Natalie's POV
I didn't sleep at all.
At 3 AM, I was still staring at my copy of the contract. At 6 AM, I gave up and got in the shower. At 8 AM, I put on the simple white dress the stylist had brought—elegant, expensive, nothing like the wedding dress I'd imagined as a little girl.
At 9:30 AM, my phone buzzed.
Adrian: The car is waiting. Don't be late.
Right. Because this was a business appointment, not a wedding.
The courthouse was gray and official and completely unromantic.
Adrian stood outside the marriage license office in a charcoal suit, looking like he was headed to a board meeting. Daniel waited beside him, sympathy in his eyes.
Right on time, Adrian said, nodding like I was a colleague.
Wouldn't want to be late for my own wedding, I said bitterly.
We entered a small room where Judge Martinez waited behind a desk. She smiled warmly.
Mr. Blackwell, Miss Chen. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. She gestured to chairs. Please, sit.
We sat. Adrian's leg almost touched mine. I shifted away.
Marriage is one of life's most beautiful commitments, Judge Martinez said. Before we begin, I like to ask couples: why are you getting married today?
Adrian's hand found mine, squeezed once. Stick to the script.
Because I love her, Adrian said smoothly. And I don't want to wait another day to make her my wife.
The lies came so easily to him.
And you, Miss Chen?
I looked at this stranger I was about to legally bind myself to. Because he asked me to. And I said yes.
It was the most honest answer I could give.
Beautiful, Judge Martinez beamed. Let's begin. Please stand and face each other.
We stood. Adrian took both my hands. His were warm and steady. Mine trembled.
Adrian Blackwell, do you take Natalie Chen to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
One year. Not death. One year.
I do, Adrian said, emotionless. Like signing a business deal.
Natalie Chen, do you take Adrian Blackwell to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
This was my last chance. I could say no. Walk out. Find another way.
But there was no other way.
I do, I whispered.
Adrian slid a simple gold band onto my finger. It felt heavy. Wrong. Like handcuffs disguised as jewelry.
I pushed his ring on with trembling fingers.
By the power vested in me by the State of New York, Judge Martinez said, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.
Adrian leaned in and kissed me.
Brief. Professional. Completely impersonal. Two actors playing their parts.
When he pulled back, I felt nothing. No butterflies. No romance. Just the cold weight of a wedding ring.
Congratulations! Judge Martinez handed us papers. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.
A lifetime. We had twelve months.
I signed: Natalie Chen Blackwell
My new name looked foreign.
Adrian signed quickly: Adrian Blackwell
And just like that, we were married.
In the car, Adrian pulled out his phone. I'm transferring the payment now.
My phone buzzed.
BANK NOTIFICATION: Deposit of $500,000 received.
Half a million dollars. One million total now. The price of one year of my life.
Are you okay? Adrian asked.
I just married a stranger for money. How okay can I be?
You made a practical decision in a difficult situation.
Is there a difference between that and selling myself?
He was quiet. I don't know anymore.
The honesty surprised me.
What happens now? I asked.
Now you move into the penthouse. Tonight we drive to the Hamptons. My family is having dinner at the estate at seven. They're expecting to meet my new wife.
My stomach dropped. Tonight? Already?
My grandmother called this morning. She's furious I got married without informing the family. He looked at me seriously. They'll test you, Natalie. They'll ask questions designed to trip you up. Don't give them any ammunition.
What if I mess up?
Don't. His voice turned hard. Remember our story: we met at the charity gala three weeks ago. I pursued you. We fell in love quickly. We married privately because we wanted something intimate. Can you remember that?
I'm not stupid, Adrian.
I know. But my grandmother is brilliant at finding inconsistencies.
Moving in took an hour. I didn't have much—three suitcases total.
Adrian showed me to my room. Your space. My room is down the hall. We leave for the Hamptons at five. Wear something appropriate.
What's appropriate?
Expensive. Conservative. He paused. And Natalie? Tonight, you need to be perfect.
He left without waiting for an answer.
At 4:30, the stylist Sarah arrived with a designer dress—deep navy, elegant. She helped me get ready.
When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. I looked like I belonged in Adrian's world.
The disguise was perfect. Underneath, I was still just Natalie Chen from Queens, drowning in lies.
At 5 PM, Adrian knocked. His eyes swept over me. Perfect. You look exactly like a Blackwell wife should.
He handed me a jewelry box. Inside was a stunning diamond necklace.
Family collection, he explained. My grandmother will expect to see you wearing Blackwell jewelry.
He fastened it around my throat. His fingers brushed my skin, and I shivered.
Nervous? he asked.
Terrified.
Just remember: we're madly in love. Newly married. Happier than we've ever been. His voice dropped. Can you sell that?
Can you?
For a moment, we just looked at each other—two people trapped in a lie of their own making.
We'll find out, Adrian said.
The drive to the Hamptons took two hours. The estate was enormous—a mansion that looked like something from a movie.
Welcome to the family estate, Adrian said flatly. Try not to let them destroy you.
A butler opened my door. Mr. Blackwell, Mrs. Blackwell. The family is waiting in the dining room.
Adrian took my hand as we walked inside. His grip was firm, possessive. Playing the part already.
Remember, he whispered. We're in love. No matter what they say.
We walked into the dining room.
At the head of the table sat Eleanor Blackwell—seventy-eight years old, eyes like ice as they fixed on me.
To her right, a woman with frozen features and a cold smile—Victoria, Adrian's mother.
Across from her, a man who barely looked up from his phone—Richard, Adrian's father.
And at the far end, a younger man who looked like a charming version of Adrian—Marcus, the brother.
All of them stopped talking when we entered.
Grandmother, Adrian said smoothly. Mother, Father, Marcus. I'd like to formally introduce my wife, Natalie.
Eleanor's eyes raked over me. Your wife. How delightful that we're only learning about her existence after the ceremony.
We wanted a private ceremony, Adrian said.
How convenient. Eleanor gestured to empty chairs. Sit. We have much to discuss about this... surprising development.
We sat. Under the table, Adrian's hand found mine.
The interrogation was about to begin.
So, Natalie, Victoria said, smile poisonous. Tell us about yourself. Your family. We know absolutely nothing about the woman our son married.
My parents own a restaurant in Queens, I said steadily. I run an event planning business. Adrian and I met at
A charity gala, Eleanor interrupted. Three weeks ago. Quite the whirlwind romance.
When you know, you know, Adrian said.
Or when you need something quickly, Eleanor replied, eyes never leaving me.
Victoria raised her wine glass. To Adrian and his bride. May this marriage last longer than necessary.
The words felt loaded with meaning.
Tell me, Natalie, Eleanor continued, what do your parents think of this marriage?
They don't know yet, I admitted.
Silence fell like a bomb.
You married without even telling your parents? Victoria's smile sharpened. How unusual.
We'll tell them soon, I said quickly.
Of course you will. Eleanor leaned forward. Let me be direct. I don't know what arrangement you have with my grandson, but understand this: you're fulfilling a contractual role, dear. Don't confuse performing a function with actually belonging to this family.
The words hit like a slap. She knew. Or suspected.
I love Adrian, I said, forcing the lie out.
Love. Eleanor laughed, bitter and harsh. How refreshing.
Richard finally looked up from his phone. You made a mistake, he said to Adrian, voice emotionless. But you'll realize it soon enough.
Then he went back to his phone, ignoring everyone.
Welcome to the family, Marcus said, grinning. Nothing says welcome like being told you don't belong before dinner's even served.
I stood up, chair scraping. If you can't be civil, we're leaving.
Silence.
Adrian stood beside me. Natalie's right. We came as a courtesy. If you'd rather insult my wife, we'll go.
Eleanor looked almost impressed. Sit down. Both of you. We will all behave like civilized people.
We sat. Dinner was torture, expensive food I couldn't taste, conversation laced with insults, Eleanor's cold eyes watching my every move.
Finally, it was over.
In the car, Adrian was quiet until we were back on the highway.
I'm sorry, he finally said.
For what? Your family being exactly as awful as you warned?
For all of it. He ran a hand through his hair. They hate me, Adrian. Your grandmother thinks I'm a gold-digger.
I know.
And she's right. Everything they're accusing me of—it's all true.
Adrian was quiet. She had no right to speak to you that way.
She was protecting her family from someone who doesn't belong. I wiped my eyes. Welcome to the family, right?
One year, Adrian said quietly. We just have to survive one year.
The rest of the drive passed in silence.
At the penthouse, I went straight to my room.
I changed into pajamas, took off the jewelry and wedding ring, and let myself cry.
My phone buzzed. Adrian.
I'm sorry tonight was difficult.
Will it get easier? I typed back.
No. Probably not. But we'll survive it together.
Together. Like we were actually partners.
Goodnight, Adrian.
Goodnight, wife.
I turned off the lights and lay in the darkness, wondering how I'd survive 364 more days.
My phone buzzed again. Unknown number.
Congratulations on your wedding, Mrs. Blackwell. You were very convincing at the courthouse today. Almost made me believe it was real. – V
My blood ran cold.
Someone had watched us get married.
I screenshot the message and sent it to Adrian.
Where did you get this?
Just now. Someone was watching us at the courthouse.
Lock your door. Now.
The command made me jump up and lock my bedroom door.
I climbed back into bed, heart racing.
This was supposed to be simple. Twelve months of pretending, then freedom.
But now someone was watching us. Adrian's family hated me. And Eleanor suspected the truth.
I fell asleep wondering what I'd gotten myself into.
And whether twelve months would be enough time to protect my heart from a man I was contractually forbidden from loving.