Everyone in our circle believed that Poppy was Owen's one true love. In their eyes, they were the picture-perfect couple.

After all, Owen went above and beyond to care for Poppy's health, spending lavishly on supplements for her.

He even had heated arguments with Miriam just to protect her.

With his dutiful, submissive nature, Owen was hailed by the media as the ideal husband.

Meanwhile, news about me began to spread at the hospital where I worked.

"Her husband went on a business trip the day after the wedding. As expected, she's just a pawn in this arranged marriage. Maybe Bruce has a lover elsewhere!"

"That's definitely a possibility! What's the point of such a grand wedding if it's all for show? These marriages among the rich aren't real. They're just two people going through the motions and living separate lives."

My colleagues couldn't help but gossip behind my back. I honestly had no idea who I had offended.

Of course, the media took it a step further, blowing the whole story out of proportion. "The heir to the prestigious Lockwood family was forced to marry a woman he doesn't even like. After the wedding, he's gone into hiding and refuses to return home."

The rumors ultimately reached their breaking point during a family banquet.

However, things weren't as they seemed.

A year later, Poppy didn't look as flawless as everyone had claimed. She had gained some weight, looked tired, and a few pimples had started to show on her face.

When she saw me, her gaze flickered with a mix of shock and envy. "Damn, Greta! I didn't expect you to be doing so well without Bruce around."

I smiled faintly. "He's away for work and seems to be having a great time. Why wouldn't I be perfectly fine as well?"

Poppy pursed her lips and wrapped her arm around Owen's.

"Owen treats me so well," she said with a smug smile. "He hates being away on business for long and even told me not to work too hard. All he wants is for me to relax at home and enjoy myself."

Seeing that I wasn't fazed, she continued, "Why don't you quit your job, too, Greta? Working at the hospital must be exhausting. Isn't Bruce giving you any money to spend?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Since when do I need a man to support me? Haven't you always known that my family is wealthy? Besides, how do you know Bruce isn't giving me money?"

Poppy fell silent at that. Before she could formulate a response, Owen spoke up. "Looks like you have a soft spot for my missing brother, huh?"

"Of course," I replied evenly. "He's my husband, after all."

My words struck Owen like a thunderclap. His face darkened, and he let out a cold snort.

Poppy was taken aback, her eyes shifting between Owen and me.

When she tried to pull him away, Owen forcefully shook her off, causing her to stumble backward. In that moment, his usual compliant nature completely vanished.

With a cold, hard stare, Owen snapped, "Damn it, Greta. Ever since you married Bruce, you've been acting like you're above everyone else. Do you really think your marriage is unshakable?

"Bruce may be able to fix your family's problems, but that doesn't matter. I can just as easily send them crashing back into chaos."

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. Not wanting to drag this conversation out, I turned on my heel and walked away.

But to my surprise, Owen reached out and grabbed my hand. "I won't let you love anyone else!" he spat.

As I fought to break free, a cold, commanding voice echoed from the doorway.

"Let her go!"