Chapter 2

Ethan was drawn out of the room by the music and laughter.

"Get out!"

His words were calm, but they made everyone's spine go cold.

The handsome guys fled in panic, leaving only the two of us in the living room.

"What's the meaning of this?"

Ethan frowned at me.

Behind him, Raven was still wearing that ultra-short white lace nightgown, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, looking pitiful.

I sat comfortably on the sofa, legs crossed, holding a glass of wine. "Didn't your sister say she was scared being alone? I brought more people to keep her company in bed."

Raven's face turned pale. "What do you take me for!"

I smiled brilliantly, enunciating each word: "A shameless homewrecker who seduces her own brother."

Ethan's expression turned cold instantly. "Natalie."

Raven's eyes reddened, trembling with anger. "What right do you have to say that about me! Everyone knows you used to be a player! A slut! If it weren't for the marriage arrangement between our families, my brother would never have married a woman like you!"

"Raven, shut up!"

Raven froze, tears falling as she looked hurt. "You're yelling at me? You're yelling at me for that woman? Didn't you hear how she insulted me? Fine, I'll leave. I'll leave!"

The young girl ran toward the door in distress, her pathetically short nightgown looking like it might fall off at any moment.

Ethan frowned, swept her up in his arms, and carried her back to her room before walking over to me.

"Go to bed."

I didn't move, just looked at him with a cold laugh.

Ethan sighed helplessly. "I'm really tired and exhausted. Can you please not make a scene?"

"Did you hear what your sister said?"

"Raven is still young and spoke without thinking. I apologize on her behalf."

I pulled my lips into a smile. "She wasn't wrong. Yes, our families are well-matched, it's a business marriage, and the arrangement was made early on. But I, Natalie, am a player. I've never lacked men around me, especially good-looking men."

Ethan's expression grew colder inch by inch.

He forcefully pressed me down on the sofa and kissed me like a punishment, his voice low and husky. "Natalie, do I need to remind you that you're married to me now?"

I laughed, but my eyes reddened, and even my voice trembled involuntarily. "But don't you forget! Who dragged me out of bars again and again! Who shamelessly claimed to be my fiancé! Who desperately insisted on marrying me!"

Ethan pulled me into his arms. "It was me. I had to have you and no one else."

I pushed him away coldly and slammed the door shut with a bang. "Ethan, it's either me or her. Make her leave tomorrow!"

The next morning.

Raven was wearing Ethan's shirt, cheerfully greeting me at the dining table.

"Hi, good morning!"

I froze instantly.