Unmasking His Contract Wife

The Museum

The black limousine pulled up to the curb of Valorie’s apartment building. It looked like a spaceship parked in front of a dump.

"You have twenty minutes," Cassian said. He checked his watch. "Pack only what is essential. I have already ordered a new wardrobe for the children."

Valorie nodded. She opened the door. "I’ll be fast."

She ran up the stairs. The neighbor was sitting on the sofa with Leo and Mia.

"Aunt Val!"

Mia, four years old and full of energy, launched herself into Valorie’s legs. Leo, six years old and far too serious for his age, stood back. He held his inhaler in one hand and a toy robot in the other.

"Pack your bags, guys," Valorie said. She tried to sound excited. "We are going on an adventure."

"Are we running away again?" Leo asked quietly.

Valorie’s heart broke. She knelt down. "No, Leo. We aren't running away. We are moving. To a big house. A castle."

"A castle?" Mia’s eyes went wide.

"Yes. A castle with a garden and a pool. And no more leaky roof."

It took fifteen minutes to pack their lives into two battered suitcases. They didn't have much. Just clothes, a few toys, and the framed photo of their mother.

Valorie led them downstairs. When they stepped onto the sidewalk, Leo stopped. He stared at the limousine. Then he stared at the man leaning against it.

Cassian looked out of place. His Italian suit cost more than the entire building. He watched the children approach with an expression Valorie couldn't quite place. It wasn't hate. It was... panic.

"Who is that?" Leo whispered. He stepped in front of Mia to block her from view.

"That is Mr. Drax," Valorie said. "He is... a friend. He is going to let us live in his house."

Cassian opened the back door. He didn't offer to help with the bags. He looked at Mia’s sticky hands. She had been eating a lollipop.

"Do not touch the leather," Cassian warned.

Mia froze. She looked at Valorie with big, watery eyes.

"It's okay, baby," Valorie said soothingly. She wiped Mia’s hands with a wet wipe from her purse. She shot a glare at Cassian. "She’s four. She’s not radioactive."

They piled into the car. The drive to the estate was silent. Mia fell asleep against Valorie. Leo stared at Cassian, analyzing him.

Cassian stared out the window. He was purposefully ignoring the two small humans in his backseat.

When the car finally stopped, Valorie gasped.

She knew he was rich. She didn't realize he was this rich.

The Drax Estate was massive. It was a modern fortress of white stone and glass, surrounded by acres of manicured gardens. It was beautiful. It was also terrifying.

They stepped out. Valorie tightened her grip on the kids' hands.

The front doors swung open. Valorie blinked. It looked like an army was waiting for them.

The entire staff was lined up on the front steps. There were at least twenty people. Maids in crisp black and white uniforms. Gardeners with heads bowed. Security guards in dark suits. They stood perfectly still.

At the front of the line stood two people.

One was a tall, stiff man in a tuxedo. The other was a severe-looking woman with gray hair pulled back into a tight bun. She wore a black dress suit that looked as sharp as a knife.

"Welcome home," Cassian said dryly.

He walked up the steps. The staff didn't move a muscle.

"This is Alfred," Cassian said, gesturing to the man. "He manages the grounds and security."

"And this is Mrs. Knight," Cassian continued, nodding to the woman. "She is the Head Housekeeper. She runs the interior. If you need anything, you ask them. You do not ask me."

Alfred bowed slightly. "Good evening, sir. Madam."

Mrs. Knight didn't bow. She looked Valorie up and down. Her gaze lingered on Valorie’s frayed jeans and the battered suitcases. It was a look of pure judgment.

"Dinner is served at seven sharp," Mrs. Knight said. Her voice was crisp. "I trust the children know table manners?"

Valorie stiffened. "They are children. Not soldiers."

Mrs. Knight pursed her lips but said nothing.

"Alfred, show Mrs. Drax to the East Wing," Cassian ordered. "The children will be in the nursery down the hall."

"No," Valorie said instantly.

The silence that followed was heavy. The entire staff seemed to hold their breath. No one said 'no' to Cassian Drax.

Cassian stopped. He turned to her slowly. "Excuse me?"

"They don't sleep down the hall," Valorie said firmly. She pulled Leo and Mia close to her legs. "They sleep in the room next to mine. Or I sleep in the nursery with them. I’m not separating them from me in a strange house."

Cassian looked at Valorie. He looked at the defiant tilt of her chin. He looked at Leo, who was glaring at him with the same fierce eyes as his aunt.

Cassian sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Fine. Mrs. Knight, prepare the Blue Suite for the children. It connects to the Master Bedroom."

Mrs. Knight looked shocked. "But sir... the Blue Suite is full of antiques."

"Move them," Cassian snapped. "Or let them break them. I don't care. Just get it done."

He turned back to the kids. He pointed a finger at Leo.

"Rule one: You do not enter the West Wing. That is my office and my private quarters.

Rule two: No running in the hallways.

Rule three: If you break anything, it comes out of your allowance."

Leo frowned. "I don't have an allowance."

"You do now," Cassian said. "Welcome to capitalism, kid."

Cassian turned and walked away toward his office, leaving them standing in front of the silent army of staff.

Mia looked up at the high ceiling. "Is he the King?"

Valorie watched Cassian’s retreating back. "No, baby. He’s just the landlord."

She squeezed their hands. They were safe. They had a roof over their heads. They had food.

But as she looked at Mrs. Knight’s cold stare and the silent maids, Valorie realized something.

This house wasn't built for children. And it certainly wasn't built for a family.