in her ears. His sharp gray eyes focused on her, assessing her every movement, e

ice calm but carrying an undercurrent o

or strength. "I'll do it," she said, her voice steady d

isfaction, perhaps? He nodded once and gestured toward th

al marriage was as routine as signing off on quarterly reports. His composure unnerved her, but she pushed t

cument. "This outlines the terms of our agreement," he said, slidin

rriage with clear stipulations about public appearances, privacy, and the financial compensation she would receive. Thom would cover

e year is up?" she ask

r-of-factly. "Amicably. The arrang

And if either of us

ned for both parties. Rest assured, I intend to fulfil

her spine, but she nodded. This was, after all, a

ions?" Thom asked, lea

needed this marriage, about what kind of man would resort to such

for a pen and handed

ld change forever. She pressed the tip to the paper, her name forming in bold, decisive

rs. Bernard," he said, a fai

space so luxurious it felt like stepping into another world. The polished marble floors, high ceilings, and floor-to-

with racks of designer clothes, tailoring her wardrobe to match the image of a wealthy socialit

fast one morning. He spoke with the same detached tone he used in the office, as though d

never been to a gala, let alone one where she would be under the s

at work, fell in love, and decided to ma

as nothing romantic about their arrangement, and y

gown, a deep emerald green, hugged her figure elegantly, the diamond necklace around her neck sparkling under the soft glow o

ngling effortlessly. Helena felt like a fish out of water, her smile fo

his hand resting lightly on the sma

pression unreadable as always. Despite his stoic demeanor, there was something reas

He introduced Helena to business associates and friends, his hand never strayin

d illusion designed to serve their mutual interests. And yet, there were moments-fleeting and rare-when

conversation with a woman named Vivienne, a sharp-tong

ory than friendly. "How did you manage to catch Th

laugh. "I supp

"Lucky, indeed. Well, enjoy it while it lasts, de

tepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air a welcome relief from the

?" Thom's voice ca

s expression softer than she'd ever seen it. For

aid, though her v

u're going to survive in this world, you'll need thi

ng his gaze with newfound

l in his eyes. "Good. Becaus

held a deeper meaning. This was only the start of a journey that would test her in w