Final agreement

The next morning, Amelia woke with an uncomfortable feeling in her chest.

Today was the day before her wedding.

Tomorrow, she would officially become Dominic Ashford's wife.

For twelve months.

She stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before reaching for her phone.

There were several messages waiting.

One from seraphina.

Tell me you're not having cold feet.

Amelia smiled.

She typed back.

I'm perfectly fine.

The reply came immediately.

Liar.

Amelia laughed softly.

Before she could respond, another message appeared.

I'm coming over. Don't argue.

Twenty minutes later, seraphina arrived carrying two shopping bags.

“I brought emergency supplies.”

Amelia looked inside.

Chocolate.

Perfume.

Face masks.

And a bottle of sparkling juice.

“You're ridiculous.”

“I'm your best friend. It's my job.”

They sat on the bed.

seraphina studied her.

“So?”

“Are you nervous?”

Amelia hesitated.

“A little.”

“About marrying Dominic?”

“About everything.”

seraphina's expression became serious.

“You know you can still stop this.”

Amelia nodded.

“I know.”

“Then why aren't you?”

Amelia looked down at her hands.

“Because I've spent my whole life wondering whether people would love me if they didn't know my family name.”

“And Dominic?”

“He doesn't know.”

Seraphina sighed.

“Just be careful.”

“I will.”

“Promise?”

Amelia smiled.

“Promise.”

At Ashford Enterprises, Dominic signed the final page of the marriage agreement.

Adrian placed the document in front of him.

“Once Amelia signs, everything is finalized.”

Dominic nodded.

His eyes moved over the contract.

Twelve months.

Separate bedrooms.

No children.

No interference in personal affairs.

Public appearances when necessary.

Divorce at the end of the term.

Simple.

Exactly what he wanted.

Or at least, what he had wanted.

He picked up his pen.

Then stopped.

“adrian.”

“Yes?”

“If she wants to leave before the twelve months are over?”

Adrian looked surprised.

“The contract has conditions for early termination.”

“I know.”

Dominic stared at the document.

“Would she be free to go?”

“If both parties agree.”

Dominic nodded.

“Good.”

Adrian watched him carefully.

“You seem unusually concerned about her freedom.”

Dominic's expression hardened.

“She's my wife.”

“Not yet.”

Dominic looked at him.

Adrian smiled.

“Sorry.”

“Just make sure everything is ready.”

“Of course.”

After Adrian left, Dominic's phone rang.

His mother.

He answered.

“Hello.”

“Where are you?”

“At work.”

“You should be preparing for your wedding.”

“It's tomorrow, Mother. Everything is prepared.”

Catherine sighed.

“I met Amelia yesterday.”

Dominic's expression changed.

“What did you say to her?”

“Nothing inappropriate.”

“Good.”

“But I still don't trust her.”

Dominic leaned back.

“Why?”

“She hides too much.”

He was silent.

“She isn't what she appears to be,” Catherine continued.

Dominic looked at the contract on his desk.

“I'll handle it.”

“Don't underestimate her.”

“I won't.”

By afternoon, Amelia arrived at the Ashford mansion to sign the final documents.

Dominic was waiting in his study.

He stood when she entered.

“You're early.”

“You told me not to be late.”

His lips twitched.

“I did.”

Amelia noticed the papers on the desk.

“Those are the final documents?”

“Yes.”

She walked over.

“Let's finish this.”

Dominic handed her a pen.

She read every page carefully.

When she reached the section about personal assets, she stopped.

“There's no clause concerning my existing property.”

“Because you don't need to transfer anything.”

“Good.”

Dominic looked at her.

“You don't trust me?”

“Should I?”

He didn't answer.

Amelia signed.

Then pushed the document toward him.

Dominic signed immediately afterward.

For a few seconds, neither spoke.

It was done.

Their marriage was no longer a possibility.

It was inevitable.

Amelia stood.

“Well, Mr Ashford…”

Dominic looked at her.

“Tomorrow, you'll officially be Mrs. Ashford.”

Something about hearing her say it made his chest tighten.

He stood too.

“Are you afraid?”

“No.”

“Not even a little?”

Amelia smiled.

“I've survived worse things than marrying you.”

Dominic raised an eyebrow.

“That's reassuring.”

She laughed.

For the first time, he laughed too.

It lasted only a second.

But Amelia noticed.

Again.

“You're doing it.”

“What?”

“Smiling.”

Dominic's smile disappeared.

“You're imagining things.”

“Of course.”

She turned toward the door.

“Amelia.”

She stopped.

Dominic hesitated before speaking.

“If you ever feel uncomfortable here…”

She looked back.

“Yes?”

“You can tell me.”

Her expression softened.

“Thank you.”

Neither of them knew why that small promise felt more important than anything written in their contract.

That evening, Amelia returned to the Sinclair estate.

Richard was waiting for her.

“How did it go?”

“The documents are signed.”

He sighed.

“So tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow.”

Richard walked to his desk and opened a drawer.

He removed a small black box.

“This belongs to you.”

Amelia stared at it.

“What is it?”

“Something your grandmother left for you.”

Her expression changed.

“My grandmother?”

Richard nodded.

“She wanted you to have it when you were ready to step into your future.”

Amelia slowly opened the box.

Inside was a beautiful gold necklace bearing the tiny Sinclair family crest.

Her eyes filled with emotion.

“Grandfather…”

Richard placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Wear it tomorrow if you wish.”

Amelia touched the necklace.

Then shook her head.

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because tomorrow I want to be Amelia.”

Richard smiled sadly.

“Then be Amelia.”

He closed the box.

“But never be ashamed of being a Sinclair.”

Amelia nodded.

“I won't.”

Outside the estate, a black car sat parked across the road.

Inside, Vanessa watched the mansion.

Her phone rang.

“Did you find anything?” she asked.

Her assistant's voice came through.

“Yes.”

Vanessa sat up.

“What?”

“We found a connection between Amelia and Richard Sinclair.”

Her eyes widened.

“How strong?”

“Strong enough to make you suspicious.”

Vanessa smiled.

“Send everything to me.”

She ended the call and looked toward the mansion.

“Tomorrow,” she whispered, “everyone will be watching you, Amelia.”

Her smile turned cold.

“Let's see how long your secret survives.”