Her father had fallen for it too.

“Drive us to the villa," Bennett commanded, and the drive started the car slowly.

He averted his gaze, rolled down his sleeves nonchalantly and inquired, “why do you think I'm Lying?”

Hearing that question, Claudia's heart fluttered. He suddenly lifted his gaze, looking at her intently with his deeply-set eyes. "Perhaps I was telling the truth."

His eyes were inky black, beckoning her into their abyss.

Claudia's mind blanked out. She swallowed with difficulty as her mouth and throat seemed to stop functioning for no apparent reason.

The closeness between them was such that the familiar scent of wood almost overwhelmed her senses.

His intense gaze heated her from within.

It took her about half a minute to gather her thoughts.

Forcing a smile, she avoided meeting his eyes. "That can't be."

“Why not?" Bennett countered with a calm demeanor.

He seemed unaffected by her discomfort and probed further.

Glancing at him, Claudia composed herself and retorted, "You've known me for a short while only."

As she said that, it felt as if she had uncovered a hidden truth about Bennett. "Are you seeing me as a substitute for someone else?"

Could that be the reason for his affable behavior towards her?

The thought seemed plausible.

Bennett was at a loss for words.

His gaze narrowed as he finally replied, "You're overthinking.” Noticing his sudden frosty demeanor, Claudia was convinced her speculation was accurate.

Her embarrassment had completely vanished. With a slight shift in her posture, she propped her chin on her hand, and peered at the icy man beside her. She decided to turn the tables on him. "Why am I overthinking?"

She even conjectured that Bennett's agreement to their marriage might be linked to his past romantic interest.

Cupping her face, she questioned, "Do I resemble her? My eyes or nose? Do we share similarities?"

This was her first experience being a “substitute,” which stirred a hint of curiosity in her.

Bennett glanced at Claudia, his Adam's apple shifting noticeably.

He nudged her to settle down in her seat. "Sit."