This circle looked incredibly glamorous, allowing many girls to secure massive amounts of wealth and pampering without lifting a finger. But in the very end, how many of them could actually secure a good ending? A single misstep would lead straight to a disaster like this.

Suddenly, a thought struck me: what if I hadn't run into Julian on the night of the DV recording? It was clear that Christian had left himself a safety net, intending to rescue me, but what if he had arrived too late? The mere thought of those two greasy, foul-smelling men made me involuntarily shudder.

Chapter 17: The Legitimate Wife

Lost in these stray thoughts, I finally saw Christian drive out. The car window rolled down slowly, and he waved at me. The sunlight outlined his handsome face with a gentle touch, and I walked over clutching my bag. I thought to myself, perhaps when he pushed me out to use me, he had already anticipated this kind of situation.

Curling my lips into a smile, I got into the car and sighed silently, Chloe, keep your head clear.

Christian leaned over to help me fasten my seatbelt. "I just took a call, did I keep you waiting too long?" I said no, teasing him, "You're so busy yet you still brought me out, what a waste of time." Christian began to laugh, saying, "Your happiness is what matters most."

Just as the car cleared the parking lot, Christian's phone rang again. It coincided with the peak lunch hour traffic and the roads were congested, so he focused on driving and gestured for me to answer it for him. I picked it up, and the screen displayed "Wife."

The legitimate Mrs. Christian.

After a moment of hesitation, I pressed the answer button for him. I didn't turn on the speakerphone, but I could faintly hear the voice on the other end. "Are you coming home tonight?" Her voice was gentle, and even through the phone, one could sense the intellectual elegance of its owner.

Christian's expression didn't change a bit. "I'm busy today, don't wait up for me tonight, I'll head back a bit late tomorrow."

I turned my face toward the car window, staring absentmindedly at the passing streetscape, my fingers idly tapping against the seat.

The other side asked something else, and Christian slowed the car down, casting a glance at me with an entirely calm tone. "I'm on the road right now, just got back from a meeting." His lies were always highly sophisticated, mixing truth with fiction, entirely fluid, making it impossible to uncover his true depth.

Listlessly listening to their conversation, a sudden wave of mischief hit me. I leaned over and planted a kiss right on his cheek. Christian paused mid-sentence, but quickly recovered his composure. "It's nothing, the car just hit a bump... Did you receive the white roses I sent?"

Throughout the entire minutes-long call, a smile remained etched on the corners of Christian's mouth.

In the eyes of outsiders, Director Christian was an austere man of few words. I originally believed I was the woman who saw him smile the most, only to realize later that all of his tenderness and smiles were reserved entirely and without reservation for his wife.

I didn't really envy her, though. He gave everything to his wife, except love.

His wife was the same age as Christian, and their union was a political marriage, as both her parents were high-ranking government officials. She herself, however, didn't work within the bureaucracy, apparently serving as an executive at a listed company. I had seen her photos; she possessed a slender silhouette and a beautiful face.

Whenever Christian bought gifts for me, he usually bought two sets. One for me, and one for his wife. On holidays or wedding anniversaries, he would even have me pick out the gifts to send to her.

Women understand women best.

Every single time, Christian was highly satisfied, though I wondered if he would remain so pleased if he ever found out the truth.

In the beginning, my heart was filled with intense guilt, unable to imagine how his wife would feel if she knew the jewelry pieces she wore were all selected by me. But as time passed, the sense of sin was gradually erased, and it no longer mattered.

Returning to my apartment, Christian changed into another suit. Even though he claimed over the phone that he would only be free tomorrow, I knew he was heading straight to his wife's company this afternoon. A little romantic interlude from Mr. Christian, considered a surprise.

After I went inside, I slept for over half an hour to catch up on sleep, and my headache noticeably eased. When I opened my eyes, the aroma of food drifted in from the living room. Christian pushed the door open and entered, placing a passport on the table. "I'll come over again in a few days. Remember to eat properly and take care of yourself. I'm flying abroad for a business trip next month, and I've already bought a plane ticket for you too."

Chapter 18: Solitary

He sat by the edge of the bed. "I ordered lunch, why don't you get out of bed and eat something?"

I offered an "oh" and wrapped my arms around his neck, giving him an affectionate kiss. Having just woken up, my limbs felt completely soft, and I instinctively lounged against him, refusing to get up. Unable to withstand my weight, Christian was dragged down onto the bed with me. His white shirt was quickly covered with light lipstick marks, looking like individual stamped seals.

I toyed with his shirt buttons. "You're mine."

Christian smoothed out my disheveled bangs, brushing his cheek reassuringly against mine with helpless affection. "Why are you being so clingy today?"

I didn't usually act this way, as clinging too tightly like a vine would make both of us weary. But occasionally, I enjoyed playing the temptress.

He stood up, unbuttoning his shirt to reveal a broad chest. Letting out an exclamation, I leaped off the bed and grabbed Christian just as he turned to leave.

"What's wrong?"

I carefully pulled down his fastened shirt collar, revealing a highly prominent hickey right near his collarbone. What should I do? It actually left a mark. I looked like a schoolgirl who had made a mistake. "I was quite careful last night, how did it end up marking..."

Christian glanced down, his face devoid of any significant expression, his tone rather indulgent. "It's fine, I won't be staying over at my wife's place these next few nights anyway."

After I finished my meal, he emerged from the shower, changing into a fresh suit and meticulously adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. The clothing looked somewhat unfamiliar, likely purchased for him by his wife.

I instinctively walked over to embrace him, but Christian took a step back to avoid me, a smile playing in his eyes. "Stop fooling around." Time was running short, and he needed to hurry out.

Since Christian took me in, the major reason his wife hadn't discovered my existence was largely due to the effort he poured into being a good husband to her. Compared to other high-ranking officials and wealthy tycoons, Christian resembled a model husband.

Most men completely neglect their legal wives once they secure a new flame. Christian, however, would accompany her during every holiday and festival, never failing to shower her with constant warmth and attentiveness. Onlookers who didn't know the truth claimed the two shared a profound affection, remaining incredibly devoted after years of marriage.

Christian put on a flawless performance, and his wife was undoubtedly kept completely in the dark.

Furthermore, there was another reason: Christian's mind was remarkably meticulous.

At my apartment, he kept two separate wardrobes. The attire and accessories he used while keeping me company were kept entirely separate from the clothing he wore for work or when seeing his wife. Not just clothes and hats, even his fragrances were kept strictly divided.

The boundaries were incredibly distinct, and I was strictly forbidden from touching any garments that fell outside my domain.

Although Christian's father-in-law was approaching retirement, his authority and connections remained firmly clenched in his hands. Christian was barely past thirty and his career was in its ascendancy, so he naturally dared not offend his wife's family forces.

He picked up his car keys and walked out the door, reminding me once more to take care of myself before leaving. Standing at the threshold, the man radiated an unfamiliar scent, and I offered a sweet smile, watching his retreating figure leave.

In the afternoon, I had agreed to meet Sera at a beauty salon, but the ungrateful girl stood me up. After spending ages getting ready, the moment I stepped out the door, she sent over a message saying she had to rush a thesis today and couldn't join me.

I was turned into a solitary soul once again. Clutching my phone, I ground my teeth in resentment and sent a voice note. "Fine, let's break up, our friendship is over!"