Chapter 1

I served three years in prison for my husband Donavan, but upon release, i only received a penny as a business opening gift.

Just as I thought there might have been a mistake, I noticed that Jade, the girl next to me, also had only one bill in her envelope.

Putting aside my concerns, I enthusiastically accompanied Donavan through the grand opening ceremony.

However, that evening, I came across Jade's Instagram post. She had shared a photo of a check:

"Congratulations on the grand opening, Mr. Frost! My boss is so generous, giving a $100 million opening gift!"

The comments section was flooded with envy, congratulating her on her "boss" with the "boss."

Not only did Donavan fail to explain, but he also rushed to distance himself from me:

"You've just gotten out of jail, it's not appropriate to go public. Let's keep our marriage secret for now. Just call me boss in front of others."

Then, he immediately liked Jade's post.

Wiping away a tear, I dialed the number of his arch-rival. "I'm working for you from now on."

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1

"You looked after Donavan's career, willingly going to prison for three years for him. How come you suddenly want to follow me?"

"I remember, he promised over and over that he'd give you the department manager position once you got out. Are you sure you don't want it anymore?"

I repeatedly rubbed the penny bill, letting out a bitter laugh.

"Yeah, I don't want it anymore."

Just as I said that, Donavan suddenly appeared in front of me, asking suspiciously:

"What don't you want?"

I hung up the phone nonchalantly and told the truth:

"The department manager position."

Hearing this, a glimmer flashed through the man's complex expression, as if he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Perfect. I was planning to give it to Jade anyway. You can start as a clerk for now."

Hearing these words, I couldn't help but frown.

Back then, for Donavan's company, I endured three years behind iron bars.

He repeatedly promised me that once I got out of jail, the position would be mine and no one else's.

Who could have imagined that in the end, I'd become nothing more than a lowly pawn?

At this moment, Donavan personally shattered the promise he made three years ago.

But I couldn't see even a hint of guilt in his eyes.

My eyes burned, and an unstoppable ache flooded my heart.

Seeing my silence, Donavan pulled out an agreement from his briefcase and tossed it onto the coffee table.

He said nonchalantly, "This is a secret marriage agreement, just for the sake of the company."

The words "Secret Marriage Agreement" painfully stung my eyes.

Three years ago, the day before I went to prison, Donavan and I got our marriage certificate.

The only belief that kept me going was the happy married life we'd have after my release.

But now, I've become someone he's ashamed to acknowledge.

He even wants me to disappear without a trace.

I silently mocked myself, and without a second thought, picked up the pen beside me.

Donavan suddenly turned his head, frowning as he watched my hand about to sign.

The woman who once couldn't wait to announce this marriage to the world, how could she suddenly be so decisive?

He instinctively grabbed my wrist, uttering words that were hard to decipher:

"You're not even going to think about it?"

Without lifting my eyelids, I immediately signed.

Having gotten the secret marriage agreement as he wished, he fell oddly silent for a moment.

After a while, he cleared his throat, his voice turning gentle:

"Scarlett, don't worry. Once the company stabilizes, I'll definitely make it up to you properly."

I responded with a perfunctory "okay," just as the company group chat pinged.

Jade became the company's first department manager, and all employees offered their congratulations.

"You've been by Mr. Frost's side for these three years, and we've all seen it. This position is well-deserved!"

"I think, Jade's a department manager today, but tomorrow she might just be the boss's wife, right? We better start sucking up to you now."

Following that, Jade sent a shy emoji, tacitly acknowledging everything.

"I still think Scarlett's the lucky one. She did three years in the slammer and still got to be a clerk at the company. The boss really spoils her!"

Knowing the truth, she was obviously mocking me.

I reluctantly tore my gaze from the screen, only to accidentally catch Donavan staring at his phone.

The smile on his lips was gentler than I'd ever seen before.

It made me wonder.

Our secret marriage - was it for the company's sake, or for Jade's?

To fulfill our secret marriage contract, Donavan had moved from the master bedroom to the guest room.

Besides that, he'd made it crystal clear: I wasn't allowed to ride in the same car as him.