Billionaire’s Contract Bride

Chapter 2: Fight Back

In truth, Aurora had never thought herself so bold—marrying a stranger. But now that it was done, she had no regrets.

Back in her own car, Aurora was about to drive home when Blake called.

“Aurora … where are you now?”

“Outside the registry office, about to go home,” Aurora replied calmly.

“Ashley has an important show tonight. I need you to substitute for her. I’ll have the makeup artist give you a mask—no one will recognize you. Ashley’s injured, but I’ve already told the media she’ll make an appearance, even if hurt. Just do as I say!”

Shameless. She’d covered for Ashley like this before.

It was all just exploitation. But she wouldn’t let them use her again.

Aurora stayed calm. “Fine. Tell me the time and place. I’ll be there.”

“Aurora, we’re getting married soon. You should focus on being a housewife. For now, help Ashley—she’s at a critical point in her career!”

“I’ll make sure to help her,” Aurora replied, her voice layered with meaning.

“I’ll hang up then. Let’s have dinner later.”

Blake, oblivious to any change, was likely still at Ashley’s bedside. Aurora hung up, then called her agent. The moment Jessica heard the request, she exploded in anger.

“Blake wants you to walk the runway for that B-list model Ashley? Are you kidding me? If you hadn’t retired, she’d never have made it in this industry!”

“I’ve already agreed,” Aurora said quietly.

“You’re really going?” Jessica nearly choked. Both Aurora and Ashley were Starline Studios’ models, but Aurora’s retirement had even made Jessica a laughing stock among her peers.

Aurora knew Jessica was only looking out for her. She smiled, “I won’t let them use me again.”

Jessica perked up. “So, you have a plan?”

“Jessica, you’re the only one I trust now. Can you help me with something?”

“Just say it,” Jessica replied loyally—their interests were aligned.

“Ashley’s pretending to appear despite her injury because it’ll influence the annual Top Ten Model Awards. Can you go to Mayo Hospital for me?”

“I get it—you want proof she was in the hospital during the show, then expose her!” Jessica said, excited.

“Not just that. There’s another bombshell—she’s pregnant, and it’s Blake’s baby! Also, please prepare a statement for me in advance, detailing how Blake repeatedly made me substitute for Ashley. Gather evidence for every show I covered for her.”

Jessica was shocked, then understood Aurora’s attitude shift. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle both.”

Aurora didn’t respond, but for the first time, she felt at peace. She’d treat others as they treated her.

With her mind made up, Aurora packed her things and drove to the show venue, meeting Ashley’s assistant from Starline Studios.

He was a burly married man—cunning and opportunistic, but polite to Aurora, knowing her family background wasn’t to be trifled with.

“You’re finally here. Come, let’s get you ready …”

“What’s tonight’s show?” Aurora asked as she was rushed backstage.

“Nothing important!” the assistant replied, though in reality, it was a high-profile jewelry show for French brand Lu.

Ashley was supposed to become Lu’s ambassador, but with her injury, the deal was in jeopardy. Now that Blake suggested using Aurora, the assistant couldn’t have been happier.

Aurora had already researched the event en route—it was called “Crown Star Jewelry Show.” Was Ashley’s assistant always so easily fooled?

“Thanks to Ashley’s status, you have a private dressing room. You’ll be the finale. Here’s the jewelry you’ll showcase, and the schedule …” The assistant pointed to the jewels and handed Aurora the rundown, then told the makeup artist to get started.

Did Blake really think a mask would hide her identity?

Risky as it was, Aurora was determined to give those two what they deserved.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s assistant, having followed Aurora, called him with updates. Upon learning she would walk for Ashley, Ryan immediately called his secretary. “Get me to the Lu jewel show, now.”

“Yes, sir!”

It wasn’t a top-tier show, but he wanted to witness Aurora’s true abilities.

…

By 11 a.m., classical music filled the venue—the show had begun.

In the dressing room, Aurora stood before the mirror, makeup finished. She wore a white strapless fitted gown—simple, yet pure and elegant. A golden mask concealed her features, her long hair pinned up with a white rose. The assistant was awestruck—Aurora, even standing still, was stunning. Ashley’s endorsement was in the bag.

“You’ll descend on a rattan chair for your entrance. Here’s the Crown Star bracelet,” the assistant said, trying to fasten it. But Aurora’s wrist was slimmer than Ashley’s, and the bracelet slipped down her arm.

It was a piece designed by Lu’s founder for his beloved daughter: a gold chain with a crown set in white diamonds, flanked by two star-shaped pure gemstones, symbolizing parents surrounding their treasure.

“It won’t stay on … What now?”

“Do you trust me?” Aurora suddenly asked.

“Right now, you’re my only hope,” the assistant said. This was Ashley’s endorsement—if it failed, Blake would fire him.

“Then leave it to me,” Aurora replied confidently.

“Get ready, you’re on soon!” The assistant didn’t notice the gleam in Aurora’s eyes.

She smiled, picked up her skirt, and headed backstage. With the mask on, the only thing that set her apart from Ashley was her famously beautiful legs.

The show was at its c****x. Reclining on the rattan chair, Aurora descended from above, all spotlights trained on her. But her wrist was bare—no Crown Star bracelet.

What was going on?

Everyone searched for the bracelet, their eyes roaming over Aurora. Soon, many noticed her long, flawless legs.

Those legs were unforgettable.