“I have no interest in your assets or the Morrison family’s drama,” he stated bluntly. “I’ve reached the age where marriage is expected. The Morrison family is a suitable match.”
He had seen right through her suspicion. She had wondered if her newfound inheritance was the bait. But the Hunt family’s wealth and power were legendary-countless families would kneel for an opportunity like this. He had no need for her money.
“Family pressure, then?” she ventured.
“Something like that.”
Then his tone shifted, becoming harder, more definitive. “But understand this clearly-I require a wife who is obedient. One who knows how to cooperate in all matters.”
His words struck a familiar, painful chord. Trey also valued her for the very same reasons: compliant, easy to control, and utterly alone in the world.
Khloe met Nick’s gaze without flinching, her voice level and assured. “I am the principal heir to the Morrison Group. The Morrisons have deep roots in Goldmont City. If your family plans to expand here, that is the most direct support you will find. And I, having just returned to the family, cannot stand firm on my own without being torn apart. 1
“Our marriage gives the Hunt family a strategic foothold and gives me the foundation I need to survive. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. That seems perfectly fair”
Nick didn’t respond, but his slight nod was tacit agreement
His time was clearly a precious commodity. The moment they stepped out of the restaurant, an aide was there to remind him he was due at the airport.
Ever the pragmatist, Khloe immediately offered to leave on her own, assuring him there was no need for an escort.
He didn’t argue-simply ensured she was safely settled into a waiting car before turning away without a backward glance.
During the ride, her phone rang. It was Oscar, checking in on how the meeting had gone.
“It went smoothly,” Khloe answered honestly. If there was any issue, it was merely the sheer intensity of Nick’s presence-an overwhelming pressure that was hard to shake.
Later that night, fresh out of the shower, she noticed her phone buzzing incessantly on the counter.
The moment she answered, Trey’s voice flooded the line.
“Khloe, where are you? It’s so late. Is everything okay? Why weren’t you answering your phone?”
But Khloe was only half-listening. Her eyes were drawn to the glittering cityscape beyond her floor-to-ceiling windows. She couldn’t help but admire her own foresight in choosing this apartment.
“Khloe?” His voice grew more anxious.
She responded absently. “Oh. I had a client meeting across town today. It was easier to just get a hotel room.”
She had assumed he already knew she’d moved out. But clearly, preoccupied with Angela, he hadn’t even noticed.
All the better, she thought. She fed him the casual excuse.
“Are you comfortable at the hotel? If not, I can come pick you up right now. Just send me the address.” Relief softened his tone, lacing it with manufactured concern.
“No need. I’m exhausted and I don’t want the hassle. It’s late; I need to rest.”
He didn’t push further. “Alright. I’ll see you at the office tomorrow, then.”
She murmured a noncommittal “Mm,” and was about to hang up when he stopped her.
“Honey… I miss you. Do you miss me?”
An empty silence stretched over the line.
“Khloe?” he coaxed, his voice soft.
“I’m falling asleep…” she whispered, feigning drowsiness. I’m just too tired…”
Helpless, he finally relented, murmuring, “Alright then. Sleep well. I’ll let you go.”
“Okay.” Khloe ended the call without a second thought.
The abrupt dial tone buzzed in Trey’s ear, leaving a strange, hollow feeling in his chest.
For years, whispering sweet nothings and feigning tenderness toward Khloe had been a perfunctory act-it never stirred a single genuine emotion in him. But now, for reasons he couldn’t explain, her dismissal left him with an unfamiliar ache.
“Trey… do you love me?”
As he drifted in this strange mood, slender arms slid around his waist from behind.
Angela.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.