My Husband's Double Identity

After a prolonged solitary journey lasting seven years, Nadine Howard decided to take the plunge into marriage.

A mere month prior, Denis Wells, the spouse of her closest friend, laid bare his affection for her.

"Nadine, my heart has harbored feelings for you for as long as I can remember. Apart from managing the household and requesting financial assistance, Margot idles away her days. She doesn't possess the allure and capability that you have. My feelings are sincere. I want you!"

Following this candid confession, Denis made advances, expressing a desire for intimacy with Nadine.

Overwhelmed by fear, Nadine summoned the courage to confront the situation, seizing an object to repel his move.

Though she didn't do anything wrong, a lingering sense of guilt gnawed at her conscience.

Several times, Nadine contemplated divulging this distressing truth to Margot. Yet, the fear of shattering her friend's world held her back, and the words remained unspoken.

Nadine eventually decided to marry someone, aspiring to deter Denis by presenting herself as married.

Nadine arrived at the City Hall a few minutes earlier than the scheduled time. A tall, handsome man called her from behind when she arrived.

"Nadine Howard?"

Turning around, she beheld a striking man.

She wasn't sure it was him. "Mr. Carsten Fletcher?"

Carsten nodded.

They were introduced to one another by Carsten's father, Alfred Fletcher.

In fact, she had been in touch with him online for three months.

But their interactions were minimal.

Contrary to Nadine's expectations, Carsten was very handsome.

He embodied the quintessential prince charming, surpassing even the most celebrated actors in allure.

A noble aura enveloped him.

Immune to the charms of handsome men, Nadine regarded him with indifference.

To her surprise, Carsten, raising his head, expressed his reservations. "You know what? I disagree with this marriage, and I don't want to get married. At least not now."

Nadine was disconcerted by his words.

Did he just say that he didn't want to marry her?

So, she would still be single?

She quickly said to Carsten, "Mr. Fletcher, I understand you may be apprehensive. Your father told me you possess two residences in Faysage, engage in small-scale business, and have accrued savings. To assuage any concerns, I've prepared a prenuptial agreement. I want no share of your properties or savings."

She continued, "I run a small company with someone, ensuring a steady income. Should you require financial assistance in the future, I am amenable. Any reasonable request, barring illegal activities, is acceptable."

Carsten, unmoved, did not accept the agreement.

His gaze, inscrutable, hinted at deeper thoughts. "Wouldn't this be a loss for you?" he asked.

Undeterred, Nadine affirmed, "I have no interest in your prenuptial property. I have never considered living off of a guy or using him in any way. A good spouse provides support without being a hindrance."

Independence defined her.

She had Carsten a little thrown off.

When he looked at her, there was a subtle sense of admiration in his deep eyes.

Prior to coming here, he delved into meticulous research.

Nadine and his father, Alfred, had been acquainted for an extended span. Their paths first crossed serendipitously in Aldcourt seven years ago, a fateful encounter marked by a skirmish with wild wolves. Having emerged unscathed from the ordeal, their camaraderie blossomed.

The formidable stature of the Fletcher family eluded Nadine's awareness.

She hadn't deliberately forged a connection with Alfred, as she had shown no interest in exploiting the Fletcher Group's resources.

Carsten had no grounds for concern now.

While Nadine was still worried that Carsten wouldn't agree to marry her, Carsten decisively said, "I consent to marry you. Nevertheless, there's a matter I must broach beforehand."

"What is it?" Nadine listened attentively.

Carsten asked, "Do you require me to cater to your carnal desires?"

"What?" Nadine, though having comprehended his query, found herself momentarily confounded and bashful.

Faced with such a direct question, she struggled to formulate an answer.

What the heck was he thinking?

To elaborate, Carsten added, "As adults, our needs, particularly those of a carnal nature, are undeniable. Yet, I cannot engage intimately with a woman devoid of my affection. Therefore, I regret to inform you that I cannot fulfill that aspect of our relationship. Ponder this before deciding on our union."

Nadine's initial embarrassment waned, replaced by a sense of assurance.

Being adults, the bluntness of his approach resonated with her.

Even though she was twenty-eight years old, she had no intense yearning for physical intimacy.

Her face betrayed a surge of indignation. "Mr. Fletcher, I, too, cannot engage in intimate relations without love. Rest assured, our union will be devoid of such expectations. As for your question, my answer is negative."

"Well, that simplifies matters," Carsten responded contentedly. "Come on. Let's proceed and obtain our marriage license."

"Hold on!" Nadine stopped him, stuffing the prenuptial agreement into his hand. "You'd better take this, sparing us potential problems."

Looking through the agreement, Carsten seemed decided.

In any case, he would divorce her within a year.

He was the owner of several homes as well as other assets.

Nadine's proactive prenuptial agreement, he reckoned, would indeed alleviate the complexities of their separation.

Together, they made their way to the office.

Nadine walked alongside Carsten, her frame appearing petite beside his towering stature, fostering a sense of discomfort in her.

Nadine found comfort only when she deliberately distanced herself from him.

Their marriage license swiftly danced its way into official records, a legal waltz completed in under ten minutes.

Now adorned with the title of a married woman, she didn't feel anything particular.

All she yearned for was to spill the news of her marriage to Margot as fast as possible.

"I've got pressing matters, Mr. Fletcher. I'll be in touch later," she swiftly declared, putting a few paces between them.

In the blink of an eye, she vanished into the bustling crowd.

Carsten, observing her rapid departure, knit his brows, his gaze lingering in her direction.

Did she just leave like that?

Quite a departure from the socialite sirens who ardently pursued him.

It appeared Nadine had entered matrimony solely for the sake of the marriage license.

This realization brought Carsten an odd sense of relief. At least he wouldn't be haunted by her persistent presence.

After that, he returned home to apprise his father of the development.

Alfred seemed to have foreseen their retreat to their homes after the hasty union.

After all, Nadine and Carsten just met face-to-face on that day.

It was Alfred who orchestrated their union.

Seeing the grin on Alfred's face when he got the news, Carsten realized he hadn't seen his father genuinely joyful in ages. Not since his mother's demise seven years prior. It was a rare occurrence.

Perhaps Alfred genuinely liked his daughter-in-law.

"Father, I've married the woman of your choosing," Carsten said, always eager to see Alfred happy.

Alfred responded, "Carsten, recall our agreement. You need to move to Nadine's residence tonight."

"Rest assured," Carsten affirmed, standing before his father. "Remember our pact. There's one year for me to fall in love with Nadine. If unsuccessful, I reserve the right to end the union, and you won't advocate for another marriage."

Alfred chuckled. "Let's make a wager. You'll fall in love with Nadine within three months. Care to bet?"

"Three months?" Carsten sneered. "She's just an ordinary woman. You've bestowed her with undue regard."

With a knowing smile, Alfred said, "Time will tell."

Carsten retorted, "I hope your confidence remains intact when divorce looms. Brace yourself for that."

Alfred laughed. "A year from now, you will thank me for finding you a worthy wife."

Carsten opted not to prolong the exchange of words.

He ascended the stairs.

The lunch break was well underway upon Nadine's return to the company.

Margot was nowhere to be found, but Denis intercepted her in the office.

She found herself alone with him for the first time in a month.

Denis, guilt evident in his gaze, couldn't mask his affection for her.

"I'm sorry, Nadine. I acted on impulse that day. But my feelings for you are genuine. I can't deny them."

Nadine, cautious of eavesdroppers, suppressed her anger and asked, "Denis, what do you like about me?"

Without hesitation, Denis replied, "You're capable, independent, well-dressed, and charming. You're anything but mediocre. Always learning, always progressing, and becoming more remarkable by the day. Margot, on the other hand, neglects makeup and spends no effort on her appearance. She lacks ambition and is out of touch with societal developments. I've lost interest in her. I haven't touched her in ages. You're the one I desire."

Outside the office door, Margot caught every word her husband said.

Nadine remained blissfully unaware of Margot's discreet presence outside the door.

She believed that everyone was having lunch at the canteen during lunchtime.

Otherwise, she wouldn't give Denis the chance to unleash his torrent of distasteful words on her.

She was furious now.

"Denis, your second child has just graced this world thanks to Margot's sacrifices. Don't you feel guilty? Have you ever wondered why she forgoes makeup and hairstyles? It's not for lack of taste but the ceaseless demands of nurturing your kids and managing your extended familial responsibilities. Her personal time? That's a distant memory for her."

Nadine continued, "She could be a charming and respectful lady if she hadn't chosen to wed you and bear you children. How dare you demean her like that?"

Nadine wished she could beat Denis to death then and there.

"Women are supposed to have children and take care of the family after getting married," Denis, seemingly impervious to guilt, said self-righteously. "Margot's lack of progress is her own doing. Blaming me is absurd."

Unable to control her anger, Nadine gave Denis a forceful smack across the face.

Shocked, Denis remained completely silent for a minute.

Nadine, grappling with her rage, found it challenging to regain composure.

How could he be so despicable about his wife?

"Denis, I refuse to fall in love with an unappreciative guy like you! You're nothing short of a monster to me. Treat Margot with the decency she deserves, or face the consequences!"

Denis, now nursing both a physical and metaphorical blow, harbored newfound animosity towards Nadine.

Meanwhile, Margot, eavesdropping from outside, dissolved into tears.

When the staff returned from their lunch break, Nadine still didn't see Margot.

Nadine distributed wedding candies to her colleagues, announcing her marriage and that there wouldn't be a celebration for the time being.

The workday persisted until the late hours. Nadine busied herself with work until she got a call from Carsten.

"Have you wrapped up for the day?"

Carsten's voice, unmistakable, came from the other end of the line. Recognizing the voice, Nadine responded, "Mr. Fletcher?"

It wasn't because she had a good memory. Rather, it was because of his voice, which was highly recognizable, low and mellow, like the sound of a cello.

"It's me. I'm outside your company. Come out when you're done," said Carsten.

Nadine was heading home anyway. "Okay, just a moment."

Hanging up the phone, Carsten got out of his car. "Elvin, take the car back," he instructed.

"Yes, sir," the driver, Elvin, responded with due respect. "Are you sure you don't need me here, sir?"

"It's alright. You can go now," Carsten replied.

To cut down on expenses, Nadine, Denis, and Margot strategically positioned their business in the urban village of Faysage.

Not far away lay a bustling commercial epicenter, a nature unique to Faysage.

Carsten lingered outside the company for a few moments.

The clamor of vendors and the hustle of people created an uneasy atmosphere, conflicting with his distinctive temperament.

Seeing Nadine coming, he approached her.

"Why the surprise visit?" Nadine, puzzled by his presence, recalled not having informed him of her workplace.

Carsten, skipping pleasantries, got straight to the point. "My company went belly up, and the bank snagged my residence and car. I don't have a place to live now. Any room for me at your place?"

Nadine was momentarily speechless, baffled. "I thought everything was fine this morning. Did something happen?"

With an air of composure, Carsten calmly lied, "This all went down this afternoon."

Nadine struggled to reconcile the sudden turn of events.

Why hadn't he divulged this before they got married?

Adding to the dilemma, Carsten continued, "Moreover, I'm strapped for cash now. Could you lend me a hundred grand?"

He wouldn't have resorted to deception or sought financial aid from her if he hadn't agreed to his father's request before.

In truth, Carsten wasn't interested in testing Nadine. Their impending divorce nullified any need for such examinations.

But it seemed Alfred intended to prove Nadine's virtue.

Resignedly complying, Carsten awaited Nadine's inevitable refusal.

Nadine, a perceptive woman, struggled to digest the reality that her new husband was unexpectedly bankrupt and now soliciting a loan.

She didn't respond immediately.

Her brow furrowed, conveying a sense of feeling duped.

Observing her reaction, Carsten secretly grinned.

He believed she couldn't accept this.

Her inability to accept the situation played to his advantage since he wouldn't have to live with her.

Perhaps she'd claim he deceived her and initiate the divorce immediately.

Carsten was very sure of it.

This approach would expedite his freedom, circumventing the one-year waiting period.

"Why didn't you say this earlier?" Nadine, now composed, asked him.

But on second thought, Nadine acknowledged she willingly entered this marriage, and Carsten hadn't coerced her into anything.

Even if he was genuinely bankrupt with no funds to his name, she couldn't place blame. They were a couple now.

Couples weathered storms together, right?

"Alright. Where's your luggage?" Nadine calmly asked.

Carsten was lost for a moment there.

He furrowed his brow. "You're agreeing to let me stay in your house?"

After an internal struggle, Nadine replied candidly, "You've hit rock bottom with no place to go. How can I turn you away? It's fine. I didn't marry you for your wealth anyway. Since we're married, we're family. I'll take you in. Let's go. I'll drive you to my place."

Carsten was shocked.

He expected rejection.

Moreover, he aimed to prove to his father that Nadine wasn't as virtuous as he believed.

But now, it seemed she genuinely cared, embodying the kindness his dad had spoken of.

Hoping for rejection, Carsten asked, "And what about the hundred grand I asked to borrow?"

"I need some time to think about it," Nadine responded thoughtfully.

A hundred grand wasn't a small sum.

"If you're uncomfortable with it, I won't push you. After all, we've known each other for less than ten hours," Carsten said.

"I'll give you an answer tomorrow morning," Nadine replied.

A thought crossed her mind. "Mr. Fletcher, aside from bankruptcy, you don't have outstanding debts, do you?"

They were now husband and wife.

If Carsten was indebted, she'd be obligated to share that burden.

She was anxious about it.

Carsten noticed her unease.

Lying about his financial state had already been unjust to her, and he didn't want to burden her further, so he clarified, "No. I can settle my debts. It's just that after settling them, I'm left with nothing."

"That's fine." Nadine breathed a sigh of relief and offered encouragement, "You're intelligent. Secure a job first. With hard work, you can stage a comeback."

Carsten remained silent, nodding in acknowledgment.

He had to admit that he didn't find her annoying.

"Did you bring any belongings?" she asked.

"My residence was abruptly sealed off. I had no chance to gather anything," Carsten explained.

"Let's go. I'll purchase some clothes and essentials for you," Nadine suggested, leading him towards a nearby supermarket.

Denis, emerging from an alley, overheard their conversation.

He contemplated mocking Nadine.

Was this the man she chose?

Her husband not only faced financial ruin but also sought financial aid from her.

How could she align herself with such a man?

Denis harbored resentment, having faced rejection and humiliation from Nadine. He couldn't forget that slap she gave him.

He despised her and yearned to embarrass her publicly.

Perhaps, he mused, he could use her husband to subject her to humiliation.

It struck ten in the evening as Nadine drove Carsten off to the shopping mall to get some clothes and essentials.

Carsten carried an air of nobility about him. Nadine initially planned to buy him designer threads, but the closed boutiques thwarted Nadine's plan.

She had no choice but to take Carsten to the bustling night market, the last place that was still open.

At the night market, a myriad of peddlers and vendors hawked their wares, from sizzling noodles to succulent fruits, each vendor loudly extolling their merchandise.

This was undoubtedly an unfamiliar atmosphere for Carsten, whose routine dictated a return to his villa at this hour.

His usual regimen included a refreshing shower, a sip of red wine, a delve into the intricacies of finance books, and a final glass of warm milk before bedtime.

Amidst the clamor of the night market, he felt conspicuously out of place, making him rue the agreement to marry Nadine, whose lifestyle contrasted starkly with his own.

But Carsten resolved to endure this unfamiliar terrain as he contemplated his father's promise of marriage freedom after a year.

Nadine bought him living essentials and chose two sets of sportswear at a mere cost of $160.

That was a good bargain by any measure.

After learning the price, Nadine asked, "This stall is the last refuge for clothing at this hour. How do you like these?"

Carsten, casting a disdainful look, asked, "You expect me to wear these?"

Sensing his disdain, Nadine refrained from admonishing his pickiness given his bankruptcy.

She didn't want to make a fool of him in public.

Men were, after all, deeply invested in dignity.

So, she put it simply. "Transitioning from opulence to economy is challenging, but given your current financial straits, necessity dictates. I believe they'll suit you."

Carsten realized that he was indeed picky, and acknowledging her gesture, Carsten chose not to protest further.

Nadine, seizing the opportunity, swiftly settled the bill, telling the vendor, "Madam, the largest size, please. He's a bit broader."

The haggard stall owner, in her forties, gazed intently at Carsten as she packed the clothes for them.

"Is this handsome man your husband? He's a sight to behold."

Her eyes, weathered by over a decade of night market peddling, had never beheld such an impeccably handsome man.

He surpassed even the actors adorned in makeup on television.

The guy standing in front of her looked flawless.

Although Carsten was aware that many women enjoyed looking at him, he felt uneasy when this middle-aged lady stared at him that way.

He swiftly took the bag of clothes and seized Nadine's hand. "Let's head home."

Sensitive to his aversion to prying eyes, Nadine did not resist.

Only after they had walked away did she pull her hand.

The last time she felt a man's touch was seven years ago.

She didn't like this feeling, and the intrusion into her personal space left her perturbed.

A slight furrow creased her brow as she withdrew her hand, conveying a hint of anger. "I don't appreciate casual hand-holding. Ask me for permission next time."

Carsten, grappling with a sense of rejection, questioned himself silently. Did she find him repulsive?

Wasn't she supposed to welcome his closeness like other women?

In a conciliatory tone, he said, "My apologies."

"Let's hurry. I have work tomorrow," Nadine urged.

She guided him through several alleys to a modest seven-story building.

Looking at the shabby building and then at her, Carsten couldn't hide his disgust. "This is where you live?"

His tone dripped with disdain, like his earlier aversion to the affordable clothes.

While his current suit radiated refinement, the reality of his financial downturn should have tempered his expectations.

Didn't he go bankrupt? The bank had seized both his vehicle and home. He had no money at all.

In that case, he had no right to despise this.

Suppressing any inclination to reproach him, Nadine maintained a veneer of politeness.

"Mr. Fletcher, were the two apartments you once owned endowed with lush surroundings, vigilant security, and on-call property management services?"

There were more than that.

Carsten's previous abode boasted an entourage of servants, from drivers, private nutritionists, cleaners, gardeners, and bodyguards.

However, faced with his ostensible bankruptcy, he opted for stoic acceptance.

"Mr. Fletcher, circumstances dictate that one can't afford to be overly picky. While the living conditions may not be optimal, at least you have shelter. I doubt you'd choose this if alternatives were available. But you need to embrace the situation. Let's go home and rest, and you can contemplate your next move."

"Thank you for extending your hospitality," Carsten said, compelled to face the reality.

He sealed a pact with his father and committed to a year-long agreement.

For his freedom, he had to endure it.

Nadine's apartment was too shabby for him.

Though it boasted a kitchen, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a living room, the entire space was dwarfed by a mere fraction of his villa's lavish bathroom.

Despite his aversion, he masked his displeasure this time.

With just one bedroom, he gallantly offered to take the sofa.

Nadine slept in the bedroom, and Carsten endured the night on the narrow sofa.

At the crack of dawn, Nadine stirred, her thoughts grappling with a dilemma.

Should she extend the one hundred thousand loan to Carsten?

Her recent home purchase had still left her with a deposit, but lending it all meant depleting her resources entirely.

She wouldn't have any money to decorate her newly-bought apartment.

She had a difficult time saving enough cash for a home. She'd always hoped to provide herself with a nice apartment. After the decorating, she intended to move in.

She did not want to give him the money intended for the decor.

Moreover, she didn't really know Carsten. Was he even trustworthy?

The internal struggle made her wake up at five.

By seven a.m., she was already up, preparing a simple breakfast of noodles.

Carsten, disturbed by the commotion, joined her at the table after washing up.

Two bowls of noodles awaited them, one with a small amount of vegetables and the other with a fried egg, the last one in the fridge.

Acknowledging the difference in their physical exertion, Nadine gave Carsten the one with the egg.

Unfazed, Carsten, having never had such a simple breakfast but adhering to yesterday's conversation, refrained from any objections and merely inquired, "Don't you want to eat eggs?"

"I don't like eggs," Nadine retorted, savoring her noodles with unabashed gusto.

Carsten observed her.

She made sounds while eating her noodles.

Simply put, she had some less-than-elegant dining habits.

She treated her appearance in front of him with such disregard.

At least she didn't have to make a chomping noise.

He was used to women presenting themselves to him exquisitely and respectfully.

He was unaccustomed to Nadine's different demeanor.

Attempting to maintain his composure, Carsten elegantly twirled his fork, lifting noodles and ignoring the less-than-melodious sounds emanating from Nadine's side of the table.

Seizing a pause in her noodle indulgence, Nadine posed a direct question. "Mr. Fletcher, I have something to ask you."

"Go ahead." Carsten was ever polite.

"Why do you need the one hundred thousand?" she inquired.

After a moment's contemplation, Carsten conjured a lie. "My company faced closure, and I must settle the wages of the dismissed employees."

Without hesitation, Nadine replied, "Provide your account details. I'll transfer the money to you."

"Are you sure?" Surprised by her unwavering resolve, Carsten put down his fork and looked at her. "Financially, I am destitute. Prompt repayment might prove elusive."

Nadine, having deliberated throughout the night, had come to the decision.

She sought to rid herself of Denis, but her decision to marry Carsten stemmed not solely from that desire.

Seven years of being single had left her yearning for companionship, a shared journey through life's highs and lows.

She was human, after all.

Carsten didn't have to love her for her to support and go with him through good times and bad times.

Her parents separated when she was a little child. They saw her as a burden and didn't want her, leaving her behind.

Her ex-boyfriend also left her when she was twenty-one years old.

She saw the worst aspects of people and endured the cruelest abandonments imaginable, yet she never gave up on love.

She wondered if Carsten could be different.

Firmly, she told him, "Pay your employees before their dismissal. Find a new job, and start afresh. With diligence, everything will fall into place."

Carsten, taken aback, voiced his concern, "Aren't you afraid that..."

"Afraid of what?" She cut him off.

"I might run away with the money."

"You've already married me. Where else could you possibly go?" she retorted with confidence.