Just Marriage For Business

She came here to clear her chaotic mind after witnessing her husband and his mistress having sex in their bedroom. She was furious, because even though she didn't love him, she remained loyal. She didn't want to destroy the family they had built, even if their marriage was just a business arrangement. She tried to love her husband and even wanted to have a child with him, but something always felt missing. It was as if he was searching for something more, and she could feel it too. But that didn't justify what he did. She had every right to file charges against them, but she didn't. Her husband begged her not to and promised he would never do it again. To cool her head, she decided to go to Elite Bar for the first time and have a vodka. Thankfully, their daughter was asleep when it happened, because if she hadn't been, she would have definitely filed for adultery and concubinage. "Hey there, beautiful lady. Why are you here alone? No friends with you or a boyfriend Wait, you're married?" the man commented in shock as he noticed the ring on her finger. She was mesmerized by his looks. He had amber eyes like copper, making her lose her senses. His aristocratic nose was striking from every angle, with thick lashes and brows that any woman would envy. A sharp jawline accentuated his masculinity, and his perfect white teeth and red lips looked irresistibly tempting. His top-knot hairstyle only added to his Adonis-like face. "What's your name?" he asked, surprising even himself with the boldness, considering she was clearly already taken. He grinned widely. "Damn, women who belong to others always seem drawn to me. But anyway..." He extended his hand. "I'm Erin De'Lucas. Single." His gaze deepened. Ember couldn't help but trace her eyes over his body, stunned by how sexy and hot he was. He wore a black shirt and black pants, and he had a piercing in his left eyebrow. She took his hand almost involuntarily, feeling his grip tighten. "I-I'm Ember Vernon. Nice to meet you." "You're beautiful," he gasped, caressing her face. "T-Thank you," she stammered, her voice weak. She wasn't sure if it was the vodka or just a natural reaction to him. He tilted his head, looking deeply into her eyes. "I don't normally interfere with other people's relationships, but seeing you right now, looking so stunning, makes me want to break my own rules. I want you to be mine." His breath was hot against her ear, sending shivers through her body. "Huh?" She was stunned by his words. He chuckled seductively and held her hand, staring at the ring darkly. "Will you give me the honor of being your other man, mi hermosa?" His gaze seemed to pierce her very soul. His aura screamed danger, yet she found herself drawn to it. She was married to Tyson, after all, and they had a daughter, Easter. But they didn't love each other-what was holding her back? Her daughter. "I-I don't-" Before she could finish, he covered her mouth with his large hand, her eyes widening in shock. His jaw tightened. "I don't accept rejection. I've had enough of it. Whether you like it or not, I'm already your other man. I don't care if you're married. I like you, and I want you to be mine. That's final, and you can't stop me from claiming you, starting tonight, mi reina." His voice was cold and dangerous. "Even your husband won't be able to stop me from having an affair with someone like you. This is your fault-you've captured my attention and my heart. Now face the consequences of being too irresistible." Without knowing how, she found herself agreeing as they sealed it with a torrid kiss that lasted all night. "I'm officially your forbidden love affair now, Mi Reina." Maybe it was time for her husband to taste his own medicine.

In front of the mirror, my reflection looks calm and composed. But inside, I'm filled with nerves. It’s a big night. I observed myself, wearing a simple black dress with my long hair down, as if I were going to a wake. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! “Can I come in?” It was Brother Enzo’s voice, so I immediately turned around and saw him peeking in with a smile on his lips. “You know you’re always welcome, Brother Enzo. I’m just checking my look before I make my grand entrance,” I said, and Brother chuckled softly before giving my outfit a once-over. “Yeah, I see. It looks like you’ve really prepared for your first meeting with your fiance,” he teased, but I knew he was also worried about me, which is why he came here. I’ve been ready for a while now, yet I’m still up here and haven’t gone downstairs. He knows I’m just hiding out in my room. He took a deep breath as I lowered my head, and I felt his hand on my shoulder, so I turned to look at him as he sat down in front of me. “You’re stalling, Chiara. It’s okay; you don’t have to pretend with me. I don’t like this arranged marriage either,” he said, so I looked at him. “There must be a way to stop this, right?” I asked, my eyes brimming with tears. “He’s not serious about marrying me, is he?” I asked. “And it’s not just any Montello, Brother. We’re talking about Ethan Harris Montello. He’s a monster!” I exclaimed, and he let out a harsh breath at my words. “But father is a man of his word. He made the deal with the Montello elders, and he won’t back out of it now,” he said, and I shook my head. Why is this happening to me? I felt him hug me, so I just closed my eyes. brother Enzo may be hotheaded, but he’s always been gentle with me. This family is incredibly important to him. “Hey, I’m worried about you too. If this truce doesn’t hold, who knows what could happen to you? Our family has been at war with the Montello family for decades. We may be at peace for now, but I doubt it will last,” he said. “Do you think there will be another war between our family and theirs?” I asked, and he took a deep breath. “I don’t know. This hatred is in our blood. It won’t disappear just because we’ve been promised peace. Keep your wits about you, Chiara. Stay guarded around Ethan. He may be your husband soon, but he’ll always be our sworn enemy,” Brother reminded me firmly. Married to my sworn enemy. Fate sure has a strong sense of humor when it comes to shaping your destiny. Fine, I’ll do my best. No matter who I marry, in my heart, I’ll always be a Bianchi. I looked at Brother. “Come on. I should join the party before father sends out a search party,” I said, and he offered his hand to me, which I accepted. I was incredibly nervous about making my entrance, knowing that I’d see Ethan there. I can’t believe this is happening. This engagement feels like a bad dream...

"Stop running around! I'm exhausted chasing after you, Quiy!" I scolded my child. Seriously, he's so hyperactive. It's like he's a worm sprinkled with salt. He's only three years old, but I feel like I won't even make it to his college years because right now, I already feel like giving up. I wanted this, so I guess all I can say is... just bear with it! Instead of listening to me, he became even more aggressive. I might as well carry him in a basket just to keep him quiet. "I'll leave you here, you’ll see," I threatened, but it seemed to have no effect on this little rascal. "If you weren't so heavy, I'd carry you, but you’re heavier than a sack of rice!" I complained, knowing I’d end up doing it anyway. Even though Quiy is a headache, I still love him, of course! Even if I were offered ten million, I’d still choose my child. We always playfully bicker, but of course, it's all for fun. It would be boring if we didn’t talk, right? There are only two of us, so we’d be wasting our words if we stayed silent. If he inherited anything from me, it's my quick tongue. But his seems to be on overdrive. Mine is still manageable... but his? It’s overflowing. "You're too slow, Mommy. I'm speeding up so we don't miss out," he said, rolling his eyes at me. If this kid wasn't just three years old, I might have done something drastic. "How can you miss out? We're in a grocery store. There’s plenty to buy, so you won’t run out," I explained. He let out a heavy sigh, raised an eyebrow, and crossed his arms. "Then why haven’t you found my diapers yet?" he argued, his eyebrow arching even higher. "They said there's no more stock of your diapers, ma'am!" I sarcastically replied. "See, Mommy? We're out of stock because you're too slow. You're like a pregnant lady. I saw earlier that another mom grabbed the last one of my diaper type. I was going to snatch it, but then I saw her husband. He’s so big, so I kept quiet," the little one shrugged. Why does he know so much? Sometimes I think maybe I’m just a joke to the world, that he’s actually the mommy and I’m the child because he knows more than I do. "I'm not pregnant. Where do you get these ideas? You look like a penguin—did you hear me say anything?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes, you just did," he replied. Sometimes, I just want to put him in my pocket. He’s so annoying! He always has something to say! "Quiyana Louise," I called out his full name. Whenever I do that, he usually behaves because he knows I’m about to scold him. "I won't run anymore, Mommy," he said, pressing his lips together tightly. I nodded in relief. Thank goodness. I'm only twenty-four, but I feel like I’m sixty. It’s exhausting taking care of a mischievous child, especially one who’s always cheeky. If I didn’t love him... Even though he's the most mischievous, headache-inducing, and expensive child, I’d still do anything to give him the good life he deserves. I never experienced these things when I was a child because I wasn't born rich. There were even times when my parents couldn’t afford to buy even a kilo of rice, so the solution was to borrow from the neighbors. For me, there’s no shame in coming from such a life. Even now, I sometimes find myself needing to borrow money, but at least I know how to pay it back. I’ll work even harder to give my child a good life. "You’re smiling again, Mommy. I’m not being naughty anymore," I heard him say. That’s why I love this kid. At least he’s affectionate too. A smile slowly formed on my lips. He even clapped when I did. "My mommy is so beautiful..." he praised, something that probably only happens once a month. Most of the time, I just get insults from him. I don’t even know where he got that attitude from—I’m kind... and so are my parents. "Enough with the compliments, Quiy. I already knew that. Do you think complimenting me will make me buy you chocolate?" I looked down at him. "No. Your teeth will fall out," I added, causing his shoulders to droop in disappointment while pouting. He’s already missing teeth, yet he still wants sweets. Of course, I don’t want him wearing dentures at such a young age! Besides, I can’t afford such things. He stayed quiet, so I focused on the shopping list I had written. I’m the type who thinks of many things to buy while at home, but when I’m actually at the store... I forget. So young and already forgetful. I’d almost bought everything. Only Quiy’s diapers and milk were left. I was about to call him when my heart pounded loudly—I didn’t see him in the aisle where I was. I quickly put down the basket I was holding and took quick steps to search for Quiy. My heart raced even faster with every aisle I passed where I didn’t see him. Where could that child have gone?! "Quiy?" I called, but still no response. I had passed several aisles, but still no sign of Quiy. I must have called out every saint I knew, but still nothing. "Quiy, my child?!" I called out agai

Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."

Katie was forced to marry Dillan, a notorious ruffian. Her younger sister mocked her, "You're just an adopted daughter. Count your blessings for marrying him!" The world anticipated Katie's tribulations, but her married life unfurled with unexpected serenity. She even snagged a lavish mansion in a raffle! Katie jumped into Dillan's arms, credited him as her lucky charm. "No, Katie, it's you who brings me all this luck," Dillan replied. Then, one fateful day, Dillan's childhood friend came to her. "You're not worthy of him. Take this 50 million and leave him!" Katie finally grasped Dillan's true stature—the wealthiest man on the planet. That night, trembling with trepidation, she broached the subject of divorce with Dillan. However, with a domineering embrace, he told her, "I'd give you everything I have. Divorce is off the table!"

"Then let's get a divorce!" With courage, Leora left her husband's house, after being accused of poisoning his mistress. Her in-laws and sister-in-law had planned various ways to kick her out of Peter's house and in the end Leora gave in. However, no one expected that things would turn 180 degrees after the divorce. When everyone who had hurt her was happy with each other's lies, Leora returned. This time, she was no longer the poor orphan girl from the orphanage. She has changed and not only that, she also carries a big secret that will make everyone turn to worship her feet.

In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?

Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.

The night before her engagement, Valerie was tricked by her boyfriend and stepsister into spending the night with a stranger. After the night together, the man vanished. Later, her boyfriend accused her of cheating, revealing his affair with her stepsister. Pressured by her father, Valerie married an unconscious man in place of her stepsister. Valerie exposed the scheme, sabotaged her father's ambitions, and transformed herself. When her husband woke and chased her to the airport, she calmly refused him, saying, "It's over between us." He held her firmly. "You married me, so you must commit."