“I have no heirs. No husband, no children. And I fully understand why you married me. Did you think I wouldn’t notice? You needed money, not me.”

Artem wanted to defend himself, but she raised her hand, not letting him say a word.

“Don’t rush. I do not judge you. On the contrary, I respect your honesty with yourself. That’s why I want to propose a deal. Until the end of my days, you will stay by my side. To everyone, we are husband and wife. But I do not demand intimacy or love from you. We will continue to sleep in separate rooms. However, one condition: you must be faithful to me. No other woman. No scandal. The slightest suspicion will be enough for you to receive nothing.”

She paused and added softly but firmly: