Richard Rundle’s parted lips inched in closer and closer to his wife’s, Nicole Taylor Rundle, their lips a mere breath away. The moment his lips crashed against hers, she protested, placing her palms against the man’s chest, pushing him away from her. His kiss was deep and dominant, Nicole struggled underneath the weight of his body as he moved his way on top of her.

“They say that wives should submit to their husbands, best you fulfill your wifely duties, Nicole. You are still my wife.”

As soon as those words left his lips, he swiftly grasped her waist and skillfully turned her, effortlessly moving her farther up onto the bed.

“Richard Rundle! We’re divorced!”

“Verbal agreements do not count, Mrs. Rundle, by law, you are still my woman.”

“But I… I’m on my period,” her eyes were tinged red, her charming little face staring innocently at him, her elongated pale fingertips circled his heart, and her soft voice seemed to carry hooks, “That's not possible.”

Richard was agitated by her gaze, suddenly drawing her closer to himself. His seductive lips parted slightly, his warm breath sprinkling on her face, “Your cycle usually starts at the beginning of the month, today is the 16th, you my dear, are in your ovulation window right now.”

Ha, the little liar.

Out of the corner of her eye Nicole glanced for a second at her packed baggage standing near the bedroom door, as Richard ravaged her body… Eventually submitting to him like she always did over the past three years.

A long night of passionate madness ensued until the early hours of the morning.

Upon waking up the next morning, Nicole felt her entire body weak with sore muscles and really sensitive skin in sensitive places.

Nicole's eyes drifted down slightly. She sat up on the bed, picked up the tie on the side, and was about to get out of bed.

"Darling, I have packed all of my things up, I will be moving out later on tomorrow. Also, I found a masseuse who's quite skilled, I've given her contact details to Mrs. Smith."

Nicole Rundle kneels gently behind him, leaning slightly forward.

Her slender, porcelain-like hands gently knead his hands, exhibiting the skill of a highly trained expert with years of practical experience. Against the backdrop of his black robe, her fingertips look even more pale and stark.

"When you're tired, call the housekeeper to give you a massage." Nicole's voice is sweet and gentle.

Richard stiffens briefly, his long, closed, black eyes snap open.

He seemed cold, restrained, as if nothing in the world could affect his emotions.

However, last night left a lot unsaid...

"What's the rush?" His deep voice, slightly hoarse yet still as magnetic as ever, echoes in the quiet room.

They had just discussed the divorce at dinner the night before, and this woman was already in a hurry to leave.

"I would have had to move out sooner or later!" Nicole's sweet voice floated pass his ear, "Ending this now would mean less heartache now, compared to us continuing this relationship, only to have a deeper more painful heartbreak later down the line. Even though I'm reluctant to leave you, it really is for the best Richard. We had an agreement. This is inevitable!"

"I've already made all the preparations for your future wife, so don't worry about a thing. When you do get married again, there's a list of instructions all detailed down to your very last preference, waiting for her. I don't want anything disrupting your life if it can be easily avoided."

Damn it!

This woman has always exuded the class and elegance of the elite upper-class wife ever since they got married. Even now, in her vast magnanimity through the divorce, she was even considering his next relationship!

Should he praise her for her thorough consideration?

Richard felt an inexplicable lump form in his throat and impulsively grabbed the slender little hand on his shoulder!

Nicole unexpectedly tumbled into his arms.

“Ah!”

“You seem to know me very well.” Richard's thin lips parted slightly, his tone icy cold. “I should reward you for being such a considerate woman! I've decided that I will arrange a well-paying job for you, Nicole.”

“Richard! No!” understanding his intentions, Nicole responded firmly, “You know how women are! Jealousy is just on another scale. If you're going to help me in any way, she will throw tantrums and most likely even lock you out of the bedroom!”

“Oh? My wellbeing seems to be foremost on your mind.” Richard’s eyes narrowed as he reached out and pinched Nicole’s chin just as her feet touched the ground.

And suddenly, they went limp!

She fell forward, face first, her eyes closed!

In the nick of time, she felt a forceful tug at her waist, her nose hitting a hard chest.

She looked up, her eyes watery, looking at the man's icy gaze, innocently blinked, "I just wanted to help my hubby one last time with his tie."

As she said this, she suppressed the tinge of pain in her nose, pushed herself up onto her toes, her fair arms wrapping around his neck.

The sound of their breath intertwines.

The chafing of fabric emitting an underlying hint of ambiguity.

"Grandma is going abroad for her treatment today, I'll accompany you to send her off," Nicole said as she did his tie.

She wasn't asking for Richard's opinion, rather informing him of her decision.

The old lady had always shown favor toward her. It was only natural she should stand up on her behalf..

It’s Richard's eyebrows twitched just barely.

"There's no need, she's just going to Switzerland, she will be back for the New Year."

Nicole paused her tie-tying, suppressing all her emotions. "But Granny is going abroad due to her ill health, we must give her peace of mind."

Richard froze, not responding at all.

It wasn't until after Nicole had finished tying his tie and looked at him, did he nod his head, "Okay."

Nicole exhaled a sigh of relief, yet she understood Richard’s hesitations.

She and Richard have been secretly married for three years. While outsiders knew that Richard was married, no one knew she was his wife.

The folks sending Granny May Rundle off today wouldn't only be the members of the Rundle family.

With a divorce imminent, it was understandable that Richard didn't want to be seen publicly together with Nicole.

Considering this, she turned on her heel and walked towards Richard once again.

"My love..."

"Stop stressing, you won't be seen together with me, I'll go to the airport alone. All I ask for is to see grandma once, and then I'll leave." She got up on her toes, helping Richard button up the last button of his shirt.

Richard lowered his head.

Her long eyelashes cast a deep shadow on her pale skin as she lowered her gaze, blending with her silhouette. Every time she blinked, her eyes fluttered.

Since getting married three years ago, Nicole had always been so understanding.

Even if he did not say anything, she could always guess his thoughts in an instant and was considerate in every way, always putting him first.

Over time, it seemed as if he had forgotten that their union was only due to a deal.

"Why does it have to be me?"