The two parted ways, returning to lives where they treated each other like strangers.

One afternoon, Brendan returned from a government meeting. Jason Russell arrived with documents for his signature. As Jason placed the documents on the desk, Brendan asked, "What's Naomi been up to lately?" He hadn't seen her in about a month.

Jason replied, "Ms. Goodwin's been busy with work, sir. She's taken on quite a few divorce cases." His voice softened as he spoke the last few words.

Brendan tossed the documents aside and laughed coldly. "She's practicing in advance."

Jason didn't respond; that was precisely what he thought. Naomi's reasons for marrying Brendan were obvious.

In the Solaris Law Firm meeting room, Naomi sneezed. Just as she wondered who was scolding her, Michael Smyth, the firm's director, turned to her. In a serious tone, he asked, "Why are you taking so many divorce cases at such a young age, Naomi?"

He then addressed the other colleagues: "Don't bully Naomi because she's young and new. Don't give her cases you don't want."

Naomi smiled. "It's not like that, Mr. Smyth. I consider it practice." Her marriage to Brendan was a looming battle; she needed to prepare.

Michael frowned. "You don't have to practice this way. Take fewer divorce cases; I don't want them to affect your view of marriage." Naomi had only graduated a year earlier. Michael feared the cases would negatively impact her.

Before Naomi could reply, Michael continued, "Don't say I didn't advise you. I hear Ludwig Corporation is looking for a new corporate lawyer. If you win their business, you'll become a rising star."

For years, Solaris Law Firm had unsuccessfully pursued Ludwig Corporation's legal work. With a newcomer this year, Michael wanted Naomi to try. He highly valued her work ethic and ability. Fearing she'd hesitate, he urged, "Don't feel pressured. Just try your best."

Naomi found it hard to refuse. She agreed to try. But the prospect of dealing with Ludwig Corporation made her head ache.

That evening, at dinner with her parents, she asked coldly, "Why did you and Samuel make me marry Brendan, Dad? Were you trying to help or hurt me?"

Dennis Goodwin's face turned pale. "What nonsense? Of course, it was for your own good. Several fortune tellers said you're only compatible with Brendan, horoscope-wise. Otherwise, you won't have children."

Naomi looked at him. "Did Samuel doubt the fortune tellers?"

"Your father-in-law found them. I don't know them."

Naomi was speechless. She could only have children with Brendan. She didn't know if they had a karmic connection, but their fates seemed intertwined. She felt she had the most absurd life.

Her mother, Christine Ziegler, added, "If Naomi has children and Brendan divorces her, Dennis, will she get custody?"

"Samuel said she absolutely would. So having children is Naomi's most important task," Dennis replied. Christine then turned to Naomi. "Did you hear that? Keep this in mind."

Naomi replied, "Okay. Even if I don't eat, drink, or sleep, I'll have a baby with Brendan. Don't worry." She hadn't taken it seriously until multiple fortune tellers confirmed it. Regardless of her future with Brendan, she needed to get pregnant.

After dinner, she left her parents' home. Back in Yellowwind Bay, their maid, Jennifer Lawrence, excitedly announced, "Mrs. Ludwig, Mr. Brendan…"

Naomi paused, surprised.

Eventually, he didn't push her away. The scent filled the air between their lips, creating a romantic atmosphere. Her nightgown slipped, revealing her fair skin. She moved closer, a beautiful painting. Work and scandals faded; having a child was paramount.

Just as Brendan's hand moved up Naomi's back, his phone rang. The vibration startled him. He released Naomi and answered.

Hearing Jason's voice, Brendan said, "Go pick her up. I'll be there soon."

As Brendan was leaving, Naomi grabbed his arm. "Brendan, you're too mean!"

Brendan shook her off. "I was just playing along. Don't take it seriously." If Jason hadn't called, he might not have been able to control himself.

After Brendan left, Naomi was furious. She quickly called Bailey and arranged to meet at a bar.

Hearing Naomi describe the missed opportunity, Bailey skeptically asked, "Even then, Brendan didn't go for it? Could he be impotent?"

Naomi replied, "He's probably just annoying me."

Bailey said, "You're just looking for fun. If you divorce, he won't need to care for the child. I don't understand him. If I had a wife like you, I'd never let you out of bed."

Bailey's cheeky words were like those of a man. Her tomboy style attracted many women.

As they talked, Bailey's expression changed. She showed Naomi her phone. "Naomi, your husband has gone too far."

Naomi's face darkened. People shared bikes and power banks; she was sharing her husband. Brendan partying was one thing, but his coldness towards her was disrespectful. Did he ever treat her like his wife?

Naomi slammed her glass on the table and stood up. A group of girls blocked her.

"Hey! Isn't this Naomi Goodwin? You look glum. Drowning your sorrows?"