The judge's office was quiet and formal.
Ava stood beside Alexander Knight, her fingers trembling slightly as she stared at the marriage documents on the desk.
This was really happening.
The judge adjusted his glasses and studied them carefully.
"Marriage is a serious commitment," he said calmly. "Are both of you entering this union willingly?"
Ava hesitated.
Alexander answered first.
"Yes."
The judge turned to her.
"And you, Miss Lawson?"
For a moment, Ava thought about everything that had happened that day, the wedding dress, the betrayal, and Daniel and Chloe. Her heart hardened.
"Yes," she said quietly.
The judge nodded.
"Very well."
The clerk placed two documents on the desk.
"Please sign here."
Alexander picked up the pen without hesitation and signed smoothly.
Alexander Knight.
His signature looked confident, commanding.
Then he handed the pen to Ava. Her hand hovered above the paper.
Once she signed this… everything would change. Her name. Her life. Her future.
Slowly, she wrote:
Ava Lawson…
Then she paused.
The clerk spoke gently.
"You'll need to sign your new name."
Ava swallowed, crossed out the last name, and wrote again.
Ava Knight.
The ink dried. The judge stamped the document with a loud thud that echoed across the room.
"Congratulations," he said with a small smile. "You are now legally married."
The words rang in Ava's ears.
Married.
To a stranger.
To one of the most powerful men in the city.
Alexander stood calmly, adjusting his suit jacket.
The clerk handed them the certificate.
"Mr. and Mrs. Knight."
The title sounded strange.
Alexander turned toward her.
"We should leave."
They walked out of the office together. Ava noticed Daniel and Chloe were gone.
Good. She had no desire to see them again.
Outside, the rain had finally stopped. Alexander's car was waiting. They climbed inside.
For several minutes, the car moved silently through the city streets. Then Alexander opened his briefcase and pulled out a thick folder. He handed it to her.
Ava frowned.
"What's this?"
"The contract."
Her stomach tightened.
"Contract?"
"Marriage contract," he replied calmly.
Ava slowly opened the folder. How did he already have this prepared? she wondered. Inside were several printed pages:
Conditions of the Marriage
• The marriage will last exactly one year
• Both parties must appear as a real couple in public
• No romantic expectations
• No interference with each other's personal lives
Ava flipped to the final page. Her eyes widened.
Compensation: $5,000,000 upon completion of the contract.
Her mouth fell open.
"Five million dollars?"
Alexander leaned back calmly.
"Yes."
"You're paying me?"
"You're being compensated for your time."
"This is insane."
Alexander watched her quietly. Ava looked down at the contract again. Five million dollars. The amount alone could change her life.
But something else caught her attention.
"There's another clause," she said.
Alexander didn't respond.
Ava read slowly:
"If either party develops romantic feelings… the contract becomes void immediately."
She looked up at him.
"So basically… we're not allowed to fall in love?"
Alexander met her gaze calmly.
"That won't be a problem."
Ava narrowed her eyes.
"You sound very confident."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"I don't mix emotions with business."
The car slowed as it approached a massive gated estate. Tall iron gates opened slowly. Ava's eyes widened as they drove inside. fountains, perfectly trimmed gardens, and a mansion that looked more like a palace.
Alexander glanced at her.
"Welcome home."
Ava stared at the enormous house in disbelief.
"What have I gotten myself into?" she whispered.
Alexander heard her.
"You'll find out soon enough."
A servant appeared at the entrance and bowed politely.
"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Knight."
Ava blinked in surprise. They already knew?
Alexander stepped out of the car, tall and commanding.
"The staff will show you your room."
The grand doors opened. Inside, the mansion was breathtaking. Marble floors gleamed under massive crystal chandeliers, and golden-framed portraits lined the walls, giving the house the air of an old royal estate. Ava felt suddenly small.
"This way," Alexander said.
They passed a sweeping staircase and entered a library with towering bookshelves.
"Do you read?" Alexander asked.
"I… I love to read," Ava replied carefully.
His expression gave nothing away.
The tour continued, massive dining hall, silent kitchen where staff moved with precise efficiency, until they reached her bedroom suite.
It looked like a luxury hotel penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city. The bed alone was larger than the one in her old apartment. Ava sank onto it, exhausted.
Later that night, Ava wandered around the suite, touching the expensive furniture and silk curtains. Everything smelled faintly of lavender and polished wood, yet the room felt strangely cold.
She looked out at the glowing city lights. Everything hit her. the betrayal, the rushed marriage, the contract. She collapsed on the bed, crying quietly.
Alexander appeared silently in the doorway, still in his suit. He watched her for a moment.
"You're going to ruin those expensive sheets," he said.
Ava sat up quickly, wiping her tears.
"They're tears, not bombs," she snapped.
"Whatever. Just stop."
"Why did you walk in without knocking?" she demanded.
"I've seen the bodies of top models. Trust me, yours wouldn't shock me," he replied casually.
Ava glared.
"Next time, knock."
"My house. My rules."
She rolled her eyes.
"Why are you here?"
"I came to remind you of something," he said seriously. "Do not interfere with my personal life. In public, act like the perfect wife. In private… stay out of my way."
Ava's throat tightened.
"And if I fail?"
"You won't want to find out."
He turned and left. His calm tone made her uneasy.
Did I just make the biggest mistake of my life? She thought.
She lay down slowly.
It's only 365 days, she whispered.
A gentle knock woke her early the next morning.
A maid entered.
"Good morning, Mrs. Knight. Your wardrobe for the day has been prepared. Mr. Knight is waiting in the dining room."
Wardrobe? Ava had spent her whole life dressing casually. Now there were stylists choosing clothes for her.
In the dining room, Alexander sat calmly and unreadable, gesturing to the chair beside him.
She sat. He studied her for a moment.
She wore an elegant beige cashmere dress. Hair in a sleek bun, makeup natural yet flawless.
"Do I look that good?" she asked.
Alexander cleared his throat.
"Finish breakfast. We need to leave soon."
"I was wondering if I could go to my apartment and get my things."
Alexander shook his head.
"You're my wife now. You can't be seen wearing cheap brands. Whatever you need, you'll buy new."
She sighed.
Alexander's phone rang. He answered quickly, then returned.
"I have to go to the office. After breakfast, the driver will take you shopping. The mall has been closed for you."
"For me?"
"You'll have five hours."
At the mall, Ava was shocked. The entire building was empty. Staff stood waiting.
"Welcome, Mrs. Knight."
Ava thought of yesterday's betrayal. Now she had a billionaire husband and a private shopping mall. She smiled slowly.
If I'm going to live this life, she murmured, I might as well enjoy it.
Luxury bags and designer dresses appeared one after another. Ava picked up a handbag thoughtfully.
If he wants a doll, she whispered, then I'll give him the perfect one.
Hours later, back at the mansion, Alexander sat reading in the sitting room. Ava entered, arms full of bags.
"Stop right there," Alexander commanded. Everyone froze.
"Why is my wife holding those bags?"
"We tried to take them, but she insisted," a servant spoke.
"Take those bags now. If this happens again, all of you might lose your jobs," he said.
The maids hesitated.
"I really don't mind ," Ava said lightly.
"Take them now," Alexander insisted.
The maids bowed, taking the bags out. Ava frowned at him.
"Go freshen up," he said without looking up.
Inside her room, five maids were arranging everything.
"Uhmm, if you don't mind, I'd like to take a bath," Ava said.
They stopped instantly.
"One of us will bathe you," a servant replied.
"Excuse me?" Ava laughed.
"when Mr. Knight hired us this morning, he ordered us to do everything for you," another explained.
The laughter vanished from her face.
"Listen, I'm not a child. I can bathe myself. I'll call you when needed," she said firmly.
The maids left, leaving an outfit on the bed. Ava entered the shower room.
Bath me? Even for a 'baby doll,' this is too much, she thought, shaking her head.
Later, Ava returned to the library. She stepped on a stool to reach a top shelf but lost her balance.
She closed her eyes, expecting to hit the ground,but someone caught her.
His abs were firm and defined, his body strong and masculine. She opened her eyes, startled.
It was Alexander. For the first time since they met, he wasn't wearing his usual suit. The shirt hugged his body perfectly.
Their eyes locked, faces close. A knock at the door broke the tension.
"Come in," Alexander said. A servant brought in food and left.
Ava returned to her book. Alexander walked over, grabbed a book from the top shelf, and handed it to her.
"Thank you," she said politely.
She glanced at the food.
"I just wanted a sandwich… what's with all this?"
"Your body needs the color," he said, popping a strawberry into his mouth.
She read and ate quietly, glancing at him occasionally.
Even after he left, his scent lingered in the room. Ava closed her eyes, shaking her head.
What am I doing? Focus, girl. There's a reason I'm here.
She prayed silently.
God, lock my heart in a cage and throw away the key.
One day gone. 364 days to go, she whispered, returning to her book.