Chapter 5

Adrian said it was the best way to immediately stop the rumors.

I stood there, stunned for a long time, until a tear dropped to the ground, and I belatedly realized something.

I actually really liked him.

It was just that this feeling was buried so deep, I never dared to acknowledge it.

And people in love always fantasize.

I foolishly believed he wanted to protect me, that he might have felt bad for me because of those rumors, and that he wanted to marry me because he liked me too.

So, I agreed.

But it wasn't like that at all.

Much later, after facing countless insults and rumors, I learned he married me only because Serena had gotten married abroad.

He needed a replacement to force himself to forget her.

He also needed to give his family elders a definitive answer to stop their constant nagging about marriage.

I was well-behaved and never caused trouble. Perhaps I could even entertain him occasionally like a clown, making me the most suitable candidate.

After marriage, I, completely unaware of the truth, tried my best to be a good wife, Mrs. Adrian.

I tried to blend into unfamiliar circles, learning new things.

Just memorizing the names and preferences of all those high-society wives often kept me up until midnight.

I transformed myself into a qualified Mrs. Adrian. My clothes, makeup, speech, and manners were all impeccable.

I took care of his daily life, knew his tastes and preferences, and even Adrian’s always-critical mother praised me.

But apart from sleeping in the same bed, we weren’t like a real couple.

He never tried to understand me, or why I, despite marrying into wealth, was so dedicated to acting.

He also said he liked quiet, and even after marriage, he needed his personal space.

So, I put away my lively side. If he was busy, I never bothered him, even turning down the TV volume.

But later, I found out he didn't actually like quiet.

When Serena returned with amnesia, he accompanied her shopping, ice skating, to stand-up comedy shows, and even to nightclubs.

He clearly didn't mind all that excitement.

He just didn't like me.

Of course, I didn't care anymore.

The old me would send a concerned message if he came home late. I continued that habit, though I no longer cared for him, it was just routine.

But in the days since Serena returned, I hadn't asked him anything.