My Arch-Nemesis Husband

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The famous movie star and I have been at odds since kindergarten.

He'd wipe snot on my backpack; Id crack him over the head.

In high school, hed tear up my love letters; Id beat him into the school infirmary.

By twenty-five, I dominated the acting world with my unique, unconventional style, while he became a Movie Emperor thanks to his looks and talent.

On a variety show, I drew a challenge to get a celebrity friend to say, "Are you crazy?"

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. Fine, Id bother Adrian.

As soon as the call connected, I blurted out, Wire me two million for clothes, fast!

There was a two-second silence on the other end, then he slowly spoke:

How about I peel myself and let you wear me instead?

The entire audience gasped. My phone pinged with a bank transfer notification.

Account ending in 8975 received 10,000,000.00 from interbank transfer.

It was a variety show game, requiring me to call a celebrity friend and, without revealing I was filming, prompt them to say a specific phrase.

The phrase was decided by drawing lots.

I opened the slip of paper, and my vision went dark.

[Task: Are you crazy?]

What an obscure phrase, as inexplicable as a listening comprehension test.

"Oh, this is so hard! Director, please give my dear Clara a different task!"

Elara unexpectedly leaned in, linking her arm through mine and shaking it.

Little brat, always so dramatic.

Wed known each other for less than half an hour, and she was already putting on a show of sisterly affection.

I gave a tight, unsmiling refusal.

"It's fine, no need to change it."

[Whats with this Clara? Elara is clearly trying to help her, who is she giving attitude to?!]

[Poor Elara, getting bullied even on a show.]

[Total queen bee, I swear. Indifferent to other girls, but if its a guy, shell chat endlessly.]

[Ive been watching her for several episodes. She was laughing and talking with Liam. Shes definitely a guy-magnet!]

[Elara, ignore her. You treat her as a good friend, and she treats you like a tool!]

I lowered my head, ignoring the comments, and considered who to call.

No decent person would say such a thing, except

But, if I failed the task, Id have to team up with Elara!!!

I sighed, glancing at the person on the screen, feigning interaction.

What are you all talking about? Clara and I are very close, I like Clara, and Clara is very good to me too!

Fine, fine. Being disgusted for one minute versus being disgusted for a whole dayIll still choose the former.

The dial tone sounded, and the cameras high-definition lens precisely captured my phone screen, showing Adrian Eldons contact name.

[Hot-bod with a sharp tongue but poisonous.]

Oh no, how could I have overlooked the contact name detail?!

The entire room gave me complex looks, and I chuckled awkwardly.

Cough, cough, a result of a truth-or-dare gone wrong. Forgot to change it back.

The flashy ringtone played on and on. As expected, in ten more seconds, the call would fail.

An awkward, eerie atmosphere filled the air.

Elara patted my shoulder comfortingly.

Its okay, Adrian had a late-night shoot yesterday. Hes probably sleeping now.

Oh, you know that too, do you?

[Hot-bod, I can only say, super accurate, hahaha!]

[Can he balance a soda bottle on it?!! Clara, make him try!]

[What are the fans of Guy-Magnet Clara raving about?! That contact name is so disrespectful, it just goes to show, fans are just like their idol.]

[Cant friends have a good relationship? Besides, Clara explained it was for a dare, didnt she?]

[Ahhh, why is everyones attention getting sidetracked! The sweet spot is clearly Elara knowing Adrians schedule! And knowing hes sleeping!!!]

[They must be dating! I dont care, they are dating!]

[My friends relative is in the industry and says Adrian and Elara have been dating for a long time, just not public. Apparently, they even spent New Years together this year.]

[Clara is completely shameless, calling him right in front of his girlfriend, even showing off such an ambiguous contact name. Shes desperate for attention!]

[Brainless attention-seekers are like that]

Finally, the call connected.

Hello?

A mans hoarse, tired voice echoed in the studio, accompanied by slightly heavy breathing, sending shivers down my spine.

He was clearly lying in bed, in a lazy posture.

I looked suspiciously at Elara, whose face was flushed with shyness

No way, are they really dating?

Oh, my condolences for your taste. Its like a stale pancake.

Ugh, Ill eat after this, with fried dough and crispy flatbread!

Adrian sounded a bit impatient, his voice laced with annoyance.

Miss Clara, its 8 AM Beijing time, and Ive only had two hours of sleep. I hope you truly have something important to say.

I snapped back to reality and delivered my carefully prepared line.

Can I borrow two million to buy clothes?

Curse me! Come on, curse me!

His breathing hitched, and it took a moment for him to speak.

You can peel me and wear me.

The hosts and guests exchanged knowing glances, and the comments section was either "hahahaha" or mocking me for making a fool of myself.

I wasnt giving up, so I took a deep breath and started to get abstract.

Even if you stood naked in front of me, Id still rummage through your pants pockets and transfer money to myself with your phone.

Sorry, I cant bring myself to hurt a man, but your little money is mine!

Adrian remained silent, only the rustling of fabric against skin could be heard.

Now he had to curse, right?!

However, after a fleeting, mocking hum, the call was ruthlessly disconnected, without any drawn-out goodbyes. The busy tone faded into the studios noisy atmosphere.

The host, visibly awkward, tried to salvage the situation.

It seems Mr. Eldon is indeed a bit tired after his late-night shoot.

The comments section exploded again, like a frenzy.

[Hmph, he doesnt even want to deal with you, Clara. Have some self-awareness!]

[This is too cute, Adrian really was sleeping! Maybe Elara was even lying in the same bed with him just two hours ago, sniffle sniffle.]

[Clara, get lost! Playing the homewrecker. And our Elara even defended you earlier! People who stab others in the back deserve a bad end!]

I was on the verge of tears. Adrian usually had a tongue so sharp it could knock himself out for three days.

Why was he so unreliable when I needed him for something important?!

The camera stubbornly remained aimed at my phone.

I frowned, trying to exit the messaging app, when a text message popped up from the top of the screen.

[Your UnionPay card ending in 8975 received a real-time interbank transfer of 10,000,000.00 on Sep 11, 08:13]

WHAT?!

Tens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, ONE HUNDRED MILLION?!

Adrian must have been half-asleep and confused?!

Such a large sum, it felt like he was sending me funeral money

The entire room erupted, everyone gasped, staring at the excessively long number, unable to recover for a long time.

The host exclaimed.

This was transferred by Mr. Eldon, right?!

No, no, it might be the studio sending my sal

Before I could finish the word salary, Adrians messages began to flood the chat interface.

[Heres your small sum of money.]

[And Im indeed not wearing clothes.]

[Dare to video call me!]

The next second, the video call ringtone blared through the studio

My blood boiled and surged, my heart racing erratically.

The urgent ringing was like a ticking time bomb, counting down to destruction.

Damn Adrian, couldnt he shake his brain clear before replying to messages?!

Making us look like adulterers!

[Whats going on?! Isnt Adrian dating Elara?]

[Are they having an affair behind Elaras back?! Oh my god! Elaras lips are pale, my heart aches]

[What a scumbag and a whore, utterly despicable!]

[Excuse me, a famous entertainment paparazzi once followed Adrian Eldon for three months, 24/7, and found that besides filming during the day, he would secretly leave the set at midnight to play Plants vs. Zombies at an internet cafe.]

[I'm telling you, a person like that would have trouble even dating, how could he be a cheater?! Elaras fans, stop barking wildly.]

[Hahaha, the sister above me is hilarious.]

[Although I hate to admit it, Adrian truly has the aura of someone destined to be alone]

[Mr. Eldons fans are just low-key, not dead! Why are you slandering him as a scumbag here?]

[What if some shameless person offered themselves up? How low can Clara be?]

I held my phone, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Finally, I forced out a strained smile and loudly addressed the other guests.

Mr. Eldon must have guessed were filming and called on purpose. Lets all chat with him!

Im sorry, my butt isnt big enough to take this blame alone; everyone, please help me out

I raised my arm, holding the phone high, making sure the camera framed everyone present.

Elaras sullen expression finally turned into a charming smile.

She smoothed her hair twice, pursed her lips, and pushed herself to the very front.

Great, Ive already drafted the PR statement.

Firstly, by not hanging up the video call but answering it, I was being open and clear, with a clear conscience.

Secondly, if they were truly dating, Id buy a round of press releases about how I was wildly shipping them and actively playing matchmaker.

If they weren't dating, it would perfectly divert the criticism to the pretentious Elara and the suddenly exhibitionist Adrian.

A perfect plan!

Such a clever mind!!!

The soft morning light was gentle, revealing the clean, sharp muscle lines of the mans forearm.

Adrian Eldon lay on the bed, half his face buried in the soft duvet.

His dark hair was slightly curly, his eyes tired, his lips cool and defined, his spine gently rising and falling with his breath.

I let out a long sigh of relief.

Good, good, he was wearing an old mans black tank top.

It wouldnt escalate to an R-rated scene.

The next instant, Adrian subtly froze, meeting the gaze of nearly ten people crammed onto the screen.

Mr. Eldon, good morning.

Arent you tired? It looks like you havent rested well.

Elaras eyes sparkled, her voice full of concern.

Adrians brows unconsciously lowered, his jawline tightening.

I quietly shrank my face to the corner of the viewfinder.

Oh no, the last time he made that deadly expression was when he found out Id swapped his beard cream for depilatory cream

Yet Elara seemed completely oblivious, her smile growing even brighter.

Sister, please, pay attention!

The sound from the receiver was amplified dozens of times through the studio speakers; I could even hear Adrian grinding his teeth.

Clara, do you think Im blind enough not to see you?

What, did you change careers to become a madam? Holding a debutante ball for me here?

Do I need to completely strip naked and do a little dance to liven things up?

One after another, disgruntled questions rained down.

The surrounding air was enveloped in silence, deadly quiet, and even the host was speechless, unable to interject.

The only sound in the entire studio was the incessant white noise of various equipment running.

Suddenly, Adrian unexpectedly flipped over and sat up.

His dog-like eyes narrowed to slits, then he laughed freely and unrestrainedly, his voice becoming clear and bright.

Like the smugness after a successful prank.

Just a cold joke, did everyone get scared by that?

Mr. Eldon is too naughty, I was really scared just now!

Elara pouted, her cheeks puffed up in a mock-anger.

Adrians lips twitched twice, then he pulled them back to reveal his canine teeth.

His neatly groomed morning hair made him look harmless.

Oh, Miss Elara is here too, I just noticed you.

What an exquisite display of face-changing.

What an unexpectedly wholesome ending.

I looked at Adrian, who was now primly chatting with the host, with solemn respect.

I truly didn't envy his money-making skills.

Just moments ago, he was so angry he looked ready to kill; now, he was smiling like a sweet girl.

No wonder he could swindle and trick so many fans!

[Who is with whom? Im confused!]

[By rights, shouldnt he have seen Elara first?!]

[Hahaha, only I think he knew Elara was on the show too, so he deliberately played a trick, using Claras WeChat call to show off.]

[But then the first thing he saw was his "wifes" face, a bit awkward! So he blurted out something to interact with Clara!]

[CP fans, please dont be so terrifying, okay?!]

[No, are the fans shipping Elara and Adrian just paid trolls? Clara and Adrian clearly have more tension.]

[Ahhh, agreed! Love might not be real, but money is! Thats ten million! Ten million!!!]

[Who cares whos with whom, I just want to see the shirtless man.]

[Adrian Eldons nose bridge is so high, it can accommodate Claras wild ways and her delicate features]

[??! I read that three times before I understood! My face is pale!]

[A good chefs word is a meal! A national banquet!!!]

[Huh? Weren't you cursing just now? How did we get on the highway so fast?]

[Netizens faces change like]

[Stop shipping, go check out the fresh hot search instead.]

[Your Clara passes through a field of green without a single leaf clinging to her. Adrian giving her ten million might still struggle to win her over!]

The public opinion shifted inexplicably.

Netizens began to wonder why I was so unusually calm and unaffected by Adrians declaration of being shirtless.

Eventually, they discovered that my private life involved either hiring male escorts or being on the way to hire them.

Even a completely unethical manager of a commercial KTV released a secretly filmed video!

The private room was dimly lit and atmospheric, and I was loudly complaining as I looked at the male escorts profiles.

This look is a host? Id believe it if you told me he was a dung beetle!

Sitting next to me, I thought they were hiring me.

And this one is even more impressive, looks like a paper doll my grandma made!

Not a single passerby wasnt laughing.

Even more busybodies intercepted notorious Hong Kong media headlines as jokes

[Handsome young men tempt on a seductive night, Clara busy being a herbivore.]

Disgusting, utterly disgusting!!!

For several days in a row, the hot search remained a sensation.

My agent cursed me out, then informed me that a dating show and a drama script involving one woman and multiple men had caught wind of the situation and approached us.

Hmm, merely five, six, seven, or eight, huh?

Being infamous is still fame; Im not picky!

However, on the 56th hour of happily waiting to reap the benefits of traffic, I was summoned by my elders back home overnight.

The reason given: arranged marriage

Their unanimous explanation was that the entertainment industry was too murky, and even a pure young girl like me had been contaminated.

I absolutely had to find someone to settle down with quickly.

Haha, what a fresh and unconventional excuse.

But I wasn't that opposed to it.

The plots in novels where wealthy children run away for love, refusing to shoulder family responsibilities, were clearly written by authors whose brains were slammed by a door.

Seriously, who would give up their familys money, their future partners familys money, and even more money created through joint ventures, all for love?!!!

I had my family arrange for the four prospective male candidates to meet at the same caf, on the same afternoon, at different times.

A rotating banquet, much more efficient!!!

Leo Sterling, a fair-skinned, cheerful puppy who blushes easily?!

Not bad, keep his card, bestow a perfumed pouch!

Ethan Vance, quiet, refined, emotionally intelligent, and with beautiful hands?!

Hehehe, keep his card!

Caleb Moodie, humorous, arrogant husky with dimples?!

Keep, keep, keep!

Cant I really have them all?!

Then Id have a lawful wife, beautiful concubines, and even an outside mistress!!!

The sun was setting in the west, and the evening glow cast bright colored blocks through the glass onto the table corner. My Panama Geisha coffee was almost cold.

Tsk, the fourth male guest was late~

If you dont come soon, Ill kick you out of my imperial harem!

Idle hands make for idle minds, so I opened my phone, ready to verbally abuse Adrian for some fun.

After all, he played a part in my happy single life being forced to end so soon.

[Female lead literally does nothing but kicks your head.]

[Whats with the casual talk about taking off clothes?]

[Now look, Im being dragged home for an arranged marriage!!!]

[My grand plans! I hadnt even had time to throw a stripping party at home!]

[Is life going into the grave so soon?!]

[The fourth one is too late, damn it!]

[I have a hunch, this kind of man with no sense of time is definitely a rich, generous but bald kappa.]

[No, I absolutely have to indulge myself tonight!]

[Im not returning that ten million, consider it your contribution to the citys midnight entertainment industry.]

[Though I never intended to return it anyway.]

[Big breasts, deep abs, a V-lineblack or white, tonight Im getting them all! Thrilling!!!]

[Oh no, theyre here, I can hear the footsteps, sounds so slimy!]

The door was pushed open from outside by a server.

The heavy sandalwood scent of the corridor mixed with a cool breeze rushed in.

I turned my head to look back; overly long legs were perfectly encased in trousers, and a crisp black leather jacket exuded excellent quality.

He raised his hand and waved his phone at me.

The sapphire embedded in the bezel of the sports mechanical watch on his wrist, which cost over a million, refracted tiny specks of light.

Young, handsome, and rich.

He glanced playfully at the chat window, full of messages.

His tone was lazy and gentle.

Using my money to find excitement?

Why dont you bring your fianc, me, and well have even more excitement together?

WHAT?!

The hazy pink sunset softened the chilly autumn air. Looking downstairs, a river winding through the city shimmered with light.

A beautiful moment.

Of course, this required ignoring the man opposite me, who was ordering scones, croissants, and souffls as if no one else existed

Dude, have you been starved for three days and just released?!

Can someone tell me why my sworn enemy is on the arranged marriage list?!

Youre just here to make up the numbers for an arranged marriage, not to freeload, are you?

I couldnt help but speak when Adrian took his third bite of cream.

Who said I was making up the numbers?

I was speechless. Wow, dont tell me its because you secretly like me?

Adrians gaze subtly swept over me, then he gave a faint smile.

Anyway, were both getting married. Were childhood friends, a match made in heaven. Isnt that much better than strangers?

Oh, you are such a!

In kindergarten, he secretly wiped snot on my backpack.

In elementary school, he played hairdresser and shaved my head bald.

In middle school, he showed off his basketball skills and hit me, sending me to the hospital.

In high school, he secretly burned the love letters handsome boys sent me.

Every single one a capital offense, too many to list

A stack of documents was tossed in front of me, timely quelling the anger that was on the verge of erupting.

Adrian raised an eyebrow, leaning lazily back in his chair.

Take a look first.

I patiently lowered my eyes to read the contents.

Medical reports, studio financial statements, personal asset settlements, prenuptial agreement

For the first part, I suggest you focus on the eight infectious diseases. All negative.

Adrian took a sip of water, tapping his fingers lightly on his knee.

As for the rest, I assume youre only interested in how much money youll get. Those are on the last page of the prenuptial agreement.

!!!

[On the basis of equality, voluntariness, and fairness, through friendly negotiation, Party A (Adrian Eldon) voluntarily gifts the following assets to Party B (Clara Moodie):

1. Several properties.

2. Several vehicles.

In the event of emotional breakdown, 70% of Party A's assets shall belong to Party B after divorce.]

Oh no, this is truly tempting.

A person can't just throw away money for dignity, right?

But why does it subtly feel like a trap?

I cleared my throat, feigning reserve.

May I ask, what do you want?

So many people are captivated by your looks, like Elara last time. If she could marry you, even without a dowry, shed be overjoyed.

Why go to all this trouble with me?

Adrian pressed his left hand to his brow bone, looking out the window.

For peace and quiet. We can do our own thing; you can freely spend my money at bars.

His tone deepened, an unrestrained smile spreading in his eyes.

As for that Elara, Im looking for a wife, not genuine charity.

The disparity in looks between her and me would only make me feel I was being taken advantage of.

Your old narcissistic self is truly twenty-five years unchanged.

So, what do you think?

Adrian slowly offered a pen.

Sign now, and your promised money will be in your account tonight.

Oh, you're being redundant!

Sign! Must sign!! Sign immediately!!!

Autumn rain fell in fine threads, moistening the flagstone street, reflecting the honeyed glow of the streetlights.

My hand was held tightly, and I was enveloped in his coat, still warm with his scent, warming my limbs.

I gritted my teeth, Youre overacting.

Adrian, smiling, held an umbrella and nodded as he said goodbye to my parents.

How can we fool everyone if we dont act realistically?

On the third day of our friendly cooperation, Adrian wasted no time taking me to meet both sets of parents.

He acted like a steadfast man who would marry no one but me.

It wasn't until my parents Bentley disappeared around the corner that I could finally pull my hand free.

My palm was damp with sweat, impossible to tell whose it was.

We have a purely financial relationship; all this touching is inappropriate.

Adrians smile vanished.

You have a purely financial relationship with male escorts too, but werent you happily groping their abs?

Is that even the same?!

A sharp pang of pain, my eyebrows and eyes scrunched together.

Whats wrong?

I retorted grumpily, Youre annoying me.

Adrians dark eyes swept over me, and he spoke softly.

Stomach pain isnt a sickness, but it can be deadly when it flares up.

Did you plant a surveillance device on me?!

Seeing my suspicion, Adrian looked knowing.

Youre usually too lazy to walk even a step, and your weight loss relies solely on starving yourself. Even a cat ate more than you did at the dinner table just now. It would be a miracle if you werent feeling unwell.

Hmph, you think everyones like you, eating sweets every day without cavities or gaining weight?

Its hard for us actresses, okay!!!

Adrian inexplicably sighed, his voice soft and alluring.

Feel in your coat pocket.

???

Mens coat pockets are deep; I fumbled around for a while before finding a small porcelain bottle[Gastric Soothe].

I looked at Adrian in surprise, and he raised an eyebrow triumphantly.

Its magic~