Stephanie's POV
"Mommy, I want to marry him. He always cries and gives me all his candy." Seven-year-old me pointed at the neighbor boy who used to play in the garden.
My mom looked at his mother and laughed before crouching down to face me. "Did your groom agree to marry you, Athy?"
I used to pout, shaking my head. Did it matter whether he agreed or not? It was my marriage, after all.
"You have to ask for his permission and love each other to marry, okay, Athy?"
***
My mother's words echoed in my mind as I stared at the marriage register, waiting for my signature.
Ask for their permission and love them before you marry.
Maybe my mother said it to stop me from making the same mistake she did, but the words stayed with me. I wanted a marriage built on love and care not because I believed in it but because I wanted to keep my mother's wish. A groom who agreed to the marriage. A groom who loved me.
I glanced up at Cliff, who was calmly waiting for me to sign. He definitely agreed but love… such a thing didn't even exist.
If I signed, I would get everything I wanted. But my mother's voice kept repeating in my head.
It wasn't like I had any plans to marry. All I ever wanted was to disappear, live quietly, and grow old alone. Would my mother be happy seeing me married in the name of a contract?
No. I shouldn't think emotionally. I should be rational.
The end goal was to leave. It was just one year of marriage, and he had already promised to keep it private from everyone except family. When the time came, I could divorce him and disappear. Yes. I should focus on my main goal.
I finally signed my name on the paper. It was just Stephanie Harrisons. Not Catherine. It wasn't a real marriage. After all, Stephanie would stop existing soon.
"Congrats on our marriage, love," Cliff whispered in my ear as I handed the paper to the clerk.
"Keep your end of the deal," I replied, walking out.
An Hour Earlier…
"I want you. Marry me, Athy."
I burst into laughter at his confession. If an outsider heard it, they might think it was romantic. But I knew what he meant when he said he wanted me.
He wanted this sham marriage for his inheritance. He wanted me because I was the most beneficial choice for his position. And there was more he wasn't telling me.
"One year. I'll help you escape from your family. If you have other requests, you can make them. Don't even think about rejecting me unless you want to stay stuck here for life," Cliff continued, his eyes never leaving the road.
My fingers curled into a fist. I already knew there was no escape.
"Fine. I have more requests."
"Go ahead." Cliff gave a grin as if he had already won.
"First, it will be private. No one will know except family. If you have a lover, keep them outside. If they disrespect me or come after me in any way, I want to be paid a million for each instance. Don't interfere in my life. Once the contract period ends, the rumor should be that I died. There will be no contact between us after that. We'll be nothing more than strangers." Two could play this game. I wasn't stupid enough to walk away without gaining something.
Cliff glanced at me, his grin widening, as if he hadn't expected that.
"Love, just because I agreed to hear your requests doesn't mean I'll accept anything. You're forgetting who has the shorter end of the stick."
I snarled and crossed my arms. I wasn't surprised. If he had to pay me every time he was with another woman, he'd probably go broke within a year. There were even rumors that there was no rave party compared to his. He was notoriously promiscuous; both men and women wanted to spend the night with him.
I glanced at him. Perfectly balanced muscles, not bulky, but strong. Clean, well-kept. Veiny hands. Broad shoulders. Yes. It was understandable why anyone might want him.
"This will be like any real marriage," Cliff continued. "Which means there will be no third party from either side. If you want reassurance, fine. If I cheat or my past causes trouble, I'll pay ten million for each instance. However…"
He gave me a look before returning his gaze to the road.
My mouth fell open at his words. I was definitely leaving this marriage rich. There was no way he could live a year without sleeping with anyone or maybe he thought he could hide it well enough that I'd never prove it. I'd have to make sure to get evidence so he couldn't deny me my money.
"If you meet any man or your lover there will be punishment too," Cliff added.
I wasn't even concerned. There was no money involved or man in my life. If he meant Daniel, I hadn't contacted him in five years until yesterday and even then, he came to me.
"Anything else?" I asked. Men weren't my concern. I just needed to get out.
"You'll stay with me at my place. During this period, you'll work directly under me at Graham Corporation. After one year, I'll arrange your fake death and give you your freedom."
He stopped the car in front of a glass building. I looked outside. The black car tailing us parked a short distance away. I knew who it was. Since it had come to this… escaping alone had its risks. But if someone like him helped me… I could finally be free from this shackled life.
"Very well. Happy to be your wife, Mr. Graham," I said with a polite smile and slight bow.
Cliff looked at me, removed his seatbelt, and leaned closer.
I gulped and backed away, but he kept moving until I was pressed into my seat, his face hovering inches from mine.
"You should change that bad habit of calling your husband 'Mr. Graham,' love."