Riley never imagined her wedding would take place in a cold conference room instead of at the altar of a church.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Grant Corporation's top floor, illuminating the heavy legal contract laid out on the table. Each clause felt like another chain, binding her to a world she barely understood.
"One last chance, Miss Bennett," Alexander said from across the sleek wooden table, his fingers tapping rhythmically. "Once you sign, there's no turning back."
The pen in Riley's hand felt as heavy as a sword. Her mind filled with images—her mother's pale face in the hospital, the endless stack of medical bills, and Sophie sobbing in her arms the night before.
"I understand." Her voice was steadier than she expected.
Alexander's lawyer, Mr. Thompson, cleared his throat and began reading through the contract line by line. "According to the agreement, both parties will maintain a legally binding marriage for a duration of three years. During this time, Miss Riley Bennett will reside at Mr. Alexander Grant's New York residence, attend all required social functions, and maintain the public image of a loving spouse…"
Riley tried to focus, but the legal jargon made her head spin. What mattered more was Alexander's expression—he looked as detached as if this were just another business deal. No emotion. No hesitation.
"Next," Thompson continued, "is the Emotional Boundary Clause. Both parties agree not to form any emotional attachment beyond the limits defined in the contract. A breach of this clause results in immediate termination of the agreement."
Riley looked up. Alexander's eyes met hers for a brief second. For a moment, she thought she saw something flicker there—but it vanished before she could name it.
"Any questions?" Alexander asked.
"Yes… the clause about physical contact," Riley said, cheeks flushing. "It states that unless required in public, we are not to…"
"No physical contact," Alexander cut in flatly. "That includes holding hands, hugging, or anything that could be construed as intimate."
"But if we're supposed to act like a real couple…"
"In public, we'll appear affectionate," he said. "In private, we keep our distance. It's better for both of us."
Riley nodded, though she wasn't sure she truly understood. She flipped to the final page of the contract. The compensation section spelled out fifty thousand dollars upfront for medical expenses, ten thousand monthly living allowance, and a lump sum of one million dollars after three years.
The numbers made her dizzy. She had never seen that much money—not even in her dreams.
"What if I want to end the contract early?" she asked.
"You forfeit all unpaid compensation," Mr. Thompson replied. "And you'll be required to repay any living expenses already disbursed."
Riley sucked in a sharp breath. That meant there was almost no way out—unless… unless she fell in love with Alexander, or he with her.
But looking at his indifferent face, that seemed impossible.
"I need your signature, Miss Bennett," Alexander said. "My time is valuable."
Riley took a deep breath and signed her name. The ink bled onto the page like a piece of her soul being sealed away forever.
Alexander signed next and handed the papers back to Thompson. "Effective immediately."
"Congratulations," Thompson said, though his tone sounded more like he was finalizing a merger than officiating a marriage. "You are now legally husband and wife."
Riley felt a strange sense of unreality. She had just gotten married—and she didn't even know her husband's birthday.
"Now," Alexander said, rising to his feet, "we need to go register at the courthouse."
An hour later, Riley stood inside the Manhattan Civil Court, dressed in her best black dress, holding a bouquet of white roses she'd hastily bought from a florist.
Alexander, in a tailored dark suit, looked sharp and aloof. From the outside, they looked like a glamorous New York couple. But Riley knew better.
"Please raise your right hand," the officiant instructed.
Riley's hand trembled as she lifted it.
"Do you take each other to be lawfully wedded spouses, promising to love, honor, and cherish one another, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?"
"I do," Alexander said, his voice calm and unwavering.
"I do," Riley echoed, though hers trembled.
"By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Riley's heart pounded. She faced Alexander, felt his breath against her lips.
"This is necessary," he whispered, then gently brushed his lips against hers.
The kiss was brief and cold, but it sent a jolt of electricity through her. Her first kiss—given to a man who was practically a stranger.
As they pulled apart, the officiant and court staff applauded. Riley forced a smile, but her emotions were too tangled to name.
"Congratulations," the officiant said. "I wish you a lifetime of happiness."
Happiness. Riley wondered—if he knew the truth, would he still say that?
As they exited the courthouse, Alexander pulled a small box from his coat pocket.
"This is your ring."
Inside was a massive diamond. It sparkled beautifully—but felt like a shackle.
"It belonged to my grandmother," Alexander said. "A Grant family tradition."
Riley slid the ring onto her finger. It gleamed like a symbol of status, but to her, it felt like a lock.
"Let's go home," Alexander said.
Home. What did that even mean now?
They rode back to the Upper East Side in Alexander's Rolls-Royce. It was Riley's first time in such a luxurious car, but she couldn't enjoy it. Her mind raced with everything she had just agreed to.
"You look tense," Alexander observed.
"I just married a man I barely know," she said. "I think that's fair."
He was silent for a moment. "I know this isn't easy. But you made the right decision."
"The right decision?" she echoed. "I sold the next three years of my life to you."
"You saved your mother's life," he said, correcting her. "This isn't a sale. It's a mutual arrangement."
She wanted to argue, but he was right. Without this deal, her mother…
She didn't want to finish that thought.
"Does my mother know the truth about this?" she asked.
"No," Alexander said. "The story is, we met at a charity ball, fell in love, and married quickly."
"Love at first sight," Riley murmured. "You think she'll believe that?"
"People believe what they want to believe," Alexander replied. "And we need it to look real."
The car turned into a private driveway, and the sight of the Grant estate took Riley's breath away once again. This would be her home—for the next three years.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Grant," the chauffeur said as he opened the door for her.
Mrs. Grant. Riley knew she would need time to grow into that title.
Alexander led her inside. This time, she noticed more details—the marble floors, the chandeliers, the oil paintings. Every corner whispered of wealth and legacy.
"Your room is on the second floor," Alexander said. "Mine is on the third. We'll each have our own space."
She followed him up the grand staircase to an exquisite bedroom—larger than her entire old apartment. Silk wallpaper, antique furnishings.
"This is your walk-in closet," he said, opening a door. "Someone will come tomorrow to help you build your wardrobe."
Riley looked at the empty closet and thought of her two small suitcases.
"We have a business gala tomorrow night," Alexander added. "It will be your first public appearance as my wife."
"What do I need to do?" she asked.
"Smile, look like you're madly in love with me, and don't talk too much," he said. "I'll take care of the rest."
She nodded, though she felt panic bubbling beneath the surface. She'd never attended anything like that in her life.
"Dinner is at eight. You can rest for now."
He turned to leave, but she stopped him.
"Alexander."
He looked back.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "I know this isn't easy for you either."
His expression softened, just for a second. "We're both just doing what we have to."
Then he left her alone in the vast, unfamiliar room. Riley walked to the window and stared out at Central Park.
Her new life had begun—a life built on lies and contracts.
But at least her mother would get the treatment she needed.
For now, that was enough.