"What's wrong? Don't you like this design? I can have the designer start over if you don't."
Rita shook her head quickly. "It's not that I don't like it; it's just that this place is too good. I love every detail of the design, I really do, but..."
"But what?" Sherman asked anxiously. He had put his heart and soul into this, just to make sure Rita would be pleasantly surprised when she moved in. All this was so she could feel comfortable living there.
"I love it, but this isn't mine."
Sherman could see the disappointment in Rita's gaze. She was clearly pretending to be strong by saying those words, and that baffled Sherman.
"We're husband and wife. This is our shared home, so why do you say this isn't yours?"
"It's yours, Sherman, not mine. I know you married me out of obligation, and once the dust settles, I'm willing to divorce you. You don't have to act a certain way when we're with my dad. This place will eventually welcome its true owner."
Sherman's expression changed, while Rita's smile seemed forced. She was holding back her pain to say these words to him. How could she not wish to be the owner of the place?
"Are you joking?" Sherman's face became expressionless again, to Rita's relief.
Being close to Sherman would only drag him into her family's mess, and she did not want that. Thus, what was the point of being married to him if all she was going to bring to him was trouble?
"Is that what you really think? How thoughtful of you. So, what kind of woman do you think would be suitable for me?" asked Sherman.
Rita took a deep breath as if to compose herself. She then forced a smile and lifted her head to look at him.
"Ultimately, she should be someone from a similar background so she can help you in your career. Most importantly, she should come from a simple family, preferably a girl who's grown up surrounded by love."
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