crocodiles waiting inside.

After a long silence, she stood and walked toward the wardrobe.

'Is this... a boutique?' she thought in disbelief.

Her and Damian's wardrobes were separated, both immaculately arranged. Every piece of clothing was new.

She pulled out a set of sleepwear and headed to the bathroom to change. Once she returned, she grabbed a blanket and pillow and settled onto the oversized sofa.

That would be her bed for tonight.

It didn't take long before she drifted off to sleep.