The Day I Stopped Being the Nice Wife - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Caleb held the door open as Jane stepped into the expansive space, her eyes widening at the luxurious surroundings. "Make yourself comfortable," he said smoothly. "I'll get us drinks. We should celebrate."
She drifted toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, gasping when she saw how high above the city they were.
"You won't fall," Caleb called over his shoulder. "The glass is reinforced."
Jane spun around too quickly, wobbling slightly before steadying herself.
"Easy there," Caleb warned, catching her elbow and guiding her away from the window. He handed her a glass of wine. "Here."
"Thank you," Jane said, clearing her throat as she pulled away from his touch.
"Let's talk in my office." Caleb led her across the room to an unassuming door she hadn't noticed before.
When Jane stepped inside, her breath caught. The modest exterior hid an office nearly twice the size of her bedroom, rivaling the living area they'd just left.
Caleb smirked at her reaction. "If this impresses you, wait until you see my mansion."
Jane composed herself and took a seat, setting her wine glass on the polished table. "I was surprised when you called," she admitted.
She met his gaze evenly. "After thinking it through, I realized I need to make Marcus pay for everything he's done."
"You made the right choice." Caleb raised his glass. "To your first victory against them."
A faint blush colored Jane's cheeks as she clinked her glass against his. "Thanks for your support."
"Of course," he said. "I meant what I said about helping you. So what's next?"
Jane shrugged. "Honestly? I haven't thought that far ahead." She studied him curiously. "Actually, I've been meaning to ask—why are you helping me?"
Caleb took a deliberate sip of wine before answering. He leaned closer, his voice dropping. "Simple. I want us to get married. Then we'll join forces and destroy him."
Jane burst into laughter, startling Caleb. "Did I say something funny?" he demanded, frowning as she struggled to contain her amusement.
"Marry you?" she finally managed, wiping her eyes. "Seriously? That's your best play?"
Caleb's jaw tightened. "Listen. Dragon Corporation stole vital trade secrets from us two years ago—secrets Marcus is now using to blackmail my company." His voice turned icy. "My father died from the shock when he learned about the leak."
He cut off Jane's attempt to apologize. "Don't. His heart was already weak. But those stolen secrets are what put Dragon on equal footing with us. I've been watching Marcus for years—that's how I learned about you."
Jane's smile faded. "So you've been spying on me?"
"On Marcus," Caleb corrected. "You were part of the package. We both want revenge—why not help each other?"
"Then why bring up marriage?" Jane crossed her arms.
"Two reasons," Caleb said evenly. "First, my mother's been hounding me to settle down. Second, my father's will states that if I don't marry within four years of his death, my uncle takes over the company—and neither of us wants that."
He continued before she could interrupt: "Marrying me also gives you protection. Nobody messes with a Lockwood."
Jane stood abruptly. "I'm sorry, I can't do this."
"So you're giving up?" Caleb challenged. "No revenge?"
She whirled around. "I want Marcus to pay for what he's done!"
"Then marry me," Caleb pressed, standing to face her.
"No," Jane said firmly. "I just got out of one marriage. Why would I jump into another?"
Caleb moved closer, his smile razor-thin. "This isn't about love, Jane. It's business. I scratch your back, you scratch mine."
Jane looked away, her mind racing. The idea of partnering with this near-stranger was insane—but seeing Marcus with Abigail had shattered something inside her.
"Think it over," Caleb said when she remained silent. "You have my number."
As Jane stared at the door, Caleb added, "It's late. I'll prepare the guest room."
She caught his arm. "I can't stay here. I don't even know you."
Caleb slipped his hands into his pockets, amused. "Got somewhere else to go?"
Jane's shoulders slumped. "No," she whispered.
"Then where do you want me to take you?"
The reality of her situation crashed over her—no family to turn to, no friends in the city. Just Caleb and this insane proposal.
She realized with sudden clarity that she might need him as much as he needed her. But she refused to show her desperation.
Caleb grabbed his keys. "Come on, I'll take you to a hotel."
Jane opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it. Arguing was pointless now.
"We can talk more in the car," Caleb said, holding the door open for her.