LOGINDominic stood beside the sofa, staring at the notes in Amelia's book.He had seen hundreds of business reports in his life.These notes were different.She had analyzed a case study about a struggling company and identified three mistakes in its expansion strategy.More interestingly, she had suggested a solution.He looked at Amelia.She was still asleep.“How did you learn all this?” he whispered.Amelia shifted slightly.Dominic immediately placed the book back on the table.A few seconds later, her eyes opened.She blinked sleepily.“Dominic?”“You fell asleep.”She sat up quickly.“I wasn't waiting for you.”“I didn't say you were.”“Good.”He almost smiled.Then his eyes moved to the book.“You're interested in business?”Amelia glanced at it.“A little.”“A little?”She shrugged.“I like understanding how companies work.”“Where did you study?”Amelia hesitated.“Different places.”Dominic noticed the hesitation.Again.“You always give vague answers.”“Maybe you ask too many q
Dominic stood beside the sofa, staring at the notes in Amelia's book.He had seen hundreds of business reports in his life.These notes were different.She had analyzed a case study about a struggling company and identified three mistakes in its expansion strategy.More interestingly, she had suggested a solution.He looked at Amelia.She was still asleep.“How did you learn all this?” he whispered.Amelia shifted slightly.Dominic immediately placed the book back on the table.A few seconds later, her eyes opened.She blinked sleepily.“Dominic?”“You fell asleep.”She sat up quickly.“I wasn't waiting for you.”“I didn't say you were.”“Good.”He almost smiled.Then his eyes moved to the book.“You're interested in business?”Amelia glanced at it.“A little.”“A little?”She shrugged.“I like understanding how companies work.”“Where did you study?”Amelia hesitated.“Different places.”Dominic noticed the hesitation.Again.“You always give vague answers.”“Maybe you ask too many q
Amelia sat quietly on the edge of the bed, staring at the wedding ring on her finger.Mrs Ashford.The title felt strange.Not because she disliked it.Because it was supposed to mean something completely different.A wife was supposed to share a life with her husband.Laugh with him.Trust him.Love him.Amelia had none of those things.She had a contract.Twelve months.That was all.A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.She looked toward the door.“Come in.”Dominic opened it.He was no longer wearing his suit jacket. His tie was gone, leaving him looking less like the intimidating CEO everyone feared.“I wanted to make sure you were comfortable,” he said.Amelia raised an eyebrow.“Are you checking on your contract wife?”His expression remained serious.“Yes.”She smiled.“At least you're honest.”Dominic stepped inside but remained near the door.“Your room has everything you need.”“I noticed.”“And if there's anything missing, tell the staff.”“Okay.”Silence followed.Amelia
Amelia woke before her alarm.For several seconds, she simply stared at the ceiling.Then she remembered.Today was her wedding day.She sat up slowly.There was no excitement rushing through her veins.Just a strange calm.She wasn't marrying for love.She was entering a contract.At least, that was what she kept telling herself.Her phone vibrated.A message from Dominic.The ceremony is at ten. The car will arrive at eight-thirty.Amelia stared at the message.No good morning.No congratulations.Just instructions.She smiled.Good morning to you too, Mr. Romantic.His reply came almost immediately.Good morning.She laughed.Better.A few seconds later:Don't be late.Amelia rolled her eyes.“Impossible man.”A knock came at her bedroom door.seraphina entered.She stopped when she saw Amelia.For once, she didn't make a joke.“You look beautiful.”Amelia smiled.“Thank you.”seraphina walked closer and adjusted the veil.“Are you sure?”Amelia looked at herself in the mirror.The
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
Amelia couldn't stop thinking about her grandfather's warning.Someone was investigating her.And that someone was Vanessa Harrington.She sat in the back of Gabriel's car, staring through the window as the city passed by.“Are you alright, Miss Amelia?” Gabriel asked.“Yes.”He glanced at her through the mirror.“You don't look alright.”Amelia sighed.“Vanessa is asking questions about my family.”Gabriel's expression changed.“How much does she know?”“I don't know yet.”“That could become a problem.”“I know.”Gabriel tightened his grip on the steering wheel.“Should I inform your grandfather?”“He already knows.”Amelia looked down at the file resting on her lap.For years, she had been careful.She never used the Sinclair family name publicly. She avoided luxury events whenever possible. Even her personal accounts were deliberately modest.But she had never considered that someone might become suspicious simply because she was too difficult to find.She closed the file.“I don't







