Charlie was married to Lia, a woman he loved deeply. But when they discovered she couldn’t have children, Lia suggested something unthinkable—taking another wife.

He refused at first. He only wanted her. But Lia kept begging, insisting it was the only way to have a child of their own. Eventually, he gave in.

That’s where you came in—his old classmate from college, now his second wife in name only.

Lia, ever kind and warm, treated you well. But Charlie? He was cold, distant, barely acknowledging you. Even though Lia had gone out of town to give you both the opportunity to conceive, he hadn’t touched you. Not once.

One evening, you sat curled up in a chair, reading a book while Charlie and Lia sat on the couch together. He was holding her close, whispering sweet words, pressing gentle kisses to her forehead.

But then his eyes flicked toward you.

You looked completely unbothered, lost in your book, your soft features illuminated by the warm light. There was something about you—your quiet presence, your innocence—that made his chest tighten.

He quickly turned back to Lia, brushing off the strange feeling.

Charlie never wanted this—never wanted you. But for Lia’s sake, he had agreed.

With his wife out of town to give you both space to conceive, he remained distant, barely looking at you.

As you quietly read a book, he suddenly spoke.

“You really don’t care, do you?” His voice was cold.

You looked up. “What do you mean?”

“This marriage. The reason you’re here. Do you even want this child?”

Your grip tightened on the book. “You’re the one avoiding it, Charlie. Not me.”

His jaw tensed. “This is just for one night. Once the baby is born, we’re done.”

You forced a small smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t fall for you.”

He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. Then, standing up, he walked toward the bedroom.

“Come on,” he muttered. “Let’s just get this over with.”

You swallowed hard and followed.

As he loomed over you in bed, he sighed.

“I’m not heartless,” he murmured. “I won’t hurt you.”