A marriage contract at the expense of being someone legal wife for two years and the divorce can happen at anytime with the settlement at two billion dollars.

Kaelynnee stood before the full-length mirror, her heart racing as she took in her reflection. The delicate makeup enhanced her features, transforming her into someone almost unrecognizable, a radiant vision of beauty. The strapless gown hugged her curves perfectly, flowing elegantly to the floor, shedding glimmers of light with every subtle movement. In that moment, she felt like a fairytale princess enveloped in a magical aura, despite knowing that her prince was, in truth, the villain of her narrative.

She glanced at the exquisite fabric of the dress, a masterpiece in itself, and felt a rush of affection for it, even as a darker reality anchored her emotions. This was merely a performance—one carefully orchestrated to showcase a love that was nothing more than a façade, devised to fulfill the obligations of their marriage contract. Together, they were to deceive the world, weaving a charade that served their own selfish ambitions.

“What do you think of this, Mister?” she chimed playfully, her tone light and airy, as if trying to convince herself of the deception. “I like it so much, it feels like we’re really getting married.” There was a gleam in her eyes, a flicker of excitement at the attention, a brief escape from her reality. Though she understood the artificiality of the situation, it thrilled her—almost intoxicatingly so—as her pulse quickened, waiting for his validation.

Opposite her, he lounged in an extravagant tuxedo that exuded power and sophistication. With a critical eye, he scrutinized her dress, noting every minute detail that didn't meet his lofty expectations. After an agonizing few moments of silence, he finally spoke, his tone apologetic yet dismissive. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Miss Kaelynnee. The dress does not fit my standards.” He shook his head slightly, masking a glimpse of his true thoughts behind an impassive façade.

Not wanting to witness the dismay that fluttered across her face, he crossed one leg over the other and shifted his gaze to the manager standing nearby.“Kindly unveil your finest and most exquisite dress, for this does not align with my wife’s discerning taste.” The command was firm, leaving no room for negotiation, as he turned back to Kaelynnee, feigning indifference to the splendor she adorned.

What was I thinking? So stupid!

As she permitted the talented seamstresses to assist her in crafting an exquisite and extravagant gown, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Each element of the dress was meticulously detailed and thoughtfully designed, crafted from the finest silks and organzas that flowed like liquid air. The intricate embroidery shimmered under the soft glow of the lights, creating a stunning visual tapestry.

The gown was lavishly adorned with sparkling diamonds that caught the light with every slight movement, casting a dazzling array of reflections around her. Designed to be voluminous, it boasted a fluffy, poofy silhouette that seemed to defy gravity. However, as she walked, the weight of the fabric pulled down on her, rendering the garment both majestic and a bit cumbersome.

Finally, she stood before him, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. To her surprise, he nodded in approval, a look of admiration etched across his face. He gestured for her to take a seat, his movements graceful and gentle. As he knelt to adorn her feet with heels intricately encrusted with matching diamonds, she felt a rush of emotion. The delicate shoes brought the ensemble together, but they also reminded her of the weight of extravagance that had settled upon her.

“You're fortunate to have such a beautiful face,” he remarked with a calculating grin. “It will certainly draw the attention of the public, and I doubt anyone will even realize that your status is equivalent to that of a peasant. Starting today, I’ll be changing your wardrobe, and you’ll be making appearances at various events. It's essential for you to help enhance our image in front of my friends, family, and the company as well.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for dissent as he outlined his intentions.

These two years will be a breeze, right? Why does it suddenly sound like a lot? He said I can ask for the divorce settlement anytime but right now, I’m drowning in debt because of my father. I still have to pay for my brother medical expensive and I can hire someone to find my parents. Money has always been a issue for my family but now since I have it, does that mean that we can become a family again? As long as I handle a few hardships, we will be A-Okay!

Under the soft glow of golden hour, the two of them stood before a professional photographer, their smiles illuminated by the radiance of the moment. As he took her hand, he gently slid the most exquisite ring onto her finger, a breathtaking creation adorned with a diamond that seemed to capture the very essence of light itself. Its brilliance was almost blinding, yet it pale in comparison to the heartfelt emotions swirling between them. Both of their names were intricately engraved on the band, a testament to a bond wrapped in complexity. Though she understood all too well that this marriage was merely a contract, the sheer beauty of the ring ignited a flicker of joy within her, a small yet significant gesture that the photographer captured perfectly, freezing her genuine smile in time.

They posed together, his hands resting possessively on her waist, drawing her closer as he whispered in her ear, “Make it look real.” The intimacy of the moment hung thick in the air as they locked eyes, their faces just inches apart. The warmth of his breath sent electrifying shivers down her spine. For the first time in her life, she felt the heady sensation of being held so closely, her heart racing wildly against her ribcage. She was on the brink of leaning in, desperate to feel the brush of their lips against each other, when the photographer’s voice broke the spell, chiming, “That’s great! I have plenty of pictures, sir.”

Suddenly, she turned away, disbelief washing over her. How could her heart betray her so foolishly? He was merely her friend, a temporary partner in this staged affair, and the tantalizing notion of kissing him had bubbled up innocently, yet mischievously, in her mind. This was supposed to be practice, a harmless rehearsal in a world she had yet to explore, but taking advantage of their moment felt too reckless.

“You would make a fantastic actress,” he praised her, genuine admiration shimmering in his eyes. “Have you ever thought about pursuing a career in acting? I could lend a hand and help you climb the ladder. I know a few people in the industry.” As he withdrew his hand from her shoulder, a rush of uncertainty filled the space between them. He had momentarily been entranced, nearly spellbound by her talent for pretending. With their lips so tantalizingly close, he was caught in the throes of desire, longing to bridge the inches that separated them. In that brief instant, she felt utterly irresistible to him, and the world around them faded to nothing but the two of them in that charged moment.

Why is this feeling? I know I don't like him or anything crazy! THAT WOULD BE RIDICULOUS 

“Do you think I can visit my brother tonight?” she asked, her voice laced with concern as she toyed nervously with the hem of her shirt. Anxiety gnawed at her as she thought about his condition; the sight of him lying in that hospital bed haunted her thoughts. She was acutely aware that the payment for his mounting medical bills was due soon, and the weight of her worries pressed heavily on her chest. Despite the struggles with finances, a flicker of determination sparked within her—she had just received her paycheck from that man, and she yearned to see her brother, not only to offer him comfort but also to take charge of the situation before expenses spiraled out of control.

“ You can meet with him the day after tomorrow.” He replied.

It seems like I don’t have choice in the matter

She lowered her head, her gaze falling on the glinting diamond ring that adorned her finger, a token of status rather than sentiment. With a delicate touch, she caressed the cool surface of the stone, feeling its perfect facets reflect light in a dazzling dance. Slowly, she turned to gaze out the window at the sprawling city below, where vibrant lights twinkled like stars in a sea of darkness.

“Okay.” Her voice softened, carrying a whisper of melancholy.

A wave of melancholy washed over her, tightening her chest as she thought about her brother, confined to a hospital bed and out of reach tonight. She softly pressed one hand against the other, fingers intertwined, as she battled to contain the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

In the past two days, her online friend had given her an invaluable source of support, lifting her spirits during this tumultuous time. In exchange, she felt she owed nothing less than her presence, even if it meant sacrificing the comfort of seeing her brother. Despite the difficulties, a flicker of hope ignited within her, fueling her determination to reunite her family piece by piece, no matter how gradual the journey might be.