♣ CHAPTER 20 ♣
Back at the Dray's mansion,William unlocked the front door. Kate walked in first, with her arms crossed, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.
She didn't say a word. She was still burning with everything he had just told her.
He closed the door behind them, and loosened his tie and looked at her.
"We have an event tonight," he said calmly.
Kate turned sharply. "An event?"
"A business gathering. A gala."
"I'm not in the mood to be paraded."
William raised a brow. "It's not about being paraded. It's about image. The Presence."
"I've had enough of presence," she muttered. "I've been dragged into too much already."
"You're my wife," he said simply. "People need to see that."
Kate stared at him. "So now you want to show me off? After keeping me hidden like a secret?"
He walked closer, stopping right in front of her. "Things have changed."
"What things?"
"Perception,Threats and Family enemies. Your uncle is watching and So is the board."
"And you think dressing me up like a trophy will fix that?"
William's voice dropped. "I'm not dressing you up. I'm standing with you."
Kate looked at him, searching his face,to find anything. "Is this still part of the contract?"
He didn't answer.
She shook her head. "Of course."
William stepped aside. "The car leaves in one hour. Be ready by then."
Kate didn't move.
"One hour," he repeated, and then he walked away.
---
The ballroom glittered with chandeliers. Soft classical music flowed through the air, waiters in black and white moved around with trays of wine.
Kate stepped out of the car, dressed in a deep blue gown. She looked like royalty. Immediately she stepped down from the car and all Heads turned to their side.
William offered his arm. She hesitated before placing her hand in his.
Inside, whispers followed them, like a leech.
William walked straight to the center of the room, stopping in front of the board directors, shareholders, old business allies.
He looked at them all. "Ladies and gentlemen, meet my wife."
There was Gasps,murmurs, whispers and stare.l
Kate felt the heat rushing to her face.
One of the board members blinked. "Your… wife?"
"Yes," William said steadily. "We've kept it private. For personal reasons. But it's time to change that."
An older woman stepped forward. William's mother. Her lips were tight. Her eyes are sharp.
"William, may I speak with you?... Alone."
"No," he said. "Say what you want."
She looked at Kate, then back at him. "Don't forget this was a contract marriage. One year. That's what we agreed on."
Kate flinched.
William's jaw clenched. "Things change, Mother."
She narrowed her eyes. "Not for long."
Before Kate could breathe, another woman stepped up. She is Tall, blonde, and confident. She wore red.
"Hello, William," she said, touching his arm. "You look… good."
William's face stayed blank. "Gabriella."
Gabriella's eyes moved to Kate, then back to William. "You know this doesn't have to be permanent."
Kate blinked like a torch.
Gabriella smiled. "You and I… we had something real. This little act doesn't erase that."
"It's not an act," William said sharply.
Gabriella tilted her head. "Isn't it?"
Kate stepped forward. "Excuse me," she said. "I'm right here."
Gabriella smiled sweetly. "Of course, dear. Enjoy it while it lasts."
William's mother pulled him aside. "You're making a scene."
"No, I'm making a point."
"You're risking everything."
"I'm not the one who turned this marriage into a contract."
"Then end it before you regret it."
Kate stood quietly, watching them.
Gabriella leaned toward her. "He always comes back. You'll see."
Kate smiled faintly. "Not this time."
William returned, looking at her. "Are you okay?"
Kate stared at him. "Why did you do that?"
"Because I'm tired of hiding."
"Are you claiming me for real," she asked softly, "or just making a statement?"
William didn't blink. "What do you want it to be?"
She held his gaze. "I want the truth."
He stepped closer. "Then stay close."
The music changed.
William offered his hand again. "Dance with me."
Kate placed her hand in his.
And the whole room watched.
This was unusual for William, but he thought something has changed in him ever since he got married to Kate.
William's hand tightened slightly around Kate's waist as they moved onto the dance floor. Everyone's eyes followed them—whispers circled the room like fire.
The music played softly, but Kate could barely hear it. Her mind was spinning.
"You planned this, didn't you?" she said under her breath.
William didn't look at her. "I told you we needed to make a statement."
"You could've warned me. I felt like a prop."
"You're not a prop," he said, his voice firm. "You're my wife."
"For now."
William's eyes finally met hers. "Does that bother you?"
Kate raised her chin. "It bothers me that you act like it's real when it suits you."
His jaw tightened. "I didn't do this to play games. You're not just anyone."
"Then why does everyone keep reminding me that this marriage has an expiry date?" she asked. "Your mother,Your ex and Even you."
He was silent for a moment.
"You think I like any of this?" he said quietly. "The contract. The constant reminders. Watching you deal with threats alone?"
Kate looked at him, searching for something real. "Then say what you really want."
Before he could answer, Gabriella appeared again—smiling, elegant and poisonous.
"Mind if I cut in?" she asked, stepping forward without waiting for a response.
Kate moved away first. "Go ahead."
But William caught Kate's wrist. "She's not available."
Gabriella's smile faltered. "Excuse me?"
"She's dancing with her husband."
Gabriella's eyes narrowed. "You never used to be this dramatic, William."
He let go of Kate and turned fully to face her. "And you never used to beg."
The color drained from Gabriella's face.
"I'm not begging," she said.
"You are. And it's pathetic."
Kate blinked, shocked at his tone. Gabriella's mouth opened and closed before she turned and walked off without another word.
Kate looked at him. "You didn't have to humiliate her."
"She humiliated you first."
"You don't need to defend me like that."
"Yes, I do."
His voice was sharp,Clear and Protective.
Kate felt something stir inside her, but she shoved it down.
Then William's mother came up again, pulling William a few steps away.
"Are you out of your mind?" she hissed.
"I'm not discussing this again."
"She's not one of us. This whole thing was supposed to stay quiet."
"Well, it's not quiet anymore."
"She's not permanent, William."
He looked her straight in the eye. "That's not your decision."
His mother's eyes narrowed. "You're ruining everything your father built."
"No," William said coldly. "I'm finally taking control of it."
She turned and stormed off.
Kate walked to a quiet corner, she needed air, needed space. She stared at the gold decor, the wine glasses, the too-loud laughter.
She felt him behind her before she turned.
William stood silently for a moment, then stepped beside her.
"I'm sorry," he said softly.
Kate didn't respond.
"I should've told you About tonight."
"You used me to make a point."
"I wanted them to see who you are. Not just a contract. Not just some girl from nowhere."
"That's exactly how they still see me."
"Then we'll change that… Together."
Kate looked up at him. "You say that like this is real."
William's voice dropped. "Isn't it starting to feel that way?"
Kate's breath caught.
He continued, "Every time you look at me, it's real. Every time you talk to me like I matter, it's real. Every time I worry about you more than I should… it's real."
She didn't speak.
He moved a little closer. "You want out? Say the word. I won't stop you."
Kate stared at him. "Do you want me to leave?"
"No," he said immediately. "But I want you to stay because you want to."
Silence stretched between them.
Then someone walked past, loudly whispering, "That's her. The contract wife. Oh… Poor thing."
Kate turned away quickly, her face burning.
William took her hand, gently.
"Come on," he said. "We're leaving."
They walked out together, his hand still wrapped around hers.
As they stepped into the car, Kate leaned back in the seat.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked again, her voice low.
"Because," William said, his eyes on hers, "no one gets to treat you like you're nothing."
Kate stared at him.
And for the first time, she didn't feel like just a contract wife.
She felt claimed.