“No news yet, sir. The CCTV cameras were all out of order that night due to a power outage. There are no identifiable witnesses either. I’ve checked everywhere, but there’s no information at all,” Jo’s voice came through the phone.

Leon growled softly, holding back his frustration. “It’s been a week! How can a girl just disappear without a trace?!”

“I’ll keep looking, Mr. Leon.”

Click.

The phone was hung up roughly. Leon stared ahead expressionlessly, but his jaw tightened. His hands clenched on his knees.

From the seat next to him, Giselle glanced at him. This was the moment. She had to speak up.

“Mr. Leon…” Giselle began softly.

“Hm?” Leon muttered without turning his head.

“I—”

“I’m amazed at how this world is full of useless people who are paid handsomely but produce zero results,” Leon interrupted, staring out the window.

Giselle took a deep breath. “I just wanted to say that—”

“And why does everyone feel the need to meddle in my life? Including you. You can’t even sit still,” Leon interrupted again, his voice growing sharper.

Giselle turned abruptly, glaring at Leon. “Goodness! Can’t I speak without being interrupted for once?!”

Leon turned quickly. “Why? Can’t you stand not being noticed?”

“No! I just wanted to talk about—”

“I don’t need your lecture, Giselle.”

That was it. Giselle leaned back angrily. “You’re such a annoying man. I regret marrying you.”

Leon raised his eyebrows. “You think I’m happy marrying a materialistic, cheap girl like you!”

Giselle turned sharply. “Hey, listen, Mr. Devil. If circumstances hadn’t forced me to do this, I wouldn’t have agreed to marry a cruel man like you. Especially not to the point of...”

The car suddenly slowed down. The driver turned, “We’ve arrived, Miss.”

Without waiting any longer, Giselle opened the door and got out. She walked quickly toward the campus gate, trying to forget the recent argument.

But fate, as always, likes to play tricks. By the campus garden stood two familiar figures: Dirly—her former boyfriend, the betrayer—and Aura, the beautiful professor who had been the secret lover of Giselle’s ex-boyfriend.

“Oh, look who’s here,” Aura’s voice rang out loudly, accompanied by a mocking laugh that pierced Giselle’s ears. “Giselle Gabrelia, the student who now lives off the charity of the wealthy. Or maybe she’s already become the mistress of some handsome uncle or sugar daddy.”

Dirly wrapped his arm around Aura’s waist, glaring at Giselle with a sneer. “I thought you’d moved to another planet. Turns out you’re still in school, huh? Where’s the money coming from? Aren’t you supposed to be broke now?”

Giselle hissed. “Dirly, Aura, can’t you just come here without bringing your trashy mouths?”

Dirly laughed. “I’m just feeling sorry for you. You used to be the daughter of a nobleman. Now you’re poor. How pitiful!”

Giselle remained silent. Her hands clenched into fists. But her face remained calm.

Then she turned around, roughly opening Leon’s car door.

“Hey! What are you—”

Giselle forcefully pulled Leon’s hand. “Get out!”

Leon tried to resist, but Giselle’s eyes blazed with hatred. She dragged Leon a few steps until he stood directly in front of Dirly and Aura.

“This is my husband,” Giselle declared loudly. Then, without warning, she grabbed Leon’s jacket collar and kissed him on the lips. Despite the contract clearly stating that Giselle’s status as Leon’s wife must remain confidential.

Leon froze.

His eyes widened, his heart seemed to stop for a moment. Giselle’s kiss successfully made his body tense.

Dirly and Aura were speechless.

Giselle slowly released the kiss, then glanced at Dirly. “What do you think? Will you still oppress me now that you know I’m Mr. Leon’s wife?”

Aura choked. “Impossible!!”

Leon finally blinked, though he was still confused.

Giselle gently tapped Leon’s cheek. “Come on, dear, take me to class. I’m afraid someone might bully me again,” Giselle pleaded playfully.

Without waiting for a response, Giselle walked into the campus building with her head held high, holding Leon’s hand.

“Wait!” Leon said.

“What else is there, Mr. Leon? Don’t get angry yet.” Giselle looked pleadingly at him.

“You’ve already dared to kiss my lips twice in one day. So....”