Beneath the Cold Mask

In a dimly lit room decorated with antiques, Jeanne sat tiredly on the sofa, sipping red wine slowly. She looked slightly drunk, her face filled with a deep, indescribable sadness.

Today was the first day she would take her twin sister Jessy's place by marrying William.

William's family was the richest and most powerful in the capital. Technically, Jessy was the daughter-in-law of the William family.

Two days ago, their father Julian came to Jeanne with a strange request: to pretend to be Jessy, live in William's house, and stay there for a year. Jeanne found it odd.

When she was eight, their father took Jessy away, abandoned their mother and her, and had ignored them for ten years without a word.

Now, after all that time, he came back only to make this request. If she could, she wouldn't want anything to do with a father like Julian. But she had no choice.

Her mother was seriously ill and needed expensive treatment. Jeanne felt helpless and had to agree. "Mom, my love for you is enough. After this, I will be the daughter-in-law of the William family," she whispered, finishing her wine. The sharp, bitter liquid burned her throat, matching the pain in her heart.

She steadied herself and slowly regained her strength, her eyes growing firm.

For her mother's sake, she would do anything. From now on, she would play the role of Jessy. Even though she was completely different from her sister, she had to survive this year. She hoped William, her husband in name only, would stay in Europe this whole time and not come back. In time, she would take the money and cut all ties.

...

At London airport, England, under the night sky, a plane bound for the capital was about to take off. In first class sat a man with a strong presence, someone who could intimidate others. He wore a black suit that fit his sharp figure perfectly, with matching pants that hugged his long legs.

The light danced across his chiseled face, a perfect combination of shadow and glow, making him look like a masterpiece.

His eyes were closed, his brows slightly furrowed, as if resting but still guarded by a cold, untouchable aura.

A flight attendant passing by noticed this and turned off the flickering light above him. The small noise woke the man instantly. He opened his sharp eyes, the dim light softening his gaze. Suddenly, his breathing slowed as if an invisible force was pulling him into darkness.

He gasped, sweat appearing on his smooth forehead. Clenching his jaw, he shouted, "Hans!"

A tall figure entered quickly, replying respectfully, "Yes, director!" The man struggled to catch his breath but said nothing. Hans sensed something was wrong and hurriedly turned the light back on.

Bright light filled the cabin. Hans asked worriedly, "Director, how are you feeling?" No wonder he was so tense-William had a phobia of darkness that wasn't new.

Veins bulged on William's forehead as he stayed unsettled. Hans pulled out a sedative pill, gave it to William with water, and waited. After a while, William took the glass back, looking pale.

Hans sighed and sharply said to the flight attendant, "Didn't I tell you not to turn off the lights in first class? Can you do your job properly?" The attendant, frightened, apologized, "I'm sorry, I thought he was resting. I didn't expect this to happen."

"Your apology won't fix this. If it were our director, could you handle the consequences?" Hans snapped. "I didn't mean to," the attendant kept apologizing, almost in tears.

Hans grumbled, "If our private plane wasn't being repaired, we wouldn't have to take this flight..." "Hans, enough," William's firm voice stopped him. Hans fell silent and asked the flight attendant, "Have you left yet?" The attendant hurried away. Hans turned back to William, "Director, how do you feel now? Should we go back and see a doctor? There's still time before landing..."

"No need," William replied flatly. Hans pressed, "You've been in meetings all day. You should rest." "You can rest here," William said. Hans gave up, "Alright." Then Hans asked, "Director, I don't understand why your grandfather called you home now.

Our overseas business is booming. Is something wrong at home?" "No problem at home. Grandpa just wants a great-grandson. Rather than him nagging me every day, I'd rather fulfill his wish," William said casually. Hans looked uneasy. "About this... director, are you really planning to have children with the lady?" William glanced sharply and asked, "Otherwise, who else would i have the child with?" Hans hesitated but finally replied, "I heard Miss's personal life is a mess. She's stubborn, rude, and very arrogant. Everyone in your family has been hurt by her, including the director. Spending your life with a woman like that sounds difficult.

" William's eyes showed deep thought; he clearly knew something about his wife's "impressive" reputation.

He said calmly, "No matter how messy her past was, I don't care. When I return, she won't have that chance again. Go find me some information on her." Since their marriage, he hadn't even met his new wife.

He needed to know her better. Seeing his determination, Hans said no more and quickly fetched his tablet to gather data on Jessy, then showed it to William. After a long flight, the plane finally landed safely.

William didn't rest; he immediately went to meet an important client. After a dinner that lasted until dark, William appeared slightly drunk. Hans helped him to the car and drove him home. At the same time, Jeanne had just finished dinner and was heading upstairs.

She seemed a little drunk, her steps unsteady. Jeanne was a terrible drinker but enjoyed alcohol; she had two glasses during dinner. The effect hit her quickly-her cheeks flushed bright red, and her neck and chest followed. Her pale skin slowly turned pink.

Feeling hot, Jeanne put down her glass, went to the bathroom, and filled the tub. She undressed and sank into the warm, steamy water, feeling light and relaxed. When William entered and saw the empty room, he assumed no one was home and ignored it. He untied his tie, unbuttoned his shirt, and took it off.

Then he loosened his belt and stepped into the bathroom. For a moment, he fell silent. Through the mist and foam, he saw a beautiful shadow. Her flushed cheeks made her skin look even smoother, and her perfect collarbones showed faintly in the water.

William recognized her immediately-it was the wife he had never met. They had been married for a year, but their family had only handled the paperwork.

They had only seen each other's faces in records. Meeting like this was unexpected. The sight was so stunning it unsettled William, who was usually in control.

His purpose for returning was to have children, so he decided to be direct. He stepped forward and got into the bath. Jeanne felt dizzy. The hot water made her feel foggy and disoriented, unable to tell what was real. William had never touched another woman in his life.

He had restrained himself for over 20 years, thinking he didn't need this. But now, his desire was stirring like a new sprout taking root. The pain Jeanne felt shocked her back to consciousness. First, she saw a handsome man's face and paled in shock.

"Yo... you..." she stammered. "Why, don't you recognize me?" William asked hoarsely, still demanding what he wanted. Jeanne trembled with pain. How could she not recognize William? Her paper husband for the next year! How could he be home? And in this situation? Oh my God! Terrified, Jeanne pushed William away, but he didn't move.

"It's too late," he said. Jeanne felt like she was electrocuted. Her nerves snapped, and she collapsed into William's arms. All her resistance broke down before him.