Contracted By Love: Her Relife Choice

"Bang!"

Angie lifted her head in the cold cell, eyeing the guard who'd tossed a tray of cold food on the floor. She didn't budge.

"Think you're too good for this? Eat it or don't!" The guard stomped in, crushing the food underfoot.

Angie sat in the corner, staring blankly at the ruined meal.

A TV flicked on in the nearby monitoring room:

"SHN Group CEO Charlie has returned to Sea City today-"

"SHN Group, Asia's largest financial enterprise. Charlie took over seven years ago, cementing his position as a business titan..."

Angie's face froze. She rushed to the door, straining to see.

The guard turned, seeing her crouched by the door, gripping the metal bars, eyes glued to the TV.

"What're you gawking at? Think you know him? You're not even fit to shine his shoes!"

Angie lowered her head, a bitter smile in her eyes.

Yes, now she wasn't worthy of shining Charlie's shoes.

Even though this man, now SHN Group CEO, had been her husband a decade ago!

Her own pride and stubbornness, her insistence on divorce, had pushed away the man who'd always cherished her.

For ten years, he'd vanished.

But what had the TV just said?

Charlie was back? From United Kingdom?

Reporters clamored: "Mr. Charlie! We heard you married in United Kingdom two months ago. Is your new wife with you?"

Angie's gaze trembled.

He... was married?

Of course. Even before his current status, he'd been Sea City's most eligible bachelor-devastatingly handsome, one of a kind. How many wealthy girls had lined up to marry him?

He must be happy now.

"Mr. Charlie, you rarely appear in the media. Any comment on SHN Group's current-"

"Is this lady behind you, Mrs. Bennett? She's quite beautiful..."

A sweet voice replied: "Sorry, Mr. Charlie doesn't give interviews. Please move."

Hearing that voice, Angie was thunderstruck.

That voice... her sister Daisy!

Daisy, who'd vanished before the Morrison's family went bankrupt!

Back when she was pushing for divorce, it was this dear sister who'd encouraged her to use unreasonable tactics, even a suicide attempt, to drive Charlie away until they divorced.

Angie laughed, a laugh that made her heartache.

"Since Mr. Charlie won't talk, Mrs. Charlie, could you say something?"

The reporters pressed. Rachel followed close behind Charlie, smiling.

But Charlie spoke, his voice cool: "She is not Mrs. Bennett."

Daisy's smile froze as she tried to hide her embarrassment.

She really wasn't...

The reporters fell silent until someone quietly noted: "I heard Mr. Charlie never remarried after his divorce ten years ago..."

Angie could no longer hear the TV clearly.

A sudden, intense pain in her abdomen made her collapse. It felt like blood was rushing up her throat.

They'd been poisoning her food for three months.

Was this the end?

--------

Hot...

So hot...

As Angie came to, a tearing pain shot through her lower body!

It felt like she'd been violently penetrated!

"Mmph..."

She stiffened in agony, whimpering, but was silenced by a kiss-

When she next awoke, Angie opened her eyes to a crystal chandelier.

The silk sheets beneath her felt like a cloud, unbelievably soft.

Where was this?

She sat up, shocked at her surroundings.

This was Sea City's Royal Garden, her and Charlie's marital home!

How had she gotten here?

Hadn't the Royal Garden been closed for years?

The soreness below reminded her this wasn't a dream. She looked down-her young body was fair and delicate, as if untouched by a decade's hardships. Her bare shoulders and collarbones were covered in intimate marks...

She threw off the covers and rushed to the bathroom, ignoring the discomfort. She stared in the mirror.

Ten years ago, as Sea City's premier socialite, Angie had a face everyone envied-breathtakingly beautiful. Any man who saw her would melt; with just a smile, countless men would have given their lives for her.

Angie gaped at the devastatingly beautiful face in the mirror.

She... had been reborn?!

Before she could recover, the door opened. A sweet voice called hesitantly: "Sis, last night with Charlie..."

Seeing the marks on Angie's body, the voice turned sharp: "You slept together?!"

Angie jolted, turning to see Rachel's upset face.

This scene was so familiar...

She hadn't just been reborn-she'd returned ten years ago! The month before her divorce from Charlie!

Last night had been their first time, six months into marriage!

She'd always resisted this so-called family alliance marriage, selfishly wanting only divorce.

Charlie had always cared about her feelings and never forced her.

In the month before their divorce, he was still enduring all her tantrums. When she said she didn't want to see him, he worked late, either returning after she slept or staying at the office.

And last night... it had been Daisy's idea.

She'd said if they drugged Charlie's drink and found another woman for him, they could force divorce on the grounds of infidelity.

But Charlie wasn't easily fooled. Even at home, he noticed something was wrong with the drink and angrily refused everyone's advances. In a rage, he'd dragged Angie, who was trying to escape, into their bedroom!

That night, Angie saw another side of Charlie for the first time.

He wasn't as gentle as he seemed. He wasn't someone who'd forever indulge her whims. He pinned her to the bed, ignoring her crying and hitting, not only consummating their marriage but keeping her occupied all night!

Memories of last night were vivid in her mind. Angie realized she'd truly been reborn.

She turned to her sister Daisy, who'd taken to staying at Grand Flower mansion since Angie's marriage. Oblivious to the fleeting coolness in Angie's eyes, Daisy whispered, "Though we agreed after Charlie drank that wine, I'd escort him out. But you ended up in his bed instead..."

Angie smiled wryly. "His bed? Isn't this our marital bedroom?"

"I'm worried about you!" Daisy frowned. "Now the plan's ruined. Who knows how long your divorce will be delayed!"

Angie eyed Daisy's sheer top and seductive makeup. "Why so scantily dressed? Luckily, I didn't let Daisy escort him. If anything happened, I couldn't explain it to our family."

"Oh, I..." Daisy hid her guilt. "It was hot last night, so I changed into something lighter."

"Early autumn. That hot?"

"Well... Sister, since the plan failed, why not fake a suicide attempt?" Daisy changed the subject, sensing something off.

"Suicide?" Angie drawled.

Reflecting, Angie realized since her engagement with Charlie, Daisy had changed. She'd whispered dark tales of high-society marriages, using failed examples to frighten the already marriage-averse Angie, making her more reluctant to get close to Charlie...

"How about slitting your wrists? When he sees you'd rather die than stay with him, he might agree to your demands..." Daisy suggested innocently.

"Risky. What if I lose too much blood and no one saves me?" Angie replied coldly.

"Don't worry! Whether Charlie rushes back or not, I'll call a doctor if there's danger!"

Angie stared at Daisy, remembering when she'd actually sl*t her wrists, lying in a bloody bathtub, too weak to get up. Daisy never called a doctor or notified Charlie. If Charlie hadn't suddenly returned home and sensed something wrong, breaking down the door to pull her out, Angie might not have lived to see their divorce.

With a detached smile, Angie said lazily, "I'll think about it. Didn't sleep last night and want to rest now."

Hearing Angie hadn't slept, Daisy hid her jealousy. "Well... think it through. I'll come back tomorrow, okay?"

"Alright, I won't see you outside."

Angie watched Daisy leave. The room fell silent.

She turned to the marital bedroom etched in her memories. Her hand caressed the soft bedding, still holding Charlie's warmth.

Everything could start anew.

Did she still want a divorce?

Of course not!

In her past life, naive and manipulated, she'd lost her marriage, her father, everything, and been wrongly imprisoned.

In this life, she'd be Charlie's wife forever, reclaiming her dignity and everything rightfully hers. Never manipulated again!

But now, the biggest challenge-

She remembered in her previous life, after last night, Charlie rarely returned to the Flower Garden. She last saw him the day she woke after her suicide attempt. He'd left divorce papers by her bedside as she'd wished, promising to leave her world forever.

That cold, distant expression is still etched in her memory.

Angie raised her hand to her forehead.

Charlie was extremely – boundlessly doting when he loved, an impenetrable iceberg when cold.

How could she coax Charlie back?

---

In the evening, Executive Assistant Anson saw Angie at the company and greeted her.

"Miss Angie, what brings you here?"

Angie didn't correct his address, considering she'd insisted no one call her Mrs. Bennett before.

She looked around. "Is he in the office?"

Anson knew she meant CEO Charlie but wasn't sure if this troublemaker had come to create problems...

"CEO Charlie's in a meeting. It should be over in about an hour."

"Fine, I'll wait upstairs."

Led to the CEO's office, Angie thanked Anson and entered alone.

An extremely modern office – spacious, comfortable, with simple yet luxurious decor. Most striking was the 270-degree floor-to-ceiling window flooding the room with light.

Charlie hadn't yet taken over the family business or become Shn Group's CEO.

He'd established this tech company a few years ago, monopolizing the country's internet technology resources in just three years. From an initial $50 million investment, the company is now valued at $2 billion.

Charlie was already renowned in business as Dawn Corporation's CEO. Hard to imagine how he'd dominate the business world four years later as Shn Group's global regional CEO.

Angie waited nearly an hour, with no sign of Charlie.

She hadn't rested much last night and spent the day processing her rebirth. Now her eyelids are feeling heavy...

When Charlie returned, this scene greeted him.

Angie lay on the black leather sofa in a black leather dress, eyes closed. Her fair, serene face looked tempting in the dim office light.

Sensing his gaze, Angie alertly opened her eyes, falling into dark, fathomless eyes deep as the night sea.

She sat up, raising her eyes to the man standing impassively.

He was just as she remembered – tall, straight, in an exquisite suit and shirt, long legs perfectly encased in trousers, flawless physique, strikingly handsome features.

"You're back..." Angie stood.

"Mm," Charlie responded coolly, walking to his desk. Without hesitation, Angie hurried after him, instinctively linking her arm through his.

This action made Charlie pause and embarrassed Angie. She didn't know whether to withdraw her hand or leave it...

She'd never been so forward before.

Charlie looked at her snow-white hand in the crook of his arm. He slowly but firmly extracted his arm, his voice cool and clear as a mountain spring: "Do you need something?"

Angie met his gaze. "Coming back to the Flower Garden for dinner tonight?"

Charlie loosened his collar, silent.

"Learned a few dishes from your sister-in-law," she added, smiling hopefully.

His eyebrows rose. "You? Cooking?"

Angie bristled at his scepticism. Sure, she'd been a pampered princess once, but things had changed.

"Mhm. Want to try it?" she asked, eyes twinkling mischievously.

Charlie's smile was cold. "Failed at drugging me, so now resorting to poison?"

Angie winced internally. Her past misdeeds were clearly fresh in his mind.

She tilted her head back, exposing marked collarbones - deliberate or not, the effect was immediate. "After last night's... intensity, I'd be first to go if I tried poisoning you."

Charlie's gaze darkened as he studied her. He hadn't held back last night, leaving her bruised and exhausted this morning. He'd left early to avoid another divorce argument.

"Given how much you hate me, a murder-suicide wouldn't be surprising," he said flatly.

Angie rolled her eyes. "Please. If I wanted us both dead, I'd just strap on a bomb and find you. Much more efficient."

Charlie ignored her, focusing on work. But Angie persisted, staring until he finally looked up, exasperated. "What do you want?"

"To have dinner with you," she replied simply.

His brow furrowed. "Another ploy for divorce? What game now?"

Fine. If he wanted to be difficult...

Angie sauntered over, leaning across his desk. Up close, his handsome features were even more striking. How had she ever wanted to leave this man?

She blocked his view of some financial reports, smiling coyly. "Come on, won't you come home?"

"I'm working," he said curtly.

"I can wait," she countered, batting her eyelashes.

Charlie's patience was wearing thin. "Video conference tonight. Go home."

"That's fine, I'll wait for you!"

He snapped the folder shut, fixing her with an icy stare. "What are you up to?"

Angie met his gaze steadily. "We've already slept together. What else could I possibly have planned?"

Charlie looked like he was seriously considering throwing her out.

---

True to his word, Charlie disappeared for his video conference, leaving Angie alone in his office.

Two hours passed. She dozed off on the couch, jolting awake with a start. Would he really leave her here all night? Given how terribly she'd treated him before, it wasn't impossible...

Anxious, Angie slipped into the adjoining room - Charlie's private rest area, with a bathroom and bed.

She desperately needed a shower. From those hellish months of captivity, even the slightest hint of sweat made her skin crawl.

Risking it, she grabbed one of Charlie's crisp white shirts from the closet and headed for the shower.

Fifteen minutes later, Charlie returns to find his office empty save for Angie's lingering perfume. He paused, frowning when rustling from the rest area caught his attention.

Angie emerged from the bathroom, toweling her damp hair. She froze seeing Charlie in the doorway, clearly caught off guard.

His eyes widened, taking in her wrapped in nothing but his oversize shirt, droplets clinging to her bare legs. The neckline slipped off one shoulder, revealing tantalizing skin.

Angie felt heat rush to her face under his intense gaze. She pressed her thighs together, acutely aware of her lack of underwear.

"I... thought you might have left me here for the night," she stammered, explaining her presence.

Charlie averted his eyes. "Put your own clothes back on."

"Didn't bring a change, but I called Flower Garden. Someone should bring some soon." She padded closer, ignoring his obvious discomfort. "Done with work? Can we go home now?"

Charlie remained silent, eyeing her warily as she approached.

"Must be pretty late," Angie mused, reaching for his arm to check his watch. It was a beautiful Patek Philippe that suited his refined style perfectly. How had a man like him ever fallen for someone like her?

As she started to pull away, Charlie suddenly gripped her wrist, pinning her against the wall. His body caged her in as he growled, "Angie, what are you playing at?"

She met his gaze unflinchingly. "Since last night, I've been seriously reconsidering our relationship."

His expression remained guarded. "Suddenly so well-behaved? What's the price? Divorce?"

The word sent a chill down Angie's spine as memories flooded back. She stared into his eyes, resolved to harden.

Without warning, she grabbed his neck and crushed her lips against his in a fierce kiss.

Charlie's gaze flickered as he pulled back.

Emboldened by an unknown courage, Angie stood on tiptoes and pressed her lips against his once more. She clung to his shirt collar, refusing to let go or break the kiss.

Charlie pushed her away roughly, his voice hoarse. "Angie, do you even know what you're doing?"

"I do! I'm perfectly clear-headed!" Angie persisted, moving closer. Her clear eyes gazed into his. "Charlie, tonight I'll either stay with you at company or go home with you. You choose!"

The night concealed many things, but not the determination in Angie's eyes.

Charlie stared at her for a long moment.

Angie fearlessly met his gaze.

In the end, Charlie didn't answer verbally, but his silent action of draping his jacket over her shoulders was his most direct response.

Seeing this wordless gesture, Angie's eyes grew misty.

Even though still angry, he couldn't help but be kind to her.

She truly hated her former ungrateful self!

On the way back to Flower Garden, Angie sat in Charlie's car, fair fingers fidgeting with the seatbelt.

She kept sneaking glances at the calm, quiet man driving, as streetlights and neon signs filtered through the windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over his handsome features.

Thinking of her past behavior, she realized that with Charlie's family background and personal assets, he could have easily left her at home and gone out to play with actresses or socialites whenever he wanted.

But he never seemed to have spared those women a second glance.

She suddenly broke the silence: "The Bennett family's driver rarely shows up. Do you often drive yourself home?"

"Sometimes," he replied.

"You didn't sleep much last night, and you worked all day. Aren't you tired?"

Charlie glanced at her, his look seeming to say: Wasn't it her fault he hadn't slept all night?

Angie turned away; her ears growing hot. "I mean, you shouldn't neglect your health because of work. From now on, you should go home when it's time to leave work and rest when you need to..."

Before she could finish, suddenly, an overloaded truck came speeding from an intersection ahead. It didn't slow down while turning, as if its brakes had failed, and headed straight for them-

"Watch out!"

Angie cried out, but Charlie had already swiftly turned the steering wheel, avoiding the oncoming truck. The screech of brakes pierced the air-

Angie had been clutching her seatbelt, leaving her body unprotected for a moment. She lurched forward violently, her head slamming against the dashboard. She let out a pained "Ah!"

"Did you hit your head?" Charlie immediately reached over, carefully examining her reddening forehead.

"Ouch... don't touch it!" Angie's entire face scrunched up in pain as she pushed his hand away.

Charlie forcefully held her still, raising his hand to the back of her head and sternly making her turn her face completely towards him.

Seeing that she had hit her head quite hard, with a red swelling already forming, and her eyes reddening from the pain, his brows furrowed. "Did you hit it badly? Does it hurt a lot? Are you dizzy?"

"It hurts..." Angie said softly.

In reality, it was just a bump that would probably swell up tomorrow at most. She hadn't meant to act too delicate, but suddenly catching that hint of concern and care in his eyes, she instinctively wanted to play it up a bit.

Charlie's concern is this long-lost sense of belonging.

Her husband, so close to her now, still cares about her. It felt so good.

"I'll take you to the hospital," Charlie said, helping her sit up straight and refastening her seatbelt.

Angie balked at the mention of the hospital, quickly pressing her hand to her head. "It's not that serious. It's so late, let's not trouble the doctors."

Charlie gave her no chance to refuse, warning her with a look not to move.

"I'm really fine..."

There was a city hospital nearby. Ignoring her quiet protests, Charlie took her straight to the emergency room.

Only after Angie's forehead had been treated, and the doctor assured them that her injury was just a swelling that would last a few days, not even a mild concussion, did he finally agree to take her home.

As soon as they returned to the Flower Garden, Grandma Betty saw the obvious "bump" on Angie's forehead and rushed over, treating her like a fragile flower as she helped her to the sofa.

"Miss Angie, what happened? Does it hurt?" Grandma Betty fussed.

Angie smiled slightly. "It's nothing, just a bump. It'll be fine in a couple of days."

"Oh my, how did it swell up like this? Have you seen a doctor?"

"We've already been to the hospital."

Grandma Betty nodded, suddenly realizing that Angie had come home with Mr. Charlie.

Angie looked up at Charlie, seeing him give some instructions to another servant by the door before walking inside, without looking back at her.

"Grandma Betty, from now on, please call me Mrs. Bennett, or young mistress. Either is fine," Angie said suddenly, while Charlie was still within earshot.

Betty was stunned for a moment before breaking into a joyful expression. "Oh! Mrs. Bennett! Mrs. Bennett!"

It seemed Miss Angie had come to her senses and was finally ready to live properly with Mr Charlie!

And they had come home together just now!

Betty happily went to prepare a late-night snack, but Angie glanced at the time and stood up. "You all go rest. I'll make the snack."

"Huh? Mrs. Bennett...?" Grandma Betty looked at her in surprise.

How could a young lady like Angie possibly cook?

She used to be unable to stand even the slightest smell of oil from the kitchen.

"With that injury on your head, you're in no state to make snacks. Go to your room and get ready to get some sleep," Charlie finally spoke as he walked back.

Angie didn't respond to him, only saying to Betty and the other servants, "It's very late. You should all go to rest."

Betty was about to speak, but seeing Mr. Charlie approached, she immediately closed her mouth, nodded, and left the hall.

"You probably haven't eaten dinner either. At this time, noodles would be the simplest. Wait for me a moment," she said to Charlie, turning her head to the kitchen.

Charlie caught her wrist as she passed, studying her for a moment to make sure she wasn't joking. He asked softly, "Do you know how?"

Angie's lips curved upward.

Angie was quite confident in her current culinary skills, but she didn't want to boast. "I can't guarantee how good it will taste, but I can definitely cook it thoroughly."

Charlie glanced at the minor injury on her head. Although he didn't want her to enter the kitchen, seeing her enthusiastic expression, he ultimately didn't dampen her rare burst of eagerness.

He released her hand, and Angie could still feel the warmth of his palm on her slender, fair wrist.

Clean, warm, and soothing against her skin, giving her an inexplicable sense of security.

Angie emerged from the kitchen with two steaming bowls of noodles. Charlie was on the phone when she returned. After his call, he turned to find Angie at the dining table, looking at him expectantly.

It was Angie's first-time cooking for him in both lives. Though outwardly calm, she felt a bit nervous inside.

The noodles looked and smelled delicious. Charlie approached. The servants had retired, and only Angie had been in the kitchen. The food seemed genuinely her handiwork.

Charlie glanced at the bowls. "When did you learn to cook?"

"Ages ago. You just didn't know!" Angie winked. "I promised dinner at home today. Even if it's just noodling, I kept my word!"

Charlie didn't press. Seeing her eager eyes, he took the chopsticks and had a bite.

His every movement was graceful, even while eating. Angie couldn't look away.

She'd never observed Charlie so closely before. Each glance made her heart warm, and her pulse quicken...

If not for Daisy's meddling, she might've fallen for him long ago.

Noticing her stare, Charlie raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at? Something on my face?"

Angie took a deep breath, feeling a bowl of noodles seemed unfulfilling to end the night.

"Why don't you move back to the master bedroom..." she suggested, blushing slightly.

Charlie finished his noodles and set down his chopsticks. After a pause, he replied coolly, "I'll be in studies tonight. I have work to do. You should rest."

With that, he stood and left.

Angie was speechless.

Had he misunderstood? She wasn't trying to seduce him into a divorce! She genuinely wanted to make things work!

Angie stood quickly, noticing Charlie was already on the phone with the company's night secretary. Clearly, he had important business tonight.

She could only prop her chin on her hand, gazing at his straight back.

She thought she'd won the initial battle, only to stumble at the final hurdle...

She should've known Charlie wouldn't be so easily won over...

As the night deepened, Angie couldn't sleep. She went downstairs for milk, intending to pour one for Charlie too. But she remembered he didn't like such drinks.

She paused mid-pour, then headed back upstairs, stopping at the study door.

Pressing her ear against it, she barely heard anything inside.

The early autumn night left the hallway chilly.

Near 3 AM, the study door suddenly opened.

"Angie?" Charlie had just stepped out when he spotted her sleeping figure by the door.

Angie looked up groggily. "Finished working?"

Charlie's expression darkened as he pulled her up. "Do you know what time it is? Why are you sleeping here?"

Angie remained silent as Charlie led her into the study. It was her first chance to properly examine where he'd spent so much time since returning to the Garden.

Like his office, it was immaculate and organized. Two computers displayed company data, with documents spread across the desk.

Noticing Angie wore only a thin nightgown, Charlie felt her cold hands and sat her on the study sofa. He draped a coat over her shoulders before standing in front, his gaze fixed on her face.

"Angie, how old are you?"

"..."

"Are you a child? Don't you know you'll catch a cold sleeping in the hallway in this weather?"

"I just wanted to wait until you finished, to talk. I must've dozed off..."

"It's late. Whatever you want to say can wait till tomorrow." Charlie observed her face, pale from the cold outside.

She hadn't rested much since yesterday, and faint dark circles had formed under her eyes. Right now, getting her to bed seemed the most important thing.

Angie tried to speak, but Charlie led her out, his warm hand gripping hers, leaving no room for protest. He escorted her back to the master bedroom and shut the door firmly.

...

Charlie returned to the study, closed the data charts on his computer, and went to shower in the adjacent master bedroom.

He had just been lying down when he heard the door open. Angie, who had obediently returned earlier, tiptoed in and boldly lifted his blanket, climbing straight into bed.

Charlie sighed. "..."

"Angie," he said softly. "Whether you're advancing or retreating, divorce isn't an option for us. Go back to sleep, okay?"

Angie buried her face in the blanket beside him, her voice muffled. "This is perfect! Charlie, remember what you said today. From now on, no matter what, we won't get divorced!"

Charlie seemed not to hear. He gripped her shoulders and lifted her up, wondering if something was wrong with her mind today.

Angie was about to speak when Charlie's hand suddenly moved to her forehead, causing her to pause.

She allowed his hand to brush her forehead, his warm fingertips carefully avoiding the swollen spot.

"No fever," he said flatly after checking her temperature.

"..."

"And you don't seem to have taken the wrong medication."

"..."

Angie remained silent, her hands clutching his blanket tightly.

Her face wore an expression of righteous determination, refusing to leave his bed. But her pale toes, peeking out from under the covers, betrayed her inner nervousness and shyness. They curled slightly, with an indescribable cuteness.

Charlie glanced down, discreetly pulling the blanket to cover her completely, preventing her from catching a cold.

Though it was a natural for her, Angie felt a warmth in her heart. She stretched her feet under the blanket, accidentally brushing against him lightly.

"Don't..." Charlie warned in a low voice warmly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to..."