I Bet My CEO Husband Will Regret

Anna was slouching in the car as she peered out the window to see the black car parked not far away in the middle of the rain.

Several suited men that seemed to be bodyguards held umbrellas as a tall man bent down to enter the car, carrying a woman in his arms.

The upper bodies of the man and the woman couldn't be seen clearly at all. Only the man's long legs dressed in black slacks could be seen. It gave the impression that he had a perfect physique.

Although the black car had already left, leaving only a fog amidst the rain, the posture of the woman slouching in the car remained unchanged. Her long, delicate fingers lightly tapped on the steering wheel repeatedly; she seemed quite unconcerned.

Anna's nonchalant attitude about the whole situation only frustrated her friend, who was with her and witnessed what just happened. "You have a perfect body and more than just a pretty face. So, why can't you beat that slut?" She asked. Her distress was quite evident in her tone.

"That's his sweetheart. She isn't a slut," Anna said as she fixed her posture, correcting her.

Her friend choked at Anna's response and said, "That slut—sweetheart, I mean, has already hooked up with multiple male public figures. And instead of trying to beat her, you're even defending her? You even let your husband pick up that bitch in person. Don't you even feel an ounce of sadness just to see them that close?"

Anna merely smiled and didn't say anything in response. She started the car and dropped off her friend at her home.

It was almost ten in the evening when she got home.

It was still raining, and she was a little upset. So, Anna took her yoga mat to meditate in the living room instead.

Later on, the car engine sounded from the yard. Anna, who was calmly doing a yoga pose, slowly opened her eyes. She saw a man slowly approaching the villa with an umbrella in hand through the floortoceiling window. Anna exhaled and continued her meditation, pretending she hadn't seen him.

The black dog, lying lazily on the ground near her, suddenly leaped and was about to rush to the door. However, Anna scolded it. The dog went back to laying on the ground, sadly following its master as it whimpered.

Jackson entered the door and saw Anna meditating in the living room. His eyes fixed on her thin waist and slender legs. She had such incredible skin, long and slender legs, and an hourglass figure apart from her bewildering beauty.

Although the black dog followed Anna's orders to lie quietly on the ground, it did so with its belly exposed. "Are you teaching it how to seduce a man?" Jackson asked.

What was he talking about?

He could've just said that she was seducing him. Why did he have to bring the innocent dog into the picture?

Anna didn't really have a nice temper, to begin with, and she couldn't falter in his presence. She fixes her posture and sits up to look at him. Apart from the wet bottom part of her leggings, her overall appearance was still quite delicate and nice. Anna smiled as she said, "Someone else probably pissed you off, but you can't take out your anger on me. I'm your wife, not your vent."

Jackson wasn't offended by her words and didn't budge at all. He expressionlessly stared at her as he took off his necktie, threw it on the sofa, and sat down.

Anna felt bored seeing him in this state.

Although, it did make sense. In the past, when they merely had a onenight stand, several curious reporters were waiting outside their room to get a juicy scoop and update on their relationship. Even then, Jackson Will remained calm and collected.

He had always been unflustered and seemingly unbothered by everything. Such a disposition made Anna wonder if he had ever had a breakdown in front of his sweetheart.

Nevertheless, she'd instead not argue with Someone like him. It would only be unpleasant. Anna stood up and was on her way upstairs.

"Today is Wednesday," Jackson said coldly.

Anna understood. Of course, other than Wednesdays, how could Jackson's stomach step into her territory?

Wednesday was supposedly her happy day, after all.

Anna was suddenly in a good mood. She ran over barefoot and sat on Jackson's lap. "Didn't you still have a bit of conscience and haven't forgotten such an important day," she remarked. Anna wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed his lips with the tip of her tongue, and kissed intensely.

Anna had no idea how they managed to end up on the yoga mat.

It was a pretty thin cushion and was somehow uncomfortable.

She pushed Jackson's shoulder. He looked at her with eyes that were full of lust. He did her harder than ever before, and it was as if he was venting his frustrations in this one act.

Anna closed her eyes, realizing that he was doing it deliberately, thinking everything was okay and completely oblivious to the discomfort she felt as her back grinded on the mat.

They eventually moved upstairs, only finishing the deed once it was already one o'clock in the morning. Anna was so exhausted. Jackson put on his bathrobe before entering the bathroom when Anna suddenly said, "I want to take a shower too."

After all the exercise she'd been all night, her body felt clammy with sweat and made her feel uncomfortable.

Jackson stood by the bed and looked at her coldly. Apart from the lustinduced redness at the corners of his eyes, he was cold and indifferent as usual.

Anna ignored his lack of interest, opened her arms to him, and said hoarsely, "I'm exhausted. Can't you hear it from my voice?"

Jackson stared at her for a long time before finally picking her up.

His hug gave Anna such joy. She hugged him back tightly and even licked his ears to tease him.

He placed her down in the bathtub as he walked to the shower room to wash up.

Anna observed his silhouette through the foggy glass, imagining his excellent physique and handsome face. She was very much satisfied by his "service" today, that she was in a much better mood now.

Jackson only took a quick shower. He glanced at her in the bathtub as he emerged from the shower room with a bath towel wrapped around his waist.

Anna's gaze was fixed on his welldefined back until he disappeared into the bedroom. "Great body," she whispered.

She then looked down at her own body and murmured to herself, "You also have a great body. No need to envy him." Anna then hummed as she continued with her bath.

She was quite focused on relaxing in her bath when she heard a phone ring outside and decided to listen in carefully.

"Stop crying. I'll be there soon," Jackson's voice sounded.'

"I'll be there soon," he repeatedly gently and reassuringly. From his tone of speaking along, she instantly knew who called her husband.

This obviously angered Anna. She then deliberately shouted, "Darling! I'm ready. Take me out now."

It was deafeningly silent outside. After a while, Jackson appeared by the bathroom door, visibly furious.

Anna didn't dare to let him touch her with such a venomous expression on his face. So, she stood up, pulled her bathrobe, and wrapped herself in it before walking toward him. Her fingers traced his palm as she tried to hold his hand, saying, "Today is Wednesday."

Jackson coldly withdrew his hand. "It's 1:20 am on a Thursday," he replied before turning to the dressing room.

Anna wanted to get angry, but she repressed the urge to be. "But you were late. I just want to spend more time with you," she said pitifully.

However, as soon as she was about to get close to him, Jackson shoved her against the wardrobed and said coldly, "Don't take this too seriously, Anna. Save yourself some dignity."

She was already used to his indifference, yet these remarks still upset her somehow.

After all, he never considered her as the real Mrs. Will in his mind. After all, Anna was fully aware of the reason why they had to get married.

Looking back on it, what she did was indeed shameless. She was such a bitch!

Anna sadly climbed back to bed and wrapped herself in a quilt.

On the other hand, Jackson put on his clothes and turned to leave without even casting her a glance.

After the sound of the car engine faded, the whole villa was shrouded in complete and deafening silence.

The stillness made Anna feel uneasy, and she lay there wide awake.

She took out her mobile phone and replied to her friend's message on Viber before making her way to the study, [He's gone.]

Anna opened the desk's bottom drawer and picked up a picture on top of a pile of documents.

It showed a girl and a young man sitting next to each other, both wearing white clothes.

The young man smiled, and his eyes were beaming with joy.

On the other hand, the girl seemed very happy too and her happiness could be seen in the sparkle in her eyes.

Their smiles made Anna want to cry, so she threw the photo into the trash can.

It was never pleasant to force something that wasn't meant to be.

Jackson looked at his mobile phone as soon as he climbed into the car. The lights and the shadows from the outside reflected on his face as the car made its way to its destination. His face appeared even colder in the dark instead of appearing much softer.

If you marry a woman you don't even like and are obligated to have sex with her every Wednesday, you can't escape into a business trip to avoid it. Instead, it will be postponed just so you can fulfill your socalled "marital duties."

As his assistant, Gary Smith greatly sympathizes with Jackson's situation.

Back then, his boss would go straight to the bar and drink until dawn after doing his duty to sleep with that woman. After all, having sex with her made Jackson feel sick.

However, he still wanted to visit Gina today. Gary gave it some thought before proceeding to remind Jackson, "Sir, although you and Ms. Bill were not photographed by private investigators today, it's still Wednesday today, after all. Your grandfather will surely be keeping an eye on your whereabouts. He must already know by now that you came to pick up Gina in person. If you go there now, I'm afraid…."

Gary faltered as Jackson opened his eyes, revealing a hint of anger. His face appeared handsome despite such a glum expression.

Gary held back the words he wanted to say and merely ended his reminder with, "It's going to be bad for everyone."

There was a brief pause before the man in the backseat said coldly, "Go back."

Jackson left and returned to the villa, which took Anna by surprise at first, before eventually realizing why he came back.

For the sake of that woman, Jackson was even willing to give up his right to the Will family's inheritance.

Anna wouldn't have even been able to get married to him if his grandfather, Bob, didn't intervene and mentioned Jackson's deceased mother to convince him to marry her.

Jackson loved his mother so much, who Bob hated so much. The latter always watched and waited for her to make a mistake as a reason for him to send her away.

And now, Anna thought that Jackson only came back this time to ask her to visit Bob and intercede for Gina. He was willing to lower himself and accept such unfair treatment for the sake of that woman.

Anna was already tired. She was also quite drowsy and impatient, which was probably because the medicine she took was finally taking effect. Before he even spoke, she said, "I'll go visit Grandpa Bob tomorrow and ask him not to trouble you."

Jackson frowned. After all, he didn't expect her to be so kind as do him a favor. After a few seconds of silence, he asked, "What are you trying to do?"

Anna didn't bother explaining. She curled up under the quilt and dozed off.

Jackson stood at the edge of the bed for quite a while, waiting for an answer. But Anna never replied, which upset him. He then calmly made his way to the guest room.

When Anna woke up the following morning, Jackson had already left.

After breakfast, she went to the Will family home.

The Will family home was a mere villa. Its area wasn't very large as only Jackson's grandparents lived there.

Quite a lovely old couple. Bob's grandfather liked to play chess, while his grandmother, Amy, loved cooking.

Anna accompanied Bob to play a few chess games before proceeding to help Amy with cooking.

She helped take out the newly cooked chips from the pot before draining the oil. Afterward, Anna moved closer so she could chat with Amy.

After hearing what she said, Amy frowned and asked, "What? You want to forgive him?"

"Jackson and Miss Gina were going to get married, after all. If I didn't enter the scene and married him, everything wouldn't have changed this drastically. Both you and Grandpa Bob love me, so you don't want me to be wronged. But if Grandpa keeps scolding him or even pushes Miss Gina away, everyone will only get hurt in the process. It will only push Jackson away from us further." Anna explained.

Amy thought her explanation was quite reasonable and responded, "Alright, then. I'll relay your thoughts to your Grandpa Bob."

"Thank you, grandma," Anna said as she happily transferred the chips to the plate.

The red hue of the ketchup squeezed into the dish was particularly appealing that Anna couldn't help but dip her finger in it to taste.

Amy, who was taking out the pain, saw her and was stunned. "Come on, eat less of those sweet things!" she scolded.

Anna smiled before doing it again to tease Amy.

"You naughty child!" Amy scolded again as she took the ketchup away,

Anna licked her fingers like a kitten.

It was a scene that Jackson had never seen. It was his first time seeing Anna act like this. She seemed lovely as a greedy cat and appeared more pleasant than her usual disposition.

"Grandma," he said.

The kitten who was licking her fingers froze and hid her hands behind her as she heard his voice. 'Why did he come here?' Anna thought.

Jackson stared at her as he made his way to her. Anna wasn't sure what he intended to do and unconsciously stepped back. He held onto her waist as she did so and gently touched the corner of her mouth.

The sensation somehow electrified her.

Jackson—was he insane?

However, Anna quickly realized that Jackson was only acting to prevent suspicion from his grandparents.

She probably had some ketchup on the corner of her mouth, which he gently wiped from her lips. Anna willingly cooperated with such a farce, closely embracing him while feigning happiness as she asked, "Why are you here?"

Although it was his grandparents' house, Jackson and Anna made an effort not to show up on the same occasion. So, it was quite odd that he decided to visit today of all days.

"I knew you'd come here today and wanted to spend some time with you," he said sweetly.

What a loving pair they are!

But that wasn't the case. In reality, Jackson didn't believe that she was here to do him a favor. He actually came to check, thinking that she was lying to him.

Ever since their accidental onenight stand, which he thought was her deliberate scheme, Jackson just couldn't allow unpredictable things to happen again if he could help it.

Anna, on the other hand, was disappointed with Jackson. Regardless of what he did now, his assumptions were irrelevant.

Amy then invited Bob for lunch while Anna and Jackson entered the dining hall hand in hand.

The surrounding atmosphere was filled with delight after they had eaten lunch. Anna graciously served Jackson soup and vegetables.

He and Bob talked about company matters over lunch before the latter shifted the conversation and asked, "Ann said you don't want to have a baby at the moment. Your Grandma and I were looking forward to our great grandkids, but we respect your decision."

His statement basically implies that Jackson wasn't obligated to visit Anna every Wednesday anymore.

Jackson turned his gaze at her calmly.

He looked back at Bob and smiled. The latter's eyes curiously observed his grandson as he asked, "Were you surprised? Are you happy?"

Jackson then took a slice of bread for Anna before answering calmly, "Well, the doctor also advised us that it would be easier for her to conceive if she's more relaxed."

Anna immediately said, "Right!" as she nodded in agreement. But deep down, she was disgusted. His words right now were utter nonsense to her.

However, in the back of Amy's mind, she was genuinely happy to see how loving Anna and Jackson's expressions were as their eyes met, making her believe they were lovebirds.

On that note, their lunch happily came to an end. Jackson had a scheduled business meeting in the afternoon, while Anna said her farewell to the old couple as she also decided to leave.

Since she didn't drive her car when she came, she took Jackson's arm, intending to get a ride.

Anna opened the front passenger seat door and noticed a car sticker with a picture of a woman on one side and with the words: [My exclusive seat! Other women, please take the back seat.]

She was in quite a pickle, it was embarrassing, but she knew that Jackson's grandparents were still watching them, so she climbed in the car nervously.

Their playing house and act of being a loving couple finally ended the moment Anna closed the door. At that same instant, Jackson realized that she was in a seat that wasn't rightfully hers, and his expression immediately turned cold.

Anna felt suffocated in such an atmosphere. She pulled her smartphone from her bag and opened her Uber app.

The car immediately stopped as soon as it was out of the villa's area. Anna pushed the door to get off, but Jackson grabbed her wrist before she could even get out.

She turned back to look at his deep, dark, cold eyes. Anna exhaled before explaining, "Grandpa and Grandma were watching. I had no choice but to sit here. Now let me go."

"Just tell me what you want!" Jackson snapped.

At this moment, Anna realized that he still didn't believe that she had freed him of his torturous obligation to her. She pulled back her wrist, which had turned red and painful.

She no longer wanted to stay here. After giving it some thought, she smiled and teased, "Well, I'm playing hard to get. After all, we only got married because of my scheme. Now that it isn't working, I obviously have to try another approach, don't you think?"

Jackson then had a flashback of her outrageous appearance the night she ran after his car until her feet bled. Thinking about her words, he then said coldly, "Get out!"

Anna then whined as she happily got off the car, "Hey!"

Jackson was speechless as he wondered, 'Was she doing it on purpose?"

He wanted to question her further but saw her standing at the side of the road as she took out her red lipstick and applied it to her lips.

Anna had to wear demure clothes today since she had visited his grandparents. She looked gentle and lovely in a floral dress topped with a long brown fur coat and her hair neatly tied in a ponytail.

The moment she wore her red lipstick and took off her hair tie, her aura switched from being gentle to being provocative.

Seeing such a sight made Jackson feel inexplicably irritable again, so he drove away instead.

They haven't seen each other since they parted that day in not so amicable terms.

Gary believed that his boss had been acting rather odd recently. Jackson had always hated having to visit Anna on Wednesdays regularly and was always glum on such days as a result.

But now that he wasn't obligated to do so, he seemed even more gloomy than he normally was on such days.

On the other hand, Anna was quite brave in making such a decision. Back then, everyone was fully aware of how in love she was with Jackson. So, why did she suddenly change? Why has she even disappeared for an entire month?

It's even worth noting that Jackson also doesn't seem quite able to adjust to their current situation. It was obvious that he wasn't used to this setup either, no matter how much it favored him.

Today was Wednesday once again. Jackson didn't visit his wife and refused all sorts of entertainment to pass the time, which was starting to worry Gary. He hoped his boss could go out and have fun for even a little while so they could both stop working overtime.

Jackson, who was quietly sitting in the back seat, suddenly said, "Go to Twilight."

As soon as they arrived at the club, the owner, Sam Brown, hurriedly rushed toward Jackson. "Jackson! Your wife has gone crazy!" He said helplessly.

Jackson's expression slightly shifted as he asked coldly, "Isn't she filming? Why is she back?"

Sam stopped.

Jackson frowned and impatiently said, "What are you doing? Lead the way!"

Sam trembled as he clarified, "It's not Gina. It's Anna!"

Jackson gave him a cold stare. It seemed that for Sam, Anna was now worthy of being Mrs. Will.

Sam was really clueless. After all, if he hadn't referred to Anna as such, he would eventually have been reprimanded by Jackson's Grandparents. However, he did so without realizing that it made Jackson quite furious.

Jackson then turned around, about to leave, when Sam pursed his lips as he said, "I suggest you go inside and have a look. Anna is making quite a ruckus. The consequences of this aren't any different from that of you being caught meeting with Gina…."

Jackson knew full well that Anna was quite the troublemaker. So, he quietly followed Sam to the private room.

The music blared as soon as they opened the door. Several halfnaked men danced around Anna, the dim lights and shadows enveloping their intertwined figures.

Jackson's gaze was fixed on her delicate and thin waist under her loose blouse, which appeared even more dazzling than the brilliant lights as she danced. His gaze was cold and sharp in front of such a sight.

Then, the music suddenly stopped, which displeased Anna. She turned around and was stunned as his cold and piercing gaze greeted her. She stepped back and directly fell into the arms of the man behind her.

One of them men unhappily commented on the interruption, "What happened? Who is this man?"

Anna immediately reassured the man, who turned out to be Bill White, as she explained briefly, "It's okay, Mr. White. That man is my husband. Now, let's continue!"

She glanced at Jackson's expressionless face as she closed the door to continue partying.

Such indifference made sense. She wasn't important to him, after all. He naturally didn't care about her, and she had been used to it by now. What was she even expecting? Was she looking forward to seeing him angry just now? As if.

Anna merely shook her head to get rid of such thoughts and continued dancing.

The moment the private room doors were shut, Jackson, who was just standing outside, looked cold as if holding into his anger. The two people with him sensed his aura and didn't dare to speak.

Gary was too terrified to speak, so Sam had to bite the bullet and said hesitantly, "I… Should I escort your wife out — I mean, Miss Anna?"

"It was her choice to do something like this. It's none of your business!" Jackson said as he turned away.

None of them noticed that the door to the private room had been slight ajar all this time and only quietly closed as they left.

Anna leaned against the wall and recalled how just over a month ago, Jackson appeared in this private room, pulled her aside, and said to her, "Stay away from her!" as he hugged Gina tightly in his arms.

Just now, he wore the very same indifferent expression as he did that day.

Bill then put on his shirt and said, "Anna, I already signed the contract with you today. You might've been frustrated in love, but you do well in business. You're so charming and beautiful. You don't have to stay with such a coldhearted man! If I wasn't gay, I, without a doubt, would've definitely dated you already. Is Jackson also interested in men? Anyway, just how could he even ignore you with your perfect beauty and figure?"

Anna felt better as Bill made lighthearted jokes and teased her. "Come on, do you like him?"

Bill immediately shook his head and said, "That kind of man is cold and boring. I'll call some hot and young guys to entertain you. Let's think of it as reciprocity."

"All right," Anna agreed.

The manager later approached Jackson and reported that Anna had called for eight young and hot men. Upon hearing this, Sam spat the wine he was drinking in shock. But before he could wipe it and clean after his mess, Jackson had already left the room angrily.

Anna lounged languidly on the sofa. She had been busy socializing and drinking during the last few days leading up to the day of the contract signing, and now that it was finally over and done with, exhaustion had finally set in. All she wanted to do was sleep. She let a young man help take off her heels and socks. She didn't move and silently allowed him to give her feet a massage.

Her mind began to wander, and she couldn't help but get more and more confused. Bill had dared her to bet on whether Jackson had feelings for her or not.

He had deliberately ordered eight guys, all young and hot, under her name just because he wanted to see what Jackson's reaction would be.

Although Anna was also curious, she was also rational. "Whether he comes or not, I'm not going to win. I will just hurt myself."

"Why can't you win? If he comes, that only proves that he cares about you. I'm trying to help you, Anna. I bet he will come for sure."

The poprock dance music in the private box had been switched to a soft, soothing piano song. The young man was really skilled in doing massage. Some of the tiredness she was feeling eased slightly. Anna buried her face in the soft pillows and closed her eyes. "What a coincidence. I bet the same."

After all, Jackson had paid too much when he married her. It was a critical moment in his work. Someone would definitely have to pay if any unknown variables appeared on her side.

This was also the reason why Sam had urgently called Jackson when he saw her here in Twilight.

Anna faintly heard Bill say something else, but she couldn't open her eyes. The young man's massage skills were really good. He knew just how much strength he should exert to make it comfortable. She relaxed completely, almost falling asleep right there and then.

The door to the private box was suddenly kicked open. Anna woke up in shock at the loud bang it had created. Before she could react, Bill smiled and leaned slightly over her shoulder, teasingly whispered, "Well, well, well. The longer you live, the more incredible things you will get to see. That angry guy is Jackson? As in, Jackson Will, also known as the most gentle and elegant person among the upperclass men?"

Angry?

Anna was a little confused. She turned her head slowly to the opened doorway and at the man standing there. His expression was calm as usual. She couldn't see any sign of anger on his face.

The raging fire in Jackson's heart was extinguished when he saw Anna's sleepy eyes… and the young man giving her a foot massage.

Gary had been standing slightly behind Jackson and had a clear glimpse of the scene inside the room. He stared at the foot bath basin, essential oils, and salt scrub and said, "Sam, I just want to ask… since when did you have a foot massage service in your club?"

This was Twilight, the most expensive club in this city, and they were giving foot massages for entertainment.

Sam touched his nose. "Money is difficult to earn." Doing business was not easy, and the customers demanded too much sometimes.

In such an awkward situation, the foot massage obviously could not go on anymore. The handsome young guy packed up his things and left. Bill was not afraid and did not leave immediately. He leaned again and whispered in Anna's ear, "Five o'clock tomorrow evening. Don't forget."

Anna nodded. "Okay."

Bill got up and left, closing the door after him. Only the two of them remained inside the private box. It was finally quiet.

Jackson lit a cigarette and sat on the sofa opposite her. He lifted his dark eyes, as dark as the abyss, to gaze at her figure. The cigarette in his hand was burning, but it couldn't chase away the hostility and the coldness on his face.

Feeling a little unhappy, Anna buried her face in the pillow again. Maybe he really cared about her. She wanted to try and find out.

She looked up.

"Do you think I'll pay more attention to you if you find an accomplice to trick me? I told you to obey the rules when I promised to marry you. The Will family needs dignity." Jackson said. His face, which was shrouded by the smoke from his cigarette, was indifferent. The boredom in his eyes was obvious.

Bill told Anna that Jackson had been engaged to Gina for four years, and yet there had been no talks about them getting married. And then Jackson married her, which showed that the problem between him and Gina was serious. Bill encouraged her not to give up and to keep on fighting for it.

How ironic that she almost believed him!

Anna drew in a deep breath and said coldly, "Even if my reputation is shattered and I lose my dignity, the first one who will suffer is the Green family. Don't ever mention our marriage again. Bill's hobby is known to all the people in this city. Do you think everyone is like you and would let their wife deal with the aftermath after they were caught cheating?"

With a faint smile, Jackson glanced at her and said, "Anna, it's your scheming that got us into where we are. Your innocent and righteous appearance right now, it's really…."

"Fake?" Anna supplied for him, a sneer on her lips.

Jackson's excellent upbringing was a model in their social circle.

Born from a rich family, he had been strict with himself since childhood and had never caused any trouble to his family. Unlike most young men his age who constantly played the field and changed girlfriends as if they were changing clothes or whose nightly routine included going to nightclubs, Jackson had never participated in these kinds of activities. He was selfdisciplined and selfmotivated and had only one girlfriend.

He was gentle, elegant, and responsible. Except for his cold personality, he was perfect.

Even if he was angry, he would only say a word of reproof or express his disapproval calmly, but he would never swear or shout.

Such indifference was the most hurtful. Anna felt like she was about to cry but held it in and tried to explain patiently. "I told you that it was a coincidence, I…."

… didn't mean to hurt you.

She pursed her lips tightly and didn't go on. She had already explained herself before, but he did not believe her. She didn't want to waste her time anymore.

She was a good girl from a good family. Her parents had carefully cultivated and educated her. She knew the importance of reputation and would not do anything to ruin hers so easily.

Did she drug him? She would never do that kind of thing to debase herself. It was an insult to her!

After more than half a year of marriage, Anna knew what he thought of her in his mind and had never cared.

But today, for some reason, all her suppressed emotions seemed to want to burst out. She almost couldn't hold them back.

She felt that if she stayed with Jackson any longer, she would rush to him and scratch his face. She picked up her coat and left without wearing her shoes.

When the door opened again, Sam and Gary saw her come out barefoot. It was obvious to the two that the conversation did not end well.

"I'll take you home, Anna." Sam offered, thinking she was pitiful.

She rejected him coldly and called for a driver instead.

The cold wind hit her face when she stepped out of the club. Her feet were warm when she had the foot bath earlier, but now she felt cold. She couldn't help shivering against the chilly air.

Looking at her bare feet, Anna remembered the time she saw Jackson at a banquet. She was so happy she couldn't even control herself.

She had chased his car, hoping he would get to know her and, maybe would… what? Like her?

The highheeled shoes were uncomfortable. She slipped them off and ran barefoot in the rain as she chased after his car like some crazy woman. She was really stupid.

Anna stared down at her feet. They were delicate and beautiful. She had applied nail polish carefully.

In fact, once was already enough. She shouldn't have allowed the same people to hurt her again and again for the same reasons.

She put on her shoes and wrapped herself in her coat while waiting for the car.

Even if she had wrapped herself carefully, she still had a headache when she got home. The headache was severe and made her so sick to her stomach. She felt weak after throwing up a couple of times. She was feeling unwell and couldn't even stand up.

……

Anna woke up in the hospital the next day. Her throat was swollen and painful, which made breathing difficult.

A woman was sitting on the sofa, wearing jeans, a sweater, and a cap. Although her attire was simple and ordinary, they couldn't hide her beauty. She was worthy of being the national goddess and film queen. She was Gina Bill.

Seeing that Anna was already awake, Gina came over to her bed and asked her thoughtfully, "Do you want to drink some water?"

Anna glanced at her and took the glass she offered before asking faintly, "Why are you here?"

"Your brother called Jackson and said you fainted, but I answered the phone. Oh, and I didn't tell Jackson you were ill. He also didn't know that I had come here. We're rivals in love... Are you angry that I did this?"

"You did the right thing," Anna answered. Even after drinking all the water Gina gave her, and she was still thirsty. "Can you pour me another glass, please?"

"Okay," Gina agreed happily. She poured another water on her and then sat beside her. "Today, I came here to thank you for helping me in the club last time."

Anna stared at her. "Thank me?"

The mistress came to thank the wife.

What a funny joke!

Gina was full of selfconfidence, even coming here to show her presence in front of her. If Anna didn't teach her a lesson, her rival would think she was a pushover. "Then how are you going to thank me?"

"I will tell you a secret between Jackson and me."

Anna stared at her exquisite and impeccable face and asked, "Is it something related to the bedroom?"

Gina's eyes narrowed slightly. "You knew about it. That thing wouldn't have happened last Wednesday if you didn't." She smiled meaningfully at Anna.

Anna didn't say anything. Her throat burned, and it was not only because she was sick. She didn't know what to say to Gina. Should she ask her some questions? What should she ask? What posture does my husband like to use when he's in your bed? Do you hug him as I do?

She leaned back against the headboard. Her eyes were hooded as she drank her water slowly.

Gina was watching her reaction closely. Anna didn't know what she was looking for in her expression.

But she was calm. She had always been confident about her appearance. Even if she was pale and sitting on a hospital bed, she didn't feel like she had lost out to Gina.

"Since you already know the first secret, I will tell you another one to make you happy," Gina said suddenly.

Anna glanced at Gina's beautiful face. Her expression was sincere, but Anna did not believe even for a minute that her motives were pure. She sighed and said, "Don't tell me you're going to take care of me here."

Gina's smiling face turned unhappy. "How do you know about everything?"

Anna put the empty glass down. She was smiling, but it did not reach her eyes. "Miss Gina, I know a lot more than you think. For example, whenever Jackson was in my bed every Wednesday night… What were you… busy about?"

Gina's expression changed. The corners of her lips pulled down; her eyes turned cold. However, in the blink of an eye, she smiled again as if nothing had happened. "I really don't want to take care of you here. You don't want to see me because I'm Jackson's beloved. But thanks are still necessary."

Anna frowned. Who cared about her gratitude?

Ignoring Gina, Anna got out of bed and went to the bathroom. When she came out, she found Gina playing with her mobile phone on the sofa.

Wasn't she going to leave?

Cathy Hill, Anna's friend, arrived later carrying breakfast for her. Her eyes widened when she saw Gina on the sofa. She immediately walked over to Anna and asked in a low voice, "What's going on? Why is she here?"

Anna shook her head. Who knew what Gina was trying to do? She didn't want to care about the reasons behind her actions.

She was hungry and hadn't had breakfast yet. She was glad for the food that Cathy had brought for her. Her throat hurt so much that even soup was difficult to swallow.

Anna was about to finish the last of her soup when the door opened again. She looked over and saw a welldressed Jackson standing in the doorway. She paused slightly.

Maybe it was because he saw her wearing hospital clothes that there was panic in his eyes.

"Jackson, you're here…" Gina called out beside her.

Anna almost spat out the soup in her mouth. Gina's overlysweet voice disgusted her so much!

"Are you okay, Anna? Be careful." Gina kindly handed a tissue to her and then walked up to Jackson. "Anna looked so pitiful. It hurts to see her that way. Would you mind taking care of her for me? You're helping me return her kindness when she helped me in the club."

Cathy couldn't take the sight before her any longer and was about to stand up, but Anna held her back and motioned her not to be impulsive.

"I'll take you home first," Jackson said.

Gina nodded, then turned back to Anna. "I got to go, Anna," She said and then winked at her as if to say, "Are you happy that I'm letting him take care of you?"

Cathay's temper exploded the minute the door closed behind the two. "I can't believe how vicious that woman is!"

Anna was silent, still feeling lost at the intimate way Gina had called Jackson's name.

Jackson came and went and barely even spared her a glance. It felt like he had inserted a knife straight into her heart.

"He doesn't care about me. You know that." Anna said, bowing her head as she continued to eat her soup.

"But he… he…." Cathy felt sorry for her. "I didn't expect her to be so shrewd!"

"It's a wellknown fact that Jackson has given her a lot of resources so she could become the film queen at the age of 28, but it is also a fact that she earned all her achievements through her effort and hard work. She, a merely adopted daughter of the Bill family, could get to her position today because she did not let go of even a single opportunity to climb up. She will not be as innocent in such a cruel cycle as she shows the outside world."

"Then are you just going to let her bully you like this?" Cathy was furious.

Anna smiled. "Do I look like I'm her doormat?"

Cathy was amused. "Yes, you can hold yourself up even if the sky falls on you. You're resilient– That part of you is admirable. But what I can't understand is why you still love Jackson. How can you stand the way he treats you again and again?"

Anna sighed. "Probably because… I owe him?"

Cathy was still angry. "He will regret losing you."

Anna didn't reply. So what if he regretted it? They were still not meant to be.

When Jackson returned, Anna was alone in her hospital room and had an IV drip attached to her hand. The room was a little warm, so she did not cover herself with a blanket. She was halflying on the bed with her legs crossed, her feet shaking rhythmically while reading a book. Her current image was far from the elegant lady she usually presented in front of him and the public.

This was the first time Jackson saw her in a far different light. Their interaction had been limited to their fixed Wednesday schedule and visits to his grandparents, where they had to maintain a loving appearance. He realized that he didn't know much about her at all.

Who would've thought she looked so lazy when she was relaxed?

Jackson's eyes stayed on her feet, still shaking idly in that unknown rhythm.

Anna heard the door open when someone entered. Thinking it was Cathy, she said, "The pear must be cut into rabbit shapes, or I won't eat it."

When there was no response, she raised her eyes only to meet Jackson's deep gaze. Anna stiffened in surprise and immediately dived under the blanket. She didn't expect him to come back and listen to Gina's words!

They did not become part on the best of terms yesterday, but today, he still had the nerve to be so loveydovey with Gina right in front of her and barely pay her any attention! She turned on her side so that her back was turned on him and then went back to reading while pretending he didn't exist.

Jackson sat on the sofa. Gary arrived a few minutes later with a fruit basket in his right hand and the documents Jackson needed on his left.

Gary noticed the weird atmosphere in the room the moment he stepped inside. He put the things in his hands and only said a few words of polite concern to Anna before leaving immediately. He even pulled Cathy away when he met her in the hallways, leaving the couple alone.

Anna was impatient for Cathy's return. She wanted to eat pears but didn't want to peel her own. Her throat felt dry and itchy, but no more water was left in the glass. The discomfort became too much to bear. She sat up and said, "I want some water."

Jackson was immersed in his work and ignored her.

She rolled her eyes. If he wanted to focus on his work, he should've gone straight to his company. His presence there was unneeded.

Anna had no idea what to do. She wanted to ring the bell to call for a nurse, but that would increase their workload unnecessarily when all she wanted was a glass of water. She gave up when no help was forthcoming and returned to reading again.

Only a few minutes passed when she suddenly started coughing uncontrollably. She felt her eyes water with tears, and dry, racking coughs that were so painful.

Jackson finally got up and poured water for her. He sat beside Anna and gently patted her back until the coughing ceased.

Her eyes were still red and watery when they looked at him.

Jackson was dazed for a second but caught himself immediately and said in a bad tone, "What are you looking at? Drink!"

Anna was confused. What was up with Jackson's temper? If he didn't want to stay, then he could leave! No one would stop him.

The water moistened her throat, easing the dryness slightly. She felt a little better and went back to ignoring him again. She heard him leave.

She didn't care where he went. She thought about what to do with the IV drip once it ran out. With Jackson gone, she didn't have anyone else she could ask for help.

A while later, Jackson returned with a small plate of cute rabbitshaped pear slices, which he handed her. "Eat. I don't want others to think that I'm abusing you."

Anna was about to reach for one but paused when she remembered something. She looked at Jackson again. "I didn't wash my hands."

Jackson muttered, "So troublesome!" but still went to get a wet towel she could use to wipe her hands. She leaned against the pillow and bowed her head to eat. The pears were already cut into smaller bitesized pieces, but Anna still didn't eat them in one bite but gnawed on them slowly like a little squirrel.

She looked cute. Jackson's mood improved as he watched her eat quietly. "Is that enough?"

"It's not enough. I want another one." The pear was moist, calm, and sweet. It made her throat more comfortable.

Jackson glanced at her. She still looked ill. Her pale and bloodless face had toned down her vibrant beauty, which made her seem delicate and a little pitiful.

He sat on the chair beside her bed, took the fruit knife, and started peeling another pear.

Anna watched him, and his head bowed on the task. His side profile was cold but still goodlooking. Even his jawline was perfect, as if God carefully carved it.

This man's appearance was very attractive to women. Even she had been captivated by it.

Half a year of marriage was the first time they could get along so peacefully. And it was only because of Gina's charity. It was really pathetic.

Anna couldn't see any sense in being sad now that she had finally decided to give up on Jackson. She was the one who wanted their marriage. Their bad ending was also her fault. There was no one else that she could blame other than herself.

She married into the prestigious Will family, so it was very troublesome to file for a divorce. She needed to consider many things, weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and take a longterm view of the repercussions on their families. It wasn't very pleasant!

Jackson felt her watching him. His head turned slightly, and their gazes met. Her long eyelashes and bright and beautiful eyes were so tempting to him. He felt irritated when he realized she was in a daze and was not really looking at him. "What are you looking at?" he asked coldly.

Anna blinked, shaking herself out of her stupor. "You. It's because you're so handsome." She smiled flirtatiously.

Jackson frowned. He had never met anyone like Anna. In Sam's words, she was sinfully attractive, like an angel and a demon combined.

He had to admit that it was true. She was a perfect blend of beautiful contradiction, both seductive and pure, her eyes as innocent as a rabbit's but also as charming as a fox's.

Even if she was sick, she was still restless.

His face clouded over, and his irritation increased. He handed Anna the halfcut pear directly.

Anna was speechless as she stared at the big pear in his hand. What was the matter with him?!

Earlier, it was Gina, and now it was his turn. These two lovers… They were really challenging her temper! Would he leave her alone if she let this pass? No, he wouldn't.

"I want to eat rabbitshaped pear slices," she said emphatically, pushing the plate back to him.

He gave her a chilly stare and remained unmoving.

"Is this the way you repay someone's kindness? I can't feel any sincerity at all. Maybe I need to call your sweetheart back so she can personally repay her gratitude to me."

She ignored the way Jackson's expression turned even colder and went on speaking.

"You don't want her anywhere near me, but she wanted to thank me. I hope you will not regret it if I don't treat her kindly." Anna said lazily, leaning against the headboard of the hospital bed as she waited for his reaction.

Maybe it was the mention of Gina, or maybe it was because of her threat, but Jackson's eyes flashed with anger.

Anna's lips curled into a smile. The fake way they were getting along earlier was over. They were finally back to normal.

"You don't have to take care of me here, and Gina doesn't need to repay anything at all." She was ill and didn't want to put herself in a bad mood for such a trivial thing.

"I don't believe you." Jackson's voice dripped with contempt. He took the pear back and then continued to cut it.

Anna's eyes soured. She hurriedly turned her face away so he wouldn't see the tears she tried to blink away. They didn't speak again. Every time they talked, she only got angry and hurt. It was a waste of saliva.

It didn't take long before the plate was placed on her bedside table. Jackson went back to the sofa to continue his work. Anna stared at the neat rabbitshaped pear slices but had no more appetite for them.

The hospital room was completely silent. The harmonious scene earlier seemed to have been a passing illusion.

He was absorbed in his work while she continued reading.

Sudden pain in the back of her hand pulled her attention away. She realized the IV was empty, and her blood had started flowing into its long tube. She rang the bell to call for a nurse.

One immediately arrived accompanied by Grandma Amy. The drip had long been empty, so the blood had clotted and stuck to the needle and the thin tube. The nurse needed to change it to a new one.

Grandma Amy couldn't help but scold her grandson for his indifference. "Is that how you take care of your wife?"

Jackson only frowned and silently watched the nurse attend to Anna.

It was really painful, but Anna didn't care. She was even able to smile at Grandma Amy. "It's not his fault. We talked for a while, and I forgot that the IV was running out."

Grandma sighed. "My useless grandson…." He didn't care about Anna but the silly girl still spoke for him. Grandma Amy was not happy. "It's better to rely on a wall than to rely on him. Does it hurt? How can you be so fascinated by reading a book?"

Anna only smiled and didn't say anything. It was better to read. She can get lost in words and let her mind wander freely. Otherwise, she would've already lost her temper.

It's better for her to feel the pain. The more painful, the better, so she would give up earlier. If she had given up earlier, she would have no more wishful thinking!