Chapter 2: Cold Marriage

Charlotte moved through the sprawling mansion with a grace that belied her youth. The household staff noticed her kindness, the way she remembered their names and thanked them for their work. Unlike the other wives, Charlotte was not there for luxury or status—she was there because she had no choice.

James observed her from afar. At first, she was just another asset—a pawn in a business transaction to secure his influence over the Michael family fortune. But Charlotte's quiet dignity set her apart.

One evening, after returning from a business trip, James found Charlotte in the library, a place rarely visited by his other wives. She sat by the window, a book in her lap, the golden light of the sunset catching in her dark hair.

"Enjoying the view?" he asked, stepping inside.

She glanced up, startled, then nodded. "It's peaceful here."

James looked out the window, where the manicured gardens stretched into the horizon. "Peace is hard to come by in a house like this."

Charlotte turned back to her book. "I find it where I can."

He watched her, fascinated. "You don't demand my time or attention like the others."

She met his gaze, her blue eyes steady. "Would it matter if I did?"

Her words lingered in the air. For the first time in his life, James found himself at a loss. Accustomed to women who clung to him for wealth and status, he was bewildered by this young woman who wanted nothing from him.

As days turned into weeks, James began to seek her out. He would find reasons to cross her path—a shared breakfast, a walk through the gardens, a conversation in the drawing room. Charlotte's honesty was a stark contrast to the calculated flattery he was used to.

One night, James hosted a lavish party, the mansion filled with politicians, celebrities, and business magnates. Charlotte, in a simple but elegant gown, moved through the crowd like a shadow. She smiled politely but never lingered in conversations that didn't interest her.

Watching her, James felt a surge of protectiveness. She was a rare gem in a world of imitation jewels.

After the guests departed, leaving behind a trail of expensive perfume and empty glasses, James found Charlotte in the garden, the cool night air a welcome escape from the suffocating grandeur inside.

"Did you enjoy the party?" he asked.

She smiled faintly. "Parties are meant for celebration. I've had little to celebrate."

James took a step closer. "Maybe we could change that."

Charlotte studied him, as if searching for sincerity. "Why would you want to?"

His hand found hers, their fingers entwining naturally. "Because you're the first person in a long time who makes me want to be better."

For the first time since their wedding, Charlotte felt the walls around her heart begin to crack. In that moment, surrounded by the fragrance of blooming roses and the distant hum of the city, something shifted between them.

The cold marriage that had once felt like a life sentence now hinted at the possibility of warmth.