Chapter 1: Flash Marriage
9 p.m., the night was alluring.
Aurora had drunk a bit too much at the bachelorette party, so her fiancé took her back to their apartment. But when she woke up with a splitting headache, she saw, under the dim light, a man and a woman passionately kissing.
Aurora felt as if she’d been struck by lightning, staring in shock as the two made out wildly right beside her bed. Rage erupted within her.
“Ashley, don’t mess around—Aurora just fell asleep!” the man said in a restrained voice, his hand caressing the woman’s waist.
“What? Afraid your fiancée will wake up?” Ashley retorted with resentment. “You’re marrying her tomorrow—just give me tonight, will you?”
“Baby, don’t make a scene. Let’s go to another room,” the man coaxed seductively.
“No, I want it here! Right in front of her!” Ashley quickly unbuttoned his shirt, and the two began kissing feverishly again.
Aurora’s tears rolled down uncontrollably. She never expected that the man she was supposed to marry the next day would bring his mistress to cheat on her—right by her bed.
“Be good, let’s go to the bathroom. Isn’t the bathtub your favorite?” he whispered.
“Then go fill it up first!” Ashley pushed him away. After he left, she walked up to Aurora, lowered her head, and sneered coldly. “Aurora, tomorrow I won’t let Blake marry you—because I’m pregnant. He’s mine.”
Aurora clenched her fists, holding back her sobs, until the passionate moans from the bathroom shattered her completely.
Three years ago, she was the top supermodel in Country A. But for this man, she gave up everything, even her spot to Ashley. Turns out, she was paving the way for someone else. No, this had to be a nightmare—she tried to fool herself that she’d wake up and everything would be fine.
But by midnight, Ashley feigned ill health and left the hotel with Blake, who abandoned Aurora without a second thought.
But they were supposed to register their marriage the very next day!
With a bitter smile, the next morning, Aurora followed her plan, drove to the marriage registration office, and called Blake—only to hear a cold voice: “Ashley was injured by a stage prop. I have to deal with it. Let’s reschedule the registration.”
There would be no rescheduling. Aurora reminded herself of despair.
Turning away, she put on her sunglasses and started to leave when a tall figure approached her. He wore a deep blue vintage suit that accentuated his muscular build, a burgundy scarf peeking from his breast pocket, and his long legs were clad in sharply polished brown pointed shoes.
This man exuded an overwhelming aura, like a noble king from the Middle Ages.
Even with his sunglasses, his chiseled features and sensual lips were captivating.
Aurora recognized him. He was Ryan, the CEO of Visionary Films. She’d met him once at a ball back when she was still famous.
Was he here to get married, too?
“President, Miss Grace is ten minutes late,” his assistant reported respectfully.
“Call her. Anyone who waits for their own wedding is never welcome,” Ryan said coldly.
“But the chair insists you marry today—he said he wouldn’t even mind if you married a drag queen …” the assistant stammered.
“Pick any debutante you like. You have half an hour,” Ryan snapped, his tone icy and decisive.
So similar, yet so different, Aurora thought. Ryan was a billionaire who could have anyone he wanted. As a diamond bachelor, love was the last thing he needed; he just wanted to appease his elders.
Suddenly, Aurora had an idea. She removed her sunglasses, walked up to Ryan, and said softly, “President Ryan, your bride is missing, and my groom ran away. Why don’t … we get married instead?”
Ryan’s assistant was stunned—he’d never seen a woman so bold.
But Aurora stood tall, having summoned all her courage.
Ryan took off his sunglasses, revealing eyes as dark as onyx and sharp as diamonds. After a moment’s pause, he turned to his assistant and said, “Get me her information.”
Knowing Aurora’s identity, the assistant immediately handed over her file. Two minutes later, Ryan looked at Aurora and said one word: “Okay.”
Aurora felt lucky to have met Ryan. He didn’t exploit women, didn’t need love, and certainly wasn’t lacking in partners.
And she wanted to make Blake regret everything.
The marriage paperwork was handled with lightning speed, and within half an hour, Aurora was officially married.
“President Ryan, do you have a moment to hear me out?” she asked.
“Get in the car,” Ryan replied, putting his sunglasses back on as he strode out.
Aurora nervously followed Ryan into the Rolls-Royce. “Thank you for marrying me. Whatever you need, I’ll cooperate unconditionally. But there are two things I hope you can agree to.”
“Speak,” Ryan said, loosening his collar with a trace of fatigue.
“First, unless necessary, our marriage should remain private. Second, please don’t interfere in my personal affairs. Don’t worry, since we’re married, I won’t have any inappropriate contact with other men.”
A hint of a dangerous smile played at Ryan’s lips. “I agree. But I’ll give you time to settle your messy past. After a six-month trial marriage, I’ll announce it publicly.”
“Thank you.” Aurora nodded.
“And I don’t agree with couples living apart. You have three days to move to the place I was assigned. My assistant will be in touch.”
Aurora accepted without protest—it was a reasonable request.
“Good,” Ryan said.
After agreeing, Aurora left Ryan’s car. His assistant took the driver’s seat. Glancing at Ryan in the rearview mirror, she asked, “President, shall we return to the company or inform the chair at the manor?”
“Follow Aurora and report her whereabouts to me,” Ryan ordered, then got out.
No one marries a stranger out of the blue without a reason.
As CEO of Visionary Films, Ryan had heard of Aurora—a once-famous supermodel. Three years ago, she’d refused an offer from top agency Victoria, was blacklisted, and instead signed with Starline Studios, where she became involved with Blake. From then on, she vanished from the spotlight.
But clearly, there was more to her story.
