Pretending [Marriage Before Love]

[My new story, Living Together with My Ex-Boyfriend (second chance romance), launches in March! If you're interested, please add it to your reading list!]

[The e-book rights have been signed. You can find my other completed series in this column.]

You were married off on your twentieth birthday.

A family arrangement, a marriage by imperial decree.

The man originally meant to marry you was a spoiled young man much like yourself, but somehow his older brother swooped in and took his place.

Kent Ackerman is ten years older than you. He is the current head of the Ackerman family and a leading figure in its business empire.

Everyone says he is cold and ruthless.

And yet he was willing to marry you, the illegitimate daughter of the Cecilia family, ten years his junior. The very next day after the wedding, he put on his wedding ring.

"Can you come home with me?"

"Yes."

"Can I finish my studies?"

"Yes."

"Can I keep your identity a secret?"

"..."

"...Yes."

The mood in the room turned tense.

Later, someone warned Kent that his wife might not be as obedient as she seemed.

You deliberately made yourself look ugly, covering your face in freckles.

At every social gathering, you kept a low profile. Behind the scenes, though, you were the mysterious creative director of a jewelry design brand.

"I need your help."

Kent looked at you, finally done pretending, and chuckled softly. "Mm."

"I'll give you some information in exchange for helping me get my mother out of the family."

"I want her free from the Cecilia family's control for good."

"I'm listening."

--He had already planned to help you. Everything was ready, all that was missing was you coming to ask.

But Kent still wanted to tease you a little and see how much "sincerity" you could offer.

"The company you want to acquire..." You deliberately drew out the last word.

You were pleased to see Kent's expression change several times before he finally grew serious.

"I can help you make the deal and capture a share of the luxury goods market after the shake-up."

"But that means you'll be going against your own family."

"That's fine. I've disliked them for a long time."

"You're not obedient at all."

"I never said I was."

"I like it."

A flash of red suddenly glinted in Kent's usually unruffled eyes.

He slowly came over to you, wrapped an arm around your waist, and held your chin.

His kiss fell on your lips, stealing your breath and soon leaving you limp.

"It turns me on."

* Cool and ruthless business tycoon Ackerman, who falls helplessly in love x You, a designer who acts one way on the surface and another behind the scenes

* Marriage first, love later

* Second-person perspective. You have a name: An Cecilia

* Strong-willed in action, equals in heart

* Ten-year age gap

* Short chapters, perfect for bedtime reading

Theme: Finding love