I married my childhood friend, but everyone says his "white moonlight"—his ultimate, unattainable crush—isn't me. On our wedding night, I tactfully moved to the living room. He ripped off his towel. "What's wrong with me? Why won't you even look at me?" 1 [First night of marriage, what do I do if my husband, who has a 'white moonlight' ex, tries to seduce me? Waiting online, it's pretty urgent.] I nervously typed these words on my screen. We had laid everything out clearly before the wedding: this was a business merger. We just needed to play the part of a loving couple in front of our parents. In private, we'd live our separate lives. Neither of us would interfere with the other. Besides, wasn't there a rumor going around at the reception that his white moonlight was about to return? Please don't have an episode now. I was still waiting to inherit double the family fortune! I begged him silently. [Shocking! Billionaire Secrets Revealed! Real-Life Succession Drama! Heiress Sacrifices Herself for the Company?] [Let's go live to the scene. Our reporter brings you this exclusive scoop.] Pfft. Just one misstep from Carter tonight, and I’d already written tomorrow's headlines for him. "Knock, knock, knock!" The sound interrupted my thoughts. "What is it?" "Come out for a second. I need to talk to you." His cool, detached voice was exactly my type. Honestly, I was a little tempted. I have to admit, Carter had both the looks and the brains, and his voice was incredibly unique. At the very least, when he read me bedtime stories, that steady baritone could knock me out in five minutes flat. Being able to put me to sleep that fast—from childhood to adulthood, only Carter could manage it. And his body... it was pretty tempting too. But as a premium SVIP member of the "Observer's Club," I was quite satisfied with the unexpected scene I had just witnessed. Yielding to his tyrannical aura, but worried about any further "accidents," I tremblingly hid behind the door, opened it just a crack, and peeked my head out. "What's up? Spit it out." Carter laughed out of sheer frustration. The seductive charm from earlier was gone. It seemed the cold shower had been very effective. "Chloe, do I really have zero appeal to you?" 2 Of course not. It was just that I had been through too much, and the temptation of a fifty-billion-dollar fortune was just too great. I was immune for now. Since I was little, my greatest defense against him was simply ignoring him. It wasn't like he dared to do anything to me anyway. "Get to the point. Don't make me lose my perfect attendance bonus." I rolled my eyes at him ungracefully, picking at my fingernails out of boredom, leaning lazily against the doorframe, waiting for him to continue. "I have something going on tomorrow, so I'll be back late. Next week, I'm taking you to meet someone." Whether you come back or not is none of my business. You're acting like no one else has things to do tomorrow. Wait? Next week? Rumor has it that's when his white moonlight is coming back. The new flame meeting the old flame? Are we just skipping straight to the catfight? Wow~ What a classic trope: the white moonlight returns, and the official wife steps down in heartbreak. I'd love to watch that drama unfold. The premise being, it doesn't involve me. Even though he and I had years of experience as childhood friends... But... damn it, I had no idea what this guy was planning. One second it's a midnight seduction, the next he's taking me to meet his white moonlight. You could never guess what kind of crazy stunts went on inside his head. I was completely bewildered. What to do? Just agree with whatever the guy says, of course. "Sounds good! Mission accepted! I'll be there right on time." I agreed first to placate Carter, then quickly spun around, exited the room, and locked the door in one smooth motion. "Chloe, go to sleep. I'm checking your screen time tomorrow." "Alright, alright, I know!" 3 Carter and I grew up together. We weren't incredibly close, but we weren't enemies either. It was nothing like those cliché childhood-friends-to-lovers tropes you read about. He didn't like me. He had a white moonlight he'd been pining over for years. The ironic part? I had liked him, but sadly, I didn't have a white moonlight of my own. If you were given a choice: marry someone you used to like, and if either of you cheats or gets caught acting inappropriately with someone else, the other party has the right to take action and inherit all of their shares. Would you be willing? I certainly would. After all, this was a high-stakes gamble I was guaranteed to win. The reward was beyond imagination, and the ending was already written. Actually, I had heard from people in our circle that his white moonlight was coming back to him. Exactly one week after our wedding. So, inexplicably, we got married. It just so happened that we ran in the same circles, were the same age, and had known each other since childhood. No need to worry about bad habits or hidden diseases. It was just a pity that no one seemed to have asked Carter if there was someone he actually liked. We were naturally paired up, skipping the dating phase and heading straight for the graveyard of marriage. Childhood friends. It felt like a bond, but more like a ball and chain. Fortunately, my dear mother was very understanding. To protect my interests, the parents had a sit-down. The resulting agreement stated that if either of us cheated or filed for divorce after marriage, the other would automatically inherit their shares. Damn, manipulated again. But my heart fluttered. Inheriting billions for free? Only an idiot would say no. Carter had a white moonlight, and a heavyweight one at that, ready to return. And me, a confirmed bachelorette? Victory was practically waving at me. For the sake of financial freedom, charge! 4 At the grand and lavish wedding banquet Carter threw for me, I shamefully felt a flutter in my heart once again. The boy I played house with when we were kids was now my husband. But before I could even immerse myself in the warmth of the moment, whispers drifted over from a corner. "Hey, didn't they say the young Mr. Crawford had an unforgettable white moonlight? Is this the wife? They actually look pretty good together." "Shh, don't talk nonsense. Isn't this just a business merger? I heard he always just treated her like a sister." "Hey, hey, hey, about that white moonlight... I heard she was the girl who lived next door to him when they were kids." "Later, her family's business had some issues, and they emigrated overseas, but apparently she's coming back soon." "Then... what about the wife?" "It's a business marriage. That's how things work in our circle, you know how it is." My gaze froze. I really wanted to rip the mouths off those gossiping women. Even outsiders knew. It was a successful reminder of my actual place in all this. So, on the first day of our marriage, I very sensibly moved my things out of the master bedroom. 5 This apartment was the one under my name that was closest to my company. Unfortunately, it was a bit small—a three-bedroom place. Just enough for one person and one cat. I had planned it all out: one room for my beloved cat, one for me to sleep in, and one for storage. But Mrs. Crawford—Carter's mom—efficiently packed up all of Carter's things and dumped them here. I didn't even need to ask to know it was her best friend, my dear mother, who tipped her off. Seriously, it wasn't a big apartment to begin with. Where was he supposed to sleep? But Mrs. Crawford just smiled, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You're newlyweds! Of course you should live together. Who lives apart right after getting married? "Didn't we agree? Unless one party violates the agreement, isn't fulfilling marital duties and living together a basic requirement?" I could only feel a twinge of resentment and silently pray that the white moonlight would return soon to save my life. I was just about to go make do in the guest room, but I found it stuffed full of junk by our two mothers. There wasn't even room to stand. I have to admit, Mrs. Crawford and my mom were truly best friends. Their minds worked in perfect sync. What teamwork. What synergy. But it was useless against me. After all, what man smells as sweet as money? Only a fool turns down money, especially when you can inherit a double fortune. I definitely wouldn't. Before my mom left, before her foot even crossed the threshold, she turned back and pulled me close, speaking earnestly. "Be a good girl. Go to bed early tonight. Less screen time, your eyes haven't fully recovered yet! "I already told Carter to keep an eye on you. Be a good girl, okay?" It was true. I had just gotten LASIK surgery less than a week ago. 6 I usually nod along and then do whatever I want, but Carter was one step ahead. He set a rule for me: the next day, my screen time couldn't exceed two hours. If I didn't listen, he would call my mom. Seriously, the fact that he loves tattling is just... great. I was completely at his mercy. Time for bed. Posting on forums wasn't urgent; staying alive was. I pulled the covers up, ready to sleep, but the moment I closed my eyes, all I could see was the scene from earlier. I had taken the initiative to move out of the master bedroom and settle for the living room. I never imagined Carter would go even further. Of all the things to do, why did he decide to try and seduce me? Why did he come to the living room, dripping wet, without drying off after his shower? With just a casual glance, I caught sight of crystal-clear water droplets tracing the deep V of his torso, sliding all the way down his waist and abdomen, disappearing into darker territory. He was like a Siren, unconsciously luring a lost traveler. I have to admit, the guy had some serious assets. It was just a pity they were hidden by the towel... Carter didn't say a word. He made a beeline for me, grabbed my blanket, and started walking toward the master bedroom. I didn't know what was going on, but I knew it was serious. I quickly stepped forward to stop him, accidentally knocking his hand away from the blanket. The blanket slipped from his grasp, but I didn't care. Carter looked a bit shocked. He stared blankly at the blanket on the floor, but what happened next caught me completely off guard. He yanked open the towel, which was already tied loosely around his waist. For the first time, I heard a whiny, aggrieved, puppy-dog tone from him. "What's wrong with me? Why won't you even look at me?" His eyes were completely different from usual. The cold, distant look had vanished. All that remained was the steam from his shower, slowly spreading through his eyes. They were misty, as if the moment I rejected him, tears would start falling the next second. I was dazed for a half-second, but I couldn't help obediently taking a few more looks. His abs were defined and tense, his chest wet, water dripping continuously from the ends of his hair. As the water droplets fell, a palpable aura of lust surged. Coupled with the dim night sky outside the window and the ambiguous atmosphere in the room, the seductive tension was dialed up to the max. What kind of person is this generous? Carter, wow... you really can't judge a book by its cover. The ancients didn't lie. 7 "Pretty good." I looked at him, my expression playful but with a hint of sincerity. I swear, I had never been more sincere in my life. "It would be even better if I could touch it." I blurted out. His hand reached for mine, leading it all the way down. An indescribable ambiguity spread through the air. Stop. We can't go any further. I had a premonition that if I reacted even a second too slow tonight... the family fortune would float away. "J... just joking." I was genuinely scared of him. I quickly broke free, stepped forward, and pulled his towel back up tightly. I also grabbed the blanket from the floor and wrapped him up securely in it. Only then did I let out a deep breath. Saved it. I will protect Carter's chastity! Endless piles of cash were waving at me! I patted Carter, using both hands and feet to push him back toward the bedroom, my expression complex. "Go sober up, take a shower, and get some sleep." "Slam!" That heavy sound was me almost getting hit in the face by the door, and Carter storming off and slamming it behind him. "Scheming man." I snorted disdainfully and turned to tidy up the second bedroom. I couldn't guarantee that Carter wouldn't have another episode tonight. My dream life—sleeping until I naturally woke up every day, shopping with the girls during the day, hitting the clubs and checking out hot guys at night. Taking it a step further? Forget about it. 8 "Chloe, time to get up and go to the office." The voice, devoid of much inflection, filled me with confidence for my upcoming plans. After all, feelings were nothing compared to this. A perfectly good mood was ruined the moment I heard Carter's voice. It was morning again. Completely ignoring whether I was tired or not, the sun just decided to shine. Why are my eyes always filled with tears? Because I'm dead tired. When I arrived at the company, the first person I saw was my executive assistant, Liam, with his handsome face. It was easy on the eyes, but the moment he opened his mouth, he became the source of my misery. "Ms. Vance, here are the documents that need your signature today. Over here are the projects Mr. Vance instructed you to take over. Mr. Vance also asked me to remind you that there's an auction this afternoon you need to attend on his behalf. "Mr. Crawford will also be there. Tomorrow... there's also a..." Today was another day of my dad dumping his work on me. Looking sympathetically at my assistant, who was as hardworking as a little bee, I thought, Truly, a great value. I mentally gave a thumbs-up to my own excellent eye for talent back in the day. Liam pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up his nose. As his thin lips parted to continue, I quickly stopped him. "Liam, the usual rules. I'll leave these to you." I smiled slightly. A successful leader must learn to delegate power. After all, if there was too much, I wouldn't be able to handle it anyway. I turned around gracefully, ready to get my outfit together for the auction. "Chloe, I just got off the plane. Guess who I saw at the airport?" My best friend sent me a text. Just as I was about to reply, she called me. "No way. You came back so early this time. Did your dad not give you extra work?" The words slipped out of my mouth. Every man for himself. It can't just be me suffering. "Chloe, what's that supposed to mean? I wanted to come see you as soon as I got back!" Mia's voice was full of resentment, tinged with a little grievance. I felt a bit guilty and quickly spoke softly to her for a while until she let it go. Mia returned to normal, sounding mysterious. "Whatever, I'll settle the score with you when I see you." "Let's ignore that for now. I'm telling you, I saw Carter at the airport!" "That's normal. He has business trips lined up every month." "He was there to pick someone up! And it was a woman! Ahhhhhh, did you hear me, girl? There's definitely something going on with that guy!" 9 Picking someone up? I flipped through my calendar, double-checking. No way. I had specifically marked next week as—Inherit the Fortune (just kidding)—White Moonlight Returns. Could it be that God took pity on my miserable situation and decided to directly help me get rich and start my easy life? Who cares. My eyes lit up, and I held my phone like it was a precious treasure. "Baby, kisses! Thank you, my wonderful bestie, for helping me find a new direction in life." "Babe, do you want me to come over and keep you company for a bit? I'll go ask around..." Mia and I were both stunned for a moment. Damn it, interrupting my deep, affectionate performance that I'd been building up for so long. Before I could finish my act, she cut in, speaking quickly, "No way, are you okay?" I elegantly rolled my eyes and gave a wicked smile. "Stay right there, babe. I'll send someone to pick you up." After successfully picking her up, I asked Liam to take us to the auction venue. We walked in together, arm in arm, avoiding the people trying to come up and network, and headed straight for my private VIP box. "Spill it. You rich people... what's going on with you and Carter? Didn't you like him a lot when we were kids?" I have to admit, this private box was very well designed. It didn't obstruct the view of the auction, but it also ensured privacy. Once the door was closed, it was an extremely private space. Not bad. I could learn from this design. I looked around the room, ignoring her question for the moment. I called Liam over and asked him who owned this venue. I learned a name that sounded vaguely familiar. The only daughter of the Montgomery family, who had just returned from abroad. Stella Montgomery.
? Continue the story here ?? ? Download the "MotoNovel" app ? search for "413026", and watch the full series ✨! #MotoNovel