**Chapter 6: Only One Bed** Janet's heart raced as confusion clouded her thoughts. “If I’m not Jocelyn Lind, then who else could I possibly be? That’s such a ridiculous question,” she retorted playfully, trying to dispel the tension hanging in the air. She was acutely aware of the weight that her marriage to Ethan carried; she had taken on the identity of Jocelyn Lind under the heavy burden of financial necessity. If she faltered now, the promised money from Fiona would slip through her fingers like sand, and her sister Hannah remained in the hospital—counting the seconds until she could afford the surgery that might save her life. Ethan furrowed his brow, a hint of unease creeping into his expression. The whispers of those who had delved into the Lind family’s reputation echoed in his mind—a portrayal of Jocelyn as a haughty, reckless woman, endlessly hunting for wealthy suitors and using them as stepping stones for her own gain. Yet, standing here before him, Janet emanated a surprising warmth, an openness that contradicted everything he had been led to believe. Rather than recoiling from his meager financial standing or the modesty of his humble dwelling, she appeared to accept it. It was as if this woman could see beyond the surface, although her nervousness betrayed her attempts at composure. Intrigued, Ethan observed her more closely. There was something about her that piqued his interest, sparking a curiosity he hadn't anticipated. Still, it was irrelevant whether she bore the true name of Jocelyn or not; his marriage to her was the fulfillment of a dying wish from his mother. “Forget it. It was just a casual question,” he dismissed, shrugging off the awkwardness as he picked up his suit jacket, ready to step back into the mundane reality that awaited him. “I’ve said all I needed to say. Do you have anything to add?” Relief washed over Janet, and she shook her head. “No,” she replied, casting her gaze around the one-bedroom space. Her heart sank a little, realizing the practical implications of their living arrangement; there was but a single bed between them. ‘Must I share a bed with Ethan on our wedding night?’ she wondered, a mix of dread and disbelief racing through her mind. As Ethan turned to head toward the bathroom, he caught a glimpse of her anxious expression. The realization hit him hard; it was indeed a small house, and the single bed loomed like an unwelcome guest in their midst. This house had remained undisturbed for far too long; he seldom invited anyone here, only calling for a cleaning once a month. “There’s only one bed,” Ethan stated casually, unbuttoning his cuffs with a nonchalance that belied the tension in the air. “I’ll take the sofa tonight. You can have the bedroom.” Surprise flashed in Janet’s eyes. ‘Did he somehow peek into my mind? How did he know what I was thinking?’ she pondered. The relief that surged through her was almost intoxicating, but her voice feigned embarrassment when she responded, “Is that really okay? It is our wedding night, after all. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for you to sleep on the sofa? You’re so tall; how could you possibly fit comfortably on that small couch?” “It’s not comfortable at all,” he acknowledged, his demeanor shifting as a hint of mischief appeared in his voice. “But if I want a good night's rest, I might just have to share the bed with you.” He leaned closer, the air between them crackling with an unexpected electricity. “I’ll join you after I take a shower,” he whispered into her ear, sending shockwaves down her spine. Janet’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You… you’ve misunderstood me! That’s not what I meant!” she stammered, heat flooding her cheeks, every instinct urging her to retreat. Yet, there was nowhere to escape; she found herself cornered against the wooden table behind her. With a quick reflex, Ethan’s arm shot out, wrapping securely around her waist, holding her in place. “Then what did you mean?” he teased, tilting his head with a playful spark in his gaze. Blinking rapidly, Janet felt like a cornered animal, her heart drumming loudly in her chest as she caught the warmth of his breath against her neck. The heat radiating from his body engulfed her in a swirling confusion, and her instincts screamed for flight. “I just want to sleep alone, and you said we only needed to be a nominal couple,” she protested weakly, desperately attempting to regain her composure. “Well, I might reconsider my stance,” Ethan replied, his tone deceptively casual. “After all, it seems you’re inviting me to share the same bed tonight.” He withdrew his hand, tucking an errant strand of her hair delicately behind her ear, an intimate gesture that sent her heart racing. “No, I don’t!” she retorted in a hiss, her voice barely above a whisper. Her face flared red, resembling an indignant kitten, ready to pounce. Ethan chuckled lightly, his expression radiating amusement. “Oh, but it appears that way, doesn’t it? You’re practically asking me to join you.” In a flash of frustration, Janet shoved him away and darted into the bedroom, slamming the door with more force than she intended. The click of the lock echoed as she caught her breath, leaning against the sturdy wood, her heart racing. Outside, Ethan chuckled to himself, the sound deep and low, rich with amusement. Leaning back against the door, Janet struggled to steady her breath, her mind whirling. Her face felt as if it were ablaze, a telltale sign of her nervousness and embarrassment. As the rush of adrenaline began to fade, a fierce resolve blossomed within her. If Ethan even dared to approach her, she would defend her space with the lamp perched on the bedside table. Cautiously, she settled onto the bed, her gaze locked onto the closed door. Despite her exhaustion, sleep eluded her, each tick of the clock echoing in the silence until the night deepened into obscurity.