Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 9

I never had lofty ambitions. I only ever wanted to be a rich widow—no in-laws to deal with, no husband to answer to, just a massive inheritance in my grasp. It wasn't the most virtuous dream, but it was undeniably practical.The year I turned 29, that opportunity finally came. My parents sat at the head of the table, with two photographs placed on the coffee table.On the left was Frank Larson, the pampered heir of Braventhorn's elite circle. On the right was only a blurred side profile—his uncle, Henry Larson.Rumor had it that Henry was 35, frail, and ruthless. He was on the brink of death, consumed by the consequences of his violence.My father, George Nufer, tapped his ashtray. "You two, you may each pick a man."My younger sister, Lily Nufer, wasted no time placing her hand on the left photo. "I choose Frank! If I'm getting married, I'd obviously pick someone young."She was utterly certain. "Frank is the heir of the Larson family. If I marry him, I'll become Braventhorn's t

I retreated step by step until my back met the wall. Henry braced one hand against it, trapping me in his shadow."Sarah," he said, my name rolling off his tongue. "What did you marry into my family for?"For money, for the inheritance, and for you to die as soon as possible.Of course, I didn't dare say any of that. I managed a grim smile and lifted my thermal flask with unsteady hands."I just… wanted to take care of you. I noticed you didn't look too well, so I made you some honey ginger tea."Henry lowered his gaze to the pink Hello Kitty thermal flask. The corner of his lips twitched slightly."Honey ginger tea?" he asked, a faint, ambiguous smile forming. "Do you really think I need that kind of 'tonic'?"I stood there awkwardly. "Well… it's for wellness. Prevention is key."Henry didn't reach for the thermal flask. Instead, he pulled his hand back and walked toward the bed."I don't drink sweet things," he said, lifting the blanket and lying down. "Turn off the light. I

Not only did that slap at the post-wedding reception stun Lily and Frank, but it also cemented my position within the Larson family.Still, I came to realize that Henry wasn't just tough—he was someone who never let go of a grudge. After Lily's sarcastic comment about his health, he started putting me through "physical training"."This is so you'll have the strength to look after me, a frail invalid."He was adamant that I run three miles each morning and do an hour of yoga every night. Even my meals were tightly controlled.I leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, my mouth watering uncontrollably.In the backyard, Henry, clad in loungewear, was waving a piece of chocolate. Tank, the Doberman, wagged its tail excitedly."Henry! That's the exclusive, limited-release Hellington chocolate!" "Do you want it?" Henry turned his head, sunlight streaming across his high nose.I nodded frantically. "Yes!""Get down and do 50 squats."I was left speechless, but for the sake of th

"Why are you sighing?" Henry ended the video conference and turned his chair toward me."My hand's sore," I lied, keeping a completely straight face.Henry gestured for me to come closer. "Come here."I walked over obediently.He caught my wrist, pulled me into his arms, and set me down on his lap. "Which one is sore?"He gently massaged my hand, applying just the right pressure."My… my right hand."My whole body stiffened. His breath brushed against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine."Sarah," he suddenly called out."Yes?""I hear there are rumors going around that I'm not sexually capable."My heart skipped a beat. "N-no, that's not true at all!" I hurriedly denied it. "Who would dare spread rumors like that? I'll tear their mouths apart!"Henry chuckled under his breath. His chest shook with a low rumble, sending a shiver down my back. "Is that so? Then why did you write my name on the baby you just painted?"I was completely stunned. "Well… I just love you so mu

"Sarah! If you're not going to pay, then let's make a deal!" Lily shouted. Her eyes burned with an almost manic intensity as she looked from Henry to Frank."Frank may be useless, but he's still young! He's only 25! Sarah, let me have Henry, and I'll give you Frank in return! He's still young and capable of having children!"Henry is fragile. With his health the way it is, he's practically living on borrowed time! You don't want to end up a widow, do you?"I looked at her in disbelief. "You—"Before I could continue, Henry moved beside me. He raised his foot slightly, then brought it down onto Frank's injured hand."Ahhh—!" Frank let out a scream of agony as he rolled across the ground. Startled, Lily released my leg and stared at Henry in sheer terror.Henry stood with one hand tucked in his pocket and an umbrella in the other. He angled it fully over me, leaving half his shoulder exposed to the rain.He looked down at Lily from above. "So you want to swap us, huh?" A ruthless