CHAPTER THREE
1449 Words
The back door opened, and an older man in a crisp suit stepped out. He adjusted his glasses before smiling at Drew. “Good evening, Mr. Albert.”
I frowned. Mr. Albert?
Drew’s face remained unreadable. “What is it?”
The man’s gaze flicked to me, then back to Drew. “Your legal team wants a word. They need you both at the estate.”
My stomach dropped.
Estate? Legal team?
Drew muttered a curse under his breath before looking at me. “Get in.”
I crossed my arms. “No.”
His patience thinned. “Prevail.”
“I said no.”
The man in the suit smiled politely. “Ms. Tyrel, I understand this is overwhelming, but there are some matters that need your attention. This marriage isn’t just a simple contract—it comes with responsibilities. You might want to hear what’s at stake before making any rash decisions.”
I hated the way my heart pounded at his words.
Drew sighed. “Just come with me. Get the facts. Then you can decide what you want to do.”
I hesitated.
I didn’t trust him. I didn’t trust any of this.
But if there was something I needed to know, I couldn’t ignore it.
With a deep breath, I stepped toward the car.
Drew followed.
The door shut behind us, locking me in.
And for the first time, the reality of my situation truly settled in.
I wasn’t just married to a stranger.
I was married into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
The drive was silent. Tension filled the space between us, thick and suffocating. My hands curled into fists on my lap as the city lights blurred past the tinted windows.
I couldn’t believe I was here.
Trapped in a marriage I never agreed to.
My stepmother’s voice echoed in my head.
“Prevail, don’t be foolish. You’ll benefit from this. This is your chance to secure your future.”
I wanted to scream.
Beside me, Drew sat with his arms crossed, his sharp profile illuminated by the soft glow of the car’s interior lights. He looked calm—too calm for someone who had just tricked a woman into marrying him.
I clenched my jaw. “You’re awfully quiet.”
He didn’t look at me. “So are you.”
I scoffed. “I’m thinking of how to get out of this mess.”
He finally turned, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. “You can’t.”
My pulse spiked. “Watch me.”
The car slowed as we entered a grand estate, and my breath hitched.
I knew he was rich, but this? This was something else.
The mansion was massive, with towering columns and floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the night sky. A perfectly manicured lawn stretched around the estate, illuminated by soft golden lights.
The driver pulled up to the entrance, and a team of well-dressed staff was already waiting.
I swallowed hard.
What had I gotten myself into?
The door opened, and Drew stepped out first. He didn’t offer me a hand—I didn’t expect him to.
I took a deep breath and climbed out, straightening my gown. My fingers curled around the silky fabric as I forced myself to stand tall.
I might have been thrown into this situation, but I refused to look weak.
A woman in a black suit stepped forward, her expression cool and professional. “Mr. Albert, Ms. Tyrel, the legal team is waiting inside.”
Drew nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”
I followed him up the marble steps, my heels clicking against the polished floor.
Inside, the mansion was even more breathtaking. A grand chandelier hung above, casting a soft glow over the sweeping staircase and luxurious furnishings.
But I didn’t have time to admire the décor.
Because the moment we entered the study, a group of serious-looking men in suits turned to face us.
One of them, a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, stepped forward. He adjusted his glasses, looking straight at me.
“Ms. Tyrel, I assume you’ve been made aware of the nature of this marriage?”
I folded my arms. “Not really. Maybe someone should explain how I got tricked into it.”
The man sighed, glancing at Drew before turning back to me. “You weren’t tricked, Ms. Tyrel. You signed a contract.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “I never signed a marriage contract.”
He lifted a folder and pulled out a document, sliding it across the desk.
“Then explain this.”
I hesitated before stepping closer. My eyes scanned the paper, and my breath caught in my throat.
It was my signature. My name. Everything was there.
But I never signed this.
Drew watched me closely. “Is that not your signature?”
I looked up at him, anger burning through my veins. “I don’t know how, but someone forged this.”
The lawyer cleared his throat. “Regardless of how it happened, the marriage is legal. You are now Mrs. Albert.”
I slammed my hands on the desk. “Then annul it.”
The lawyer sighed again. “That won’t be easy. This marriage is tied to several business deals and legal agreements. Annulment would be complicated and costly.”
My stomach twisted. “I don’t care about money. I want out.”
Drew’s voice was calm but firm. “That’s not an option.”
I spun toward him. “Why? Why do you need this marriage so badly?”
His expression didn’t change. “It’s personal.”
I let out a frustrated breath. “Personal? You’re forcing me into a marriage, and all you have to say is it’s personal?”
He didn’t flinch.
The lawyer interjected, his voice steady. “Ms. Tyrel, there are benefits to this arrangement. You should consider—”
I cut him off. “I don’t care about benefits. I don’t want to be here.”
Drew stepped forward, his towering presence making my breath hitch.
“But you are.”
His voice was low, controlled.
I clenched my fists. “This isn’t over.”
Drew studied me for a moment before turning to the lawyer. “We’re done here.”
Without another word, he walked out of the room.
I stood there, my heart hammering, my entire world tilting off balance.
I didn’t know how, but I would find a way out of this.
Even if it meant burning everything down.
The moment I stepped into the master bedroom, I knew this was going to be hell.
The room was massive—too grand, too cold. A king-sized bed sat in the center, dressed in crisp white sheets, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the glittering city skyline.
Drew walked in behind me, his presence suffocating.
I turned to face him, crossing my arms. “Where am I sleeping?”
His gaze flickered to the bed before settling back on me. “Where do you think?”
I let out a dry laugh. “You must be insane if you think I’m sharing a bed with you.”
He loosened his tie, completely unfazed. “I don’t care where you sleep, Prevail. Just don’t make a scene.”
I scoffed. “A scene? I should be burning this place down.”
Drew ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “Look, I didn’t plan for things to happen this way, but we’re here now.”
I glared at him. “You didn’t plan this? You expect me to believe that? You stood at that altar knowing I had no idea what was happening.”
His jaw tightened. “I thought you were part of the arrangement. I didn’t know you were clueless until after you said I do.”
I swallowed hard. His words made sense, but I wasn’t ready to let go of my anger.
“Congratulations, Drew,” I said bitterly. “You got yourself a wife. Hope you enjoy this forced marriage.”
His gaze darkened. “You think this is ideal for me? You’re not exactly my first choice either.”
The words stung, even though they shouldn’t have.
I lifted my chin. “Good. Then we agree on something.”
Drew exhaled sharply and grabbed a pillow from the bed. “Fine. Take the bed. I’ll sleep in the guest room.”
I frowned. “Why? Afraid I’ll strangle you in your sleep?”
He smirked. “No. Afraid you’ll be the one who can’t resist me.”
My mouth fell open. “You—”
But before I could get the words out, he was already walking toward the door.
- Writer
