My Billionaire Husband Married a Fool—or So He Thought

The moment Dereck met Caroline’s wide, earnest eyes, he heard himself agree before he could think better of it.

“Fine. I won’t kick you out, but you can’t stay in my room,” he said, his voice gruff, but it was a concession.

Dereck was irritated by his own sudden change of heart. But the words were already out, and there was no easy way to take them back. He jerked his chin at the bodyguards, signaling them to escort Caroline out of his room.

Caroline, satisfied with the win, didn’t push for more. She needed this identity for now—whatever came later, she’d deal with it then.

The bodyguards closed in, escorted her downstairs, and left her in a servant’s room. Under their arrogant stares, Caroline had to swallow her pride. She’d simply moved from leaning on one person to leaning on another, and the bitterness of it stung.

After washing up and drying off, she suddenly realized, “Oh no.”

Her luggage was still with that cold-faced man! What was she supposed to do now?

She looked around the bathroom and nearly sagged with relief when she found a bath towel. Wrapping it around herself, she tried to figure out how to get her suitcase back. There was no way she could just walk into his room like that. Even if he didn’t get the wrong idea, she’d be mortified.

She decided to wait until he fell asleep, then sneak in and retrieve her belongings. It was absurd—having to steal her own luggage.

Lying on the bed, Caroline watched the clock intently, but eventually drifted off.

Meanwhile, after ordering the bodyguard to escort Caroline out, Dereck showered and got ready for bed. As he settled onto the mattress, his gaze fell on the stuffed teddy bear she’d left on the sofa. His eyes narrowed with cold amusement before he lay down to rest.

His sleep had always been light, and with the added toll of his illness, restful nights were scarce.

As he was in a light doze, the sound of the door lock turning jolted him awake. Dereck’s eyes snapped open—sharp and dangerous.

Who dared intrude into his room? Were they asking for trouble?

He lay still, like a predator ready for whoever dared step into his domain.

Sure enough, moments later, a shadow slipped into his room.

The faint light from the window revealed the newcomer: Caroline, wrapped in a bedsheet, awkwardly navigating the room. She bumped into furniture and winced in pain.

Despite the discomfort, she pressed on toward the closet, determined to retrieve her suitcase. Just as she reached the wardrobe, a voice shattered the silence.

“What do you think you’re doing, sneaking into my room at this hour?” Dereck’s voice cut coldly through the darkness.

Caroline froze, hand still on the closet door, as his voice rang out again.

“Turn on the lights.”

The room flooded with light, revealing Caroline standing awkwardly by the closet. She turned slowly, eyes closed and arms extended, faking blindness.

Dereck watched her little act and let out a dry laugh. “Pretending to sleepwalk into my room? Really?”

Caroline sighed inwardly at the taunt but stayed silent, resuming her quest for the suitcase.

Her silence left Dereck feeling as if he’d punched air. He shifted his gaze, noticed the bedsheet, and pieced together why she’d come.

“Your things are over here,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Startled, Caroline’s eyes flew open, locking onto Dereck with disbelief. Without a second thought, she launched herself onto his bed.

Caught off guard by her sudden move, Dereck could only watch as she scrambled onto the bed, swinging wildly at him.

“You jerk! Give me back my things or I’ll bite you!” she shouted, raining random blows on him.

Dereck, overwhelmed by her frenzied attack, was helpless. This unpredictable woman had somehow gained the upper hand, leaving him unable to defend himself, which only fueled his irritation.

Just as Dereck resolved to toss her off him, a sudden warmth rushed to his cheeks—and he found himself with a nosebleed.

Caroline instantly felt a draft and abruptly realized her situation. “Ah!” she screamed, grabbing the fallen bedsheet to cover herself.

“Don’t look!” she shouted, more concerned now with protecting her modesty than keeping up any act.

She hastily retreated to the floor, but the moment she landed, something clicked in her mind. She couldn’t let this end here. She needed this identity as cover. Mustering her resolve, she climbed back onto the bed, wearing a wide-eyed, earnest expression.

“Hey, I’ve got a gift for you,” she said, eyes shining with feigned innocence.

Intrigued despite himself—and more than a little bewildered by her sudden change in demeanor—Dereck raised an eyebrow. “What gift?”

With an air of mystery, Caroline simply answered, “Something special in my suitcase. I wanted to show it to you.”

Feigning indifference, Dereck replied, “I haven’t touched your suitcase; I don’t know where it is. Just take it and leave my room.”

“Thanks,” Caroline beamed, retrieving her suitcase and teddy bear backpack with a giggle.

“Thanks. I won’t bother you tonight; I’ll bring you the gift tomorrow,” she chimed, her voice syrup-sweet.

That relentless cheer grated on Dereck’s nerves. “Just get out,” he snapped, a slight shiver running down his spine at her sweetness.

Taking his words as a reprieve, Caroline hurriedly dragged her luggage and teddy bear out of the room, escaping as fast as she could.