Chapter 1

I was sickly as a child, constantly in and out of the hospital.

My mom always said that if I married a man with even an ounce of decency, he'd never be able to bring himself to be harsh with me.

But then came an arranged marriage, and I was practically packaged and delivered to Jaxson Hayes, the notorious hothead from the city's elite circles.

Everyone thought the marriage was ridiculous.

After all, it was common knowledge that he was in love with Skylar, his childhood best friend and personal boxing coach – a woman who couldn't stand my frail constitution.

While my friends were betting on how many days it would take for me to be sent back, my mom came clutching my leg, her makeup streaked with tears.

"Honey, that's the future head of the Hayes empire. No matter how much of an asshole he is, you just have to grit your teeth and bear it."

"Otherwise, our entire Sterling Group will go bankrupt next month, and thousands will lose their jobs!"

I comforted my mom: "Don't underestimate my sense of responsibility for the family business!"