Chapter Four
1030 Words
Lora POV.
We walked out of the civil office right after signing the papers. The marriage certificate felt heavy in my hands.
I was now Mrs. Lora Jade Grayson.
It wasn’t love. It wasn’t fate. It was a deal I had no choice but to accept.
Drake Grayson stood tall beside me. His face was unreadable, but there was a hint of knowing in his eyes. He didn’t need to ask. He already knew.
He knew I was carrying his child.
He held my hand firmly as we walked to his car. When he opened the door for me, I hesitated, then slid inside. He closed it gently, then got behind the wheel.
“Let’s stop at the mall,” he said, his voice calm but cold. “You need clothes. The contract will be ready before we reach home.”
I stayed quiet, my heart hammering.
The car ride was filled with silence. I could hear only the sound of our breathing and the hum of the engine. My hands twisted together in my lap as I thought of what lay ahead.
Should I talk about the pregnancy?
No. He already knew. I didn’t need to say a word. If I tried, it might only make him angrier or, worse, disgusted. I had suffered enough humiliation already. Better to stay quiet.
The car stopped in front of a massive mall. Drake stepped out first. When he opened my door, I tried to step out, but he swept me into his arms instead.
“What are you doing?” I gasped, shocked.
“I won’t let my wife walk around looking ordinary. You deserve special treatment,” he said firmly. His tone left no room for argument.
The word wife rang in my ears. Strange. Heavy. Dangerous.
Carried in his arms, I almost believed I mattered. Almost.
The moment we entered the mall, men in black suits rushed forward. Bodyguards. Ten, maybe more. They all bowed to Drake in greeting.
I stiffened. Who is this man really?
His breath brushed my ear as he whispered, “Start acting from now. If you slip, you lose the contract.”
I forced a smile and leaned closer to him. This was it. My act as Mrs. Grayson had begun.
“Baby, my back hurts,” I said softly. “Can you put me down?”
He lowered me instantly with care, scanning my face. “Are you okay now?”
I tilted my head, playing the part. “I’ll be fine… only if you give me a kiss.”
His lips caught mine before I could blink. Firm. Warm. Not what I meant but my heart still skipped.
When he pulled back, he turned cold again. “Bring the latest editions. The most expensive gowns, accessories, and shoes. All for my wife. You have thirty minutes,” he ordered the sales manager.
His tone froze everyone. The staff scattered, rushing to obey.
In half an hour, bags piled in front of me. Dozens of them. I almost let my jaw drop, but caught myself in time.
I changed into a pearl yellow gown that fit my shape perfectly. When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. I looked like… a different woman.
Stepping out, I saw Drake’s eyes lock on me. His gaze lingered longer than before, sharp, assessing, like he could see the baby inside me. For the first time, he seemed stiff.
I chuckled lightly, walking toward him. “Stop staring, baby. I’m all yours tonight.”
I don’t know how those words is coming out, but I could only remember seeing such a thing in movies. I guess I know what it takes to be an artist.
He gave a low laugh, just for a second, before taking my hand again.
As we left, a truck arrived to carry the bags.
On the drive back, his voice broke the silence. “We’re going to meet my parents. Just be yourself. No need to overdo it.”
I bit my lip, realizing my earlier acting was too much. “Alright. I’ll take note.”
The car rolled into a mansion soon after. My heart skipped at the sight. It was larger, grander than anything I had ever seen.
Maids lined up at the entrance, bowing. Guards stood at attention. Everything about the Grayson mansion screamed power.
Drake held my hand as we walked in. Somehow, his steady grip gave me strength.
“Inform Dad I’m here,” Drake said, and one guard rushed upstairs.
I was still staring at the golden chandeliers when a maid approached me politely. “Young Madam, what would you like to drink?”
Before I could answer, Drake spoke. “Juice. For both of us.”
Moments later, footsteps echoed from the staircase. I turned and saw a man in his sixties walking down. He had Drake’s eyes, his jawline, only softened with age.
Beside him was a woman. Not old, not young. Her smile was sharp, but her eyes cold.
The way Drake’s face hardened when he saw her said everything.
His father greeted me warmly. “Welcome, young lady.”
I bowed my head slightly, smiling. “I’m happy to meet you, sir.”
He looked pleased, then glanced at Drake. “Son, you’ve chosen well. She’s the one.”
Drake only gave a thin smile. “I’ve done what you asked, Father. Now I’ll leave with my wife.”
“Not so fast,” the woman beside his father spoke, her voice like honey laced with poison. “Let me have a chat with my daughter-in-law. And you can talk with your father.”
Now I understand. She wasn’t his mother. She was his father’s mistress. And Drake despised her.
“What’s your name, dear?” she asked with false sweetness.
I smiled politely. “My name is Lora Jade.”
I leaned in and kissed Drake’s cheek lightly. “I’ll be back.”
He said nothing, but his jaw tightened as I followed her into another room. I could feel his eyes burning into me even as the door closed behind us.
And then, before I could speak…
Blood.
- Writer
