SIGN MARRIAGE TO GET REVENGE

A'S

e something had changed, somet

t first, I thought it was just fatigue. The past weeks had been quite hectic wit

t the dining table with a cup of green tea that was usually m

ed, holding back the

et. But my mind was constantly distracted by that strange feeling. Plus, the past f

hing that made it all sta

w signs of my monthly cycle. It felt... like it

can't be. Not me

ionship that wasn't entirely just on paper. This contract marriage had somehow turned into something more com

elf down. I needed answers. And the only

ll but scary-test pack. I don't even know how I managed to buy this thing without look

e sure," I whis

out the process. As I placed the test pack over the sink and waited for the

es. What if the result was positive? What would happen? What would I tell Luca

e results. I leaned closer, staring at the

li

lear and firm, as if

it was about to jump out of my chest. I tried to reread the instructions on the te

preg

in my hand. Mixed feelings filled my mind-fear, confusion, and even,

I was pregnant. I was going to be a mother. But what would I tell Lucas?

d, almost silently.

cas needed to know. But how? How can I tel

wers might not be there yet, but one thing is for sure-my life is

*

Newcomer Changing the

he top, with a large glass display case and the name of the boutique written in elegant letters

llection that was said to be "able to combine modernity with a subtle touch of classics." The author of the article even mentioned how th

in, finding an

ue, Proof That Fashion I

Devereux Boutique: Lucas Deve

that I couldn't explain. There was pride, of course, that this endeavor was really s

ca

boutique, as the main backer who made it all possible. And even though that was true, I couldn't help but feel that I wanted pe

ws. I scrolled back, reading the comments from v

amazing. Very different from an

nning. I bought one of the dresses and

ore than just a wife of a rich man. S

ent made my sm

g your v

n his casual suit-a white shirt folded up to his elbows and gray pa

ng to sound casual, though I was sure he could see the

to the marketing team. They said the first week's sal

almost jumped

faction. "I'm telling you, this boutique will be

ll of secrets, often elusive, but in moments like this, I saw a different si

s," I said softl

m as always. "You don't need to thank me, Clara. It's all b

I decided not to argue. Instead, I picked up my tablet

cognizing your role, too,

it on the table. "Let them say what they want. What matter

creep into my chest. His words were si

ever thought I would be able to have this. I felt like I had found mysel

pportunity to continue my college education. Th

s gave m

ng-the accomplishment

How could I tell Lucas? What if Lucas was disappointe

d he'd be di

here was someone who made a bad comme

ewhat surprise

velope. It was a collection of screenshot printouts from various social med

my boutique, was one name that

ha

y ex-husband. The man I once trusted with my entire

is comments wit

ed project financed by a rich husband. No

skipped

It's obvious that the owner has no talent or v

wasn't just criticizing my business, but also trying to ruin my reputation. He knew

er-of-factly, his voice

ing to read the expr

w this from

am reported this this morning. I wanted

looking down at t

d to des

aking one of the cha

couldn't touch you directly. He's attack

o do?" I asked, my vo

front of Lucas, but it was hard

me with a gentle

thing, Clara. I'll

s, this is none of your business.

so my business. Besides, Ethan isn't just attacking yo

mes to his reputation, and this time he consider

wanted to face this myself, show tha

ntions," I said slowly, trying

f I want this boutique to succeed, I have to show

eyes like she was assessing whether I

e space. But I'll still make sure the PR a

g a little relie

d in front of my desk, looking at me with

im beat you," he sa

down now. This is your time

Ethan might try to destroy me, but I wouldn't give him that satisfac