The relationship between the protagonist and the NPCs.

Back then, she couldn’t return home simply because, as an NPC, she was confined to a specific area.

The plot said she’d be back in five years, so five years it was before she could return.

“It’s mainly Grace Gordon—we grew up together, childhood sweethearts. If I hadn’t gone abroad, we probably would’ve gotten married. But then he went and found a stand-in, so I just wanted to avoid them. Grace Gordon always gets hung up on what he can’t have. The minute I moved on, he couldn’t stand it. I was worried he might lash out, that innocent people would get hurt, so I wanted you to steer clear of him.”

Olivia Young patiently offered her explanation, though she kept the harsh truth to herself.

They were NPCs in a novel, after all!

And as for rivals in love—she figured Frederick Fairfax could handle that just fine.

After all, they’d been classmates for three years, and no one knew better than him how to get under someone’s skin.

“Grace Gordon’s bothering you?”

“Not really. I’ve already blocked him.”

“Just promise me you won’t try anything with him!” For the sake of all that Zachary Shaw had sacrificed to help her in the original novel, Olivia Young was determined to keep him far away from Grace Gordon.

Not just him—everyone else, too.

“I’m not that kind of person. I’m not a kid anymore,” Zachary Shaw said, trying to sound calm as he lifted his teacup to hide his embarrassment now that she’d seen right through him.

Grace Gordon should be left for Frederick Fairfax to deal with.

If they wanted to be with their goddess, it wasn’t going to be that easy.

Let Frederick Fairfax go through the wringer first.

But she couldn’t let Frederick Fairfax suffer too much—after all, she still wanted a happy future with him.

And if they couldn’t make it work... well, getting a divorce wouldn’t be the end of the world.

He wouldn’t even mind if his future wife had ten kids from a previous marriage.

So many thoughts flitted through Zachary Shaw’s mind.

Across from him, Olivia Young remained composed and elegant, savoring her meal.

Until—

The sound of a video call request chimed.

Olivia Young answered, only to hear her little darling sobbing heart out. The baby’s eyes were red from crying, her little mouth pouty as she wailed, “Wah wah, wah!”

“Sweetie, Mom’s having dinner outside. I’ll be home as soon as I’m done, okay?”

“There, there, don’t cry. It’s all right.”

Olivia Young soothed her little one with gentle words.

“Your daughter’s adorable,” Zachary Shaw said, curiosity getting the better of him as he leaned in.

“Who is that?”

Frederick Fairfax’s voice sounded alarmed—the face, the voice of a man.

Zachary Shaw!

That jerk!

“Honey, do you know what he’s done to us? You’re out having dinner with him just after coming out of your postpartum confinement?”

Frederick Fairfax’s heart was breaking. He was at home with ten kids, while his wife was out dining with the enemy!

How was he supposed to live like this?

“Honey, how could you treat us—a father and daughter—like this…?”

“Baby, Mom’s having dinner outside with another uncle, and you don’t want Dad anymore...”

Zachary Shaw, now thoroughly embarrassed, sat back in his seat.

“Say one more word and I really won’t want either of you,” Olivia Young said with a deliberately stern face. “Now, be good and take care of our daughter. When I get back, I’ll take care of you.”

Frederick Fairfax’s ears turned red at her words, his mind swirling with alluring daydreams. He’d been waiting for this for so long.

“All right, Honey. I’ll calm her down right away.”

Frederick Fairfax hung up.

Zachary Shaw was stunned.

Frederick Fairfax sounded just like a scolded puppy when he replied to her—no wonder they’d all crushed on Olivia Young for years.

It didn’t matter if you were a childhood sweetheart or a famous movie star; she had everyone wrapped around her finger!

“Sorry you had to see that.” Olivia Young set her phone down. “Frederick Fairfax is just like that.”

“I never would’ve guessed.”

Who would’ve thought that Frederick Fairfax—the untamable rebel outside—was so obedient at home? Was he just under her thumb?

No.

He was completely whipped.

Now that Olivia Young’s postpartum month was finally over, they’d also moved back into Lakeview Villa.

With no help from Quentin Young to wrangle the baby, Frederick Fairfax took ages to coax their daughter to sleep.

He finally got to shower, spritz on some cologne, and waited for his wife to come home.

Frederick Fairfax stared at his phone—the wallpaper was Olivia Young cuddling their daughter. The resemblance in their smiles was uncanny.

Time ticked away, and Frederick Fairfax’s heart gradually sank.

Why isn’t she home yet?

What could she have to talk about with Zachary Shaw for so long?

After all, it was Zachary Shaw who signed them up for that Divorce Show. Olivia Young probably just went to draw a line with him.

Olivia Young liked him so much, she’d fallen for him at first sight—even when he was wearing a mask.

She’d come home. She definitely would.

Lying in bed, Frederick Fairfax reassured himself. She would come home.

As long as she came home, she was a good wife.

A good wife…

Frederick Fairfax kept repeating it to himself, eyes slowly closing.

Kid-wrangling was exhausting.

So tired... zZZZZZ…

When Olivia Young arrived home, the villa was perfectly quiet.

She went to the nursery first to see her baby, who was sleeping soundly with the nanny beside her.

Such a sweet little thing.

Olivia Young kissed her sleepy darling. “Good night, sweetheart.”

But now it was time to comfort the big kid.

Olivia Young slipped into the master bedroom. Only a soft light was on inside.

Frederick Fairfax had sprawled out on the bed, his torso up on the mattress but his long legs hanging off the side.

Was he asleep?

He looked like he was—

He could fall asleep in that position? Impressive.

Since he was asleep, there was no need to coax him.

Feeling pleased, Olivia Young went to shower.

But after her shower, that delight evaporated.

Although her postpartum month was over, she still hadn’t lost the baby weight around her waist.

It wasn’t fair that he could take her morning sickness instead—why couldn’t he take some of the fat, too?

Olivia Young pinched her waist, still a bit soft and pudgy. Frederick Fairfax just loved to give her a squeeze there.

She stepped out of the bathroom, only to be engulfed by a tall, dark shadow.

Still damp from her shower, Olivia Young was wrapped up in Frederick Fairfax’s embrace.

He radiated heat, warm and cozy.

She looked up. “You’re awake?”

“The sound of running water woke me. Why didn’t you call me?”

“Why would I? You looked so peaceful. Emotional prep for tonight?” Olivia Young wrapped her arms around his waist.

The lighting in the room was dim, Frederick Fairfax’s tall frame blocking out part of it.

Olivia Young’s beautiful face was half in shadow, but her eyes glimmered with a hungry look, as if she might devour him then and there.

Frederick Fairfax’s ears turned pink. “My health’s always been good—no need for special prep.”

“Too bad, Hubby. It’s six weeks after delivery before we can, you know… So you’ll just have to be patient a little longer.” Olivia Young patted his chest, then traced a finger down his open collar.

Frederick Fairfax took a deep breath. “Weren’t you going to comfort me?”

“Aren’t I doing that right now?”

He loved her touch so much—tonight, she’d spoil him with a little extra attention.

Frederick Fairfax felt all his anticipation evaporate.

“So, what did you and Zachary Shaw talk about?”

“I told him not to get involved with us anymore. I’m married now. We can only be friends.” Olivia Young answered, still running her hand lovingly over his abs.

Her husband’s abs were her endless energy source—keep those in shape, and she’d always come home early.

She had to think of some way to keep Frederick Fairfax in line.

“Really?”

Frederick Fairfax narrowed his eyes. “Did you need to say that in person?”

“Do you not trust me?”

At that, Frederick Fairfax pressed a flurry of kisses to her lips, grumbling, “He likes you!”

“Lots of people like me. Lots of people like you, too. We’re both loved by many. But I only have one husband—and that’s you.”