Slowly Falling For You

Accept The Game Rules

Sharlene hurriedly washed up and stepped out of her room. As she reached the

corner of the staircase, she spotted Trenton sitting on a single sofa in the

living room.

From her vantage point, she could see his charming profile—striking, perfect,

exuding an air of nobility.

They had been married for three days, and this was the first time she had seen

him since their wedding. On their wedding day, he had the driver bring her to

this villa, and she had no idea where he had gone.

Today, she was supposed to visit her family with her husband. Her father had

called several times the day before, insisting that she come back with Trenton.

She didn’t know where Trenton was or if he would even show up, but she promised

to do her best.

To her surprise, Trenton showed up today.

She should have felt relieved, but looking at his aloof profile, a wave of

anxiety washed over her. She hesitated, biting her lip and racking her brain for

what to say next.

Just then, Trenton turned his head, his deep eyes locking onto hers for a moment, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Sharlene let out a small breath, clenched her fist, and slowly made her way down

the stairs.

"You... you're back?" She tried to sound casual, but her voice came out a bit

flat.

Trenton raised his eyes. "Yeah, why? You don’t want to see me?"

"Of course I do! This is your home, after all."

A flicker of amusement passed through Trenton’s eyes before his expression

turned cold again, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Sharlene felt a sense of helplessness and sighed inwardly.

This man was the most famous golden bachelor in City A, the third son of the

Howard family, and the beloved grandson of Dayton. Trenton Howard, coming from a

prestigious family, was also exceptionally capable. Since taking over the family

business, he had transformed the Howard Group beyond recognition. Because of his

family background and his nearly flawless handsome face, many women regarded him

as the man they most wanted to marry.

This remarkably outstanding man was in love with someone else, and Sharlene didn’t love him either. Yet, they had become husband and wife.

What kind of husband and wife?

There was no romantic proposal, no flowers or diamond rings, and certainly no

guests or wedding ceremony. Just the marriage certificate, declaring the fact

that Sharlene was now married.

A week ago, she had returned home from studying abroad, coinciding with her

twenty-second birthday. Her father threw her a birthday party. That night,

Sharlene had only a few drinks, and when she woke up, she found herself in the

same bed as Trenton.

She still couldn't figure out what had happened or where things had gone wrong.

Photos of her leaving the hotel with Trenton had somehow made their way to the

Howard family. Then, the old master of the Howard family demanded that she marry

Trenton.

Sharlene was reluctant, but the worry on her father's face and the fact that the

Wood family business was once her mother's achievement left her no choice. For

her mother's sake, she reluctantly nodded in agreement.

Because of this, Trenton had grown to resent her. The bond they once shared was overshadowed by his anger at her taking the place of the woman he loved.

In recent days, Sharlene often had the same dream, but only the first half was

based on reality. As for the rest... she had no idea why she dreamed of such

things.

Was it a hint about her future life?

No matter how difficult things would be, now that she had chosen to marry into

the Howard family, there was no turning back. Grandpa Dayton's only requirement

was that she and Trenton could not get a divorce.

"Today..." Sharlene hesitated, quickly glancing at Trenton's expression before summoning her courage to continue, "I’m supposed to..."

Before she could finish, Trenton slammed a file folder onto the coffee table.

"Take a look at the terms. If you don’t have a problem, sign it."

Sharlene was taken aback. "What is this?"

Trenton didn't respond, his face showing a hint of impatience. He ignored

Sharlene and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it for himself.

Sharlene paused, bending down to open the file folder.

Inside it was just two pieces of paper, but as soon as she saw the title, she

couldn't help but freeze in shock.

Marriage Agreement?

She looked at Trenton in confusion before continuing to read the contents of the

pages.

Trenton’s demands weren't too many, but they were detailed. He required that

during the marriage, Sharlene must not do anything that would harm him or the

Howard family, must not interfere with his personal life, could not voice

objections to his behavior, and definitely could not tell other people that she

was his wife. After their divorce, he would compensate her with thirty million

and three properties under his name. The duration of this arrangement? Just one

year. After the divorce, he wanted nothing to do with her.

At the bottom, there was Trenton’s vigorous signature.

"This..." Sharlene swallowed hard, surprised yet undeniably intrigued. "Are you

serious? Just one year before divorce?"

Trenton replied coolly, "What do you think?"

"But Dayton said..."

Before she could finish, he interrupted her, "If it weren't for your Grandpa, do

you think I would marry you? One year, this is the best I can do."

After saying that, Trenton took a puff of his cigarette and slowly exhaled the

smoke. The swirling haze obscured his perfect features. Through the smoke, he

looked at Sharlene, his eyes distant and cold, tinged with unmasked disdain.

Sharlene felt a pang in her heart, then bitterly nodded. "Okay, I understand."

If she hadn’t happened to be in his room that day, the person marrying him would

have been Brinley Anderson. Maybe not now, but Trenton would eventually marry

Brinley; it could never be Sharlene.

Sharlene knew all too well what it felt like to marry someone one didn't love.

She had grievances, but who could she blame? Fate had played a cruel joke on

her.

It was her mistake to enter Trenton’s room; he hated her, and she could

understand that. She wouldn't hold it against him.

"Good," he said, a mocking smile flickering across his lips. "Sharlene, don’t think that marrying me means you can live without worries. Since your family had

the guts to play tricks, you should know that the game has begun, and you must

accept the rules without question."

"..."

Sharlene knew how much he despised her right now. Given the Wood family’s

current situation, it was hard not to think that everything was her scheme.

"Have you made up your mind? If you have, just sign here." He looked at her, his

gaze sharp and piercing, his tone dripping with impatience. "If you haven't

decided yet, I can give you a minute to think it over, but I don’t take no for

an answer. Understand?"