Chapter 3: First Meeting

The owner of those eyes looked at Freya expressionlessly, his gaze sweeping across the room unintentionally. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes before his attention returned to Freya.

At the same time, Freya took in the man before her. He was extraordinarily handsome, living up to the lavish praise the author had used to describe him. However, his striking appearance was overshadowed by his aura. For the first time, Freya understood how someone could resemble an ancient nobleman, someone who could effortlessly transform into a dashing swordsman with a sword, a commanding general on the battlefield, or a dignified scholar with a book in hand, making others feel ashamed of their own inadequacies.

Unconsciously gripping the fork in her hand, Freya felt a wave of nervousness. She was an imposter, after all.

Is it possible that someone like him wouldn't notice something's off about his wife?

His eyes seemed as though they could see through everything.

"Did you hire a cleaner? Do you still have enough money?" His voice was like the clinking of jade, carrying a hint of husky magnetism.

Freya instinctively shook her head and murmured, "No, I cleaned it myself."

"You cleaned it?" He was visibly surprised.

"Yes, I did it myself," Freya replied, taking a deep breath and looking up. He was staring at her with clear astonishment in his eyes.

Their gazes met for a moment before he was the first to look away. He took off his coat and hung it on the hook by the door. "Do you still have enough money?"

"Yes, I do. What about you?" Freya asked reflexively. He looked at her in surprise again, then replied gently, "I do."

After that, silence fell between them. Louis glanced at the food Freya was eating on the table and suddenly said, "I'm sorry."

"What?" Freya was caught off guard. Following his gaze, she quickly shook her head. "No, there's nothing for you to apologize for."

Louis walked over and sat down on the couch across from her. He spoke carefully, "The property issues have mostly been resolved. All the movable and immovable assets under our names have been seized. Although there's nothing left, we don't have any debts either, so you don't need to worry about that. I still have thirty thousand dollars left. After everything is settled, I'll start earning money as soon as possible. Your card should have sixty thousand dollars on it. I've already paid six months' rent for this apartment. If you want a divorce, I'll give you another twenty thousand, and you can stay here until you find a place to rent."

Freya knew that Louis had already gone above and beyond for his wife. Their total assets now amounted to only ninety thousand dollars. What he meant was that if they divorced, he was willing to give her eighty thousand dollars and allow her to stay here. He certainly wouldn't take the bags and clothes, which meant he would be left with only the apartment and ten thousand dollars.

Seeing her silence, Louis added, "From now on, I'll set aside a portion of my earnings for you every month. At least three thousand, okay? I'm not sure about the future, so that's all I can promise for now. If I ever manage to rebuild my fortune, I'll compensate you."

Freya quickly shook her head. Louis fell silent, his entire demeanor quieting. Realizing that her gesture might have been misunderstood, she immediately explained, "No, I don't want a divorce, and I don't need you to give me money. Don't worry, I still have enough to get by. I've accepted the situation and will spend more carefully from now on. I'll also earn money myself. You don't need to put so much pressure on yourself. Ordinary families don't actually spend that much in a month."