Chapter 2
Having replied to all Private Messages,
I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the reluctance, ready to
deactivate the account-
but suddenly saw my fiancé’s name topping Social Media Trends–
#Ralph Crying in the Car#
Curiously, I clicked into this trending topic, and a ten–second video played automatically./
The dim streetlights illuminated Ralph’s sharply defined profile.
His long lashes drooped, his shoulders trembled slightly, tear streaks were clear on his face, and he radiated a sense of shattered despair.
The comment section exploded.
“Oh my god, it’s actually Ralph crying? Today the sun didn’t rise from the
west…”
“Laughing to death, I thought that weird noise was a ghost haunting Ralph’s car.”
“Scary scary, whatever you are, get off our Ralph quickly…”
“So what on earth could make this cold–blooded tyrant shed tears?”
As soon as this was said.
People quickly resumed speculating about Ralph’s tears.
Some claimed he was miserable about the arranged marriage, others said work stress had broken him.
But I couldn’t care less about the reasons.
After casually glancing at the gossip, I met my agent to finalize my Industry Exit Announcement.
2 AM.
I dragged my exhausted body home.
Upon checking my phone, I found the man from this morning’s Social Media Trends in my friend requests.
The verification message held just two words: “Ralph.”
Hesitating briefly, I opened his profile.
Ralph’s avatar showed pure black, his bio pure white, his username simply “Z“-everything radiated an unapproachable aura.
I rubbed my throbbing temples and reluctantly tapped “Agree.”
Ralph promptly sent a voice message, his tone icy and detached-
as if addressing an unavoidable nuisance, barely maintaining basic
courtesy:
[“Miss Diana, hello. I’m Ralph, your arranged marriage partner.“]
Unaccustomed to voice messages, I typed my reply: [“Hello.“]
23141
09.47
Ralph showed no interest in pleasantries, cutting straight to the point:
only one I’ll ever love, so
[“I’m already in love with someone. She’s don’t waste your time on me after marriage.“]
[“Our marriage is transactional. I don’t mind an open marriage–feel free to pursue whoever you like. I won’t interfere, and you won’t interfere with my affairs either.“]
[Diana, your father mentioned you have a beloved first love overseas. Since I frequently travel abroad for work, I’d be willing to take you along to facilitate a reunion.]
I froze, disbelief coloring my voice:
[Are you suggesting… you’d cover for me to meet my ex?】
Ralph:
【Precisely.】
【Frankly, I don’t want you clinging to me. It’d be ideal if you’re hung up on someone else–puts my mind at ease.)
[……..])]
Words failed me momentarily: [Go on. What else?】
Ralph:
[Additionally, remember this marriage lasts only one year.】
【We divorce after that. Don’t you dare make a scene refusing to sign–it’d embarrass both families.]
0948
Me: [Understood. You have my word.】
Hearing my promise, Ralph visibly relaxed, shoulders slumping in relief.
【By the way, Diana.】
【I suppose we don’t need a wedding ceremony, nor do we need to fulfill marital duties.]
[Let’s keep this marriage private. Fewer people knowing benefits us both.)
I had no objections and agreed.
After laying out these terms, Ralph fell silent for a long stretch–likely double–checking for loopholes.
Fifteen minutes later, he finally confirmed everything and sent one last
message.
[That’s all for now.)
【Apologies, Diana. As a businessman, I don’t trust verbal agreements.]
【To prevent future regrets, I’d like us to sign a contract covering these terms.]
【It’ll outline asset division and everything we just discussed.]
【Like the one–year marriage term, waived obligations, and me covering for you to meet your first love.]
Diana, is this acceptable?
0949
I certainly had no objections:
Sure, Mr. Garcia. Draft the contract and send it over.
