Chapter 1 Nancy Is Coming Back

Jane's POV

My name was Jane Green.

I was the secret contractual wife of the superstar, Andrew Lopez.

I possessed a pleasant countenance and an appealing figure. Moreover, I understood my place. Over the years, I had never once brought trouble upon Andrew, nor had my presence ever afforded the paparazzi a chance to fabricate any scandal at his expense.

Whenever Andrew returned home, I carried out my routine as a dutiful wife.

At night, I fulfilled my conjugal obligations, attending to his carnal needs.

Just like now, Andrew and I had just had sex, and his body remained entwined with mine.

Yet, in the next instant, he swiftly extricated himself, naked, placing deliberate distance between us.

I was not surprised; this was hardly the first time Andrew had been so eager to delineate boundaries between us.

He dressed slowly and purposefully. As he secured his belt, the taut muscles of his sculpted waist, adorned with an eight-pack, proved particularly alluring. My gaze lingered upon that waist for a moment.

I really like Andrew's powerful hips since we first slept together. Every thrust of his brought me intense pleasure.

Andrew might not have been an exemplary husband, but he was certainly an exceptional lover. Perhaps our compatibility in bed was the reason our contractual union had remained steady these past three years.

After fastening his belt and donning a pale blue shirt, Andrew buttoned it up, glancing at me in passing as he spoke.

He said, "Nancy has returned."

Upon hearing the name Nancy Gonzalez, my body stiffened involuntarily.

A tumult of emotion surged within me, and I fought to regain composure, careful not to appear pitiable.

Nancy was Andrew's true love, the first love he had pined for over the past four years. In comparison, I was no more than an expendable convenience.

I could sense that he loved Nancy!

Now that Nancy was back, I, the contract wife, would inevitably have to step aside.

I forced myself to appear unruffled, fastening my bra while offering Andrew a perfunctory smile.

I asked him, "So? What do you wish to do?"

He seemed momentarily taken aback by my calm response but quickly recovered.

As he fastened the final button on his shirt, he spoke coldly, "I'll have my secretary prepare the divorce settlement."

Upon hearing the words "divorce settlement," my body tensed once more. To mask my fluster, I rose quickly from the bed, retrieving his jacket and draping it over his shoulders.

"Very well, I will sign it."

My response seemed to displease Andrew. He lifted my chin with his hand and asked, "So obedient?"

I smiled.

How could I not be? I was nothing more than a contractual wife. I understood my boundaries.

Years ago, when my mother was gravely ill and required a million dollars for an operation I could not afford, Andrew appeared like a savior and resolved my crisis.

He brought forth an agreement, obtained a marriage certificate, and paid for my mother's medical treatments and ongoing recovery.

Throughout these three years as his spouse, he had never treated me poorly. Each month, fifty thousand dollars was deposited into my account punctually.

In a sense, I was not merely Andrew's wife—I was a parasite, subsisting off his generosity, luxuriating in a dazzling life because of him.

Would a parasite dare to rebel?

I knew my station.

With a practiced smile, I buttoned his shirt for him, one button after another.

I said, "You and Nancy are true soulmates. How could I possibly presume to occupy the place of Mrs. Lopez?"

"Don't worry, I will keep my distance from you—I will ensure Nancy never discovers any trace of what has existed between us."

My words seemed to satisfy Andrew.

He patted my cheek and retreated to the bathroom.

Andrew's POV

I could not explain it.

Just now, when I proposed divorce and Jane acquiesced so meekly, I was seized by sudden irritation.

We had been contractually bound for three years, sharing a bed for three years.

Surely, she must have developed some sentiment for me?

Yet from her expression as she agreed to divorce, it seemed she bore not the slightest feeling for me.

I had been nothing if not outstanding, and had treated her generously. For three years, she had been the sole woman in my life—I had not so much as glanced at another.

I expected at least a modicum of reluctance when I broached the subject of divorce.

But now...

I felt inexplicably unsettled.

After a perfunctory wash, I emerged from the bathroom.

I saw Jane, as docile as ever, barefoot, moving quietly about the living room of my villa.

She had prepared a bowl of oatmeal with milk for me and, as was her custom, offered it to me with gentle deference.

"Please have some oatmeal; it's healthy for you."

"As we are soon to be divorced, I doubt I'll have the chance to make it for you again. You work tirelessly—please take better care of yourself."

Jane's words sent a pang through my heart.

What was her intent? Did she seek my sympathy?

Did she imagine that such words might persuade me to reconsider the divorce?

Impossible!

My heart had always belonged to Nancy.

Even though Nancy had once abandoned me so unceremoniously at our engagement ceremony.

I accepted the oatmeal Jane prepared and, tilting my head back, swallowed it in one swift motion. Instantly, its warmth coursed through my body, soothing me.

I handed the empty bowl back to Jane.

To underscore my resolve, I said pointedly, "I'll offer you additional compensation in the divorce."

I was sure Jane understood what I meant.

As the most sought-after star in the industry and heir to the Lopez Group, my resources were inexhaustible. Jane's compliance was, doubtless, in pursuit of further advantage.

She did not refuse the compensation; I supposed she was pleased.

Just as I was about to discuss further terms, Nancy's call came through.

Seeing her number, I instinctively distanced myself from Jane.

When I answered, Nancy's melodious voice rang out.

She addressed me, "Andrew, I have already arrived at the airport. You promised you would come fetch me."

"Andrew, why hadn't you come yet?"