Chapter 2 Defending Her Husband's Honor

"Paisley, don't be scared, okay? I'm right here. As long as I'm around, Clive won't lay a finger on you. You said it yourself - you're not in love with him. You love me. So come with me. Please. It's dangerous staying here with him!"

Ethan's voice rang out through the villa, loud and desperate. But no one was listening.

Security had already stepped in, ready to escort him out.

Still, Ethan clung to the doorframe like a man possessed, refusing to budge.

He wasn't leaving without Paisley.

Because without her, he had no leverage. No Hughes family shares. No backup plan.

Clive stood silently nearby, face unreadable. But the tension in his jaw, the way his fingers curled into fists - he was one second away from snapping.

And then Paisley spoke.

"Ethan, let's get one thing straight." Her voice was sharp, steady. "I may not love Clive. But I'd still rather be Mrs. Harrington than waste another second on a loser like you."

Ethan's eyes widened.

"Love? That can grow. But you? You offer nothing. No name, no future, no power. Why would I trade diamonds for dirt?"

She took a step forward, her gaze like ice. "You honestly thought you had a chance? That's pathetic. Get him out of here. If he shows his face again, call security."

Clive didn't say a word, but the tension in him eased. His storm had passed - because of her.

Ethan was dragged out like garbage, disbelief painted across his face.

He couldn't understand it.

This wasn't the Paisley he knew.

The girl who'd once followed him like a shadow... was now a stranger with claws.

But this was far from over. He'd be back. And next time, he wouldn't leave empty-handed.

Once the door slammed shut behind him, Paisley finally turned to Clive.

Her heart was steady, but her mind raced.

She still didn't fully understand Clive.

Did he ever have feelings for her? It didn't seem like it.

After all, in their last life, he made her part of a cold transaction. Married her, locked her away, and watched as the Hughes family collapsed under his hand.

He was ruthless. Brilliant. Untouchable.

The heir to the Harrington empire. A man who ruled both the boardroom and the shadows.

And women flocked to him like moths to flame - especially one.

His first love.

The one he never seemed to forget.

So why had he agreed to marry her back then?

Paisley couldn't figure it out. But one thing was clear: she wasn't going to be anyone's victim this time.

She crossed her arms and faced him directly.

"So, Clive," she said calmly. "I know we're married now. But let's not pretend this is something it's not."

Her voice was even. Mature. Cold.

"You don't have feelings for me. That's fine. I'm not here to mess with your life. Let's just treat this marriage like a performance. I won't get in your way, and you don't get in mine."

There. She said it. Set the terms before he could.

Back then, she didn't walk away from Clive immediately.

But part of her heart had died at the altar.

They were just about to exchange rings - right at that moment - when his so-called first love barged in, tears streaming down her face. The entire venue froze. Cameras flashed. The media caught everything.

And Clive? He didn't hesitate. He walked off the stage and took her away.

Just like that.

Leaving Paisley standing there, alone, in her wedding gown.

He came back later, like nothing had happened. The ceremony went on. The vows were said. The rings exchanged.

But something inside her had already shattered. She tried to live with it. Tried to play the perfect wife. But with every passing day, the silence grew louder, and the distance colder.

Eventually, she left.

Ran straight into Ethan's waiting arms.

And when she left the Harrington estate, she didn't leave quietly.

She made a scene. Let them all know exactly how she felt. The perfect little marriage they'd all expected? Shattered.

From that moment on, everything between her and Clive fell apart.

But this time?

This time, she was putting it all on the table from the start.

If he wanted to see his precious first love, fine. She wouldn't stop him.

As long as he didn't interfere with her.

It was a perfect deal.

She saved his reputation. He stayed out of her business.

And when the time came for divorce, they could walk away clean.

Or at least, that was the plan.