Careful What You Fake

I had an arranged marriage, and my wife was the only daughter of her family. Because of PTSD, she couldn't be intimate with anyone. When she handed me the signed agreement, she also sent a gentle, obedient woman to my room. "Even though it's our wedding night, I'm afraid you'll have to put up with this." I stared at her in disbelief, wondering if this was some kind of test of my character. Just as I was about to launch into a speech about loyalty and marriage, I suddenly heard the thoughts of the psychologist standing beside her. [What does he have to complain about? That position should've been mine! If Kayla didn't need the Grant family's support, she never would've agreed to marry a loser like him! Luckily, Kayla loves me. She even used PTSD as an excuse to save herself for me. I just need to try harder and get her pregnant, then Benjamin Grant will become a complete laughingstock!] The words that had been on the tip of my tongue disappeared instantly. Without hesitation, I accepted Kayla's arrangement. There was nothing wrong with people in a business marriage living separate lives. I wasn't an idiot. Why would I pick a fight with Kayla over something like this? Living peacefully and minding my own business was the smartest choice. To show that I had no inappropriate intentions toward her, I even ordered maternity and baby supplies for her. "I heard you're pregnant. Coincidentally, the woman you sent to me is pregnant too." I was planning to ask her for some advice. Instead, her face darkened. She gritted her teeth and snapped, "I'm not pregnant! She's not your mistress either. She's the IVF coordinator I hired to get you up to speed!" Chapter 1 This was the third time I'd heard Yuvan Smith's thoughts. The first time was when the Sinclair family came to discuss a marriage alliance. "Discuss" was a generous word. The meeting was only meant to preserve the last shred of my dignity and hide the truth that I was being displayed like merchandise for people to choose from. Kayla Sinclair's gaze swept over me casually, like she was inspecting an item in a store window. There was clear dissatisfaction and disdain in her eyes. Just when I thought this one-sided matchmaking session was about to fall apart, Yuvan's mocking thoughts suddenly rang in my ears. 'Benjamin is the 99th marriage candidate Kayla's looked at, and he's the ugliest one so far. If she picks him, my chances will be much better. No matter whether it's looks or talent, I'm miles ahead of him. He's just a spoiled rich kid living off his family. That's exactly the type Kayla hates. Once they're married, she won't even spare him a glance.' Yuvan even let out a couple of smug chuckles in his head before encouraging Kayla to choose me. Before I could process what was happening, my father had already packed my luggage and thrown me out the door in one smooth motion. There was a hint of confusion in Kayla's displeased expression, but she didn't say anything. She simply told her driver to take me with her. The second time was on our wedding night. With a cold expression, Kayla pushed a gentle, obedient woman into my room. Before that, I'd looked into her background. Kayla was the only daughter of the Sinclair family. She was exceptionally capable, far surpassing her uncles and older relatives. People called her a once-in-a-century genius. Having a powerful wife like her was the best security I could ask for. For someone who just wants to live quietly and not work too hard, this was perfect. I absolutely had to stay on Kayla's good side. For my sake, she wouldn't treat my family badly. Because of that, I initially thought she was testing me, using a woman to see whether I could stay loyal. I scoffed inwardly and got ready to launch into a full courtroom argument to prove my point. Before I could start, Yuvan's thoughts rang out beside my ear again. 'What's he expecting? Does he seriously think Kayla's going to spend the night with him? Benjamin really knows how to dream. Kayla already promised she'd be with me tonight, and he still wants to cling to her? He should look in a mirror first. Ugly people really do cause the most trouble.' Then, Kayla said, "Even though it's our wedding night, I'm afraid you'll have to put up with this." That was when I finally began to understand what she meant. And with Yuvan's inner thoughts, I finally realized she had done all of this to keep herself for him. She wasn't doing this because of PTSD or avoiding intimacy because she couldn't handle it. All of that was a lie. The only thing that was real was her love for Yuvan. With that realization, I swallowed the long speech I'd carefully prepared and accepted her arrangement with a smile. Chapter 2 I'd already made peace with my situation. Since there was no escaping this arranged marriage, I might as well commit fully to a life of taking it easy. As for who Kayla loved, that was none of my business. I had no interest in getting involved in someone else's relationship. After seeing Kayla off, I headed toward our bridal suite out of curiosity. As I passed a decorative mirror, I casually washed off the allergy medication covering my face. I stared at my reflection and muttered, "How am I ugly? Yuvan's just jealous." A woman's voice suddenly answered from behind me. "You're right. You're not ugly at all. He's blind, so his opinion doesn't count." Before I could react, a beautiful woman, Selena Langley, grabbed my hand and pulled me into the bridal suite. - By the time the clock struck noon for the sixth time, I finally staggered out of the room with trembling legs. The Sinclair family had called earlier to say someone was coming to deliver something. Rubbing my sore waist, I couldn't help sighing. Last night had been nothing short of paradise, but it was exhausting too. I hadn't even seen the visitors yet when Yuvan's thoughts reached me first. 'That engagement ring is the symbol of Kayla's husband. I have to get it. Kayla loves me more than anything. As long as I ask, she'll put it on my finger herself.' I immediately had a pretty good idea what the Sinclair family had sent over. The moment Kayla opened her mouth to speak, I tactfully declined before she could say anything. "I'm a grown man. I don't really care about things like that..." Unfortunately, I'd spoken for nothing. They hadn't planned to ask for my opinion in the first place. Yuvan didn't even need to request it. The ring was already on his finger. Awkwardly, I tried to save face. "I'm allergic to that material. Yeah, allergic." Kayla looked at me, clearly confused. Then Yuvan's excited thoughts exploded in my ears. 'Kayla really does love me the most. What does Benjamin even have that can compare to me? I'm wearing this ring to the banquet later. It'll make everyone's eyes pop. So what if Benjamin has the title of husband? Wherever Kayla goes, I'm still the one she takes with her!' I glanced down at my still-shaking legs. Perfect. I didn't want to go anyway. All I wanted was to get some rest. Just as I was about to make an excuse to leave and give the two of them some private time, making it clear that I had zero interest in interfering with their relationship... Kayla's cold voice stopped me from behind. "Wait." 'What's she doing? She can't be planning to take him to the Golden Anniversary Gala, can she?' For once, Yuvan's thoughts matched mine perfectly. Yuvan immediately smiled. "Kayla, you promised you'd take me to the gala. You can't go back on your word." His thoughts kept running. 'I have to stop this. Benjamin absolutely cannot go to the gala. Looking like that, he'll make people question Kayla's taste. I'm the one who's truly right for Kayla. I need everyone to know that even if I'm not her husband, I'm still the person she loves most.' I looked at him, speechless. Which part of me looked like I wanted to go? Instead of answering him, Kayla handed me a hotel key card. "Don't hold back. Go have some fun." A giant heart was printed right on the card. If I understood correctly, she was telling me to take Selena and enjoy myself. In other words, she wasn't interested in me, and she was warning me not to get any ideas about her either. That had to be it. Feeling reassured, I accepted the card. I couldn't help thinking that my arranged-marriage wife was surprisingly considerate. Before leaving, I glanced at the hand Yuvan had possessively wrapped around Kayla's arm. To show that I understood her intentions, I smiled and said, "You too. Have fun." Not wanting to waste her kindness, I immediately left with Selena. The moment Selena learned that Kayla had given me the key card, the smile on her face vanished. Her fingers tightened around it until her knuckles turned white, as if she were angry about something. A second later, she tossed the card back at me with a look of disdain. "The room's already booked. It'd be a waste not to go." So we spent an entire week enjoying ourselves. A week later, I was lying comfortably by the sea, enjoying the ocean breeze and deciding what to have for dinner when I unexpectedly received a call from the Sinclair family's main estate. The Sinclair family's elders had gotten wind of Kayla giving her engagement ring to Yuvan and parading him around at the Golden Anniversary Gala. They were now ordering me back home to answer for it in front of the entire family. Chapter 3 Kayla's grandmother and two uncles stood before me and questioned me. "Where's the ring?" I instinctively covered my hand. An idea flashed through my mind, and I quickly lied to my grandmother-in-law, Eleanor Sanford. "Grandma, to be honest, I'm allergic to the ring. I can't wear it." Before I could finish speaking, I was struck with a cane. "Since you're determined to cover for Kayla, you'll stand here under the sun for two hours. You can leave when you finally understand what you've done wrong! You're Kayla's husband. Your first responsibility is to carry on the family line, not help her fool around outside. If you can't even understand that, then don't call me Grandma!" I stared at them in confusion. The three elders were so angry that they stormed off, leaving me alone in front of the family shrine. When I was leaving, the family butler hurried after me and handed me a bag of supplements. Right on top was a bottle of folic acid. "Madam Sinclair prepared these herself. Make sure Ms. Kayla takes them. They're important for the baby's development in the future." My hand shook as I accepted the bag. I looked at the butler in shock. Eleanor had even prepared folic acid. Didn't that mean Kayla was pregnant? Yuvan was impressive. It hadn't even been that long. Looks like I didn't have to worry about my peaceful, laid-back future anymore. Thinking back on all the effort I'd spent proving that I wasn't interested in Kayla, I felt exhausted. It was definitely time to reward myself. I immediately sent Selena a message. [Good news. Kayla's pregnant. Even better news, I've escaped from the Sinclair Estate!] [Let's celebrate later. I've got a surprise for you too.] I glanced at the bag of supplements and thought I might as well pass them on to Selena. After all, Yuvan was already taking care of Kayla. If I suddenly started sending things to her, what if they misunderstood my intentions? There was a big difference between relaxing for a while and enjoying that lifestyle for the rest of my life. I wasn't about to mess that up. I happily went to find Selena. She was in such a good mood that she rewarded me with three wonderful days together. Unfortunately, we got a little too carried away, and I somehow managed to dislocate my leg. Not long after I returned to the bridal suite wearing a leg brace, Kayla and Yuvan showed up. Even before he arrived, I heard Yuvan's thoughts first. 'Those old Sinclair fossils just won't stop trying to tear Kayla and me apart. I won't let them have their way. Trying to match Kayla with Benjamin? Keep dreaming. I'll never let that happen.' I stared quietly at the doorway until Kayla and Yuvan finally showed up. She looked a little surprised that I already knew she was coming. I wanted to say it was because Yuvan's thoughts were way too loud, but I didn't. Instead, I just poured her a cup of tea. "Why didn't you call me when Grandma punished you?" I glanced at her, then at Yuvan, who was still glaring at me. His thoughts kept exploding in my head. 'Scheming trash! You think playing the victim and faking an injury will make Kayla care about you? Dream on.' I rolled my eyes at him. "It's fine. You were busy. I could handle something like that." Kayla looked at me differently than usual after that. 'Ah! Kayla's actually starting to feel bad for him? Benjamin, you're disgusting! Kayla, don't fall for it. He's definitely faking it. I asked around. He didn't even stand under the sun for ten minutes before he left. There's no way he's actually injured.' I really wanted to plug my ears and shut out Yuvan's nonstop whining. Before I could explain, Kayla handed me another card. I glanced at it. Good. Not a hotel key. It was a bank card. "This is my apology. Rest well. Buy whatever you need." I took it, confused. So this was a reward for covering for her in front of the elders? Yuvan stepped in, clearing his throat. "Kayla, your appetite has been off lately, and you've been nauseous. I've already set up an appointment with a doctor I trust. It's almost time. Let's go." The moment he said that, I felt a jolt of alarm. So it was true. No appetite, nausea, and she'd switched to flat shoes. Chapter 4 Looks like Kayla really was pregnant! That couldn't be more real now. "If you've got something to do, then go ahead. Don't let me hold you up." I grabbed my crutch and stood up, smiling as I saw them out. In my head, I was already thinking I needed to prepare some baby supplies to show my sincerity. I happily called Selena and told her I used the money Kayla gave me to buy her a gift. "A gift and you're still not happy?" She clearly wasn't in a good mood. She didn't even let out her usual cold snort. She didn't answer. She just hung up. I called again, but she didn't pick up. I sent messages too, but she didn't reply. Everything had been fine. So why was she suddenly mad? I spent one day thinking about it, two days analyzing it, and three days trying to figure it out. Finally, I found my answer in a short video online. It wasn't a direct answer, but I still bought blueberry desserts she liked. They were a new flavor. She would definitely talk to me after that. There was no helping it. For the past few days, Kayla had been ordered to stay in the bridal suite. Even though she only showed up late at night, I still couldn't take it. The way she stared at me so openly made my skin crawl. It was like she already knew exactly what she was going to do with me. I decided I'd better get on Selena's good side, if only to make things easier on myself. The next day, I quietly snuck out on my scooter, heading to the shop to pick up some desserts. I didn't have any reason other than wanting to score some brownie points. After all, being away from a beauty for a few days was torture. But at the corner, I ran into Yuvan, who was working a part-time job. He was a scholarship kid, and people like him always had their pride. He wasn't the type to accept handouts. But right now he was cornered by a group of guys forcing alcohol down his throat, barely conscious. I hesitated for half a second, then stepped in. I kicked the guys off Yuvan and pulled him out of there. But he mistook me for someone else. Even though he was drunk, his thoughts weren't. I clearly heard his shock. 'Why is Benjamin here? Where's my Kayla? I clearly sent the message! I was supposed to put on this act for Kayla. How did he hijack it? Get lost, you ugly freak!' When I heard that, I swallowed the comforting response I'd been about to give. I cursed myself for getting involved in Yuvan's business in the first place. I dumped him on a barstool and was ready to leave when a thought suddenly popped into my head. I'd been trying to figure out how to get Kayla off my back. She'd been hovering around me way too much lately. Looks like my chance just showed up. I called Kayla. "I've got Yuvan. You've got fifteen minutes to get here." 'Damn it, Benjamin's using me to get to Kayla! I didn't think he'd be this ruthless! But I actually drank a lot to make it convincing. What do I do? I can't let him win!' I listened to Yuvan's internal panic and felt nothing but tired. Did it ever occur to him that my dessert pickup reservation was about to expire and Selena would actually stop talking to me if I missed it? I gave Kayla fifteen minutes. She showed up in ten. She had her driver haul Yuvan up and looked at me with open suspicion. I knew she had it all wrong! I rushed to explain myself, and even had the staff bring some hangover remedy just to prove my innocence. I tuned out Yuvan's nonstop cursing in my head, strapped on my helmet, and got out of there. I didn't notice the Cullinan parked just down the street. As I rushed to the shop to grab my desserts, I received a text message. [Come with me to the Shelton family's party tomorrow.] It was the first time Kayla had ever texted me. I replied, snapped a photo of the desserts, and sent it to Selena. She didn't reply right away. I stressed about it, even asked my AI assistant how to cheer up a girl. A minute later, another message popped up. I figured it was Kayla backing out. Honestly, if she and Yuvan were using me as a pawn in whatever game they were playing, that was fine. As long as it didn't get in the way of my peace and quiet, they could do whatever they wanted. Chapter 5 I opened the message to find it was a photo from Selena. My mind went completely blank. A pregnancy test with two lines stared back at me from the screen. What? Before my brain could even catch up, another message popped up. A hospital address. It was obvious she was there right now. I grabbed the desserts, jumped on my scooter, and headed straight there. I never even got to see her. The nurse told me she'd already left. I rode home in a daze. When I opened the door, the smell of food hit me. I stopped, then I ran inside. Selena was sitting at the dining table, food laid out in front of her. Something in my chest tightened. I crossed the room and pulled her into my arms, my voice coming out quieter than I intended. "I thought you'd left." She glanced at the pregnancy test on the table and said, perfectly calm, "The baby's father is still here. Where exactly would we go?" I thought she wasn't angry, but then she pulled up the video of me bringing hangover remedies to Yuvan and told me it was time to settle the score. By the time she was done settling it, I had dark circles under my eyes and could barely stand on my own two feet. I walked into the party that evening with one hand braced on my lower back. I'd barely found a quiet corner to sit down when Kayla spotted me. She came over with a cool expression. I found myself thinking that not all pregnant women were the same. Kayla was so composed and steady, nothing like Selena. The memory of last night's consequences made my legs tremble all over again. I said, "The baby stuff I ordered for you came in. I'll drop it off later." I seized the opening and cut straight to it. There was no point in pretending anymore. Selena and Kayla were both pregnant. If Kayla kept her guard up and her condition started showing, things were going to get a lot harder to explain. Better to clear the air now and let everyone move on in peace. But Kayla ignored my words and said sharply, "Benjamin, why did you hire people to go after Yuvan? I looked into it. Those guys were working for you. I thought you were different. I thought you actually meant well. But you set the whole thing up just to get me to lower my guard, didn't you?" Then Yuvan's voice drifted into my head, smug and self-satisfied, and suddenly everything clicked. 'I'm a genius. I framed Benjamin for the whole thing. Kayla's going to go after him for this, and whatever goodwill she had left for him is gone. She'll think he's nothing but a two-faced snake. Once she sees that, she'll finally understand that I'm the only one who truly loves her!' I looked at the fury in Kayla's eyes and knew exactly what had happened. She'd been played. Completely and totally played! Yuvan was the biggest obstacle standing between himself and Kayla, and he couldn't even see it. I also knew that anger like this in the first trimester was the last thing Kayla needed. I thought about the prenatal care article I'd read the night before, then stood up. "Hey, stop. Take a breath." I looked at Yuvan. "Don't just stand there. Help her sit down." Then I took a slow breath and said what I needed to say. "I've got my hands full with Selena. Whatever's going on between the two of you, leave me out of it. I'm not interested in Kayla. Not even a little. She's pregnant. Selena's pregnant. I've got zero reason to be involved in any of this. You don't believe me? Fine. Look at this." I pulled out the pregnancy test and held it up. Both of them stared in shock. Kayla's reaction hit different. Her expression darkened, and she said through gritted teeth, "Benjamin, I'm not pregnant. And that woman on our wedding night? She's an IVF coordinator I hired to get you up to speed." I didn't even have time to process that before a voice carried across the room, and every head turned. Kayla turned toward the sound, and whatever color she had left drained from her face completely.