Chapter 1 You Still Remember I'm Your Husband

In Camont, the surface of the pool at Glory Hot Springs was scattered with soft rose petals, gently brushing against Lena Evans' skin with a gentle touch. Her form was elegant, every curve exuding a rare, captivating charm.

A faint mist veiled her gaze, casting an ethereal glow on her features-a mix of fragility and quiet strength.

She was an illegitimate daughter, raised by her mother alongside her younger brother, relying on each other to endure life's hardships.

A week prior, her father's family unexpectedly summoned her with a startling demand: she was to take the place of her father's other daughter, Alana Evans, and fulfill a marital obligation to Dylan Harvey, the CEO of the Harvey Group.

The union between Dylan and Alana had always been a calculated business arrangement. With no emotional attachment to his bride, Dylan left the country immediately after their wedding, staying away for three years.

Now, under mounting pressure from his family, he had returned-ordered to solidify the union by consummating the marriage.

The Evanses offered Lena a grim deal: if she replaced Alana that night and spent it with Dylan, they would release her mother and brother, even providing treatment for her brother's chronic illness.

Lena knew the immense power of the Evans family. They could crush her and her loved ones easily.

Her striking resemblance to Alana was the only reason they considered her for this charade.

While their faces and voices resembled each other, their figures showed subtle differences.

Though Dylan had never been physically close to Alana, the Evanses hoped to avoid discovery and

orchestrated the meeting at the secluded hot springs.

"Mr. Harvey will arrive soon. You know what's expected of you-be careful with what you say and play your part!" an older woman hissed behind Lena, her tone sharp. Some of the staff had been bribed, ensuring that few were aware of the deceit.

Lena nodded quietly. "I understand."

For the past week, she had studied every detail about Dylan until his profile was etched in her mind.

On the edge of the spring, Alana crouched, glaring. Despite their likeness, their personalities were polar opposites.

Through gritted teeth, Alana snarled, "Don't forget your place. Even if you end up in my husband's bed, you're just a substitute, a mere bastard!"

Dylan was her husband, the one she'd waited three long years to see again.

This night should have been hers alone. But Dylan's family had demanded the bride must be a virgin, leaving her no choice but to involve Lena.

Lena lowered her head, suppressing the sting of tears. "Release my mother and brother tomorrow morning."

"I will. They mean nothing to me," Alana sneered, waving dismissively. "Just make sure you do your part." She then gestured to the older woman and said firmly, "Keep a close watch on her."

At that moment, the woman whispered urgently, "Mr. Harvey has arrived."

Hearing this, Alana quickly retreated to a hidden corner.

Lena steadied herself, inhaling deeply. Moments later, a servant led a tall man, clad in a loose bathrobe, into the room. His steps were slightly unsteady, a result of alcohol.

"Mr. Harvey, you and your wife can relax in the spring. We'll leave you to it."

With that, the servant departed swiftly.

Dylan's gaze swept over the woman in the spring. Her presence was alluring-soft, quiet, and inexplicably mesmerizing.

She wore a seductive swimsuit, the straps on her shoulders seemingly ready to snap with a tug.

Strangely, earlier that day, he had felt a vague dislike for Alana. Yet, this version of her seemed different. Softer. Warmer. Intriguingly irresistible.

As he took a step back, Lena reached for his bathrobe, desperation flickering in her eyes.

She couldn't afford for him to leave-her beloved ones' fate depended on her.

He mistook her urgency for fear of being abandoned again.

Her voice wavered as she whispered, "Don't you want me, darling?"

The delicate plea sent a shiver down his spine.

The next second, Lena rose from the water, clinging to him, her trembling fingers brushing his leg.

Overcome with desire, Dylan brushed her hand away and entered the hot spring.

After all, they were already married, and it was time to consummate their marriage.

"So, you still remember I'm your husband?" Dylan murmured, his voice hoarse.

"Yes, I..."

Lena's response was cut short as he gripped her chin, pulling her into a deep, fervent kiss.

Lena tensed at the unfamiliar intimacy, but his hands left her no room to pull away.

The faint scent of alcohol lingered on his lips.

She didn't dare close her eyes, watching his long lashes flutter, lending his chiseled features a strikingly sensual aura.

He looked every bit the man described in her file-his deep-set eyes unreadable, his sharp jawline carved with perfection.

The straps of her swimsuit slipped under his touch as his kisses wandered, leaving a fiery trail over her skin.

The dim lighting and steam from the spring wrapped the moment in an air of enchantment.

As ripples danced across the water, Lena surrendered, her arms encircling his neck. In the warmth of the spring, the night unfolded in a whirlwind of passion and vulnerability.