AMARA'S POV
I don't sleep.
The mystery woman's warning replays: Gabriel destroys everything he touches.
At 3 AM, I research Gabriel Stone online. Harvard Law. Took over his father's firm at twenty-five. Never lost a case.
Too clean.
One old article: Corporate Lawyer's Mother Dies in Tragic Accident.
Elena Stone. Brazilian immigrant. Dead at forty-three. No details on how.
Gabriel's photo shows him younger. Devastated.
My phone buzzes. Courthouse. 9 AM. Don't be late. -GS
The marriage license.
Another text: You have the Titan hearing today? Good luck.
I stare at it. Gabriel's trying to kill my case but wishes me luck?
Sophie meets me at the office. You look terrible.
Didn't sleep. I grab files. Help me load the car.
Maybe postpone the hearing
Can't. If we postpone, Titan files another dismissal motion.
Sophie grabs my arm. What happened last night? You went silent.
I almost tell her everything. Almost.
Just stressed, I lie.
Liar. Coffee after the hearing. You're telling me everything.
Deal.
We drive to the courthouse. My hands shake.
This case matters. Titan Detention Services abuses immigrants. Families separated. Children traumatized. People dying.
I have proof. If I win, we go to trial. If I lose, Titan walks free.
We park. I gather files.
You've got this, Sophie says.
I push open the courtroom doors.
Gabriel Stone sits at the defense table.
My future fake husband represents Titan.
Gabriel approaches. Ms. Okoye. Didn't expect you here today.
I don't run from fights.
Neither do I. He leans close. Whispers: After this. Courthouse steps. Marriage license.
Judge Martinez enters. All rise!
Gabriel stands. Your Honor, plaintiff's case lacks merit. Anecdotal evidence. Questionable witnesses. And Ms. Okoye herself faces immigration issues. One might question her motives.
I stand. Mr. Stone wants to dismiss before discovery. Before juries hear truth. I have medical records of a six-year-old denied asthma medication. A mother separated from her infant. Elderly detainees in freezing cells.
Gabriel counters. Your Honor, Ms. Okoye is being dramatic
A twelve-year-old attempted suicide in Titan custody last month, I snap. Dramatic enough?
Silence.
We battle for twenty minutes. Finally, Judge Martinez stands. I'll rule by Friday.
Two days.
Sophie is furious outside. He attacked you personally!
It's fine. I need to make a call. Load the car?
She leaves suspicious.
I meet Gabriel on the courthouse steps.
Ready to get legally bound to your enemy? he asks.
This is insane.
This is survival.
We file for the marriage license. Sign paperwork. The clerk congratulates us.
Outside, Gabriel hands me a folder. Prenup. Read tonight. Ceremony's Saturday at my penthouse.
I need to know something. That warning last night. Who was she?
Gabriel's face goes cold. I don't know.
Your mother died seven years ago. Tragic accident. What really happened?
His eyes flash. That's none of your business.
I'm marrying you
Not everything is your concern. My past stays my past.
If I'm walking into danger
You're not. I would never hurt you.
The way he says it makes my breath catch.
My phone buzzes. Text from unknown number: You went to get the marriage license. You didn't listen. Now you'll pay the price. Both of you.
I show Gabriel.
His face goes white.
We're being watched, I whisper.
Gabriel grabs my arm. Pulls me close. Go home. Pack a bag. Move into my place tonight, not Saturday.
What? Why?
Because whoever sent this knows everything. And until we figure out who they are
He doesn't finish.
Because gunfire explodes behind us.
Someone is shooting.
At us.