When Drake finally agreed to give Louise a real wedding, she thought her patience had paid off. Instead, a single phone call from Pearl—his best friend’s widow—was all it took for Drake to ditch Louise at the altar, leaving her to become the ultimate laughingstock. To top it off, Drake moved Pearl and her child into their marital home that very night. Recognizing she was just a substitute who had outlived her usefulness, Louise didn't argue. She secretly cut a deal with her hostile mother-in-law, finalized the divorce behind Drake's back, and walked away. But as she stared numbly at her divorce papers, a hand snatched them away and tossed them into the trash. Leaning against the wall was her childhood sweetheart—the sharp-tongued man who had vanished ten years ago. "Pathetic," he scoffed, his eyes blazing. "Is a garbage man like that really worth your tears? Pick someone else. Personally, I think I'm a great option." Drake thought he was the one pulling the strings, using Louise as a shield and a substitute. He expected her to beg for his return. Instead, he’s about to face the ultimate humiliation: Louise never loved him either. He was just a placeholder for the boy from her past—and in this game of double substitutes, Drake has already lost.

Chapter 1On the night of their wedding, Louise asks her husband Drake Powell for a divorce."You want to throw our marriage away just because I left the reception to save Pearl and Bobby from an abduction?" Drake's usually gentle face hardens with cold disbelief. "Louise, stop making a scene."Louise grips her phone, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.Pearl. He says her name with such intimate familiarity. Pearl Drake's unrequited first love, and the widow of his late best friend. Years ago, she saved Drake's life, but a twist of fate led her to date his best friend and move abroad. Six months ago, his friend died overseas. Drake flew out to handle the funeral arrangements, and ever since he returned, he has been entirely detached, his mind miles away.Before the wedding, Louise tried to have an honest conversation with him. She told him they could cancel the ceremony or even quietly divorce if he was unhappy. She understood the lingering pain of an unrequited crush.But Drake simply smiled, gently ruffling her hair. He promised they would never divorce, insisting he would keep his vow to give her the grand wedding she deserved.They had rushed their marriage license three years ago, but the actual ceremony was endlessly delayed when Drake took over the Powell family empire. When they finally started planning six months ago, Louise did all the work. She painstakingly selected the venue, curated the guest list, and designed the favors. Drake acted like an aloof executive, simply picking options from a list or telling her to handle it herself. Her meticulously planned wedding turned into a public joke when he abandoned her at the altar.A suffocating wave of despair washes over her, making her fingers tremble. She barely remembers how she survived the rest of the reception. She only knows she woke up alone in the new Clearwater Cove villa she shares with Drake. Staring out at the pitch-black sky, she numbly picked up her phone and made the call to end it all. His response was to call her unreasonable.Splashing cold water on her face, Louise heads downstairs. She pauses at the landing when she spots several maids whispering in the living room. At the sound of her footsteps, they look up, their eyes full of silent pity. Marian, the head housekeeper, steps forward with a sympathetic smile. "Ma'am, you must be starving. The kitchen has some warm soup and pastries ready. Shall I bring you some?"Louise hasn't had a bite to eat or a sip of water all day. Her stomach aches with a dull, gnawing hunger. She nods at Marian. "Just the soup, thank you."Right then, the sound of a car engine cutting off echoes from the driveway. Drake is home. Louise lowers her gaze, her fingers curling into tight fists against the sofa cushions."Pearl, Bobby, this is your new home." Drake's warm, soothing voice drifts through the open door.Louise looks up to see Drake strolling into the entryway, looking striking in a custom black suit. Behind him trails a woman and a young boy. The woman has shoulder-length curls, a sunny smile, and two sweet dimples. When Drake catches Louise staring, he doesn't miss a beat. "Louise, this is Pearl and her son, Bobby. They are going to stay with us for a while."It isn't a discussion. It is a mandate. Louise stares at him in deafening silence, offering neither agreement nor objection. The tension in the room turns suffocating.Pearl bites her lip and tugs on Bobby's hand, turning toward the door. "I am so sorry, Drake. I shouldn't have called you. I completely forgot today was your big day with Ms. Hazelwood."Ms. Hazelwood. Not Mrs. Powell. With that single title, Louise instantly recognizes the hostility beneath the woman's sweet facade. Instead of correcting her, Drake catches Pearl's arm. "It is not your fault. You didn't know I was getting married today.""But..." Pearl glances timidly at Louise. "This is your home with Ms. Hazelwood. I couldn't possibly impose."Drake smiles warmly at her. "There is no safer place in Seaport City than right here with me."Pearl falls silent, her wide, innocent eyes darting back to Louise. "But...""No buts. I own this house, and I say you stay," Drake declares, shutting down the argument entirely.A cynical laugh echoes in Louise's mind. The day they got their marriage license, Drake drove her to this exact villa. He told her it was their new home, that she was the lady of the house, and that everyone here answered to her—including him.That was the first romantic promise Drake ever made to her, leaving her blushing for hours. Now, he stands in the same room and uses his ownership to overrule her completely.After settling Pearl and her son into a guest room, Drake comes back downstairs and takes a seat beside Louise. He reaches out to hold her hand, but she smoothly pulls away.Drake pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a heavy sigh. "Louise, be reasonable. I am exhausted today."She genuinely wants to laugh, and a cold, sharp chuckle slips from her lips. Drake leans back against the sofa, his long fingers undoing the top two buttons of his shirt. Her bitter laughter grates on his nerves, but then the reality of abandoning her at their wedding crashes over him. He knows he crossed a line."I am sorry, Louise," he says softly. "I handled today poorly, but my hands were tied. The moment Pearl and Bobby stepped off the plane, the Peery family's security team tried to snatch them. You know the Peerys never approved of Pearl's marriage to Ken. Ken was furious and took her abroad to live. Since he passed away six months ago, Bobby is the only heir left. Ken’s father Clayton has been plotting to tear that boy away from Pearl. If my friends and I hadn't stepped in, the family would have taken him by now. Clayton only backs down when I intervene. This is the only place they are truly safe."Louise turns her head to look at him, her expression entirely unreadable. "If that is true, why did she come back? Wouldn't she be safer hiding abroad?"Drake freezes.Louise offers a tight smile. It is such a painfully transparent scheme. Anyone who gives it a second thought can see right through it, yet the brilliant Drake Powell is completely oblivious. Is he truly that blind, or does Pearl's sudden arrival play right into his own desires?Drake frowns deeply. "There are some things I cannot explain right now."He forces a chuckle, shaking his head as if dealing with a stubborn child. "Louise, are you jealous?" He reaches out again, gently patting her head. "Don't worry. Your position as Mrs. Powell is absolutely secure. No one can threaten your status."She jerks away, evading his touch entirely. She never cared about the title or the status in the first place."I am tired. I am going upstairs," she says coldly.Watching his wife walk away, Drake opens his mouth to stop her but decides against it. As long as she drops the divorce nonsense, he can handle her temper tantrums. She is just acting out. After all, she has been hopelessly in love with him since high school. She could never actually leave him.Marian approaches the living area carrying a plate of sweet pudding, looking around for Louise. "I will take that," Drake says, taking the tray with a faint smile. "Louise is upset. I should go talk to her."Before he can take a single step, the door to the second-floor guest suite opens. Pearl steps out, her face framed by those sweet dimples. "Drake, is there any food? Bobby is starving."Drake stops in his tracks, replying almost instinctively, "Yes, of course." He immediately moves to hand the pudding over to Pearl. Marian steps in, her voice hushed but firm. "Sir, that is the last batch of pudding. I made it specifically for Louise."Drake's hand pauses, and an awkward flush creeps up Pearl's neck. "Oh. In that case, you should hurry up and bring it to Ms. Hazelwood.""She is an adult. She can skip a snack," Drake says dismissively, waving a hand. "You can feed Bobby first."A loud whine echoes from the guest room. Pearl tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, if you insist, I won't politely decline."Drake walks back down to the kitchen, casually ordering Marian to whip up something else for his wife.Up in the master bedroom, Louise is on the phone with her best friend, Jane."That absolute bastard!" Jane screams through the speaker. "He ditched you at the altar for his friend's widow? You must be devastated. I am booking a flight to Seaport City right now!""I am fine, Jane," Louise interrupts calmly. "Your project is more important. Lock down that contract, then come back and buy me a massive dinner."Jane hesitates. "What are you going to do now? Are you considering..."Louise's eyelashes flutter, and she stays silent."Louise, you have to wake up!" Jane says, her voice full of frustrated affection. "Do you know what Drake's inner circle says behind your back? They call you Pearl's stand-in. They say Drake only married you because you have that same dimple on your left cheek. Otherwise, a small-town girl like you wouldn't even be fit to tie his shoes!""I know," Louise replies softly.She isn't entirely innocent either. The only reason she first noticed Drake all those years ago was because his eyes looked exactly like the boy who had saved her in the countryside."If you know, then divorce him!""I will."But she knows Drake will never sign the papers willingly. She is going to have to find another way out.Drake doesn't return to the master bedroom until the early hours of the morning. Hovering between sleep and wakefulness, Louise feels the mattress dip on the far side. She opens her eyes and quietly rolls over, watching Drake's broad back as he sleeps facing the opposite wall, a solid three feet of empty space between them.Her eyes burn with unshed tears. The people in their circle teased that the wedding was just a romantic vow renewal for an old married couple. Only Louise knows the humiliating truth: they have never even consummated their marriage.Three years ago, during a high school reunion, their old classmates mercilessly teased them. Someone drunkenly pointed out that Louise had been obsessed with Drake since they were teenagers, completely spacing out in class just to stare at him. Drake had just smiled, his striking eyes locking onto the shy girl who refused to look up. "I know now," he had murmured.The party went late, and a guy booked hotel rooms for everyone. Due to a front desk error, Drake and Louise were given the same room key. They spent the night in the same bed. When they woke up, the air was thick with embarrassment. Drake firmly stated he would take responsibility, but Louise frantically shook her head, knowing nothing had actually happened between them.Somehow, her greedy stepmother found out. The woman stormed into the Powell family estate, throwing a massive tantrum, screaming that her daughter's reputation was ruined and demanding a multi-million dollar settlement to allow the marriage. Mortified, Louise wanted the ground to swallow her whole. But Drake stood in front of her, shielding her from the chaos, and formally declared his intention to marry her.His wealthy parents were fiercely opposed to their sole heir marrying into a working-class family. Yet Drake stood his ground against the entire family, secretly taking Louise to the courthouse to get their marriage license. To protect her from his family's judgment, he moved them into the private Clearwater Cove villa. Knowing her father and stepmother treated her poorly, Drake constantly showered her family with expensive gifts and took time out of his brutal schedule to accompany her on visits. When she told him to stop wasting his money, he just smiled warmly. "If money solves the problem, why not use it?"He was perfect in every way—except he never touched her.A year into their marriage, Louise accidentally discovered the truth about his first love. She brushed it off, believing everyone had a past. She convinced herself that with enough time and patience, he would move forward, and they could build a real life together. She even sacrificed her booming career, locking herself in this gilded cage to play the perfect, devoted housewife.Six months ago, Drake had pulled her into a rare embrace, whispering against her hair, "Louise, let's have a baby." She had been overjoyed, believing they were finally going to be a real family. But she was the only one stepping forward.The very next day, news broke that his best friend had died abroad. Drake rushed overseas, and when he returned, he never held her again. The emotional chasm between them snapped right back to where it started.Tears slide silently down her cheeks, soaking into the expensive pillowcase. She knows with absolute certainty that this marriage is dead. She has to sever the tie, cleanly and ruthlessly.The next morning, Louise wakes up alone. Opening her bedroom door, she hears the sounds of a perfectly happy family downstairs—a child's bright laughter mixed with a man's gentle coaxing.She shuts the door, walks into the master bathroom, and splashes freezing water on her face until the fog in her mind clears. Staring at her pale reflection, she slaps her cheeks lightly to bring the color back, then turns and marches straight into the adjoining study.The master suite is massive, complete with a walk-in closet, a private lounge, and a study. Drake uses the space at night for his executive calls. During the day, it belongs to Louise. Despite playing the domestic wife, she never actually stopped working. She rigorously studies the latest artificial intelligence developments and quietly submits high-level papers to top-tier academic journals.Back in college, she was the absolute top of her class in Seaport City's most prestigious AI program, launching a highly successful tech startup with Logan, a college friend, long before graduation.Chapter 2On the night of their wedding, Louise asks her husband Drake Powell for a divorce."You want to throw our marriage away just because I left the reception to save Pearl and Bobby from an abduction?" Drake's usually gentle face hardens with cold disbelief. "Louise, stop making a scene."Louise grips her phone, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.Pearl. He says her name with such intimate familiarity. Pearl Drake's unrequited first love, and the widow of his late best friend. Years ago, she saved Drake's life, but a twist of fate led her to date his best friend and move abroad. Six months ago, his friend died overseas. Drake flew out to handle the funeral arrangements, and ever since he returned, he has been entirely detached, his mind miles away.Before the wedding, Louise tried to have an honest conversation with him. She told him they could cancel the ceremony or even quietly divorce if he was unhappy. She understood the lingering pain of an unrequited crush.But Drake simply smiled, gently ruffling her hair. He promised they would never divorce, insisting he would keep his vow to give her the grand wedding she deserved.They had rushed their marriage license three years ago, but the actual ceremony was endlessly delayed when Drake took over the Powell family empire. When they finally started planning six months ago, Louise did all the work. She painstakingly selected the venue, curated the guest list, and designed the favors. Drake acted like an aloof executive, simply picking options from a list or telling her to handle it herself. Her meticulously planned wedding turned into a public joke when he abandoned her at the altar.A suffocating wave of despair washes over her, making her fingers tremble. She barely remembers how she survived the rest of the reception. She only knows she woke up alone in the new Clearwater Cove villa she shares with Drake. Staring out at the pitch-black sky, she numbly picked up her phone and made the call to end it all. His response was to call her unreasonable.Splashing cold water on her face, Louise heads downstairs. She pauses at the landing when she spots several maids whispering in the living room. At the sound of her footsteps, they look up, their eyes full of silent pity. Marian, the head housekeeper, steps forward with a sympathetic smile. "Ma'am, you must be starving. The kitchen has some warm soup and pastries ready. Shall I bring you some?"Louise hasn't had a bite to eat or a sip of water all day. Her stomach aches with a dull, gnawing hunger. She nods at Marian. "Just the soup, thank you."Right then, the sound of a car engine cutting off echoes from the driveway. Drake is home. Louise lowers her gaze, her fingers curling into tight fists against the sofa cushions."Pearl, Bobby, this is your new home." Drake's warm, soothing voice drifts through the open door.Louise looks up to see Drake strolling into the entryway, looking striking in a custom black suit. Behind him trails a woman and a young boy. The woman has shoulder-length curls, a sunny smile, and two sweet dimples. When Drake catches Louise staring, he doesn't miss a beat. "Louise, this is Pearl and her son, Bobby. They are going to stay with us for a while."It isn't a discussion. It is a mandate. Louise stares at him in deafening silence, offering neither agreement nor objection. The tension in the room turns suffocating.Pearl bites her lip and tugs on Bobby's hand, turning toward the door. "I am so sorry, Drake. I shouldn't have called you. I completely forgot today was your big day with Ms. Hazelwood."Ms. Hazelwood. Not Mrs. Powell. With that single title, Louise instantly recognizes the hostility beneath the woman's sweet facade. Instead of correcting her, Drake catches Pearl's arm. "It is not your fault. You didn't know I was getting married today.""But..." Pearl glances timidly at Louise. "This is your home with Ms. Hazelwood. I couldn't possibly impose."Drake smiles warmly at her. "There is no safer place in Seaport City than right here with me."Pearl falls silent, her wide, innocent eyes darting back to Louise. "But...""No buts. I own this house, and I say you stay," Drake declares, shutting down the argument entirely.A cynical laugh echoes in Louise's mind. The day they got their marriage license, Drake drove her to this exact villa. He told her it was their new home, that she was the lady of the house, and that everyone here answered to her—including him.That was the first romantic promise Drake ever made to her, leaving her blushing for hours. Now, he stands in the same room and uses his ownership to overrule her completely.After settling Pearl and her son into a guest room, Drake comes back downstairs and takes a seat beside Louise. He reaches out to hold her hand, but she smoothly pulls away.Drake pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a heavy sigh. "Louise, be reasonable. I am exhausted today."She genuinely wants to laugh, and a cold, sharp chuckle slips from her lips. Drake leans back against the sofa, his long fingers undoing the top two buttons of his shirt. Her bitter laughter grates on his nerves, but then the reality of abandoning her at their wedding crashes over him. He knows he crossed a line."I am sorry, Louise," he says softly. "I handled today poorly, but my hands were tied. The moment Pearl and Bobby stepped off the plane, the Peery family's security team tried to snatch them. You know the Peerys never approved of Pearl's marriage to Ken. Ken was furious and took her abroad to live. Since he passed away six months ago, Bobby is the only heir left. Ken’s father Clayton has been plotting to tear that boy away from Pearl. If my friends and I hadn't stepped in, the family would have taken him by now. Clayton only backs down when I intervene. This is the only place they are truly safe."Louise turns her head to look at him, her expression entirely unreadable. "If that is true, why did she come back? Wouldn't she be safer hiding abroad?"Drake freezes.Louise offers a tight smile. It is such a painfully transparent scheme. Anyone who gives it a second thought can see right through it, yet the brilliant Drake Powell is completely oblivious. Is he truly that blind, or does Pearl's sudden arrival play right into his own desires?Drake frowns deeply. "There are some things I cannot explain right now."He forces a chuckle, shaking his head as if dealing with a stubborn child. "Louise, are you jealous?" He reaches out again, gently patting her head. "Don't worry. Your position as Mrs. Powell is absolutely secure. No one can threaten your status."She jerks away, evading his touch entirely. She never cared about the title or the status in the first place."I am tired. I am going upstairs," she says coldly.Watching his wife walk away, Drake opens his mouth to stop her but decides against it. As long as she drops the divorce nonsense, he can handle her temper tantrums. She is just acting out. After all, she has been hopelessly in love with him since high school. She could never actually leave him.Marian approaches the living area carrying a plate of sweet pudding, looking around for Louise. "I will take that," Drake says, taking the tray with a faint smile. "Louise is upset. I should go talk to her."Before he can take a single step, the door to the second-floor guest suite opens. Pearl steps out, her face framed by those sweet dimples. "Drake, is there any food? Bobby is starving."Drake stops in his tracks, replying almost instinctively, "Yes, of course." He immediately moves to hand the pudding over to Pearl. Marian steps in, her voice hushed but firm. "Sir, that is the last batch of pudding. I made it specifically for Louise."Drake's hand pauses, and an awkward flush creeps up Pearl's neck. "Oh. In that case, you should hurry up and bring it to Ms. Hazelwood.""She is an adult. She can skip a snack," Drake says dismissively, waving a hand. "You can feed Bobby first."A loud whine echoes from the guest room. Pearl tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, if you insist, I won't politely decline."Drake walks back down to the kitchen, casually ordering Marian to whip up something else for his wife.Up in the master bedroom, Louise is on the phone with her best friend, Jane."That absolute bastard!" Jane screams through the speaker. "He ditched you at the altar for his friend's widow? You must be devastated. I am booking a flight to Seaport City right now!""I am fine, Jane," Louise interrupts calmly. "Your project is more important. Lock down that contract, then come back and buy me a massive dinner."Jane hesitates. "What are you going to do now? Are you considering..."Louise's eyelashes flutter, and she stays silent."Louise, you have to wake up!" Jane says, her voice full of frustrated affection. "Do you know what Drake's inner circle says behind your back? They call you Pearl's stand-in. They say Drake only married you because you have that same dimple on your left cheek. Otherwise, a small-town girl like you wouldn't even be fit to tie his shoes!""I know," Louise replies softly.She isn't entirely innocent either. The only reason she first noticed Drake all those years ago was because his eyes looked exactly like the boy who had saved her in the countryside."If you know, then divorce him!""I will."But she knows Drake will never sign the papers willingly. She is going to have to find another way out.Drake doesn't return to the master bedroom until the early hours of the morning. Hovering between sleep and wakefulness, Louise feels the mattress dip on the far side. She opens her eyes and quietly rolls over, watching Drake's broad back as he sleeps facing the opposite wall, a solid three feet of empty space between them.Her eyes burn with unshed tears. The people in their circle teased that the wedding was just a romantic vow renewal for an old married couple. Only Louise knows the humiliating truth: they have never even consummated their marriage.Three years ago, during a high school reunion, their old classmates mercilessly teased them. Someone drunkenly pointed out that Louise had been obsessed with Drake since they were teenagers, completely spacing out in class just to stare at him. Drake had just smiled, his striking eyes locking onto the shy girl who refused to look up. "I know now," he had murmured.The party went late, and a guy booked hotel rooms for everyone. Due to a front desk error, Drake and Louise were given the same room key. They spent the night in the same bed. When they woke up, the air was thick with embarrassment. Drake firmly stated he would take responsibility, but Louise frantically shook her head, knowing nothing had actually happened between them.Somehow, her greedy stepmother found out. The woman stormed into the Powell family estate, throwing a massive tantrum, screaming that her daughter's reputation was ruined and demanding a multi-million dollar settlement to allow the marriage. Mortified, Louise wanted the ground to swallow her whole. But Drake stood in front of her, shielding her from the chaos, and formally declared his intention to marry her.His wealthy parents were fiercely opposed to their sole heir marrying into a working-class family. Yet Drake stood his ground against the entire family, secretly taking Louise to the courthouse to get their marriage license. To protect her from his family's judgment, he moved them into the private Clearwater Cove villa. Knowing her father and stepmother treated her poorly, Drake constantly showered her family with expensive gifts and took time out of his brutal schedule to accompany her on visits. When she told him to stop wasting his money, he just smiled warmly. "If money solves the problem, why not use it?"He was perfect in every way—except he never touched her.A year into their marriage, Louise accidentally discovered the truth about his first love. She brushed it off, believing everyone had a past. She convinced herself that with enough time and patience, he would move forward, and they could build a real life together. She even sacrificed her booming career, locking herself in this gilded cage to play the perfect, devoted housewife.Six months ago, Drake had pulled her into a rare embrace, whispering against her hair, "Louise, let's have a baby." She had been overjoyed, believing they were finally going to be a real family. But she was the only one stepping forward.The very next day, news broke that his best friend had died abroad. Drake rushed overseas, and when he returned, he never held her again. The emotional chasm between them snapped right back to where it started.Tears slide silently down her cheeks, soaking into the expensive pillowcase. She knows with absolute certainty that this marriage is dead. She has to sever the tie, cleanly and ruthlessly.The next morning, Louise wakes up alone. Opening her bedroom door, she hears the sounds of a perfectly happy family downstairs—a child's bright laughter mixed with a man's gentle coaxing.She shuts the door, walks into the master bathroom, and splashes freezing water on her face until the fog in her mind clears. Staring at her pale reflection, she slaps her cheeks lightly to bring the color back, then turns and marches straight into the adjoining study.The master suite is massive, complete with a walk-in closet, a private lounge, and a study. Drake uses the space at night for his executive calls. During the day, it belongs to Louise. Despite playing the domestic wife, she never actually stopped working. She rigorously studies the latest artificial intelligence developments and quietly submits high-level papers to top-tier academic journals.Back in college, she was the absolute top of her class in Seaport City's most prestigious AI program, launching a highly successful tech startup with Logan, a college friend, long before graduation.Chapter 3On the night of their wedding, Louise asks her husband Drake Powell for a divorce."You want to throw our marriage away just because I left the reception to save Pearl and Bobby from an abduction?" Drake's usually gentle face hardens with cold disbelief. "Louise, stop making a scene."Louise grips her phone, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.Pearl. He says her name with such intimate familiarity. Pearl Drake's unrequited first love, and the widow of his late best friend. Years ago, she saved Drake's life, but a twist of fate led her to date his best friend and move abroad. Six months ago, his friend died overseas. Drake flew out to handle the funeral arrangements, and ever since he returned, he has been entirely detached, his mind miles away.Before the wedding, Louise tried to have an honest conversation with him. She told him they could cancel the ceremony or even quietly divorce if he was unhappy. She understood the lingering pain of an unrequited crush.But Drake simply smiled, gently ruffling her hair. He promised they would never divorce, insisting he would keep his vow to give her the grand wedding she deserved.They had rushed their marriage license three years ago, but the actual ceremony was endlessly delayed when Drake took over the Powell family empire. When they finally started planning six months ago, Louise did all the work. She painstakingly selected the venue, curated the guest list, and designed the favors. Drake acted like an aloof executive, simply picking options from a list or telling her to handle it herself. Her meticulously planned wedding turned into a public joke when he abandoned her at the altar.A suffocating wave of despair washes over her, making her fingers tremble. She barely remembers how she survived the rest of the reception. She only knows she woke up alone in the new Clearwater Cove villa she shares with Drake. Staring out at the pitch-black sky, she numbly picked up her phone and made the call to end it all. His response was to call her unreasonable.Splashing cold water on her face, Louise heads downstairs. She pauses at the landing when she spots several maids whispering in the living room. At the sound of her footsteps, they look up, their eyes full of silent pity. Marian, the head housekeeper, steps forward with a sympathetic smile. "Ma'am, you must be starving. The kitchen has some warm soup and pastries ready. Shall I bring you some?"Louise hasn't had a bite to eat or a sip of water all day. Her stomach aches with a dull, gnawing hunger. She nods at Marian. "Just the soup, thank you."Right then, the sound of a car engine cutting off echoes from the driveway. Drake is home. Louise lowers her gaze, her fingers curling into tight fists against the sofa cushions."Pearl, Bobby, this is your new home." Drake's warm, soothing voice drifts through the open door.Louise looks up to see Drake strolling into the entryway, looking striking in a custom black suit. Behind him trails a woman and a young boy. The woman has shoulder-length curls, a sunny smile, and two sweet dimples. When Drake catches Louise staring, he doesn't miss a beat. "Louise, this is Pearl and her son, Bobby. They are going to stay with us for a while."It isn't a discussion. It is a mandate. Louise stares at him in deafening silence, offering neither agreement nor objection. The tension in the room turns suffocating.Pearl bites her lip and tugs on Bobby's hand, turning toward the door. "I am so sorry, Drake. I shouldn't have called you. I completely forgot today was your big day with Ms. Hazelwood."Ms. Hazelwood. Not Mrs. Powell. With that single title, Louise instantly recognizes the hostility beneath the woman's sweet facade. Instead of correcting her, Drake catches Pearl's arm. "It is not your fault. You didn't know I was getting married today.""But..." Pearl glances timidly at Louise. "This is your home with Ms. Hazelwood. I couldn't possibly impose."Drake smiles warmly at her. "There is no safer place in Seaport City than right here with me."Pearl falls silent, her wide, innocent eyes darting back to Louise. "But...""No buts. I own this house, and I say you stay," Drake declares, shutting down the argument entirely.A cynical laugh echoes in Louise's mind. The day they got their marriage license, Drake drove her to this exact villa. He told her it was their new home, that she was the lady of the house, and that everyone here answered to her—including him.That was the first romantic promise Drake ever made to her, leaving her blushing for hours. Now, he stands in the same room and uses his ownership to overrule her completely.After settling Pearl and her son into a guest room, Drake comes back downstairs and takes a seat beside Louise. He reaches out to hold her hand, but she smoothly pulls away.Drake pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a heavy sigh. "Louise, be reasonable. I am exhausted today."She genuinely wants to laugh, and a cold, sharp chuckle slips from her lips. Drake leans back against the sofa, his long fingers undoing the top two buttons of his shirt. Her bitter laughter grates on his nerves, but then the reality of abandoning her at their wedding crashes over him. He knows he crossed a line."I am sorry, Louise," he says softly. "I handled today poorly, but my hands were tied. The moment Pearl and Bobby stepped off the plane, the Peery family's security team tried to snatch them. You know the Peerys never approved of Pearl's marriage to Ken. Ken was furious and took her abroad to live. Since he passed away six months ago, Bobby is the only heir left. Ken’s father Clayton has been plotting to tear that boy away from Pearl. If my friends and I hadn't stepped in, the family would have taken him by now. Clayton only backs down when I intervene. This is the only place they are truly safe."Louise turns her head to look at him, her expression entirely unreadable. "If that is true, why did she come back? Wouldn't she be safer hiding abroad?"Drake freezes.Louise offers a tight smile. It is such a painfully transparent scheme. Anyone who gives it a second thought can see right through it, yet the brilliant Drake Powell is completely oblivious. Is he truly that blind, or does Pearl's sudden arrival play right into his own desires?Drake frowns deeply. "There are some things I cannot explain right now."He forces a chuckle, shaking his head as if dealing with a stubborn child. "Louise, are you jealous?" He reaches out again, gently patting her head. "Don't worry. Your position as Mrs. Powell is absolutely secure. No one can threaten your status."She jerks away, evading his touch entirely. She never cared about the title or the status in the first place."I am tired. I am going upstairs," she says coldly.Watching his wife walk away, Drake opens his mouth to stop her but decides against it. As long as she drops the divorce nonsense, he can handle her temper tantrums. She is just acting out. After all, she has been hopelessly in love with him since high school. She could never actually leave him.Marian approaches the living area carrying a plate of sweet pudding, looking around for Louise. "I will take that," Drake says, taking the tray with a faint smile. "Louise is upset. I should go talk to her."Before he can take a single step, the door to the second-floor guest suite opens. Pearl steps out, her face framed by those sweet dimples. "Drake, is there any food? Bobby is starving."Drake stops in his tracks, replying almost instinctively, "Yes, of course." He immediately moves to hand the pudding over to Pearl. Marian steps in, her voice hushed but firm. "Sir, that is the last batch of pudding. I made it specifically for Louise."Drake's hand pauses, and an awkward flush creeps up Pearl's neck. "Oh. In that case, you should hurry up and bring it to Ms. Hazelwood.""She is an adult. She can skip a snack," Drake says dismissively, waving a hand. "You can feed Bobby first."A loud whine echoes from the guest room. Pearl tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, if you insist, I won't politely decline."Drake walks back down to the kitchen, casually ordering Marian to whip up something else for his wife.Up in the master bedroom, Louise is on the phone with her best friend, Jane."That absolute bastard!" Jane screams through the speaker. "He ditched you at the altar for his friend's widow? You must be devastated. I am booking a flight to Seaport City right now!""I am fine, Jane," Louise interrupts calmly. "Your project is more important. Lock down that contract, then come back and buy me a massive dinner."Jane hesitates. "What are you going to do now? Are you considering..."Louise's eyelashes flutter, and she stays silent."Louise, you have to wake up!" Jane says, her voice full of frustrated affection. "Do you know what Drake's inner circle says behind your back? They call you Pearl's stand-in. They say Drake only married you because you have that same dimple on your left cheek. Otherwise, a small-town girl like you wouldn't even be fit to tie his shoes!""I know," Louise replies softly.She isn't entirely innocent either. The only reason she first noticed Drake all those years ago was because his eyes looked exactly like the boy who had saved her in the countryside."If you know, then divorce him!""I will."But she knows Drake will never sign the papers willingly. She is going to have to find another way out.Drake doesn't return to the master bedroom until the early hours of the morning. Hovering between sleep and wakefulness, Louise feels the mattress dip on the far side. She opens her eyes and quietly rolls over, watching Drake's broad back as he sleeps facing the opposite wall, a solid three feet of empty space between them.Her eyes burn with unshed tears. The people in their circle teased that the wedding was just a romantic vow renewal for an old married couple. Only Louise knows the humiliating truth: they have never even consummated their marriage.Three years ago, during a high school reunion, their old classmates mercilessly teased them. Someone drunkenly pointed out that Louise had been obsessed with Drake since they were teenagers, completely spacing out in class just to stare at him. Drake had just smiled, his striking eyes locking onto the shy girl who refused to look up. "I know now," he had murmured.The party went late, and a guy booked hotel rooms for everyone. Due to a front desk error, Drake and Louise were given the same room key. They spent the night in the same bed. When they woke up, the air was thick with embarrassment. Drake firmly stated he would take responsibility, but Louise frantically shook her head, knowing nothing had actually happened between them.Somehow, her greedy stepmother found out. The woman stormed into the Powell family estate, throwing a massive tantrum, screaming that her daughter's reputation was ruined and demanding a multi-million dollar settlement to allow the marriage. Mortified, Louise wanted the ground to swallow her whole. But Drake stood in front of her, shielding her from the chaos, and formally declared his intention to marry her.His wealthy parents were fiercely opposed to their sole heir marrying into a working-class family. Yet Drake stood his ground against the entire family, secretly taking Louise to the courthouse to get their marriage license. To protect her from his family's judgment, he moved them into the private Clearwater Cove villa. Knowing her father and stepmother treated her poorly, Drake constantly showered her family with expensive gifts and took time out of his brutal schedule to accompany her on visits. When she told him to stop wasting his money, he just smiled warmly. "If money solves the problem, why not use it?"He was perfect in every way—except he never touched her.A year into their marriage, Louise accidentally discovered the truth about his first love. She brushed it off, believing everyone had a past. She convinced herself that with enough time and patience, he would move forward, and they could build a real life together. She even sacrificed her booming career, locking herself in this gilded cage to play the perfect, devoted housewife.Six months ago, Drake had pulled her into a rare embrace, whispering against her hair, "Louise, let's have a baby." She had been overjoyed, believing they were finally going to be a real family. But she was the only one stepping forward.The very next day, news broke that his best friend had died abroad. Drake rushed overseas, and when he returned, he never held her again. The emotional chasm between them snapped right back to where it started.Tears slide silently down her cheeks, soaking into the expensive pillowcase. She knows with absolute certainty that this marriage is dead. She has to sever the tie, cleanly and ruthlessly.The next morning, Louise wakes up alone. Opening her bedroom door, she hears the sounds of a perfectly happy family downstairs—a child's bright laughter mixed with a man's gentle coaxing.She shuts the door, walks into the master bathroom, and splashes freezing water on her face until the fog in her mind clears. Staring at her pale reflection, she slaps her cheeks lightly to bring the color back, then turns and marches straight into the adjoining study.The master suite is massive, complete with a walk-in closet, a private lounge, and a study. Drake uses the space at night for his executive calls. During the day, it belongs to Louise. Despite playing the domestic wife, she never actually stopped working. She rigorously studies the latest artificial intelligence developments and quietly submits high-level papers to top-tier academic journals.Back in college, she was the absolute top of her class in Seaport City's most prestigious AI program, launching a highly successful tech startup with Logan, a college friend, long before graduation.