Chapter 2
Everyone knew–at least half–knew–that Valerie was nothing more than a stand–in for the real Clark family heiress. She’d been an orphan all her life.
At eleven, she was adopted by the Clark family after their daughter, Valentina Clark, went missing. She bore a striking resemblance–close enough to pass. That was all they needed.
But at eighteen, Valentina came back. And just like that, after seven years of playing the role of a cherished daughter, Valerie was cast aside–back to where she started.
There had long been a marriage contract between the Clark family and Walker family. Aiden was a powerful figure in Reano City, feared for his ruthless, obsessive nature. Valentina flat–out refused to marry him.
So the family sent Valerie instead. After all, she was just the adopted one. They thought, ‘What does it matter?‘
Juliette was still pretending to be concerned. “Valerie, you’ve got to think about yourself too…”
“That’s enough.” A deep voice cut through her words–low, cold, and full of warning.
Juliette jumped. She turned toward the sound, her eyes filling with admiration and longing.
Aiden strolled in, wrapped in a black robe. His tall, broad–shouldered frame moved with effortless confidence, a cigarette resting loosely between his fingers. He looked like sin made flesh–dangerous, addictive, impossible to ignore.
Aiden–Endver City’s most feared power broker. Distant. Untouchable. Utterly immune to women. And filthy rich.
28
He was the youngest man on the Forbes list. Handsome beyond reason. Marrying him meant a life of luxury. Everything taken care of. Juliette wondered, ‘So why her? Why Valerie?‘
Juliette was boiling with jealousy inside, but she still managed a soft, sweet smile. “Aiden.”
Valerie flinched, visibly startled. Her voice trembled, like she was scared out of her wits. “A–Aiden?”
She looked like a frightened rabbit, cornered and helpless.
Aiden’s gaze darkened. He didn’t even glance at Juliette. His voice, though quiet, carried an unmistakable authority and contempt. “Get out.”
Juliette’s face paled. She looked at Valerie, trying to plead her case. “I’m her best friend. I can’t just stand by and watch you treat her like this–”
“Best friend?” Aiden let out a sharp laugh. “Standing in front of this bed, saying that–don’t you feel ashamed? Or were you hoping to join us?”
Juliette’s face flushed, though the look in her eyes betrayed something else–something dangerously close to desire.
Aiden’s expression turned icy. “Out. You disgust me.” His tone left no room for argument.
Juliette flinched, her eyes filling with tears. Humiliated, she turned and ran.
Aiden turned back to Valerie. His gaze locked onto her like a hawk sizing up its prey.
She tensed, already used to his mood swings, but she kept up the act. Eyes wide, voice trembling. “Aiden…”
That look–it did something to him. Just for a second, something flickered in his eyes.
He stepped forward, gripping her chin in one hand and forcing her to look up at him.
“You’re my wife now,” he said, voice like ice. “Start acting like it. If I catch you pulling something like this again-“Every word was sharp, slow, and laced with fury.
1/3
22:08 Tue, 27 May
RU
71%
28
Chapter 2
Her chin tilted up under his hand, but she stared at him, defiant. “Last night, it was just¬”
He didn’t let her finish. His mouth crashed down on hers–hard, punishing, possessive. A kiss that felt more like vengeance than affection.
Valerie had no choice but to endure it. The pain brought tears to her eyes.
When he finally pulled back, his voice was low, rough, and full of warning. “Don’t play games with me.”
His hand brushed down the side of her neck, calloused palm dragging against soft skin. Slow. Threatening. “You know I’ve got a temper. Don’t test my
limits.”
Valerie thought, ‘Push him too far, and he’d kill me–wouldn’t he?‘
Valerie’s lashes fluttered. She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.
Aiden finally looked satisfied. His voice dropped low, almost coaxing, as if he were soothing a frightened pet. “Go get cleaned up. You know what day it is, don’t you?”
Today was Aiden’s father David Walker’s birthday.
Valerie’s heart tightened.
David had never liked extravagant celebrations, but a family gathering for a meal was tradition.
In her previous life, today had been a disaster. Thanks to Juliette’s “well–meaning” advice, she had embarrassed herself completely at the Walker family
estate.
Looking back, she couldn’t believe how foolish she’d been–naively thinking she could defy Aiden, trusting that Juliette genuinely cared for her.
In reality, Juliette had only wanted her to crash and burn, to make sure she never rose above her station.
After freshening up, Valerie sat down for a quick breakfast, then went to her closet–only to realize none of her clothes were right for a formal family
event.
After some thought, she pulled out a long red dress.
When she stepped out, Aiden’s brows immediately knit together. His voice dripped with disdain. “What the hell are you wearing?”
Valerie kept her voice soft, knowing he had never liked her style “It’s festive.”
Aiden sneered. “Tacky.”
In her previous life, she had worn black and white–and he’d hated that too.
But that time, worn out and furious after a night of his torment, she had snapped back at him, “If I embarrass you so much, maybe I just shouldn’t go.”
He hadn’t been able to argue–and the moment they arrived, she’d been surrounded by relatives scolding her for dressing like she was going to a funeral.
This time, Aiden looked her over with cold, critical eyes, but said nothing more. He turned and walked out the door.
Valerie hurried to catch up.
Their driver, Phillip Campbell, was already waiting by the car. Aiden said flatly, “To Maverin Mall.”
Maverin Mall–the most luxurious shopping center in all of Reano City. No competition.
Sure enough, as soon as they arrived, Aiden pulled a card from his wallet and handed it to her. “Pick something suitable. Make it fast.”
Valerie took the card gingerly, hesitating for a moment before asking, “You’re not coming with me?”
2/3
22:08 Tue, 27 May
Chapter 2
170
In her previous life, after being accused of cheating, Aiden had guarded her like a prisoner. If he wasn’t locking her up, he was dragging her around by his side. The moment she even hinted at wanting distance, he’d throw her into a dark room and leave her there–to suffer endless humiliation and torment.
Now, she thought, ‘He is just letting me walk off on my own?‘
Aiden lit a cigarette, his lips curving in something between a smirk and a sneer. “You want me to go shopping with you?”
Valerie quickly waved her hands. “Just asking!”
She practically bolted from the car, afraid he might change his mind. But despite herself, she glanced back over her shoulder.
He was lounging against the car door, a cigarette tucked between two long fingers, lazy smoke drifting up to blur his sharp features.
Through the haze, he looked even more unfathomable–dangerous and untouchable.
As if sensing her gaze, he looked up, their eyes meeting for a fleeting second. Valerie’s heart jumped. She turned and fled into the mall without looking back.
Aiden narrowed his eyes, watching her small figure disappear. Then he murmured under his breath, “She’s behaving today.”
For over a month, ever since they married, Valerie had hated him—had flinched from him.
He thought that after last night, she’d hate him even more, that she’d fight him at every turn. But today… she was being oddly compliant.
Even Phillip, the driver, noticed something was off. But he was quick to play along, offering, “That’s women for you, sir. Sometimes they just need a little
coaxing. Maybe she’s finally realizing how good she has it with you.”
“Is that so…” Aiden dragged slowly on his cigarette, his voice trailing off into something unreadable.
He didn’t speak again, just stared at the mall entrance, smoke curling lazily around him–his dark, inscrutable gaze impossible to decipher.
3/3
