"Meet my husband."

Chapter 3

"Let's get married today," Violet said on the other end of the line.

"I thought we agreed on Saturday—three days from now?"

"Are you getting cold feet?" she teased, giggling. "Look, I don’t want my family to know, so is it possible we could just get married today?"

"Well… how about tomorrow? I’ll set a meeting for us with my lawyer today to finalize the deal."

"Alright, call me when you’re ready."

***

The next morning, Violet met with Alex and his lawyer.

"Miss, these are the contract papers," the lawyer said, laying out a stack of documents. "Mr. Vanguard mentioned you haven’t yet agreed on some post-wedding terms. These documents cover possible situations, and you can check off the boxes as you see fit."

"For instance," the lawyer continued, "the first question is whether you’d like to go on a honeymoon after the wedding. There’s a box for yes or no."

Violet chuckled, whispering to Alex, "Are you serious?"

Alex shrugged. "This is how it works, apparently."

"Okay, but can we do this in private?" Violet asked, turning to the lawyer. He nodded, receiving a nod from Alex as well, and excused himself.

"So, let’s see," Violet said, pen in hand. "Question one: honeymoon. What do you think, Alex?"

"I don’t know. I mean, it’s a secret wedding, so…"

"Then what’s the point," Violet finished his thought.

"Next question—how long should the marriage last?" she read aloud.

"Since you said you needed a year, I was thinking… a year and six months? Or two years?"

"And what about… eternally?" Violet joked, laughing as she watched Alex awkwardly clear his throat.

"Just kidding. Two years sounds fine to me."

"Can I be honest, though? This just feels…"

"Weird, yeah." Alex relaxed a bit. "You know what, let’s skip the formalities and just talk."

"Agreed," she replied with a smile.

"Alright, so if we’re doing this," Alex said, leaning forward, "I don’t want any third parties involved. I know this is mainly for our interests, but as long as we’re married, let’s keep it faithful."

"Same here," Violet nodded. "And one more thing: I want us to present a united front, like a real married couple. That means going to events, family gatherings… that kind of thing."

"Deal. But I have a question," Alex smirked.

"Shoot."

"Does everything a couple should do involve… romance?" he teased.

Violet blushed, hesitating. She remembered her grandfather’s ultimatum: get married and get pregnant within the year. Gulping, she replied, "Why not?"

"Alright, then," he said, "let’s sign a prenup."

***

Later that day, Violet arrived home, greeted by her elder brother, who was bouncing around excitedly.

"Wave, you’re in a good mood today! Where’s Mom?"

Wave didn’t respond, continuing to jump around. Violet shook her head and headed for the laundry room, where her mom was busy folding clothes.

"Mom!"

"Violet!" Her mom smiled warmly, hugging her daughter. "How was your day?"

"Fine, Mom. Have you made dinner?"

"No, I’m a bit behind today."

"Perfect! I’ll make dinner for us." Violet grinned. 'After all, today’s my last night single. At least, for the next two years.' Violet thought. I'm sorry mom, you won't be able to witness your daughter get married.

As Violet headed to the kitchen, she yelled, "Prepare to taste magic!" Her mom chuckled from the laundry room.

***

The following morning, Alex and Violet met with the wedding officiant.

"Now, if you both could sign here and here," the officiant said.

They exchanged glances and signed the marriage certificate.

"Congratulations!" the officiant beamed.

"Thank you," they replied in unison.

Violet, sitting beside Alex in his car, suggested they celebrate with breakfast, as she hadn’t eaten that morning.

"Sure thing," he replied, taking her to a charming restaurant.

Seated in the elegant dining area, Violet marveled. "This place is so fancy."

"I thought we should make the day feel a little special," Alex said, signaling the waitress.

As they waited for their meals, Violet broached a topic on her mind. "Alex, my grandfather’s hosting a dinner in two weeks at his mansion. I’d like us to announce our marriage there."

"Alright," he nodded easily.

"And after that," she continued, "we’ll start living together."

Alex’s gaze shifted as he searched her face. "So… you’ll move in with me that day?"

"Yes," she answered, determined.

***

The two weeks flew by, and the night of the dinner arrived. Violet spent the day trying to reach Alex, but there was no answer. She grew increasingly nervous as the evening drew near.

"Come on, pick up!" she muttered, pacing her room.

"Violet!" her mom called. "Mrs. Penelope is here to watch Wave."

Violet quickly greeted Mrs. Penelope, who’d agreed to watch her elder brother while they attended the dinner. With only a couple of hours left until the event, she was growing frantic.

"Gosh, did he bail on me?" Violet wondered. "I mean, he already got his contract deal…."

Her mom appeared in the doorway, breaking her thoughts. "Are you ready, sweetie?"

Violet took a shaky breath and looked in the mirror. She wore a cream-colored dress that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with red heels. Her blonde hair was in a messy bun, and diamond earrings sparkled in her ears.

"I’m ready, Mom," she said with a strained smile.

***

When they arrived at her grandfather’s mansion, Violet took a deep breath, bracing herself. Her grandfather greeted her and her mom warmly, embracing them both.

"You look breathtaking, my dear," he complimented Violet, ignoring the other guests in the room.

As they settled around the table, the air grew tense. Her father, Lucas, and his wife, Josephine, sat nearby, visibly annoyed at being sidelined. Josephine tried to make small talk.

"Hi, Selena. Long time no see," Josephine said, stretching out her hand.

Violet stepped in, pulling out a chair for her mom. "Here, Mom, have a seat."

Josephine’s hand hung awkwardly in mid-air, which Violet finally shook with a cold, commanding smile. "The eldest grandchild of this family should show respect, right, Josephine?"

Josephine’s forced smile tightened, and she glanced at her husband, who subtly urged her to play along. Liam, Violet’s younger half-brother, seethed in the background.

After a moment, Violet excused herself to make a quick call. Outside, she tried Alex’s number again, frustration growing. Just then, Liam appeared, smirking.

"Well, well. Poor Violet."

"What do you want, Liam?" she snapped, disgusted.

"Oh, just curious about my elder abnormal brother. How’s he doing?"

"Stop it!" she warned, her patience fraying.

"Or what? Did you leave him at home because you’re ashamed of him? Or is he that crazy?"

"Say another word about my brother, and I’ll—"

"Your mother should’ve just killed him as a baby," he sneered.

Violet’s hand flew up, slapping him across the face. Liam’s eyes went wide with shock.

"If you ever insult my brother or my mother again," she said, her voice low and fierce, "you’ll regret it."

Liam recovered, grabbing her arm as if to strike. Just then, someone caught his hand mid-air.

"Don’t you dare." The voice was firm, chilling.

Violet turned, surprised and relieved to see Alex. He held Liam’s wrist in a vice grip, his eyes cold and unyielding.

"I’d appreciate it if you kept your hands off my wife," Alex said icily.

"Let’s go," he added, taking Violet’s arm protectively as they walked back inside together.

Once inside, Violet spoke up, addressing her grandfather. "Grandpa, Mom… meet my husband, Alex Vanguard."