HIS RELUCTANT BRIDE

THE WARNING

The marriage contract was waiting for Evelyn when she returned home. It sat on the dining table inside a black folder. No note. No explanation. Just her name written across the front.

She stared at it. Alexander Kingston had a talent for making everything feel like a business transaction.

Evelyn dropped her bag onto a chair and opened the folder. The first page was exactly what she expected: Marriage Agreement.

She began reading. One year. Public appearances. Separate finances. No interference in each other’s businesses. No unnecessary questions about Alexander’s private affairs.

Evelyn stopped. Seriously?

She flipped the page. There was another condition: neither party could terminate the agreement before the twelve-month period without mutual consent.

She leaned back. This was too convenient. Alexander was giving her a way to save her father’s company, yet every page reminded her that he expected control.

Her phone rang. Alexander.

She answered. What?

Did you read the contract?

Yes.

And?

You are insane.

There was a brief silence.

I will take that as a no.

I read it.

Then you understand the terms.

I understand that you expect me to marry you for twelve months while pretending we are a real couple.

That is essentially the arrangement.

And what happens after twelve months?

We go our separate ways.

Evelyn frowned. “That sounds too easy.

It is not.

Then what is the catch?

“You will discover it.

She sighed. I hate that answer.

I know.

Why do you sound amused?

I do not.

You are.

I will see you tomorrow.

Wait.

He paused.

I want the file.

You will get it.

Tomorrow.

Yes.

She ended the call.

Evelyn stared at the contract again. Something was not right. Alexander was offering her a fortune, saving her father’s company, promising to protect her, and handing over information about her mother. Nobody did all that without wanting something enormous in return.

She picked up her pen, then stopped. There was one final page.

A photograph had been attached to it.

Evelyn’s breath caught. It was her mother, the same photograph Alexander had shown her. But this copy had something written on the back.

Ask Evelyn about the night at Kingston Manor.

She froze.“Evelyn? Her father’s voice came from the doorway.

She turned. Dad, what is Kingston Manor?

Thomas went completely still.

You should not have that.

So you know what it is.

Where did you get that?

It was attached to Alexander’s contract.

Thomas walked toward her. “Give it to me.

No.

Evelyn.

You knew about Kingston Manor.

I knew your mother went there.

When?

The night before she died.

Evelyn stared at him. And you never told me?

I was trying to protect you.

You keep saying that.” Her voice cracked. Everyone keeps saying they are protecting me while lying to me.

Thomas looked away.

What happened there?

I do not know.

You are lying again.

I was not there.

Then who was?

Thomas hesitated.

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed. Who was there?

Before he could answer, the doorbell rang.

Thomas looked toward the entrance.

Evelyn already knew who it was.

Alexander.

Ten minutes later, Evelyn stood across from Alexander in the living room. He looked at the contract on the table.

You found the photograph.

Yes.

His expression did not change. You were not supposed to see that yet.

Then why was it in my contract?

I wanted you to find it.

Evelyn stared at him. You are impossible.

So I have been told.

She folded her arms. Take me to Kingston Manor.”

“No. Alexander refused

Why? Evelyn asked,

Because it is not safe.

You keep saying that.

Because it is true.

Then I will go without you.

Alexander’s expression hardened. You will not.

You do not control me.

“No.” He stepped closer. But I know what you are walking into.

Evelyn did not back down. Then tell me.

Alexander was silent.

Finally, he said, My father did not meet your mother by accident.

What does that mean?

He was investigating Carter Interiors.

Why?

I do not know.

You expect me to believe that?

No.

Good.

A small smile appeared on his face.

Evelyn frowned. What?

You are different from what I expected.

And what exactly did you expect?

Someone easier to control.

Her eyes widened. Well, you picked the wrong woman.

I know.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Alexander picked up the contract.

Sign it.

Evelyn looked at him. You are really serious about this.

Yes.

And you will not tell me why?

Not yet.

She took the pen and signed the final page. Then she pushed the contract toward him.

There.

He picked it up. Congratulations.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. Do not congratulate me yet.

His gaze remained on her. Why?

Because I still have not decided whether marrying you is the biggest mistake of my life.

Alexander’s expression softened slightly. Neither have I.

Evelyn looked at him. What?

He closed the folder. Nothing.

Before she could question him, his phone rang.

He answered. What happened?

His expression changed.

Are you sure?

A pause.

Send me the picture.

He ended the call.

What is it?” Evelyn asked.

Alexander looked at her. The police found something at Kingston Manor.

What?

He showed her his phone. A photograph appeared on the screen: a locked room, an old wooden desk, and a small silver box.

Evelyn recognized it immediately.

That belongs to my mother.

Alexander nodded. “It was found inside my father’s private study.

Evelyn looked at him. Then we are going.

Alexander picked up his coat. Tonight?

Tonight.

He stared at her for a moment, then nodded.

Fine.

Evelyn grabbed her bag.

As she reached the door, her phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

One message appeared.

DON’T GO TO KINGSTON MANOR.

Another message arrived immediately.

YOUR MOTHER WENT THERE ONCE.

Then a third.

SHE NEVER CAME BACK.

Evelyn’s blood ran cold. She looked at Alexander.

Someone knows we are going.

His eyes hardened. Show me.

She handed him the phone. Alexander read the messages.

For the first time since she had met him, genuine fear crossed his face.

He looked up. We are not going to Kingston Manor.

Evelyn frowned. Why?

Because whoever sent this message knows something we do not.

He deleted the messages.

Evelyn stared at him. What are you doing?

Keeping you alive.

She stepped closer. You do not get to make that decision for me.

Alexander looked directly at her. Tonight, I do.

Outside, a car engine started.

Both of them turned toward the window.

A black car was parked across the street. Its headlights switched on.

Alexander’s expression went cold.

Stay here.

He moved toward the door.

Evelyn grabbed his arm. Who is that?

Alexander looked at the car. I do not know.

The car suddenly pulled away.

Alexander watched it disappear down the street. Then he turned back to Evelyn.

Change of plans.

What?

We are leaving now.

Where?”

His answer made her heart sink.

Kingston Manor.