Unmasking His Contract Wife

The Show

The ride to City Hall was silent.

Valorie sat in the back of the black limousine. The leather seats were soft, but her body was rigid. She stared out the tinted window. The city blurred past her.

"Stop shaking," Cassian said. He didn't look up from his phone.

"I’m not shaking," Valorie lied. She clamped her hands together in her lap. "I’m just... thinking. A marriage needs two witnesses. You have one. I don't have anyone."

Cassian finally pocketed his phone. He looked at her. "I know. That is why I sent a car for Ms. Roxanne Miller."

Valorie froze. Her head snapped toward him. "Roxy? You brought Roxy here?"

"She is your emergency contact," Cassian said indifferently. "And she is the only person you trust. It would look suspicious if a bride didn't have her best friend at her wedding."

"Does she know?" Valorie whispered. "Does she know about the contract?"

"No," Cassian said. His voice dropped. It became a warning. "And she never will. You signed an NDA, Valorie. As far as Roxanne knows, we met at the club. I was swept off my feet. It was a whirlwind romance. You are madly in love."

Valorie felt sick. "She’ll never believe that. Roxy knows I hate men like you."

"Then you better act very convincingly," Cassian said coldly. "Because if she suspects this is a sham, she becomes a liability. And I handle liabilities."

The threat hung heavy in the air. Valorie swallowed hard. She had to lie to the only person who had her back.

The car slowed to a stop in front of the massive stone steps of City Hall. Even through the soundproof glass, Valorie could see the chaos. Flashes of light popped like fireworks. A crowd of reporters swarmed the sidewalk.

"We are here," Cassian said. "Remember. You are Mrs. Drax now."

The driver opened the door.

The noise hit them instantly. Shouts. Questions. Flashes.

Cassian stepped out first. He extended a hand to her. Valorie took it. She forced a smile as they walked up the stairs, parting the sea of reporters like royalty.

Inside, the lobby was quiet.

Two people were waiting for them near the clerk's office.

One was a tall man with messy blonde hair and an expensive suit. The other was a woman with bright red hair, wearing a leather jacket over her waitress uniform.

"Val!"

Roxy ran forward. She looked shocked. She looked at Valorie, then at Cassian, then back at Valorie.

"Is this real?" Roxy asked. She grabbed Valorie’s hands. "The car... the driver... he said you were getting married. To him?"

Valorie felt Cassian’s hand on the small of her back. His fingers burned through her blouse. It was a silent reminder. Lie.

"It's real, Roxy," Valorie said. She forced a laugh. It sounded breathless. "I know it’s crazy. I know it’s fast. But... he just swept me away."

Roxy narrowed her eyes. She looked at Cassian. "You're the guy from the VIP booth."

"I am," Cassian said smoothly. He stepped forward. "And I intend to take very good care of her, Ms. Miller."

Roxy didn't look convinced. She looked like she wanted to punch him.

"Well," the blonde man interrupted. He stepped between them with a charming grin. "I love a skeptical bridesmaid. I’m Julian. The cousin. And the witness for the groom."

Julian winked at Roxy. "Nice leather jacket. Very... rebellious. I like it."

Roxy blinked. She looked at Julian like he was an alien. "Thanks."

"Let's get this over with," Cassian grumbled.

They walked into the private office. The judge was waiting.

The ceremony was a blur. It was fast. It was clinical.

Do you take this man? Yes.

Do you take this woman? Yes.

Roxy stood to the side. She watched Valorie like a hawk. Valorie tried to keep her hands from trembling. She focused on the flowers Julian had shoved into her hands.

"Sign here," the judge said.

Valorie signed. Roxy signed next to her, her hand shaking slightly.

"You may kiss the bride," the judge announced.

Valorie froze. She looked up at Cassian.

He was staring down at her. His eyes were dark. He stepped closer. He placed one hand on her waist and the other on her jaw. His thumb brushed her cheekbone.

"Make it real," he murmured, so only she could hear.

He lowered his head.

His lips touched hers.

Valorie expected it to be cold. She expected it to be quick.

She was wrong.

Cassian’s mouth was warm. Firm. He didn't just press his lips to hers; he claimed her. He kissed her with a slow, deliberate pressure that made her toes curl. For a second, Valorie forgot Roxy. She forgot the lie. All she could feel was him.

She found her hands clutching the lapels of his suit jacket. She kissed him back.

"Okay, break it up!" Julian called out, laughing. "Save some for the honeymoon."

They broke apart. Valorie was breathless. Her face felt hot.

Cassian looked... affected. His pupils were blown wide. He stared at her mouth for a second too long before stepping back.

"Done," Cassian said. His voice was rougher than before. He turned to the group. "Julian, take Ms. Miller home. Valorie and I have to move her things."

Roxy hugged Valorie tight. She whispered in her ear. "If he hurts you, Val... billionaire or not, I’ll kill him."

Valorie hugged her back, guilt eating at her chest. "I’ll be okay, Roxy. I promise."

She watched her best friend walk away with Julian. She was alone with him now.

Cassian buttoned his jacket. The mask was back in place.

"Let's go, wife," he said. "The show is over."

Valorie touched her lips. They were still tingling.

The show was over. But the danger was just beginning.