Chapter 3 A Convenient Marriage

Kimberly stood still, squinting at the man seated in the car.

His face was expressionless, giving off a sense of detachment.

She tightened her fists and stepped back, a clear signal to Charlie that she was not about to get into the car.

Charlie's expression turned stern, his gaze intense, and his voice dropped to a chillier tone. "Kimberly Powell!"

When he used her full name, it was a clear sign he was not in the best of moods.

Neither Kimberly nor Charlie moved; they just stared at each other in silence from afar.

After a tense three minutes, Kimberly found herself overwhelmed by his imposing presence. Reluctantly, she opened the door and climbed into the car.

Given that this man was both her husband and the one she owed money to, she figured it was best not to provoke him at this moment.

"Could you drop me off at the Riverside Apartments, please? Thanks!" she requested.

The moment the words left her mouth, she noticed Charlie's brow furrow in confusion. "Where's that?" he asked.

"It's where I'm living now," Kimberly blurted out impulsively.

Immediately after, she mentally kicked herself, wishing she could retract her words as if they had never been said.

Charlie's eyes narrowed slightly. Was she living there now?

So, during his trip, she hadn't been staying at their place in Skyline Apartments.

With that thought, his gaze filled with irritation. He said with a hint of displeasure, "Let's head to Skyline Apartments."

Kimberly quickly turned to face him. Under the man's intense look, she conceded and decided to keep quiet.

The car became silent.

Kimberly pulled out her phone and messaged Millie, saying she wouldn't be coming home tonight.

As she was absorbed in her phone, Charlie's keen eyes glanced over her.

Her chestnut hair fell softly around her shoulders, slightly curled at the ends. Her profile was striking. She had a smooth forehead, a straight nose, and full, red lips.

She wore a white tank top and light, very short jeans, revealing a glimpse of her chest and her long legs.

Charlie looked away, a sneer forming. "You seem to enjoy yourself when I'm away."

Suddenly, the driver braked hard, and Kimberly was jolted forward, hitting the seat in front of her.

"Ah!" she cried out, and then quickly regained her composure. She rubbed her forehead, her face showing a bit of discomfort. "No, I'm not having fun."

Charlie looked at her coolly, teasingly tugging at the edge of her top. "Dressing like that to go to a bar and check out men's underwear, huh? You really know how to enjoy yourself."

He gave her a mocking and disdainful look, with a slight smile playing on his lips.

Kimberly felt a sting from his harsh words and was speechless for a moment.

She edged away slightly, hugging herself, her voice uncertain. "That's just playing games."

"Kimberly, you've got to realize who you are now."

His tone was icy, laced with a touch of accusation.

Who was she, really? Charlie's wife?

But who would actually believe that?

They'd been married for six months. Her husband was always on business trips, often seen with other women.

If she looked up at the rearview mirror now, she would surely see the bitterness and unhappiness on her face.

But why was she upset?

She had known from the start that their marriage was merely a convenient arrangement.

Charlie's grandfather, Kellan Hussain, had agreed to settle her father's hefty debts after he died. Why Charlie had agreed to this marriage at Kellan's urging was beyond her.

Was it because he couldn't marry Melina, so the bride's identity didn't really matter to him?

Kimberly shut her eyes and balled her fists in secret, concealing her discontent.

Finally, she opened her mouth and whispered a single word, "Okay."