My Fake Husband Refuses to Divorce

After my fiancé left me at the altar, his older brother was forced to step in and take his place. I wasn't about to play the saint.

Since our wedding night, I’ve treated Silas like my personal footstool, lording my status over his head at every turn.

I was in the middle of ordering him to kneel before me in his suit again when a stream of glowing holographic comments began scrolling across my vision. [When is this toxic bitch going to get written out?

Our devoted second male lead is being ruined by her games!] [He’s just a training project.

Every trick she’s teaching him now is just prep for when he finally serves our darling female lead.] [I’m so over this spoiled brat. How does she deserve a man like him?

I’m just living for the day he serves her those divorce papers and sends her screaming to a psych ward!] [This vicious villainess doesn't even realize her family's company has a ruptured capital chain.

They’re facing a thirtymilliondollar bankruptcy liquidation any day now!] I brushed the floating text aside with a mental shrug.

I pressed my heel into Silas’s shoulder and threatened him with a snarl, "Wire fifty million dollars to my offshore account right now, or you can stay on your knees in that Tom Ford suit forever!" Chapter 1 Silas let out a low grunt and looked up at me.

His bedroom eyes shimmered with a halfsmile. "Do you really want me to get up, or are you just hungry for me?" He arched an eyebrow. "Ordering me into a suit in the middle of the night… I think I know exactly what you’re after." At that moment, Silas was wearing an allblack suit.

I’d already undone the first three buttons of his shirt.

From this angle, I had a frontrow seat to his powerful chest muscles… Damn, that broadshouldered, narrowwaisted silhouette and that hint of a Vline.

I forced my gaze away from his hormonedrenched pectorals, gritted my teeth, and doubled down on my threat, "I don't care! Are you giving it to me or not?

If not, I’ll just go ask Hayes for it." Silas’s expression instantly turned cold. "Don’t you dare." The usual trick worked, but I couldn't bring myself to feel happy.

I always thought Silas had a brother complex. When they were kids, he’d cover for Hayes when he skipped school. When they grew up and Hayes bailed on the wedding, Silas stepped in.

He was terrified I’d retaliate against his brother by cutting off his funding, so he’d been incredibly submissive since the wedding.

Beverly Hills mansions and Black Cards were handed over without a second thought.

Even those filledwithtaboo leather harnesses and shirt stays—he’d wear them for me, even if his eyes turned red with embarrassment. I thought I could control him forever.

But the bullet chat told me the truth. Everything Silas did was for his brother's girl.

It turns out he's the devoted second male lead who's been guarding the "White Lotus" female lead for years. He only married me to protect her happiness.

His submission was just a way to keep me from bothering them and making her sad. Worse yet, in the near future, the female lead will notice his sacrifice.

Silas won't hesitate to divorce me. And me? The villainess.

I’ll refuse to sign because I can’t let go of the luxury, I’ll provoke the female lead, and Silas will throw me in a mental asylum. You bastard, Silas!

We’ve known each other for over twenty years, and you’re planning to do that to me?!

I couldn't help but hurl my phone at him, my chest heaving with frustration. "Then give me the money already!

Otherwise, I'm going to find—" Silas moved fast, covering my mouth and pulling me into his arms.

He rested his chin on my shoulder, nuzzling my neck. "I never said I wouldn't give it to you.

Is fifty million really worth this kind of temper tantrum?" I froze, blinking at him. "You're agreeing to it?" He chuckled softly, lifting his head to cup my face with both hands. "Since when have I ever had the right to say 'no' to the great Lady Arabella?" His tone shifted, dropping an octave. "However… Quid pro quo.

Shouldn't you agree to one request of mine in return?" Chapter 2 I knew it wouldn't be that simple! Normally, I’d never let him negotiate terms.

But thinking about those floating comments, I inexplicably relented. "Let's hear it." He pressed his lips together, his tone surprisingly soft as if trying to negotiate. "From today on, can you try to think about him less, mention him less, and see him less?

Whatever Hayes owes you, I’ll make up for it.

Since you both have your own lives now, let's just not let him disrupt ours, okay?" He wouldn't let me bother them, yet he was constantly preparing to play the homewrecker himself, waiting for his chance to take the female lead.

Truly a "devoted second male lead." My palm itched to slap that handsome face. Whatever. Fifty million dollars was more important.

I pressed my lips together and answered reluctantly, "Got it." Silas missed my subtle eye roll.

He smiled, gently pinching my cheek. "Good girl." As his words faded, a heavy silence settled over the bedroom. Silas leaned in dangerously close.

His thumb slid from my cheek to trace my lower lip, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. "So now… where were we?" His voice was a physical hook pulling me in.

I stared at the sharp bob of his Adam's apple, the urge to sink my teeth into it almost overwhelming.

Then, the bullet chat materialized again. [Does this stupid woman not realize that every time she touches his throat, the possessiveness in his eyes looks ready to swallow her whole?

He's exercising every ounce of restraint not to snap her in half!] [He practically lived in the bathroom the next morning staring at the bite marks, probably losing his mind over his own lack of control.] [It's not like he hates it, though.

Later on, when the female lead bit him, he went and got it tattooed the very next day.] My desire evaporated instantly.

I snatched up the silk robe that had been stripped from my shoulders and shoved Silas back. "Never mind.

I lost the mood." The moment the words left my mouth, the scrolling text abruptly changed color. [Huh? Why did the villainess suddenly lose interest?] [That's it? Where's the spice?

Where's my smut scene?!] [Why are you tired? It's not like you're the one doing the heavy lifting!] [Fuck, just eat him already, I'm begging you!

If you starve yourself, we're the ones who go hungry!!!] These comments… were they bipolar?

I chose to ignore them, deliberately ignoring Silas's very obvious, very unresolved problem beneath his trousers as well. I pulled the duvet up to my chin and turned my back to him.

Minutes later, the sound of the shower running echoed from the ensuite bathroom. I lay in the dark, my mind racing with my supposed destiny. Bankruptcy. A psychiatric ward.

I gripped the sheets. I would never let that happen. When I woke up the next morning, Silas was already up.

My private chef had already prepared truffle eggs Benedict, but Silas was personally wielding the sterling silver cutlery, methodically slicing a piece of Kobe beef for me.

His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing the corded muscle of his forearms, every movement radiating the effortless authority of a Wall Street titan.

A sight I usually found aesthetically pleasing now grated on my nerves. I'd suffered through nightmares all night.

One moment, Silas was throwing divorce papers in my face; the next, he was holding Flora's hand, staring coldly as the cops shoved me into the back of a cruiser.

My glare must have been burning a hole in him because he immediately looked up. "You're awake." He stood up and pulled out a dining chair for me. "Come eat." "By the way, I had my assistant wire the money to your account.

Check your balance. I transferred a bit extra. Whatever you want, just buy it." I froze midstep, originally planning to brush right past him.

I pulled out my phone to check my banking app.

Staring at the push notification from my American Express Black Card confirming a fiftyfivemilliondollar deposit, the lingering irritation from my terrible night's sleep vanished into thin air.

Suddenly, I was starving.

Even looking at Silas wasn't so bad anymore. "You look amazing today, hubby," I purred, flashing him a brilliant smile. "That shirt really suits you." Silas stiffened.

He turned his head slightly, letting out a soft, awkward cough. "What are you talking about this early in the morning?" Chapter 3 What did he mean by that? I couldn't care less.

I glanced down to verify my account balance one more time, my mood instantly brightening.

But the very next second, the scrolling text shattered my good mood again. [Ugh, our devoted second male lead dropping fifty million for the female lead.

So selfless.] [Wait, didn't that money go into the villainess's pocket?] [It's still for the female lead!

The purest form of love is wanting to see her happy at any cost, even if she isn't by your side. Sobbing.] [What is that toxic bitch rolling her eyes for?

Is she about to start her morning drama? I seriously can't watch the second male lead serve her like a dog anymore.

Can't she just take the money and stop torturing him?] Like hell I would.

I picked up my glass of milk, took a small sip, and ordered Silas, "Feed me." The bullet chat flashed a vibrant, neon color, slicing through my thoughts. [Hahahaha, the commenter above asked for spice and delivered!] [I knew this villainess wouldn't change!

Fasting last night just to feast this morning, hahahaha!] [You sly bitch!

Saying you were tired and not in the mood last night, only to prep for some dining table play?!] Oh my god, I was innocent! What kind of nymphomaniac did these people think I was?

I meant feed me breakfast! Actual food! [Last week, at this exact table, she said the same thing.

The male lead actually tried to feed her breakfast, and she hit him with the 'not that kind of feed.' They completely wrecked that dining table…] [Adding context: It wasn't just the dining table.

They hit the kitchen island and ended up in the shower…] [Speaking of which, Silas is wearing the exact same shirt as last week.

The villainess is a sucker for this look.] I snapped my gaze to Silas.

He was already loosening his silk tie, his brow slightly furrowed… "Don't take it off!" I blurted out the command, but the moment the words left my lips, a horrifying sense of déjà vu washed over me.

Sure enough, Silas paused for a fraction of a second before his fingers moved even faster, tearing at his shirt buttons.

I clamped my mouth shut, deciding my best bet was to flee the crime scene entirely.

I stood up and took a single step, but my silk nightgown snagged violently on the edge of the dining chair. The strap snapped down my arm, exposing a massive expanse of skin.

The air seemed to freeze in that very second. I could vividly hear the heavy, raspy swallow in Silas’s throat.

His normally deep, composed pupils dilated instantly, locking onto me like a starving beast tracking its prey. His hands locked onto my waist.

A sudden force hauled me up, pinning me firmly against the marble kitchen island. His scorching palms wrapped around my neck, tilting my head back.

A gravelly voice vibrated right above me. "In that much of a rush?" "I wasn't—" "—Tsk." Silas hooked his thumb under my chin, leaning down to brush a soft, teasing kiss across my lips. "I really can't say no to you." A kiss heavy with intense mint and masculine cedarwood cologne crashed down on me, carrying a punishing, outofcontrol heat.

The marble island was freezing against my bare skin, but his massive hand gripped the small of my back like a vise, swallowing every gasp and protest I had in a frantic, desperate claiming.

Two hours later. I lay collapsed on the California king bed, every muscle in my body turned to jelly, ordering Silas to rub my body oil in. [Speechless.

Six rounds.] [Fades to black right at the best part. Villainess, are you treating us like outsiders or what?] [Tsk tsk, at least we get to see the aftercare.

We're eating good today, girls. Silas's service mentality is toptier.] [The bullet chat is so pure without that other toxic group.

I love this unified, spicy energy.] [Girls, pay attention. Silas's eyes are looking dangerous again.

My screen is flashing…] Feeling the large hand on my waist begin to slide lower, the meaning behind that last comment finally clicked.

I snapped my hand out, grabbing his wrist before he could go any further. "No more." Soft, lingering kisses trailed up from my bare spine to the nape of my neck, stopping right beside my ear.

Silas's voice carried a rough, halfsated rumble. "I have a business trip this afternoon. I won't be back for a week." What did he mean by that?

Chapter 4 He lightly sucked on my earlobe, his tone deceptively polite. "Are you sure you don't want an advance?" I swear, it was infuriating.

Why did the entire universe assume I was some kind of nymphomaniac? The bullet chat thought so. Silas thought so too.

I shot him a weak glare. "I am not that desperate." "Oh?" Silas arched an eyebrow, his thumb dangerously stroking the back of my neck. "Then who was up all night reading explicit mafia romance novels on their iPad while I was gone?" I whipped around, my eyes widening. "How did you know about that?!" Here’s what actually happened last week.

Silas had been away from the house for seven straight days. I couldn't sleep out of sheer boredom, so I spammed my bestie with texts.

She was too busy slaving away for her corporate overlords to deal with me, so she just forwarded me a link to a mafiathemed smut book. It completely ruined me.

I literally dreamt of Silas wearing the mafia boss's black dress shirt and silver sleeve garters.

And as luck would have it, when I woke up the next morning, the man who was supposed to be out of town was sitting right there at my dining table. Who could resist that?

But how did Silas know I was reading… that? "Did you snoop through my phone?" Silas gave me a perfectly innocent look. "You were dead to the world.

I was the one who turned off the screen mirroring for you." I thought the Apple TV had just timed out. I didn't realize Silas had caught me redhanded.

No wonder he thought I was starved for attention. My ears flushed hot.

I muttered under my breath, "Who told you to come home in the middle of the night anyway?" He explicitly told me his trip wouldn't end until the next day.

Unless it was a total emergency, he never took the redeye flight back. Silas seemed to read my mind.

He pressed a quick kiss to my lips, his tone laced with amusement. "Someone called to report that my wife was missing me.

Isn't that considered an emergency?" Taking a redeye he hated, flying home in the dead of night, all because of a stupid phone call from my friend.

Was this also part of him "tolerating" me? A strange sense of dissonance washed over me. Could it be that Silas actually harbored real feelings for me?

Otherwise, how could he handle my impossible demands so effortlessly? A fresh line of scrolling text ruthlessly popped my delusional bubble. [Why does the villainess look so happy?

Does she seriously think he loves her? Can't she tell he's just out of options and trying to placate her?

He's just terrified she'll go make trouble for the female lead!] [Oh, throwing money and throwing himself at her so eagerly, he's totally so out of options~~] [You delusional shippers need to back off!

This upcoming business trip the second male lead is taking is entirely about the female lead.

He's flying out to attend a ribboncutting ceremony at her old high school!] [The female lead is about to find out that the person who funded her education all those years ago was actually the second male lead, not the male lead.

The gears of fate are turning!] [There's absolutely zero need for a billionaire to attend a tiny event like this.

He knows exactly who he's doing it for.] I knew the comments were telling the truth. Silas really was going to attend a ribboncutting ceremony.

And just like they pointed out, it was practically a nonevent. Even though the Silas Corporation sponsored the school, sending a VP would have been more than enough.

There was absolutely no reason for Silas, the CEO, to attend in person. I kicked at Silas's leg as he finished dressing, feigning casual curiosity. "Tomorrow is the weekend.

Do you really have to go on this trip? Is this event really that important?" Silas didn't even hesitate. He gave a firm nod. "Yes.

Extremely important." A bucket of ice water crashed over my chest, but I was still desperately grasping at straws. "And if I don't let you go?" Silas fastened the button of his suit jacket.

He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to my forehead. "Be good." "Don't throw a tantrum. I'll remember to bring you a present when I get back." A present.

How about I gift you the sight of a vanishing bank account balance first! Chapter 5 I took Silas's Black Card on a merciless shopping spree.

When my heels started to ache, I headed to the top floor of the hotel and booked the presidential suite.

The moment the solid brass keycard hit my palm, my phone buzzed with texts from Silas. [?] [You went out?] [Assistant Harper is on a business trip.

Who are you hanging out with today?] I left him on read, dumped my shopping bags in the suite, and headed straight to the executive lounge.

I was nursing a dirty martini, enjoying a pleasant buzz, when a group of freshfaced college girls walked into the lounge next to me.

It was painfully obvious it was their first time here. They were giggling and whispering over everything like tourists, impossible to ignore.

I narrowed my eyes, peering over the rim of my glass. Talk about a small world. It was Flora and her roommates.

After seeing those bullet comments, my curiosity about this "female lead" had gotten the better of me, and I had done a little digging on her Instagram.

She was a senior, majoring in public administration, and had just finished taking her graduation photos.

The group chatted briefly about the spring job fairs before the conversation inevitably orbited back to their center of attention: Flora. "I'm so jealous you don't even have to stress about job hunting, Flora.

You're definitely walking straight into the Silas Corporation, right?" "It's literally like a romance novel in real life!

A billionaire CEO fighting his arranged marriage just for you… it's so romantic!" "True love conquers all!

You're so brave, Flora!" Flora dipped her head, a perfectly practiced, shy blush creeping up her neck. "I was so hesitant when I found out he had a fiancée." "I threw a massive fit and demanded to know if he expected me to be the other woman," she murmured, her voice soft and fragile. "But he swore he only loved me.

He said there was absolutely zero feelings between him and her—that they hadn't even kissed." "He even bailed on his own engagement party just to prove his devotion to me.

That's when I finally started to trust him." She paused, letting out a perfectly timed sigh of disappointment. "But apparently, their family trust funds are too deeply tied together, and she refuses to call off the wedding.

So… we have to keep things a secret for now…" One of her roommates, a girl with a sharp bob, scoffed in outrage. "Rich people are so disgusting, trading their daughters for corporate resources.

It's actually pathetic—AHHH!

Who the hell are you?!" I poured the remaining contents of my dirty martini directly over her sharp bob, then slammed the empty glass down on their table.

I straightened my spine, flashing her a razorsharp smile. "I'd be the 'pathetic' daughter you were just talking about." The girl's pupils dilated in sheer panic, and she scrambled to hide behind Flora.

Flora immediately stood up, throwing her arms out like a protective mother hen. "Miss Arabella, that was completely uncalled for." I dragged my gaze slowly up and down her frame.

So the legendary, purehearted White Lotus female lead knew how to play the victim card too? I let out a dry scoff, not even bothering to grace her with a response.

Whether it was to defend her friend or to salvage her own fragile ego, the moment I turned my back to leave, Flora stepped into my path, blocking my way. "Regardless of what happened, I apologize on behalf of my friend," she said, taking a deep, dramatic breath. "But I expect you to apologize to her as well." I pulled a premium law firm business card with gold foil embossing out of my Birkin bag and flicked it contemptuously onto her cheap fastfashion dress. "I don't need your garbage apology.

Get ready to receive a defamation subpoena from my personal lawyer." Seeing her face twist in humiliation, I couldn't resist twisting the knife. "By the way, Flora… if you're going to play the mistress, you really ought to keep your voice down in public.

It’s not exactly a good look if word gets around, is it?" Her head snapped up, tears instantly welling in her eyes.

She looked like she was about to shatter into a million pieces, yet she still managed to look at me with this sickeningly pitiful gaze. "Don't you realize how pathetic you are?" she whispered. "Clinging so desperately to a man who doesn't even love you." She paused, tilting her chin up. "People like you… raised from birth just to be pawns in arranged marriages.

Your parents never even saw you as a real, independent person—" Before she could finish her sentence.

Chapter 6 Flora gasped, a hand flying up to cover her stinging left cheek. "How dare you put your hands on me!" Her eyes turned bloodshot.

She opened her mouth to spit another insult, but her gaze suddenly snapped to a spot just over my shoulder. Instantly, massive, heavy tears spilled over her lashes.

A figure shoved past me. Hayes seemed to materialize out of thin air, pulling Flora into his arms. His brow creased in fury as his thumb gently stroked her reddened cheek.

He whipped his head around, ready to rip into whoever had touched her, but he froze the second our eyes met. "Arabella?

It's you?!" This was the first time I’d seen Hayes since he bailed on our engagement party. His father had punished him by exiling him to an overseas branch for three months.

The stress had done a number on him—he looked downright haggard. Standing there, he couldn't even hold a candle to Silas.

I was mentally cursing myself for ever having such atrocious taste in men. A rough grip clamped around my wrist, dragging me straight into the nearest empty private room.

Hayes planted his hands on his hips, his jaw working as he tried to suppress his fury. "Arabella, wasn't getting me exiled by my dad for three months enough for you?

What the hell is the meaning of bullying Flora now?!" I rolled my eyes. "Who's bullying her?" That didn't even count as bullying; it was basic selfdefense.

I couldn't care less if they talked trash about me, but they had the audacity to bring my parents into it.

My mother, who had maintained perfect socialite elegance her entire life, had completely lost it at the ruined engagement party, screaming until she literally fainted.

My father had shredded a multimilliondollar merger agreement with the Silas Corporation right on the spot, completely ignoring the massive financial hit.

They had held me, crying out of guilt, aging ten years in a single night. If my mother heard what that little rat just said, she’d probably end up in the ER again.

Giving her one slap was a mercy. "Are you denying you hit her?" Hayes demanded. I let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "What?

Are you going to hit me back for her?" Hayes instantly choked on his words. I knew he didn't have the guts.

He ran a hand through his hair, letting out an incredibly frustrated sigh. "I already told you I'd settle down and marry you in six months.

Is it really necessary to corner me like this?

Acting like a psycho is only going to make me dread marrying you even more." "Who gives a damn if you're dreading—wait." My brain finally processed his ridiculous statement. "Who the hell is marrying you?!" "Who do you think I'm talking about?" Hayes scoffed, his tone dripping with unearned arrogance. "I just got back to the States, and you immediately track me down here.

Arabella, are you really that obsessed with me—" I couldn't stomach another second of this delusion.

I held up a hand, cutting him off midsentence. "Hayes, do they not have WiFi wherever you were banished to?" "Or did your family completely excommunicate you?

I'm already married." I flashed the massive diamond on my left ring finger. "To your older brother." Hayes stared at me for three solid seconds before a burst of incredulous laughter escaped his lips. "What kind of sick joke is that?!

You don't even like my brother. Why the hell would you marry him?" He really was completely clueless. I couldn't be bothered to waste another breath explaining it to him.

I pivoted on my heel and headed straight for the door. Frantic footsteps echoed behind me.

Before I could reach the handle, Hayes grabbed my wrist with a brutal grip and yanked me back.

The room spun wildly as his other hand clamped down hard on the small of my back, pinning me.

I thrashed violently against his chest. "Get your hands off me!" "Not until you explain what you're talking about!" The moment the words left his mouth, the heavy oak door was shoved open from the outside.

A tearstreaked Flora stood in the doorway—and right beside her was Silas, the man who was supposed to be thousands of miles away on a business trip.

Silas's gaze was deadlocked onto the hand Hayes had wrapped around my wrist. The crushing pressure radiating from him caused the temperature in the room to drop below freezing.

He took a slow, menacing step forward, a low, savage growl vibrating through his gritted teeth, "Take your filthy hands off my wife." Hayes shot a panicked look at Flora and instantly released his grip on me like he'd been burned. "Flora, let me explain," he pleaded.

But despite the words, his feet remained glued to the floor, not taking a single step toward her. Flora let out a pathetic, watery sniffle.

She shot me a tearful glare, sobbed out, "I'm calling the cops!" and then turned and bolted down the hallway, covering her face.

Chapter 7 Hayes instinctively took a step to chase after her, but abruptly spun back around. He furrowed his brows, glaring at Silas. "Silas!" "Arabella said she married you.

What the hell is going on? Why didn't anyone tell me?!" Silas didn't even acknowledge Hayes's existence.

He strode over, locked his fingers around my wrist, and dragged me out of the lounge. He hauled me all the way back to our presidential suite.

Leaving only a curt "Don't lock the door," he turned on his heel and walked back out.

I collapsed onto the California king bed, watching the bullet chat scroll wildly across my vision. [The male lead is absolute trash, trying to have his cake and eat it too.

No wonder the second male lead gets the girl in the end.] [The second male lead went to find our darling female lead! What is he saying to her?

Is he comforting her?] [He acts like a ruthless dictator with everyone else, but the second he's with our precious female lead, he turns so gentle.

It's giving me life.] [Our baby girl finally knows the second male lead was her secret sponsor all along!!!] [Wait, why is the second male lead heading back to the toxic villainess?] [He's definitely going to settle the score and confront her!] I stared at that last line of text.

The sharp beep of the electronic lock echoed through the suite.

I scrambled to bury my head under the covers like an ostrich, but Silas ruthlessly ripped the duvet off me before I could hide.

His expression was as lethal and frigid as a frozen lake. "What did you promise me?" The bullet chat nailed it. He really was here to interrogate me on Flora's behalf.

Thinking of Flora's pathetic, tearstreaked face, I sneered. "Are you that heartbroken for her?" Silas clearly didn't expect me to ask that.

He stiffened, every muscle in his body locking up. He stared deeply into my eyes, his fists clenching at his sides until the knuckles turned bonewhite.

He ground his teeth together, practically growling out his words like a spiteful confession. "Yes. I'm heartbroken for her." The bullet chat exploded into a frenzy