WEDDING DAY

The boutique didn't have prices on anything, which meant Juliet couldn't afford a single item in it.

Adunni seemed to read her thoughts. "Mr. Olatunji has an account here. Everything is already arranged."

A saleswoman appeared as if summoned, her smile professional and her outfit probably worth more than Juliet's entire wardrobe. "Miss Fredrick, welcome. I'm Chioma. We have several options prepared for you."

Several options turned out to be an understatement. The private showing room was filled with dresses, shoes, accessories. Everything in shades of white, cream, and ivory.

"For tomorrow's ceremony," Chioma explained. "Mr. Olatunji mentioned you preferred simple elegance over extravagance."

Juliet blinked. When had she told him that? Then she remembered she hadn't. He'd just guessed. Or researched. With Ejike, it was hard to tell the difference.

"Try this one first," Chioma said, holding up a dress.

Three hours later, Juliet had a wedding dress, three cocktail dresses, two business-appropriate outfits, casual wear, shoes for every occasion, and enough accessories to open her own boutique. Everything was being delivered to Ejike's house that evening.

"We still need to visit the salon," Adunni said, checking her tablet. "Hair, nails, facial. Mr. Olatunji has arranged everything."

"Does he always arrange everything?" Juliet asked.

"Always. It's how he operates. Control every variable, anticipate every need." Adunni's expression softened slightly. "It can be overwhelming at first. But you'll adjust."

The salon was just as luxurious as the boutique. Juliet sat in a chair while three people worked on her simultaneously. One did her nails, another her hair, a third applied a face mask that smelled like roses and probably cost more than her monthly rent.

Her phone buzzed. Nkechi.

"I need to take this," Juliet said.

The salon staff stepped back, giving her space. She answered the call.

"Jules, where are you? I've been trying to reach you all day."

"I'm sorry. I've been busy. How's Mama?"

"Better. They ran all the tests. The doctor says it's heart failure, but it's manageable with the right medication and lifestyle changes. They're keeping her for another day to stabilize her, but she should be able to come home after that." Nkechi's voice cracked with relief. "Jules, whoever paid for this, thank them for me. We were so close to losing her."

Juliet's throat tightened. "I will."

"Now tell me what's going on. You've been acting strange since yesterday. And don't say it's nothing because I know you."

There was no way to ease into this. "I'm getting married tomorrow."

Silence. Then, "What?"

"I'm getting married. To Ejike Olatunji. The man who paid for Mama's treatment."

"Juliet Fredrick, have you lost your mind?"

"Maybe. But it's happening."

"You can't marry someone you just met. That's insane. That's dangerous."

"It's a contract marriage, Kechi. One year. He needs a wife for business reasons, and I need money for Mama's medical bills and your tuition. It's a fair trade."

"Nothing about this is fair. You're selling yourself—"

"I'm making a choice. There's a difference." Juliet kept her voice steady even though her hands were shaking. "I need you to trust me."

"Trust you? Jules, you're marrying a stranger for money. What am I supposed to trust?"

"Trust that I know what I'm doing. Trust that I wouldn't do this if I had any other option."

Another long silence. When Nkechi spoke again, her voice was small. "Are you going to be safe? With him?"

"Yes. He's cold, but he's not cruel. And the contract protects me."

"A piece of paper doesn't protect you from anything."

"It's the best I've got." Juliet closed her eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Everything happened so fast."

"When is the wedding?"

"Tomorrow. Two o'clock at the registry. Then a small ceremony at his house in the evening."

"I should be there."

"No. Mama needs you more. Stay with her. I'll come visit as soon as I can."

"Jules—"

"I love you, Kechi. Tell Mama I love her too. And that she doesn't need to worry about medical bills anymore. Ever."

She ended the call before her sister could argue further.

Adunni was watching her with something like sympathy. "Family is always the hardest part."

"Does Ejike have family?" Juliet asked.

"A younger brother in London. They don't speak much. His mother passed away five years ago. His father died when he was in university."

"So he's alone."

"By choice. He prefers it that way." Adunni gestured to the stylists. "Shall we continue?"

By the time they finished, Juliet barely recognized herself in the mirror. Her hair was styled in soft waves. Her nails were perfect. Her skin glowed. She looked like someone who belonged in Ejike's world.

The illusion was already working.

"One more stop," Adunni said as they left the salon. "The jewelry store."

"I don't need jewelry."

"You need appropriate pieces for public appearances. Mrs. Olatunji will be photographed frequently. You'll need to look the part."

Mrs. Olatunji. The name felt foreign, like it belonged to someone else.

The jewelry store was in a luxury shopping complex. Security guards stood at the entrance. Inside, everything sparkled under carefully positioned lights.

A manager greeted them personally. "Miss Fredrick, we have a selection prepared per Mr. Olatunji's specifications."

He led them to a private room where velvet boxes lined a table. Each one contained pieces that probably cost more than most people made in a lifetime. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings. All simple, elegant, expensive.

"Mr. Olatunji suggested these pieces would complement your natural beauty without overwhelming it," the manager said.

There it was again. Ejike's control extending into every detail of her new life.

"What if I don't like any of them?" Juliet asked.

The manager blinked, clearly not expecting the question. "Then we can show you other options."

"I like them," Juliet said quickly. "They're beautiful."

She was too tired to fight. Too overwhelmed by everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours.

By the time Adunni dropped her off at her apartment, it was almost seven in the evening. The wedding dress and other purchases would be delivered to Ejike's house. Tomorrow morning, a car would pick her up at ten to take her to the registry.

Tomorrow, her old life would end and her new one would begin.

Rashida was home, cooking rice on their small stove. The smell of tomatoes and spices filled the apartment.

"Jules! Finally." She turned and gasped. "You look amazing. What did they do to you?"

"Everything." Juliet collapsed onto her bed. "I spent the entire day being transformed into someone else."

"How are you feeling? About tomorrow?"

"Terrified. Excited. Numb. All of it at once."

Rashida sat beside her. "I made your favorite. Jollof rice. Figured you could use some comfort food on your last night as a single woman."

Juliet smiled. "You're the best friend anyone could ask for."

They ate together, talking about everything except the wedding. It felt normal, familiar. A reminder of who Juliet was before all of this.

But normal was a luxury she couldn't afford anymore.

That night, Juliet lay awake again, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow she would sign her name in a government registry and become Mrs. Ejike Olatunji. Tomorrow she would move into his mansion and start playing the role of his wife.

Tomorrow, everything would change.

She must have finally fallen asleep because the next thing she knew, her alarm was blaring. Six in the morning. Four hours until the car arrived.

Juliet showered and dressed in one of her own outfits, knowing she'd change into the wedding dress later. She packed a small bag with essentials, things she couldn't leave behind. Photos of her mother and Nkechi. A bracelet her mother had given her when she turned eighteen. A few books.

Everything else could stay. She didn't need reminders of her old life where she was going.

Rashida was already awake, making coffee.

"I can't believe this is happening," Rashida said. "Yesterday you were my roommate. Today you're going to be married to the richest man in Africa."

"I'm still me," Juliet said.

"Are you though? Can you really be yourself in that world?"

It was a good question. Juliet didn't have an answer.

At ten o'clock sharp, a car pulled up outside. Not Chidi or Adunni this time. A different driver in a black suit.

"This is it," Juliet said.

Rashida hugged her tightly. "If you need anything, anything at all, you call me. I don't care if he's a zillionaire. You're my family."

"I know. Thank you."

Juliet grabbed her bag and walked out to the car. As they pulled away, she looked back at the apartment building. It wasn't much, but it had been home.

Now she was heading to a different kind of home. One with marble floors and crystal chandeliers and a husband who looked at her like she was a business investment.

The registry office was surprisingly plain. Just a government building with bored-looking officials and couples waiting their turn.

Ejike was already there, standing near the entrance. He was dressed in a dark suit, looking as composed as ever. When he saw her, something flickered in his eyes. Surprise, maybe. Or appreciation.

"Juliet," he said. "You look well."

"Thanks. So do you."

Dami was there too, along with Adunni. They would serve as witnesses.

"Ready?" Ejike asked.

No. She wasn't ready. But she nodded anyway.

They were called into an office where a tired-looking official sat behind a desk piled with papers.

"Names?" she asked without looking up.

"Ejike Olatunji and Juliet Fredrick," Ejike said.

The official's head snapped up. Her eyes widened when she saw him. "Mr. Olatunji. I didn't realize... that is, we're honored to..."

"Can we proceed?" Ejike's tone was polite but firm.

"Of course. Yes. Right away." She fumbled with papers, suddenly nervous.

The ceremony was brief and completely unromantic. They signed papers. The official recited legal language. Dami and Adunni signed as witnesses.

"By the power vested in me by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the official said.

That was it. No kiss. No music. No celebration. Just signatures on paper and a legal bond that would last one year.

Juliet stared at the marriage certificate in her hand. Mrs. Juliet Olatunji.

"Congratulations," Dami said, his smile genuine. "Welcome to the family."

Ejike checked his watch. "We need to go. The ceremony at the house starts at six."

"Ceremony?" Juliet asked.

"A small gathering. Fifty people or so. Board members, key business associates. We need to make the marriage public."

Fifty people wasn't small. But compared to the weddings Juliet had seen on TV, maybe it was.

They drove back to Victoria Island in separate cars. Ejike had work calls to make. Juliet rode with Adunni, who briefed her on the evening's events.

"You'll need to greet guests as they arrive. Stand beside Mr. Olatunji. Smile. Make small talk. Act like a woman in love."

"I don't know how to act like that."

"Then fake it. Everyone else does."

The house had been transformed. White flowers everywhere. Tables set with crystal and china. A small stage with a microphone. String lights hung from the trees in the garden.

Staff moved efficiently, setting up final details. A caterer directed servers. A photographer tested lighting.

This was real. This was actually happening.

"Your dress is in the master bedroom," Adunni said. "Third floor, end of the hall. I'll send someone up to help you get ready."

Juliet climbed the stairs, her heart pounding. The master bedroom was massive, bigger than her entire apartment. A California king bed dominated one side. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the pool. A door led to a walk-in closet the size of a small house.

Her wedding dress hung on a stand, pristine and beautiful.

A woman knocked and entered. "I'm here to help you dress."

Twenty minutes later, Juliet stood in front of a full-length mirror. The dress fit perfectly, elegant and understated. Her hair and makeup were flawless. She looked like a bride.

She looked like she belonged.

But inside, she still felt like a girl from the mainland who was in way over her head.

"You're beautiful," a voice said from the doorway.

Juliet turned. Ejike stood there, changed into a different suit, this one midnight blue. His expression was unreadable as always, but his eyes held something she couldn't quite name.

"Thank you," she said.

"Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

He crossed the room and stood in front of her. This close, she could see flecks of gold in his dark eyes. Could smell his cologne, something expensive and subtle.

"This is the last moment before everything becomes real," he said quietly. "Once we go downstairs, we play our roles. No going back."

"I signed the contract. I'm already committed."

"Signing papers is easy. Convincing the world is harder." He studied her face. "Can you do this?"

Juliet lifted her chin. "I survived poverty, a sick mother, and dropping out of university to work minimum wage. I can handle playing your wife for a year."

The corner of his mouth twitched. Almost a smile. "Good. Because they're going to try to eat you alive down there."

"Who?"

"Everyone. The board members who think I'm too young and reckless. The socialites who wanted to be Mrs. Olatunji themselves. The business rivals who see any weakness as an opportunity." He offered his arm. "Welcome to my world, Juliet. Try not to let it destroy you."

She took his arm, feeling the solid strength of him. "I'm tougher than I look."

"I'm counting on it."

They walked down the stairs together. At the bottom, guests had started to arrive. Expensive dresses, designer suits, jewelry that could fund a small country.

Everyone turned to look at them.

Juliet felt like an imposter. But she straightened her spine, fixed a smile on her face, and stepped into her new life.

The show had begun.