tract in her hand felt heavier than it should, a tangible reminder of the life-altering decision she'd just made. Sign

ine as before, the air cool and quiet. Ethan sat behind his desk; his focus momentarily absorbe

t. His gaze dropped to the contract in her

wing the lump in he

lt of something-nerves, anticipation, or perhaps regret-shot through her. Ethan didn't se

moment, setting the contract down on his desk. He loo

ce did she have? The debts, the threats, her fa

irmly, willing her

solve without question. "Very

es fraying at the edges

him. "Now, we prepare for the wedding. It'll be a private cere

Maya repeated, relie

no need for a grand spectacle. Th

ldn't imagine facing a room full of strangers, pr

eed to make this arrangement appear authentic. For all intents an

sted. "What does t

nsuring our story holds up to scrutiny," Ethan explained. "We'll need to establish a co

p. "And what is

ends, hit it off immediately, and decided to elope after a wh

'd never been a good liar, and now she was

I'll provide a timeline, key details, and any questions you m

orb the enormity of what she was s

y legal team finalize the paperwork, and we

ya's eyes widened.

tter-of-factly. "The sooner we're married, th

few days filled her with anxiety. She'd imagined her wedding day countless times as

I understand this isn't ideal, but it's necessary. If there's anyth

n his voice. For all his aloofness, there was a hint

," she sai

ng his hand. "Welcome to the beginnin

new identity settling over her like a heavy cloak. She

fittings for a wedding dress, meetings with Ethan's public relations team, and endless discussions about their

ve scrutinized and coached. Ethan remained a constant presence, always compo

t elegant, a flowing white gown that hugged her figure without being ostentatious. Her hair was swept up in an intri

m her thoughts. "Come in," she called,

brief nod of approval. "You look beautifu

ed, smoothing the fabri

r, offering his

mony was a small, intimate affair, held in a private garden behind Ethan's estate. The only attendees were a handf

ermination. She recited the words with a steady voice, her mind focus

rushing hers briefly before pulling away. It was a sim

d with uncertainty. She was now Mrs. Ethan Carmichael, bound b

me woul