“What’s for breakfast?”
“Porridge.”
“That’s not enough! Add something for her—fresh strawberry pie, hot milk, a crisp salad, and grill a steak to give her some strength. And don’t forget, she’s injured—pick up some ointment for her wounds! Get all of this done, and I’ll triple your pay today.”
Charlotte stared at the long string of orders on her phone, replying with a simple, “Okay.”
A faint, bitter smile tugged at her lips.
After all these years of marriage, he still didn’t know she was allergic to beef.
Then again, it wasn’t surprising—he’d never cared about her well-being.
—
In the N-LINK branch’s conference room, Bradley strode in, his light-colored suit lending him an air of easy charm. “Ms. Lee, thank you for waiting.”
Charlotte rose to greet him, getting straight to the point. “Mr. Fairchild, I’m willing to work for N-LINK, but first, I need Ryan’s chip data.”
Bradley took his seat, smiling politely. “That’s no problem. Since we’re talking cooperation, Ms. Lee, you’ll have to show me some sincerity.”
“What do you want?”
“Sign this agreement.”
As he spoke, Bradley slid a document across to her.
Charlotte glanced down—Marriage Agreement.
She frowned. “Mr. Fairchild, why do you want a marriage contract with me?”
Bradley’s gaze was meaningful. “You may have changed your name, Ms. Lee, but I know you’re Mr. Harrington’s ex-wife. I need assurance you won’t betray me for your former husband.”
“Don’t worry. This is a business arrangement, nothing more.”
Charlotte considered it for a moment. As Darren’s rival, Bradley’s caution made sense.
“All right, I’ll sign.”
She handed back the signed agreement. Bradley continued, “According to local custom, we’ll need to register the marriage today. Once that’s done, you’ll have Ryan’s chip data, and your appointment letter as N-LINK’s lead chip engineer.”
She had only three days left—there was no reason to refuse.
—
Meanwhile, Darren drove back to the Harrington estate.
Xena’s voice caught. She’d only pretended to step aside, hoping he’d beg her to stay. Instead, he was actually letting her go.
Desperate, she forced a smile. “Darren, let’s eat first, shall we? After lunch, I’ll decide.”
Her housekeeper had already laced the lobster gratin and braised beef with a sedative.
After this meal, Darren, you’ll finally be mine.
Xena hid her scheming behind a gentle smile.
Darren’s brows drew together. He knew he owed her, so he didn’t refuse. “All right.”
In the dining room, Xena graciously placed the drugged lobster and beef in front of him.
Darren picked up his fork. Just as the beef reached his lips—
Bzzzz—
His phone vibrated on the table.
A message from his private investigator:
*Mr. Harrington, as you requested, I’ve been following Bradley’s movements. He’s at the courthouse right now, registering his marriage—with your ex-wife.*

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Delete My Love for You