CHAPTER 15: So, What Now, Dear Husband?

The bedroom they assigned me was bigger than my entire room back at the Jing Mansion.

Soft silk sheets, a walk-in closet, and a balcony that overlooked the entire estate.

I ran my fingers along the fabric of the bed.

Everything felt surreal.

But I didn't let myself get carried away.

This wasn't a fairytale.

This was a deal.

A contract.

And if I wanted to survive in Damon's world, I needed to be smart.

"I have to make use of what I know from my past live"

I pulled out my mother's belongings from my suitcase, carefully placing them in the drawers.

Then, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring out at the night sky.

Before I knew it, I fell asleep ….. maybe I have stressed myself a lot today

By midnight

A shadow came in through the door, lifted Lisa from the edge of the bed to the center, covered her and left

NEXT MORNING

The sunlight streamed through the enormous glass windows as I stepped downstairs, dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit. The Zichen Mansion was eerily quiet in the morning—like a place where power spoke louder than noise.

As I walked toward the dining hall, the aroma of fresh coffee and expensive breakfast filled the air.

Damon was already seated at the head of the long table, dressed in a crisp black shirt, sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing his toned forearms.

He was sipping his coffee, his eyes scanning the newspaper in front of him. Caleb stood beside him, quietly going over reports.

I took my seat without waiting for an invitation.

A maid immediately placed a cup of coffee in front of me.

The moment I lifted it to my lips, Damon's voice interrupted the silence.

"Drink something else."

I raised a brow. "Excuse me?"

He didn't look up from his paper. "You don't like coffee."

I froze.

How did he know?

In my past life, I forced myself to drink coffee to appear more mature, more sophisticated—especially in front of Gary. But in truth, I hated the bitter taste.

I set the cup down slowly, keeping my expression neutral. "You're quite observant, Mr. Zichen."

He finally glanced up, his dark eyes sharp yet unreadable. "I don't like wasting things. Order something you'll actually consume."

I smirked. "Alright, then. I'll have tea."

The maid rushed to change my drink while I picked up a piece of toast, biting into it casually.

Damon leaned back in his chair, watching me. "You're taking this marriage quite well. No questions, no tantrums?"

I met his gaze. "Would that change anything?"

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Smart girl."

Caleb cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Sir, the marriage registration has been officially completed."

My heart skipped a beat. It was real now. Legally.

Damon nodded. "Good. Send a copy to my lawyer."

I set my fork down, wiping my mouth with a napkin. "So, what now, dear husband?"

Damon tilted his head slightly, amused by my sarcasm. "Now? You adjust to your new life. And I handle my business."

I leaned forward slightly. "And what if I want to be involved in your business?"

Caleb visibly stiffened.

Damon didn't react immediately. He simply studied me, his fingers drumming lightly against the table.

"Careful, Lisa." His voice was deep, laced with something dangerous. "You don't know what you're asking for."

I smirked. "Oh, but I do."

Damon's eyes darkened but he still smiled

Meanwhile… at the Jing Mansion

Ava sat on the couch, her hands clenched into fists.

Her mother paced the room, her face twisted in frustration. "I still can't believe she actually married him!"

Ava gritted her teeth. "She must have done something to trick him. There's no way a man like Damon Zichen would willingly marry Lisa."

Just then, the door slammed open.

Gary stood there, his face pale, eyes filled with rage.

"Lisa… married Damon Zichen?" His voice was dangerously low.

Ava smirked, crossing her arms. "Surprised?"

Gary's jaw clenched. "That's impossible."

But deep down, he knew.

He had lost her.

And something in his chest burned at the thought.

Ava's smirk faltered the moment she heard Gary's reaction.

"That's impossible."

The way he said it—his voice laced with disbelief, shock… and something else.

Something that made Ava's blood boil.

His fists were clenched, his jaw tight, his entire body stiff as if he was struggling to process the news.

Why does he care so much?

Ava stepped closer, placing a delicate hand on his arm.

"Gray, why does it matter? Her voice was soft, almost seductive.

But he barely acknowledged her touch.

His gaze was fixed on the floor, lost in thought.

Ava's grip tightened.

"Gray," she tried again, her voice sharper. "She was never worthy of you. So what if she married Damon Zichen? He'll throw her away soon enough."

Gary finally looked at her, but his eyes were distant.

"She married the most powerful man in X City, Ava. You don't just 'throw away' a woman like that."

Ava's heart pounded.

Why did he sound bothered?

Why did he care?

Did he… regret?

No. She refused to believe it.

She had him. She had everything.

Lisa was supposed to be humiliated.

She was supposed to be broken.

So why did it feel like she was the one losing?

Ava forced a smile, stepping even closer.

She lifted a hand to cup Gary's face, making him look at her.

"Forget about her," she whispered. "She's nothing now."

But in the back of her mind, a dangerous thought crept in.

If Lisa wasn't 'nothing' yet… then Ava would make sure she would be.