His Reluctant Bride

Chapter Two: Terms Of Engagement

Zariah’s fingers were still warm from shaking Caden Lancaster’s hand. A simple gesture, yet it felt like signing away the last remnants of control she had over her own life.

The black Rolls-Royce eased to a stop in front of an opulent high-rise in the heart of Manhattan. Zariah had been here once before, back when Monroe Designs was still thriving—before she had been reduced to begging for investments.

Caden stepped out first, his movements fluid and confident, exuding the authority of a man who had never heard the word no in his life. Zariah followed, swallowing hard as she took in the sheer grandeur of the Lancaster Tower.

This wasn’t just a building.

It was a kingdom.

And soon, she would be its queen—at least in the eyes of the world.

The private elevator ride to his penthouse was silent, the air thick with unspoken questions. When the doors slid open, Zariah stepped into a space that reeked of quiet dominance. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the New York skyline, while sleek, modern furniture gave the place an almost intimidating feel.

Caden loosened his tie and gestured toward the pristine white leather couch. “Sit.”

She crossed her arms. “I’m not a dog, Mr. Lancaster.”

His lips twitched, amusement flickering in his storm-gray eyes. “Then don’t act like a stray. Sit.”

Reluctantly, she sank into the couch, the softness at odds with the steel in her spine.

Caden unbuttoned his suit jacket, sinking into the armchair opposite her. He looked completely at ease, while Zariah felt like she was walking on a tightrope without a safety net.

“This marriage,” he began, “needs to be airtight. No loopholes. No missteps.”

Zariah nodded. “I understand.”

“Good. We’ll have a legally binding contract outlining the terms, but before that, there are a few things you need to agree to.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “More rules?”

His lips curled slightly. “You can consider their expectations.”

Zariah exhaled. “Let’s hear them.”

Caden leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “First, as my wife, you’ll move into this penthouse. The media will expect it, and I won’t have our arrangement scrutinized over separate living situations.”

Zariah stiffened. Sharing a space with Caden Lancaster? Every single day?

“I have my apartment,” she argued.

“A shoebox that barely qualifies as livable.” His tone was matter-of-fact, not cruel. “Pack whatever you need. You’ll be moving in by the end of the week.”

Her jaw clenched. “Fine.”

“Second,” he continued, “we will attend all public events together. If I call, you answer. If I need you, you drop whatever you’re doing and show up.”

“Possessive much?” she muttered.

He ignored her. “Third, you will sign a prenup.”

Zariah snorted. “Oh, believe me, I wasn’t planning to fight for a divorce settlement.”

“Good.” His eyes darkened. “Because this marriage will end exactly one year from the date of our wedding. No delays, no changes.”

Zariah’s fingers curled into her lap. That part, at least, she was fine with. She had no intentions of being tied to Caden Lancaster for longer than necessary.

“And after a year?” she asked.

“We’ll file for divorce, and I’ll ensure you leave with everything you need to rebuild Monroe Designs.” His expression was unreadable. “You’ll have enough capital to sustain your business for years.”

A lump formed in her throat. This deal was her last hope—her only way out.

“One last thing,” Caden said, his voice dipping into something almost dangerous.

Zariah met his gaze. “What?”

“You will wear my ring. And you will act like you belong to me.”

A slow chill crawled down her spine.

Before she could respond, Caden reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He flipped it open, revealing a stunning diamond ring. The gemstone was large—too large—but undeniably beautiful.

Zariah swallowed hard. “You already bought a ring?”

“I don’t make offers without preparation.” His gaze was sharp, unwavering. “Put it on.”

She hesitated. Everything about this arrangement screamed danger, but her hands betrayed her, reaching for the ring. She slid it onto her finger, the weight of it heavier than she expected.

Caden smirked. “Looks good on you.”

Her stomach tightened.

She had just officially stepped into Caden Lancaster’s world.

And there was no turning back.

Later That Night

Zariah stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, her fingers ghosting over the diamond ring on her left hand.

Everything about this felt surreal.

In one week, she would be walking down the aisle, tying herself to the most ruthless man in the city. And the craziest part?

She didn’t even know who he was beneath the carefully curated mask of power.

A knock on the door made her jump. She exhaled and opened it, only to find Caden standing there, his tie undone, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

For the first time since their conversation, he didn’t look like Caden Lancaster, the billionaire. He just looked… exhausted.

“You’re not backing out, are you?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Zariah searched his gaze, looking for any trace of weakness. She found none.

“No,” she said, her voice steady. “I’m all in.”

A ghost of approval flickered across his face.

“Good,” he murmured.

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Zariah alone with the weight of her choices.

One year.

She could survive one year, couldn’t she?

As she closed the door behind her, she wasn’t so sure anymore.