Ch. 1001..1010

Chapter 1001

"Have you met that woman before?" Jasper asked.

"We haven't seen her in person. Her parents handled the negotiations," Gregory answered.

Jasper nodded in understanding upon hearing this. "Dad, everything is settled now. You should take some rest."

"Okay, you should get to bed early too."

With that, Gregory retreated to his room, leaving Jasper slumped on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, Imogen emerged from the bathroom and found Jasper reclined on the sofa, apparently asleep.

Approaching quietly, she leaned down and whispered, "Ash, don't sleep here, you—"

Before she could finish, Jasper opened his eyes.

Imogen stood frozen, her eyes locked onto Jasper's profound gaze.

His eyes shimmered with mystery and depth, their intensity captivating as he gazed into hers.

Imogen nervously cleared her throat before advising, "You shouldn't stay here; you might catch a cold. Take a shower before heading to your room to sleep."

"Imogen."

"Yes?"

"Do you have any regrets?"

"Regrets about what?"

"Do you regret marrying me so impulsively?"

Imogen chuckled bitterly, her voice tinged with guilt. "I should be asking you that question. You've been so good to me. Why would I regret anything? But given my family's circumstances and my imperfections... Do you regret marrying me?"

Jasper reached out slowly, tenderly clasping her delicate hand in his own. He gently stroked her thumb and whispered, "I have no regrets."

Imogen felt her heart race as she watched him hold her hand. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she shyly glanced down, unable to meet his gaze directly.

"You should go take a shower," she murmured. "Do you want me to bring your pajamas?"

Jasper paused for a moment before nodding. "Yes, please."

With that, he let go of Imogen's hand.

She walked into the bedroom, while he headed toward the bathroom.

Upon returning to her room, Imogen gently touched her flushed cheeks.

Taking a deep breath, she

murmured to herself, "Imogen,

you're too easily flustered. Just

holding hands with him and you're a

bundle of nerves? How

embarrassing."

Continuing to mutter to herself, Imogen approached the cab and retrieved Jasper's pajamas. As she opened the drawer to find his

underwear, she couldn't resist stealing another glance.

Jasper wasn't even slightly overweight. So why were his boxers so large?

Imogen blushed once more, her embarrassment palpable as she swiftly tucked the underwear into Jasper's pajamas.

She then took a deep breath, followed by another, feeling a wave of heat flush through her entire body.

Walking steadily, Imogen whispered to herself reassuringly, "It's normal to feel desire. There's no need to be embarrassed. He's your husband, after all."

Carrying Jasper's clothes, Imogen approached the bathroom door and called out, "Ash, I've got your clothes. Can you open the door and take them?" Upon hearing Imogen's voice, Jasper promptly turned off the water and cautiously opened the door.

Meanwhile, Imogen quickly glanced away, extending her arm to pass the clothes to him.

Upon witnessing her reaction, Jasper chuckled softly and accepted the clothes. After thanking Imogen, he gently closed the door behind him. That night proved restless for both of them, each consumed by their thoughts and burdened with heavy hearts, struggling to find sleep.

Soon, the clock struck 2:00 am.

Imogen tossed and turned in bed, believing she was the only one unable to sleep. Much to her surprise, Jasper was also awake.

As Jasper turned to face her, Imogen asked curiously, "Ash, is something troubling you?"

In the darkness of the room, she could discern faint shadows.

Meanwhile, Jasper focused his gaze on Imogen, her figure slightly blurred in the low light. His voice was gentle as he said, "Imogen, could you start calling me Jasper or Jay from now on?"

"Sure," Imogen replied, her confusion apparent. "Is this why you're feeling unsettled?"

"No."

"Then why are you still awake? You've been tossing and turning all night.".

"And why aren't you asleep either?" Jasper countered.

"Me?" Imogen hesitated, her unease evident as she searched for an explanation.

After all, she couldn't possibly admit to Jasper that she was too nervous to sleep because he had held her hand twice that day.

Chapter 1002

Imogen certainly couldn't say it in this manner.

"I've been considering looking for a job," she said.

"Don't worry about it. Take your time. If you have any thoughts, feel free to discuss them with me. I have many friends who might be able to help," Jasper offered.

Imogen's pride kicked in as she quickly refused, "You don't have to trouble yourself. I can handle it on my own."

"I'm your husband. How could it possibly be a bother?"

"That's not what I meant. I'm just confident that I'll find a job soon."

"I see."

"And what about you?"

"I've also been thinking about work."

"Don't dwell on it too much. Try to get some sleep," Imogen suggested, blinking as she looked at Jasper lying beside her in the dim light.

Even in the darkness, his silhouette exuded a striking allure.

"Okay, goodnight," Jasper said.

"Goodnight," Imogen whispered in return.

With that, Jasper closed his eyes, his breathing gradually calming.

However, Imogen still found herself unable to fall asleep. As she shut her eyes, her thoughts continued to race.

They had been married for several days, sleeping in the same bed. Did Jasper truly have no desire for her?

Every day, they treated each other respectfully, making her feel like their marriage was almost unrealistically perfect.

It was common knowledge that most men could easily have sex with women they found attractive, even without having feelings for her.

But why didn't Jasper seem to have such desires toward her?

Could it be that he was physically incapable of becoming aroused?

With her mind swirling with these thoughts, Imogen slowly succumbed to sleep.

Before she knew it, morning had arrived.

Jasper remained deep in slumber when a sudden weight pressed down on his lower abdomen. The discomfort from his erection jolted him awake, instantly pulling him out of his dream.

"Ugh," he grunted, swiftly moving to relieve the pressure on his stomach.

When Jasper saw Imogen and felt her body beneath his hand, he froze in astonishment.

Feeling mortified, Imogen hurriedly

climbed off Jasper, her face flushed as she apologized, "I'm really sorry about that. It wasn't intentional-I was just reaching for my phone and ended up on top of you."

Upon hearing this, Jasper glanced over at the nightstand beside him Sure enough, Imogen's phone was resting there. Without much thought, he retrieved it and handed it back to her

Imogen's face reddened further, a faint smile dancing on her lips as she settled back with her phone, swiftly turning away from Jasper.

She couldn't help but worry if her clumsy actions had been too noticeable.

Her curiosity about Jasper's sexual prowess had driven her to orchestrate the incident.

Imogen briefly checked the time on her phone before setting it down. As she turned away from Jasper, she couldn't help but tense up, feeling her body stiffen in response.

Meanwhile, Jasper took a moment to compose himself, exhaling slowly as he gazed up at the ceiling.

In one smooth motion, he turned toward Imogen and slipped his arm around her from behind, pulling her gently into a tender embrace.

Imogen was caught off guard by Jasper's sudden gesture. She remained frozen, her heart pounding in her chest.

With her back against Jasper's chest, Imogen sensed the warmth of his breath softly caressing the skin at the nape of her neck.

At that moment, a tingling heat swept through her entire body, leaving her feeling drained and powerless.

She remained silent in his embrace, too shy to utter a word.

Suddenly, Jasper whispered behind her, "When did your phone end up on my bedside table?"

Imogen shut her eyes in embarrassment, remaining silent. Her body tensed with apprehension, frozen in place.

It appeared Jasper had caught her again.

With nervousness evident in her voice, she stammered, "Jay, I..... I didn't mean to do that just now. Did I hurt you?"

Jasper chuckled softly, closing his eyes as he nuzzled his face against her neck. "So, you did it on purpose," he murmured.

Chapter 1003

Imogen felt her strength draining in Jasper's comforting embrace, her body softening like a puddle. Despite her nervousness, she closed her eyes, eagerly awaiting his next move.

At that moment, her heart swelled with anticipation.

As moments drifted by, Jasper kept her in his arms, his body radiating warmth akin to a furnace. Finally, he whispered in her ear, "You can rest a little longer. There's no rush to get up so early."

Upon hearing this, Imogen was left speechless.

In a heartbeat, the comforting warmth of his embrace dissipated.

Jasper stepped back, gently draping a blanket over her. Afterward, he changed into fresh clothes.

Imogen couldn't resist stealing a glance at him, her heart brimming with curiosity.

Jasper discarded his pajamas and slipped into a button-up shirt.

As Imogen caught a glimpse of Jasper's strong back muscles, a slight warmth spread across her cheeks.

Settling back onto the bed, she subconsciously gripped the blanket, her mind racing with questions.

What could be the problem?

It wasn't like they were living in conservative times-so what was holding Jasper back from making his move?

Could he possibly be running late?

After changing into fresh clothes, Jasper went to the bathroom to freshen up.

Meanwhile, Imogen closed her eyes, attempting to drift back to sleep. However, rest evaded her.

About 30 minutes later, Jasper finished his breakfast in the living room. He then returned to the bedroom to retrieve his phone and suit jacket, getting ready to leave.

Unable to resist, he stole a glance at Imogen, who seemed to be asleep. As he observed her, his steps paused briefly, hesitating for a few seconds. Unbeknownst to him, Imogen was wide awake.

Despite hearing Jasper's footsteps, she didn't register the sound of him opening or closing the door.

In her confusion, Imogen suddenly found herself enveloped by Jasper's fresh, comforting scent, accompanied by the gentle touch of his lips brushing against her forehead.

The unexpected intimacy left Imogen momentarily dumbfounded. She squeezed her eyes shut, her heart racing with a sudden rush of excitement. Had Jasper just... kissed her?

No, he had stolen a kiss.

After pressing his lips to her forehead, Jasper silently withdrew, gently closing the door behind him.

In an instant, Imogen's eyes

snapped open. Sitting up abruptly her hand instinctively clutched her chest, taking in deep breaths. Her heart raced, echoing like a startled deer in the quiet room.

Glancing toward the door, Imogen absentmindedly touched her forehead.

It appeared that she might be developing feelings for her recently wedded husband. Otherwise, why would she feel so nervous, her heart pounding rapidly?

As she pondered this, Imogen felt completely flustered.

She got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom to freshen up, hoping to clear her mind.

With Jasper out, Carol at work, and Gregory immersed in handicrafts in the living room, Imogen was determined not to stay idle at home.

After breakfast, she picked up her resumé and set out to look for a job.

Descending the stairs, Imogen unexpectedly bumped into Ethan just outside the front door.

"Good morning, Imogen," Ethan greeted warmly, approaching with a bag of takeout in hand. "I brought you breakfast. Are you heading out to job hunt?"

Imogen paused, briefly eyeing the breakfast Ethan offered. "I've already eaten, but thanks."

Ethan's expression softened at her words. "No worries. Take it with you. You can eat it later if you get hungry."

Imogen felt uneasy about Ethan's gesture, especially now that they were both married. Despite their past connection, she was determined to maintain clear boundaries.

"I really don't want it. Maybe you should take it back for Scarlett," Imogen insisted firmly.

"Are you still upset?" Ethan's expression grew serious.

Imogen looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

With a troubled look, Ethan moved closer, reaching out to take Imogen's hand. Startled, she quickly pulled her hand back. "What are you doing?" she demanded.

Ethan's frustration boiled over as he said, "Imogen, you know how I really feel. I've loved you since we were young. We understand each other so well. You know I was pressured into I

Scarlett, right?"

"Pressured?" Imogen retorted, her voice laced with disbelief. "If you didn't want to marry her, why did you sleep with her? And now that she's pregnant, how can you clain it was against your will?"

Chapter 1004

Imogen felt unfamiliar with Ethan's current demeanor. She couldn't bear to see the man she had once loved behave so repulsively.

Ethan tried to explain, "Imogen, I was drunk and confused. You've always been the one I loved. I—"

"Enough, Ethan," Imogen interjected sharply. "I'm married now, and Scarlett is pregnant. Please treat her and your unborn child with respect. There's no point in saying things that will only lead to more trouble."

With those words, Imogen walked away from him.

Suddenly, Ethan forcefully seized her arm, his face contorted with anger. "Imogen, did you marry some random guy just to get back at me?"

"No! Let go of me," Imogen shot back sharply.

Despite her plea, Ethan persisted, pulling her closer and gripping both her arms firmly.

Imogen found herself uncomfortably close to Ethan, struggling against his tight grip. "Let go," she demanded firmly.

Losing his composure, Ethan growled in frustration, "You're only doing this to spite me, right? Deep down, you can't deny that you still have feelings for me. Why put yourself through this agony?"

"I don't," Imogen retorted, her eyes flashing with anger.

"You know it's true," Ethan insisted arrogantly. "You married a man you barely knew. His family is struggling, his job is mediocre, and his character is unremarkable.

"Just look at him he has the appearance of a boy toy kept by a wealthy woman. For all we know, he might even be a gigolo."

Imogen's fury boiled within her, her chest tightening painfully. Tears threatened to spill as she admonished, "Ethan, who do you think you are, talking about my husband in such a manner? What makes you think you have that right?"

Ethan shot back defiantly, "I'm just calling it as I see it. He's a freeloader. I doubt he even had a place ready for you when you married him. It's absurd that he still relies on you."

Imogen muttered sharply, "That's none of your damn business."

Unable to restrain himself, Ethan shot back, "Imogen, face reality. Besides being good-looking, he's utterly useless. Don't use your happiness to retaliate against me."

Imogen fought with all her might, crying out, "Let me go, let me go!"

The harder she struggled, the more determined Ethan became to hold her back.

In their struggle, Ethan suddenly

pulled her close, his voice gentle yet tinged with nervousness. "Imogen, please, I beg you not to do this. It's my fault. I know I've been wrong. Once Scarlett gives birth, I'll divorce her Please, don't punish me, and don't keep punishing yourself."

"Let me go..." Imogen fought desperately, her voice strained.

Suddenly, a figure hurried toward them.

Just as Imogen noticed Jasper approaching, Ethan was abruptly yanked away.

A loud thud reverberated as Jasper's punch sent Ethan crashing to the ground.

Ethan lay still, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Jasper's face contorted with anger, his breathing heavy and ragged. He clenched his fists tightly, casting a glance at Ethan sprawled on the ground.

As Jasper turned to Imogen, he noticed tears welling in her eyes.

Jasper had come home to retrieve an important document he'd left behind only to find Imogen and her former love embroiled in a heated argument at the doorstep.

Why were tears flowing down her cheeks? Was it because of the sadness that came with their now-confirmed marriages?

Imogen gasped and quickly wiped away her tears. Nervously swallowing, she stammered, "Jay, why... why have you returned?"

Jasper sighed casually and replied, "I came back for some documents. What's he up to?"

.nex

Ethan gradually stood up, picking up

the takeout bag from the floor.

Wiping a trickle of blood from his lip, he lifted his gaze to Jasper, who towered over him by half a head.

Next to Jasper's imposing, muscular figure, Ethan appeared notably fragile and small.

Chapter 1005

Jasper's overwhelming presence loomed large over Ethan.

Ethan couldn't help but falter in response to Jasper's imposing demeanor.

Imogen picked up on Ethan's tension and anxiety. Trying to diffuse the tension, she said, "It was just a minor disagreement, nothing serious." Jasper frowned, his expression darkening further.

Imogen nervously swallowed as she glanced at Ethan. "Weren't you supposed to be bringing breakfast home to Scarlett?"

Ethan nodded hurriedly. "Yes, that's right. I should get going."

With those words, he turned and hurried away.

Jasper let out a cold scoff as he watched Ethan leave, his frustration mounting. He felt as though he was on the brink of losing his sanity.

In their childhood, Imogen felt no affection for Jasper. Now, as adults, her heart belonged to someone else.

Jasper couldn't understand why he kept subjecting himself to such anguish.

Why did he ever have to meet her?

Just then, Imogen cautiously approached Jasper, asking, "Are you angry?"

Jasper shook his head. After all, his frustration was with himself rather than with Imogen.

"Did he start it, or was it the other way around?" Jasper asked.

"It wasn't me," Imogen replied promptly.

"So, he was bothering you," Jasper's voice turned cold and solemn.

Imogen lowered her gaze.

Jasper took a deep breath, silencing his inner turmoil. He gently clasped her hand, escorting her back home.

As they walked together, Imogen furrowed her brow in confusion. "Jay, why are we going home? I was just heading out to look for a job." "Let's pause the job search for now. We need to go home and pack our bags."

"What? Why?"

"We're moving."

"Where are we going to live?"

"My friend has gone abroad and won't be back for ten years. He's asked me to move in and look after his house," Jasper explained.

Imogen paused, taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

Could there really be such a stroke of luck in this world?

"Do we have to pay rent?" Imogen asked.

"Nope," Jasper replied, gently taking her hand as they went up the stairs together.

Imogen walked quietly beside Jasper. Watching his tight grip on her hand, she couldn't help but feel reassured and comforted by his touch.

However, she also detected an underlying tension in him, almost as if he feared she would disappear if he were to let go.

After a thoughtful pause, Imogen felt compelled to clear the air.

"Jay, there's nothing romantic between Ethan and me. We were good friends in the past, and now we're barely acquaintances." Jasper responded calmly, "Okay, I trust you."

Upon returning home, he updated

Carol and Gregory on the situation. Despite his wish to have them move in together, they both declined his offer.

As a result, Jasper and Imogen had to move out on their own.

Once Imogen had finished packing her bags, she joined Jasper in his sleek luxury car.

During the drive, doubts began to emerge in Imogen's mind.

Why was it the same luxury car again? And why was the driver the same as last time?

Weren't these types of high-end vehicles typically reserved for the wealthy elite?

Did Jasper really need to use such an expensive car for work a second time?

Soon, the vehicle was on its way to the city center.

At first, Imogen assumed they were heading toward an ordinary

apartment. But to her astonishment, they arrived at a prestigious villa district, winding along garden pathways.

As they pulled up to the entrance of a majestic villa, Imogen was struck speechless.

Stepping out of the car, she was

immediately captivated by the lavish

surroundings, feeling as though she

had stepped into a scene from a movie.

Imogen remained rooted in place, utterly awed by the breathtaking sight before her.

Jasper followed suit, stepping out of the car to join her. Meanwhile, the driver hurriedly began unloading their luggage.

Imogen turned to Jasper, her surprise evident in her voice. "Jay, are we staying here?"

Jasper simply nodded in response. He was determined to keep Imogen away from Ethan, even if it meant risking his true identity being revealed.

Chapter 1006

Shortly afterward, they stepped into the villa.

Imogen found herself in the opulent living room, nervously scanning its lavish surroundings. She hesitated to touch anything. Each item seemed too valuable to risk damaging.

In contrast, Jasper appeared at ease in this environment. He swiftly carried their luggage upstairs.

Upon returning downstairs, he vanished into the kitchen. Moments later, he reappeared with a glass of water, handing it to Imogen.

"Thank you," Imogen murmured appreciatively as she took the glass, feeling its warmth.

Sensing Imogen's unease, Jasper tried to reassure her, saying, "Feel free to make yourself comfortable here. You don't need to worry about damaging anything."

Taking a sip of the warm water, Imogen nervously replied, "But this place isn't our home."

Jasper smiled gently, reaching out to stroke her hair. "That's alright. Just try to relax a bit, okay?"

Imogen was momentarily taken aback, standing frozen as she locked eyes with Jasper, her heart racing with surprise.

Meanwhile, Jasper realized too late that his actions had unintentionally made her uneasy. Having grown accustomed to affectionately patting Candice's head, this gesture of fondness came naturally to him.

Retracting his hand, Jasper cleared his throat and said, "I'm off to work now. Take your time to settle in and make yourself at home here. If you need anything, just give me a call."

Imogen nodded in response.

Jasper glanced at her briefly, a hint of hesitation visible on his face. Eventually, he departed, leaving Imogen alone in the house as he headed out for work.

Imogen observed the place quietly as Jasper left. Putting down her glass, she decided to explore her new surroundings.

The villa encompassed three floors in total.

It featured a variety of rooms, including guest accommodations and versatile spaces for fitness, cinema, entertainment, study, and work-truly catering to every requirement.

The opulent lifestyle of the wealthy left her deeply impressed.

Upon entering one of the master bedrooms, Imogen quickly realized that her and Jasper's luggage were not in the same place.

Moving on to the adjacent master bedroom, she found her luggage neatly arranged inside. Instantly, confusion clouded her mind. Was Jasper hinting that they should sleep apart?

The separate arrangement of their luggage strongly suggested so.

Feeling disheartened, Imogen began unpacking her belongings quietly.

In the corporate headquarters, Jasper sat at his desk in the CEO's office, observing the woman who had arrived for an interview-Imogen Kingsley. However, this Imogen was not his wife. Her true identity was Zoey Layton, a 27-year-old local from Phoenicia.

Her father had retired as a

เอนไซ

high-ranking official, while her mother had ended her career as a judge. Indeed, both of her parents had notable achievements.

Despite her distinguished lineage, Zoey's academic performance

consistently subpar, making it was

challenging for her to secure a place in a prestigious university.

The possibility of Zoey failing to secure admission to a prestigious school posed a threat to the Layton family's reputation.

In response, Zoey's parents decided to target Imogen, whose remarkable academic achievements shone brightly despite her humble upbringing.

Leveraging their influence and connections, the Laytons intercepted Imogen's acceptance letter.

Seizing this opportunity, Zoey fraudulently assumed Imogen's

identity and secured a place for

herself at the prestigious Norvania Aerospace Academy.

A few years ago, Imogen unexpectedly found out that a company had been making social security contributions on her behalf without her knowledge. Initially, she considered pursuing legal action. However, to her dismay, Zoey's mother turned out to be a former judge from the same court.

Almost everyone involved either knew her as a former colleague or had been her student, creating a tightly interconnected web of relationships.

Subsequently, the Layton family approached Carol and Gregory, offering them a substantial sum of money to keep the matter quiet.

Fearful of potential repercussions, Carol and Gregory reluctantly accepted the hush money.

Consequently, Imogen was left with no option but to accept this bitter truth and endure the injustice of fate.

After conducting a thorough investigation, Jasper resolved to confront the impostor pretending to be Imogen-Zoey Layton.

Chapter 1007

Despite Zoey's ordinary appearance, her temperament was notably pleasant.

Jasper scrutinized her academic credentials and job application with a prating gaze.

Zoey appeared visibly nervous. Her cheeks flushed with a blend of shyness and apprehension, her heart fluttering with waves of emotion.

The CEO's choice to personally conduct her interview-an extraordinary privilege unlike any other-filled her with an excitement she could barely contain.

Before Zoey arrived, she had envisioned encountering a middle-aged man who was bald and overweight, assuming he had chosen her based on her beauty, talent, and capabilities.

However, upon meeting Jasper, she was surprised to find a young, handsome, and remarkably charismatic individual.

"You began with great promise at Norvania Aerospace Academy, achieving top grades. It's disappointing that you graduated with the lowest scores. "Your high school essay on space exploration dreams garnered attention across Norvania, creating quite a buzz. Why have you chosen a path in the private sector now? What happened to your ambitions in aerospace?"

Zoey felt increasingly uneasy. She nervously bit her lip and managed a strained smile, replying, "I did have aspirations in aerospace. However, only a select few from Norvania Aerospace Academy make it to the space agency.

"Just because I didn't qualify there doesn't diminish my abilities. I believe I can still excel and make an impact in my chosen field."

Jasper sneered as he set her resume aside. "And what field would that be?"

Zoey sensed she wasn't being taken seriously, feeling Jasper's scrutiny intensify.

But why would the CEO of such a prestigious company personally interview her only to undermine and single her out?

It seemed unlikely. There had to be some sort of test or evaluation in progress.

Despite feeling unsettled, Zoey maintained her smile and continued, "I possess a diverse range of strengths. My skills span across various areas— including playing the piano, excelling in dance, and fluently speaking several foreign languages."

Jasper responded sharply, "I lead an aviation transport company. Are you here to dance or play the piano?"

Upon hearing this, Zoey gritted her teeth, her face flushing with frustration.

Nevertheless, she kept her composure and responded calmly, "Mr. Morrison, as stated in my cover letter, I am applying for a position in the PR department."

After all, public relations encompassed tasks such as writing documents in the office and managing client disputes-it was generally regarded as one of the less technically demanding roles.

Little did Zoey know, Jasper harbored a deep-seated resentment toward her.

Zoey had assumed Imogen's

identity, obtained her degree, and shattered her dreams. However, rather than making the most of this opportunity, she allowed it to go to waste.

Why would Zoey go through the trouble of earning a degree from Norvania Aerospace Academy only to settle for a basic public relations job?

After all, a few years at any technical school or community college could have led to a similar outcome.

In the end, it was Imogen who bore the brunt of the consequences.

As Jasper contemplated this, his animosity toward Zoey intensified. He had no intention of forgiving her or her family easily.

"You're hired," Jasper declared calmly.

Zoey had initially believed she stood

little chance, but to her

astonishment, she passed the

interview. Expressing her grael.ne

she said, "Thank you, Mr. Morrison."

Jasper lowered his gaze, and his voice softened as he instructed, "Please go to the HR department for your onboarding."

"Of course, thank you, Mr. Morrison," Zoey responded gratefully, preparing to leave.

In that instant, a sudden thought struck her. She hesitated, wondering if Jasper's special treatment toward her implied a personal interest.

Summoning her courage, Zoey ventured tentatively, "Mr. Morrison, I'm currently single."

Jasper's gaze remained cool and enigmatic as he observed her, offering no response.

Zoey flashed him a timid smile. After saying goodbye, she gracefully exited the office.

As the door closed behind her, Jasper seethed with rage, angrily discarding all of Zoey's files into the trash.

Keeping Zoey on board was merely a means to collect evidence and seek vengeance for Imogen.

Did Zoey genuinely think she was special?

After unpacking her belongings,

Imogen spent several hours

searching for job opportunities, In

the evening, she visited the

supermarket to pick up some

groceries.

Upon returning home, she proceeded to prepare a meal for two.

Chapter 1008

At 7:00 pm, Jasper arrived home.

As he entered, the aroma of food greeted him. He changed his shoes and walked into the dining room.

Imogen looked gentle and charming with her apron on and her long hair tied back. Jasper found himself mesmerized. "You're back? Wash up and let's eat," she said with a smile.

Jasper smiled, feeling a happiness he'd never experienced with other women. It was so simple yet wonderful.

"Okay," Jasper replied before going to wash his hands.

After washing his hands, he brought out spaghetti for both of them.

Their dinner consisted of two dishes and a soup, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Imogen noticed that Jasper often put meat on her plate, as if worried she wasn't eating enough.

"You should eat more instead of always giving me food," Imogen said.

Jasper replied, "You're too thin."

Imogen was speechless. She didn't think she was thin. In fact, she felt she was a bit chubby.

Maybe men and women see things differently.

She lowered her head to eat the food. As she ate, she felt a bit down, thinking about something she couldn't resist asking.

She tried to sound casual as she asked, "Are we going to sleep in separate rooms?"

Jasper paused while eating.

Imogen noticed his reaction was a bit different, so she quickly gave him an out.

"Sleeping separately is fine. You have work, and I sleep poorly, so I might disturb your rest."

"It's not like that," Jasper responded as he put down his cutlery. He gazed at her intently.

Imogen continued eating to avoid his eyes because discussing this made her look like she was looking forward to something to happen.

"I didn't mean anything by it," Imogen

said with an awkward smile. "I just wanted to make sure. You don't have to be so tense. We're still in the stage of getting to know each other. Let's just go with the flow."

Jasper's mind was in turmoil. He didn't know how to deal with this sham marriage.

He was waiting for Imogen to truly

fall for him before he had enough courage to reveal his true identity and was confident enough to consummate their marriage.

It wasn't that he didn't want to touch her, but that he couldn't.

Deceiving someone into marriage was bad enough, but if he also deceived her into having sex, he truly wasn't human.

If Imogen discovered his true identity and insisted on a divorce, he would respect her decision. At least she was still a virgin by that time.

Jasper didn't continue the discussion any further.

After dinner, Imogen wanted to

clean up, but Jasper took her hand and pushed her to the sofa in the living room. He said, "You cooked, so I'll do the dishes. Just leave the rest tome."

Imogen was a bit worried as she responded, "But you're already exhausted from working. Doing chores after your work is too much."

Jasper pretended to be stern. He said, "Imogen, I'm your husband, not your boss. If I work a bit more, you can relax. Isn't that good?"

"It's not bad, but-"

"Be good. Sit here, eat some fruit, watch TV, or browse your phone. Call me if you need anything."

Imogen was pulled by Jasper to sit on the sofa in the living room. She felt touched as she watched him being so considerate.

Nowadays, a handsome, domestic, and caring man was a rare find.

Imogen took out her phone and opened WhatsApp to check her messages.

Suddenly, there was a crash from the kitchen. She quickly put down her phone and ran there.

She found Jasper picking up broken pieces of a porcelain dish. As they looked into each other's eyes, they both froze. Jasper felt embarrassed!

Chapter 1009

"How about I wash them instead?" Imogen said because she could see that Jasper wasn't good at housework, or perhaps he had no experience at all.

As she stepped into the kitchen, Jasper quickly put down what he was doing and pushed her toward the door.

He said firmly, "No, I said I'll do it, so I will do it well."

"Just be careful," Imogen said, a bit worried about him.

Jasper replied with a gentle smile, "Alright."

Imogen went to sit in the living room.

Jasper washed the dishes, cleaned up, and even wiped down the stove.

In the living room, Imogen was looking at her phone. Suddenly, she received a message from an old client, codenamed "Old Wolf."

Old Wolf: "Imogen, there's an outsourcing project. Can you do it?"

Imogen: "What kind of project?"

Old Wolf sent a file labeled "Confidential". Upon opening it, she was shocked and looked at it for a long time.

Imogen: "I can do it. How much are you offering?"

Old Wolf: "Eight thousand."

Imogen: "25 thousand."

Old Wolf: "You're too greedy."

Imogen: "You and I both know what kind of project this is. If 25 thousand is too much, you can find someone else."

Old Wolf: "If anyone else could do it, I wouldn't be asking you."

Imogen then sent an emoji of a big, grinning face.

Old Wolf: "Deal. As usual, payment after project completion and approval."

Imogen: "Deal."

She immediately went to her room to take her laptop and place it on the coffee table. Sitting on the floor, she began to work, processing project data with intense focus.

Her screen was filled with strings of code, lines of data, and pages of programming. She was so engrossed that she didn't notice Jasper quietly crouching behind her and observing her.

Her fingers flew over the keyboard with practiced ease.

The more Jasper watched, the darker his expression became. He took out his phone and discreetly captured a photo of her screen.

Then, he put down his phone and sat down on the sofa. He calmly asked, "Imogen, what are you doing?"

Imogen was shocked. She quickly closed her laptop and turned to Jasper in a panic.

Jasper lightly sighed. He then leaned

ē

in closer to Imogen and asked quietly may not understand all the code, but I recognise the software backend you were using. It's from the space agency."

Imogen was at a loss as she stood up. Then, she moved to the adjacent sofa. She gulped before nervously explaining, "I just took on some freelance work to earn extra money. I haven't done anything wrong."

Jasper's face darkened. "You're already breaking the law."

Imogen bit her lip as she was so nervous that her body tensed up. She looked at Jasper, wondering if he might report her.

Jasper said, "The person who leaked the space agency's project data to you is also breaking the law."

Imogen quickly put down her laptop and rushed to Jasper's side. Gripping his hand nervously, she said, "Jay, you won't report me, will you?" Jasper was stunned. He was speechless.

What does Imogen think of him? How could he report his own wife?

"I can't find a job right now, and I have no income. I just wanted to earn some extra money to help with the household expenses so that I can ease your financial burden. I don't want you to bear it all alone.

"I just want to make some money. I promise I won't do anything illegal. Jay, believe me, I really didn't..."

Chapter 1010

At that moment, Imogen was extremely flustered.

Jasper looked down at her trembling hand resting on the back of his own. Then, he turned his hand to hold hers, gently rubbing her palm. He could feel the sweat in her hand, so he knew that she was truly scared.

Jasper comforted her, "You're my wife. How could I ever report you? I'm just reminding you that what you're doing is wrong and illegal."

Imogen nodded vigorously and replied, "I know, but I've already taken the money. I'll finish this project, and I promise I won't take on such freelance work again."

Jasper asked, "Then tell me, what exactly is this project?"

After hesitating for a few seconds, Imogen murmured with her head lowered, "The space agency's latest Dragon Arrow 2 flight database has a system linkage bug. They outsourced it to me to fix it."

Jasper was stunned.

Seeing his silence, she looked up but saw his shocked expression.

Imogen resigned as she said, "It's not that the space agency doesn't have people who can fix it. Some opportunistic employees want to make themselves look good, so they take on such tasks and then find people like me, who have the skills but lack the credentials and job opportunities, to do the work.

"I get paid, they get the credit and rewards, maybe even promotions."

Jasper sighed lightly. As he gripped Imogen's hand tightly, he leaned back on the sofa. His expression darkened, and he felt uncomfortable.

Thinking about Zoey's actions, which led to Imogen's current desperate situation, made him furious.

Imogen peeped at Jasper's expression and noticed his anger, but she didn't understand why he was so upset.

She asked anxiously, "You won't report me, will you?"

Jasper furrowed his brow, lost in thought.

Imogen nervously leaned closer to him. She mustered the courage to appeal to him in a soft and coquettish tone, "Jay, please, just turn a blind eye this once. I'm only doing it for the money."

Jasper's expression became slightly gloomy. He gulped as he gazed intently at her delicate face. He asked with a husky voice, "Are you begging me?"

Imogen blinked her bright eyes and nodded sincerely. She said, "Yes."

Jasper swallowed before murmuring, "Show some sincerity."

With an earnest and serious attitude, Imogen knelt on the sofa beside him

and clasped her hands together th

She

pleaded, "I'm begging you, day."

Jasper shook his head.

Imogen frowned. She asked in displeasure, "Then what do you want me to do to show sincerity?"

Jasper leaned closer to stare at her pink lips. He hesitated before saying in a hoarse voice, "Can you kiss me?"

Imogen was dumbfounded as her heart pounded like crazy. She thought she had misheard him. She froze for a while from being extremely nervous.

However, Jasper fixed his gaze on her lips, gradually drawing closer to her.

Her heart raced faster and faster, her breathing became even more erratic, and her body felt increasingly warm.

Feeling her face heat up, Imogen closed her eyes and mustered her courage to kiss him.

As soon as her lips touched his cold lips, an indescribable thrill surged through her, making her body stiff.

She didn't move. She quietly kissed his lips, breathing in his pleasant scent.

She didn't know how long she needed to kiss him to show sincerity.

Just as she was wondering, she felt a hand on her waist, slowly pulling her into his embrace.