Chapter 2: The Unwanted Bride
The Kings' estate looked nothing like the world Florida knew.
It was too large, too clean, and too cold.
Marble floors. Glass walls. Silence.
A maid took her coat and walked away without speaking. Florida stood still, unsure of where to go or what to say. Her suitcase sat by her feet, dripping rainwater on the floor.
She had never felt smaller.
Then he entered.
Bryant Kings.
He was taller than she expected. Dressed in black, expression unreadable, eyes like frozen steel.
He didn't look at her right away. Just walked past like she wasn't there.
Then he stopped.
"This is her?" he asked the man in the suit.
"Yes, sir. The Smith girl."
He finally turned. His eyes swept over Florida like she was an object being evaluated.
"You'll do what you're told," he said.
Florida opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
He walked into a side room. The man motioned for her to follow.
Inside, a folder sat on the table. A pen beside it.
Bryant pointed to the paper. "Sign it."
Florida stepped closer. The words on the page blurred for a second before she forced herself to read.
Marriage Contract.
Five years.
No romantic involvement.
No public relationship.
No outside affairs.
Strict confidentiality.
Her hand trembled as she picked up the pen.
"You don't get a say in the terms," he said flatly.
"I understand," she whispered.
She signed.
Without asking questions. Without looking up.
Bryant took the folder and handed it back to the man.
"This isn't a real marriage," he said. "You're here because of a contract, not because I want you here. Don't forget that."
"I won't," she said softly.
"You'll stay in the guest wing. My side of the house is off-limits."
She nodded.
"In public, we'll act the part. But behind closed doors—stay out of my way."
Another nod.
He paused, waiting for her to say something more.
But she said nothing.
Bryant stared at her a moment longer, then turned and walked out of the room.
Florida stood alone, the silence pressing heavy against her chest.
She had just signed her life away.
And no one even said "welcome."
End of Chapter 2