My name is Dakota Wetherby.

On the very day my husband, Theodore Aldridge, and I get legally married, he brings his ex-girlfriend, Sofia Moretti, into our home.

"Sofia recently suffered a miscarriage, so she's going through a very difficult time. I'm genuinely worried about her," he says.

"We're just friends. It's only natural for friends to comfort each other," he adds.

Sofia is Theodore's college sweetheart. Rumor has it they separated on good terms when she went abroad for further studies.

Clad in Theodore's jacket, she curls up on our bed. Her pale, ashen face is streaked with tears.

"I'm so sorry, Dakota. I had no idea you two were getting married today.

"I was too upset and didn't know who else to reach out to, so I called Theo.

"He was only comforting me because I lost my child. It's completely my fault for overstepping and ruining your wedding day.

"You can ask for whatever compensation you want. Just please don't blame Theo for this."

I hold the freshly issued marriage certificate from the courthouse and walk up to her. "Since you've brought it up, I suppose I'll reluctantly accept your compensation.

"Theodore and I are married for business reasons, with billions in projects hanging in the balance.

"Tell me, how exactly do you plan to make up for all of that?"

Sofia Moretti's sobs caught in her throat, and Theodore Aldridge's expression hardened. He yanked me aside and hissed under his breath, "Are you out of your mind, Dakota? Sofia just lost her baby! How dare you try to provoke her with money?"

Disappointment and reproach burned in his eyes. Brushing off his hand, I looked past him, my gaze falling on Sofia lying on the bed.

"Provoke her? Theodore, open your eyes. This is our home. That bed is meant for us.

"I honestly can't wrap my head around the fact that your ex is on our bed. Today is our wedding day, no less!

"How dare you put the blame on me now?"

Theodore's voice exploded, veins bulging on his forehead. "I've told you a million times! Sofia's in shambles!"

"She's a young woman with no one to turn to. Am I supposed to just abandon her?

"Dakota, I thought you were educated and sensible. I never imagined you could be so cold-blooded!"

I held up our marriage certificate, a sly, mocking smile teasing my lips.

"Being educated and sensible doesn't mean I have to tolerate my husband bringing another woman into our bed. Theodore, how dare you call me cold-blooded? Isn't what you and Ms. Sofia did far worse?"

Sofia began sobbing uncontrollably on the bed. She tried to rise, but her body betrayed her. All she could do was clutch Theodore's sleeve.

"Theo, stop… It's all my fault. I'm the one causing trouble for you two. Ms. Wetherby, I-I'll leave right away. Please don't argue with Theo."

Her act of "compromise" couldn't have been more perfect. As expected, Theodore's face darkened with concern. He rushed to hold her up.

"With your body in such a frail state, where could you even go? Just rest. Don't concern yourself with her," he said softly.

He then turned to me, his voice firm and commanding. "Dakota, I suggest you leave for now. We'll talk after I've made sure Sofia is okay."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Theodore, you still seem unaware of what's really going on."

With a stoic expression, I reached for my phone and gave my father, Luke Wetherby, a call.

After only a few seconds, he picked up. "Hey, Dakota, are you finished at the courthouse? I was about to have your brother come get you both for dinner," his steady voice came through.

I took a deep breath and calmly recounted everything that had just happened. "Dad, I think we need to reconsider this marriage arrangement between our family and the Aldridges."

On the other end, my father's voice exploded with rage. "How dare Theodore do something like this! Stay put. I'm coming over immediately!"

As the call disconnected, the room was filled with a tense silence. Theodore's face went pale. He stared at me, disbelief written all over his features.

"Why the hell would you drag your father into this? I never realized you were this petty!"

Sofia stopped crying and shot me a smug look. I slid my phone back into my bag and settled onto the couch.

"Oh, really?" I asked. "Did you think I married you to be your housekeeper and care for your precious ex on the side?

"As a Wetherby, I will not endure such humiliation." With that said, I turned my gaze back to Sofia.

"Anyway, I've changed my mind. If you can't compensate me, let Theodore handle it instead. This arranged marriage between my family and the Aldridges hinges on Wetherby Group's massive investment in Aldridge Group's new project.

"My father has the right to terminate this agreement at any time. If my family pulls its funding, Aldridge Group won't make it past three months."

The moment I finished speaking, Theodore trembled uncontrollably. "Dakota, how dare you threaten me?" he snapped.

I sat calmly on the couch, watching the scene unfold like a detached observer.

"On our very first day as a married couple, you went behind my back with your ex. How could my father possibly turn a blind eye to this?

"Do you honestly think Wetherby Group's board would approve transferring tens of billions to a partner who doesn't even have basic decency?"

Every word I said hit Theodore like a punch, sinking straight into his chest. The fire in his eyes slowly died, replaced by a flicker of panic. He wasn't foolish, and he knew I was right.

Aldridge Group might look impressive on the surface, but it had been battling through a rough transformation in recent years.

Everything Theodore's father had was tied up in this new energy project. This venture was also the deciding factor in whether Theodore could ultimately claim control of the company.

Sofia clearly understood what was happening as well. Her face went pale, and she desperately shook Theodore's arm.

"Theo, no, Ms. Wetherby's got it wrong. I... I swear I didn't mean to. Please, you have to explain it to her!"

Theodore's lips parted, but no words came out. Explain? How could he? The facts were undeniable—he had brought Sofia here and turned everything upside down.

In that instant, the door to the villa was kicked open from the outside.

My father and Bennett Wetherby, my brother, stormed into the room. Two bodyguards followed closely, their expressions as hard as stone.

My father had a military background before transitioning into business. Despite being past 50, he still commanded respect with his powerful presence.

His eyes immediately fell on the disheveled Sofia on the bed. Theodore stood in front of her, acting as her shield.

"Well, well, the Aldridges certainly know how to make an impression," my father teased.

He laughed bitterly before jabbing a finger toward Theodore's nose. "My daughter has been raised with nothing but the utmost care and respect for over 20 years.

"She didn't marry you to face this kind of humiliation. Theodore, you've truly outdone yourself this time!"

Just then, Theodore's parents arrived, having caught wind of the commotion. Witnessing the scene, his mother, Velda McKinney, went pale. "Mr. Wetherby, please, let us explain. I'm sure we can resolve this misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" Bennett chimed in, letting out a cold, humorless laugh. He walked over to my side and gave my shoulder a pat. His eyes betrayed a storm of anger and heartache.

"And what kind of misunderstanding are we even talking about? The moment Dakota and Theodore got legally married, he went and brought his ex into their home!

"Go ahead and ask around, Mrs. Aldridge. Does anyone act this way? Theodore is essentially dragging my family's name through the dirt!"

Theodore's father, Frank Aldridge, was livid. Without warning, he kicked Theodore hard in the leg. "You brat! You'd better kneel and apologize to Mr. Wetherby and Dakota right this instant!"

Theodore staggered from the blow. Still, he held his head high, stubbornly shielding Sofia behind him.

"Dad, this has nothing to do with Sofia! She's not in any condition—"

"Enough!" My father roared, his voice shaking the entire living room. He stepped up to Frank, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

"It seems this marriage was always one-sided on my family's part. Since your son's heart belongs to someone else, we will no longer force this union."

Frank's eyes widened. "Mr. Wetherby, what do you mean by this?

"Theodore just lost his head for a moment. How can we allow our families' partnership to be put at risk—"

"Partnership?" My father interrupted, his voice firm and unwavering. "This marriage was intended as the foundation of our cooperation. With that gone, the partnership is effectively over."

"Dad, wait—" I stepped in, continuing my father's words. My eyes swept across each member of the Aldridge family in the room.

"We are not unreasonable people. It was explicitly stated in the original agreement that our families would be joined through this marriage.

"But let's not forget, Theodore isn't the Aldridge family's only heir."

Everyone froze. Theodore stared at me, disbelief written across his face. "Dakota… What… what are you saying?"

I stood and walked over to my father. After repeating my words, I turned to face Theodore.

"This alliance can continue, but I am not marrying you.

"I'm going to marry someone else."

Velda was the first to speak. "Marry someone else? Who could that be? Aside from Theo, our family doesn't have anyone of age—"

She froze mid-sentence, a sudden thought crossing her mind. Her face turned even paler than Sofia's. Meanwhile, a shadow passed over Frank's expression.

I turned to him, disregarding the others. "Mr. Aldridge Senior, I hear your younger brother, Jesse, is still single. Is that correct?"

The name struck Theodore like a bolt of lightning. He shouted, his voice breaking, "No! Absolutely not!"

"Dakota, how can you even think of marrying my uncle? He's a cold, heartless monster! You'll never find happiness with him!"

As I met his frantic gaze, my heart remained unmoved. "My happiness is none of your concern. You'd be better off focusing on Ms. Moretti at your side."

I turned to my father, raising my voice deliberately. "Besides, I believe Mr. Jesse is an excellent choice.

"He's led Aldridge Group's overseas division for years. He's decisive, capable, and widely regarded as a prodigy in the business world.

"Half of Aldridge Group's current achievements are thanks to him.

"With a man of his caliber safeguarding our family's future, both you and the board can rest easy."

Even though I was speaking to my father, my words hit Frank and Theodore like a blow to the face.

Everyone knew that Aldridge Group had been founded by Morris Aldridge.

He had two sons. The elder, Frank—Theodore's father—was mediocre at best. Though capable of maintaining stability, he lacked the talent and vision to grow the company.

On the other hand, Morris' younger son, Jesse, was nearly ten years Frank's junior. Despite his age, he possessed an innate talent for business.

When Morris fell gravely ill, he formally handed leadership of the company to Frank. At the same time, he entrusted the majority of the shares and control of the overseas division to the far more capable Jesse.

Over the years, Frank and Velda had always regarded Jesse as a thorn in their side. While they depended on his talent to bring in profits, they also feared that his success could overshadow them and threaten Theodore's position as heir.

With my decision to marry Jesse, I had made their most dreaded fear come true. Glancing at the uneasy looks on Frank and Velda's faces, my father let out a cold snort.

"What's the matter? Don't you two like the idea? Well, then, I suppose the cooperation between our families ends here.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll have my lawyers start the contract termination process. Good luck handling your new energy project all on your own."

"No!" Frank panicked, grabbing my father's arm. "Mr. Wetherby, let's talk this through. Fine, I… I agree! Is that enough?"

He then turned toward the stairs and bellowed, "Hurry! Bring Mr. Jesse down here!"

Soon, a figure slowly made his way down the staircase. He was tall, lean, and wore an impeccably tailored black loungewear. His sharp, well-defined features showed no hint of emotion.

This was Jesse Aldridge—Theodore's notoriously stoic uncle.

His gaze swept the living room before finally resting on me. He spoke in a calm, magnetic voice, "Why were you looking for me?"

Frank forced a strained smile. "So, Jesse, here's the situation. The Wetherby family… They want you to fulfill the marriage contract with Dakota."

Upon hearing this, Jesse turned his gaze back to me, his eyes appraising every detail. Just when everyone expected him to reject such an absurd proposal, Jesse gave a subtle nod.

"Consider it done," he replied. Though his voice was calm, the words struck Theodore like a lightning bolt.

"Uncle Jesse!" Theodore stepped in front of him, his eyes blazing red. "You can't marry Dakota! She's my wife!"