**Chapter 5: You’re Not Jocelyn** "Perhaps you should shower first. I can be patient.” Janet instinctively took a step back, as if instinctively guarding herself against an unseen threat. In that moment, she resembled a caged bird, fluttering helplessly, desperately trying to mask her rising anxiety. How was she supposed to confront her so-called husband? Ethan lingered by the table, his gaze fixed on Janet, who stood frozen, like a deer caught in the blinding glare of headlights. He chuckled softly, a sound that reverberated with a mix of amusement and intrigue. “Relax, I’m not going to bite. We need to talk about something important.” With her arms crossed tightly over her chest, Janet reluctantly walked toward him, unwilling to associate herself with this enigmatic man. Everything was spiraling out of control—she was wed to a man she had just met on the day of her wedding. “What do you want?” she managed to ask, her voice barely above a whisper. Ethan effortlessly lifted a wooden chair with one hand and placed it in front of her, gesturing for her to sit. “Have a seat, please.” He then dragged his own chair closer, settling into it with an air of confidence. “I don’t like to dance around issues. It’s quite clear that you didn’t want this marriage.” ‘Is it really that obvious?’ Janet thought, her heart racing. “A relationship can’t bloom overnight. It requires time for understanding, for connection,” she responded, attempting to mask her embarrassment. But as the words spilled out, she realized how futile they were. Ethan was astutely aware of his social standing and how others perceived him. He understood that Jocelyn, who should have been his bride, would never willingly marry someone of his status. Ethan furrowed his brows, assessing Janet up and down. The nervousness that clung to her was palpable; she had been biting her lip, her eyes flitting around the room like a frightened rabbit. “Don’t worry. I have no interest in this marriage either,” he said, his tone surprisingly soothing. “We can put on the facade of a married couple for the world, but let’s keep our lives separate. That way, we can avoid complications and lead our own lives in peace. I’m mostly out and about, rarely at home. I want the freedom to do as I please, and I assume you want the same. I won’t meddle or hover over your choices.” He stood up, casually retrieving his suit jacket from the chair. Suddenly, as if a thought had struck him, Ethan leaned over, grasping the armrests of the chair and encasing Janet in a barrier formed of his arms. “It’s not appropriate for you to watch a man change his clothes. However, if you find yourself craving something more intimate, rest assured, I’d be more than willing to satisfy you in my capacity as your husband.” The air thickened with his scent, mingled with the faint aroma of fabric softener, sending a shiver down Janet’s spine. “No thank you,” she hissed through clenched teeth, summoning all her resolve to appear unyielding. Ethan's expression darkened for a heartbeat. His gaze flickered down to Janet’s abdomen momentarily before he continued, “Even if we’re just a couple in name, remember this: I don’t want to discover that my wife is carrying another man’s child someday.” Loyalty was Ethan's uncompromising ideal. He had heard whispered stories about Jocelyn, tales of her swift changes in affection and companions. “I will fulfill my duties as a wife, so long as this marriage stands,” Janet replied, her resolve hardening. “I trust you to keep your word and allow me my independence.” The playful smirk Ethan wore began to falter. He straightened up, stepping back a pace, his brows arched in sudden realization. “You’re not Jocelyn Lind, are you?” he questioned, his tone shifting, an edge of surprise threading through his inquiry.