Chapter 8 Clarity and Confusion

Regina slowly woke up, her head throbbing. She squinted against the harsh light streaming through the gap in the floor-to-ceiling windows, forcing her to close her eyes again.

Last night's memories were fragmented, like a shattered mirror—she remembered being forced to drink at a club, participating in some ridiculous game, and then... Douglas appeared.

She struggled to open her eyes and looked around, finding herself in a large, comfortable bed. This wasn't her apartment; it was a luxurious, unfamiliar bedroom. The dark wooden furniture was simple yet exuded opulence, and the room was spacious enough to fit her entire apartment.

Regina tried to sit up but felt dizzy and had to lie back down, holding her head. She noticed she was wearing an oversized white shirt that smelled faintly of men's cologne.

Where were her clothes? Who had changed her? These sudden questions made her heart race, filling her with unease.

Just then, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. Through the partially open door, she saw the silhouette of a man behind the frosted glass. His tall, well-defined figure looked like a perfect sculpture, with water cascading down his muscles, sparking her imagination.

Was it Douglas?

Regina carefully got out of bed, her toes touching the floor as quietly as possible. She needed to find out who was in the bathroom and where she was. She tiptoed to the bathroom door, standing on her toes to get a better look inside.

As she reached out to push the door open, it suddenly swung open from the inside. A strong arm pulled her into the steamy shower. Regina gasped, finding herself pressed against a warm, solid chest.

Douglas stood before her, wearing only a towel around his waist, his upper body completely exposed. Water droplets slid down his broad shoulders, over his defined chest and abs, disappearing into the towel at his waist. His wet hair clung to his forehead, making him look irresistibly alluring.

"Need something?" Douglas's voice was deep and magnetic, especially captivating in the small bathroom.

Regina was stunned, not understanding, "What do you mean?"

Douglas's lips curled into a playful smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "An explanation, or perhaps you want to join me in the shower?"

His words were like a bucket of cold water, snapping Regina back to reality. She realized the intimate distance between them and that her thin shirt was now damp from the bathroom's steam, clinging to her body.

Douglas leaned in slightly, his lips almost brushing her earlobe. "You woke up without a word, sneaking over to watch your husband shower. I can only interpret that as you wanting to join in."

Regina's face turned bright red. She pushed Douglas away and quickly walked out of the bathroom. At the door, she hesitated, then turned back, trying to maintain her dignity. "Of course, I need an explanation." She shut the door and hurried back to the bed, wrapping herself in the blanket, trying to calm her racing heart.

Ten minutes later, Douglas emerged from the bathroom in loungewear, his hair still dripping.

Regina sat on the edge of the bed, much calmer but with even more questions. Was this Douglas's home? How had he brought her here last night? Did anything happen between them?

Douglas sat in the armchair opposite her, and they stared at each other, the atmosphere awkward.

Regina broke the silence first. "What's with the fake dating profile?"

"Fake?" Douglas raised an eyebrow. "I never faked anything."

"You know what I mean," Regina said, staring into his eyes. "The information you gave during our date—you're not just an ordinary private company manager."

Douglas looked innocent. "I just did a little editing. Twenty-nine, parents alive, local to Oriant City, private company manager—I do manage a private company. It just happens to be the Century Group."

"Just happens?" Regina scoffed. "Like it just happened that you used the same dating agency, just happened to show up when I needed a boyfriend, and just happened to propose marriage?"

Douglas leaned back in the chair, looking unusually relaxed. "My family was pressuring me, and your grandmother's health was failing. We both needed a marriage to meet our families' expectations. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"But... why me?" Regina couldn't help but ask. "Someone like you, a wealthy heir, must have plenty of admirers."

Douglas's gaze deepened, as if contemplating how to answer. Finally, he said lightly, "Maybe it was fate."

Regina felt a twinge of frustration. Her six-year relationship with Philip had been a farce, and now she was inexplicably married to a hidden-identity tycoon. What good could come from such a marriage?

Wealthy marriages were always complicated, full of interests and schemes, and she didn't want to be anyone's pawn.

"Your mind is too deep for me to decipher," Regina said, locking eyes with Douglas, her tone resolute. "If all you want is to toy with women, you might as well look elsewhere. I want to terminate the agreement."

Douglas's expression changed slightly. He walked to the desk, took out a document from a drawer, and handed it to Regina. "This is our marriage agreement. You can check the breach of contract terms."

Regina quickly scanned the document, and her face turned pale when she saw the penalty amount. It was astronomical, enough to bankrupt her and leave her in debt.

"This... this can't be! I don't remember signing such terms!" Regina looked up in shock.

Douglas slowly walked over, leaning down to pin her to the bed, their faces so close they could feel each other's breath. His voice was low and seductive. "Maybe I should add a clause about marital intimacy. What do you think?"

Regina was stunned. She never expected Douglas to make such a move. His lips were just inches from hers, and she could smell the faint scent of his body wash. A strange feeling rose from within, making her heart race.

This feeling was too dangerous, Regina warned herself. Their marriage was just a transaction and shouldn't involve any emotions.

Just then, Regina's phone rang, breaking the tension in the room. Douglas straightened up and picked up her phone from the nightstand, glancing at the caller ID.

"Philip." He read the name, his tone icy.

Regina's face instantly became serious. That name was like a bucket of cold water, pulling her back to reality. Since leaving Peace Club that night, they had not contacted each other for a whole month. Why was he calling now?

Douglas's expression also darkened. He silently handed the phone to Regina, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

The phone kept ringing, urging Regina to make a choice. Answer or not? Her fingers trembled slightly, filled with hesitation and unease.