Charlotte stepped out of David's study after signing the contract. She had barely reached the staircase when she heard several footsteps behind her.
"Mrs. Wilkins."
She turned and saw a group of servants carrying her luggage.
"My belongings?"
"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Wilkins ordered that everything be brought to the residence today."
She looked toward the entrance and saw more of her boxes being brought inside. Apparently, David had wasted no time.
"Where are you taking them?"
"Your room."
Charlotte followed the servants upstairs. They took her to a room located on the opposite side of the mansion from David's.
She stepped inside and looked around. The room was beautiful, spacious, and tastefully furnished.
Her clothes had been arranged in the wardrobe, her shoes placed neatly in the closet, and the rest of her belongings carefully organized.
At least she wouldn't have to share a room with him. That was one thing she was grateful for.
Charlotte sat on the edge of the bed and looked around the unfamiliar room. She was officially a Wilkins now.
The thought still felt strange.
She had never imagined herself marrying someone she barely knew, especially someone as difficult as David.
But this wasn't a marriage built on love. It was an arrangement.
Three months.
She only needed to get through three months. After that, she would leave with what she came for.
~
"I don't like her, Grandfather," David complained to Dominique. "She has an attitude, and I don't like women like that."
"Bear with her. And get ready because tomorrow, you're both going to the registrar to get your marriage certificate," Dominique replied indifferently.
"What? What are you trying to do, Grandfather?"
"I'm trying to protect your future. Don't you understand? The public needs to see you both as a married couple."
"I won't participate in any of this, Grandfather. Especially not with that woman."
"Fine, then be ready to lose your position in the company. It's either you marry her, or you lose your position."
David's knuckles tightened.
That woman!
He didn't know what she had done to make his grandfather so desperate to arrange this marriage, but he was sure he would make things difficult for her until she left.
After all, she was just another pretender who must have manipulated his grandfather into forcing him into this marriage.
"Fine. I agree."
"Good. Nathan will come to pick you both up tomorrow," Dominique said.
He patted David's shoulder.
"I'm doing all of this for you. Try to understand."
With that, he left.
Charlotte…
That woman!
David's knuckles tightened again. She irritated him, and her attitude disgusted him.
~
The next morning, Charlotte woke up earlier than usual. After getting dressed, she left her room and headed downstairs.
When she entered the dining room, David was already there, sitting at the head of the long dining table. His dark glasses covered his eyes, while his cane rested beside his chair.
Charlotte took the seat across from him.
"Good morning."
David didn't respond.
Charlotte didn't bother repeating herself. A servant placed breakfast in front of her before stepping away, and she picked up her fork.
The silence lasted for a while before David finally spoke.
"I suppose you're enjoying your new life."
Charlotte looked up.
"It's only been one night."
"Still, it must be nice."
His voice carried a faint trace of sarcasm.
"Having a wealthy husband. Living in a mansion. Never having to worry about money again."
Charlotte's brows furrowed.
There it was again. The same accusation.
She continued eating, pretending his words didn't bother her, but David wasn't finished.
"Some women would do anything for that kind of security."
Charlotte finally put down her fork.
"If you're trying to make me feel unwanted, you're wasting your time."
David's expression hardened.
"Why?"
"Because I don't want you either."
The room went silent.
David's fingers tightened slightly around his cup. He had expected anger. He had expected her to defend herself. He certainly hadn't expected that answer.
"You don't want me?"
Charlotte shook her head.
"No."
For a moment, David said nothing. Then he gave a humorless laugh.
"Interesting."
"What is?"
"Most women would be desperate for my approval."
Charlotte picked up her fork again.
"Then you married the wrong woman."
David's jaw tightened.
Charlotte continued eating as though nothing had happened.
For the first time since meeting her, David found himself genuinely irritated. He had spent years pushing people away. He knew exactly how to make people uncomfortable.
Yet somehow, Charlotte didn't seem interested in playing his game.
And that bothered him.
Just then, David's assistant, Nathan, walked in.
"Good morning, Mr. Wilkins and…"
Nathan's eyes moved to Charlotte, and he hesitated, unsure of how to address her.
"Mrs. Wilkins," David supplied.
"Good morning, Mrs. Wilkins. Please pardon my manners."
"It's fine," Charlotte dismissed.
"Your grandfather asked me to drive you and Mrs. Wilkins to the registrar to get your marriage certificate," Nathan announced.
"A marriage certificate?" Charlotte asked in surprise.
Wasn't this just a contract marriage? What did they need a marriage certificate for?
"We'll meet you outside in a few minutes," David replied.
"Okay, sir. Take your time."
Nathan left the dining room.
Charlotte turned toward David.
"What was that about? Isn't this just a fake marriage?"
David remained calm.
"So?"
"What do we need a marriage certificate for?"
"What now? Are you afraid you'll be stuck with me forever?" David mocked.
"No, I just don't understand why we would—"
"It's just part of the fake marriage, so don't worry. I can't imagine being stuck with someone like you forever."
David stood up from his seat.
"And please get ready. Don't waste our time, or we'll leave you to come all by yourself."
He took a few steps before suddenly stopping.
"Also, don't mistake this marriage as permission to enter my life."
With that, he walked away.
"Such an annoying man," Charlotte muttered under her breath as she hurried to finish her breakfast.