The Shadow CEO’s Vow

Chapter 3: The Courthouse Vow

The morning sun didn't bring warmth; it brought a harsh, clinical light that exposed the bruises on Riana’s soul. She woke up on Albert’s couch to the smell of burnt toast and cheap coffee. For a second, she forgot where she was. Then, she saw the oversized gray hoodie she was wearing and the memory of Antonio’s betrayal crashed back into her like a physical blow.

Albert was already dressed. He wore a simple white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing forearms that looked far too powerful for a "freelance architect."

"Drink up," he said, sliding a mug toward her. "We have an appointment at the city clerk’s office in forty minutes. If we’re late, the Friday rush will bury us."

Riana took the coffee. It was bitter, but it grounded her. "I don't have clothes, Albert. I can't go to the courthouse in your sweatpants."

Albert reached for a shopping bag sitting on the chair—something she hadn't noticed. "I went out while you were asleep. It’s nothing fancy, just something from a local boutique. It should fit."

Inside was a simple, elegant cream-colored wrap dress and a pair of modest tan heels. It was exactly what Riana would have chosen for herself—understated but professional. She looked at him, puzzled. "How did you know my size?"

"I’m an architect," Albert said with a straight face, though a glimmer of wit danced in his eyes. "I’m good with dimensions. Now, hurry. The clock is ticking for your 25th birthday."

The city clerk’s office was a drab, bureaucratic hall filled with the smell of old paper and anxiety. As they waited for their names to be called, Riana’s phone buzzed incessantly in her purse. She pulled it out to see thirty missed calls from Antonio and fifty from her sister, Andrada.

One text from Andrada stood out: “Riana, stop this temper tantrum. Antonio is devastated. Come home now and we can fix the paperwork. Don’t ruin your life over a misunderstanding.”

Riana deleted the message. The "misunderstanding" was that they thought she was a coward.

"Riana Sterling and Albert... Vane?" the clerk called out.

Riana flinched at the name. She hadn't realized his last name was Vane. It sounded familiar, like a whisper of power she had heard in boardrooms, but she was too distracted to pin it down. Albert took her hand. His grip was warm and solid, a stark contrast to Antonio’s limp, calculated touches.

They stood before the glass partition. The ceremony was unceremonious—just a series of signatures and a dry "I do" from both parties. When the clerk stamped the final document, Riana felt a sudden, massive weight lift off her shoulders.

She was no longer Riana Sterling, the vulnerable heiress. She was Riana Vane, a woman with a legal shield.

"Congratulations," the clerk droned. "You’re officially husband and wife."

As they walked out of the courthouse, Riana looked at the gold-embossed marriage certificate. "It’s done. Antonio can’t touch my shares now. But he’ll find out soon."

"Good," Albert said, leading her toward his car. "I want him to find out. In fact, why don't we give him a little nudge?"

He pulled his phone out and made a quick call. "Antonio? It’s Albert. Riana’s husband. Yes, husband. We just left the courthouse. I believe you have some of her belongings at the manor? Have them packed and delivered to the curb by noon. Oh, and Antonio? Don't bother calling her again. I handle the family business now."

Albert hung up before Antonio could scream.

"You’re very bold for a freelancer," Riana remarked, her eyebrows raised.

"I just don't like bullies," Albert replied smoothly. "Now, let's go to your office. It’s time to show them that the CEO hasn't retired; she’s just been rebranded."

As they drove toward the Sterling Textiles headquarters, Albert’s phone vibrated in his pocket. A message from his assistant: “Sir, the building across the street has been secured. Your private office is ready. The audit of Antonio’s accounts is 40% complete. He’s been funnelling money into a shell company called 'Andrada Logistics'.”

Albert deleted the message. The trap was set. He looked at Riana, who was staring out the window with a look of fierce determination. She thought she was using him to get her life back. He didn't mind. He would let her think she was the one in control until the very moment he chose to reveal the throne he had built for her.

"Are you ready, Mrs. Vane?" he asked as the towering glass building of Sterling Textiles came into view.

Riana straightened her cream dress and took a deep breath. "I was born ready."