Signed Away

Selena stepped out of Kingland Tower into the blinding afternoon sun, the signed contract feeling like a lead weight in her handbag. Her hand still shook from signing those final pages. She had done it. She had sold one year of her life to a man she didn’t know. 

And she didn’t even regret it yet. 

Her phone rang before she could find a taxi. 

“Miss Jesus, this is Richard Thompson again. Mr. Kingland has instructed me to inform you that the first payment for your mother’s treatment has been transferred. She is being moved to Royal Crest Hospital as we speak. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning.” 

Selena stopped walking in the middle of the busy sidewalk, tears flooding her eyes. 

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Thank you so much.” 

She rushed back to the old hospital, heart pounding. When she burst into her mother’s room, two well-dressed medical staff were already preparing to transfer her. 

“Selena?” Her mother’s weak voice was full of confusion. “What is happening? They said a benefactor—” 

“I got the money, Mom,” Selena said quickly, forcing a bright smile even as her chest felt tight. “Someone… Someone offered me a big job. Interior design project. They paid in advance. You’re getting the surgery tomorrow.” 

Her mother searched her face, eyes full of worry. “My baby Selena … what kind of job pays this much so suddenly?” 

Selena looked away, unable to hold her gaze. “A very important one. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on getting better, okay?” 

Ethan stood in the corner, watching her with narrowed eyes. He didn’t say anything, but the suspicion on his face made Selena’s stomach twist. 

Later that evening, after her mother was safely moved to the luxurious private room at Royal Crest Hospital, Selena received another call. 

“The wedding will take place in three days,” Richard informed her calmly. “A small civil ceremony at the Kingland Mansion. Mr. Kingland wants this handled quickly and quietly.” 

“Three days?” Selena nearly dropped her phone. “That’s too soon—” 

“Everything has been arranged. A stylist, makeup artist, and wardrobe team will arrive at your apartment tomorrow morning. Please be ready.” 

The line went dead. 

Selena sat on the edge of her creaky bed in their tiny apartment, staring at the cracked wall. Three days. In three days she would become Mrs. Kingland. 

She buried her face in her hands and cried until her eyes burned. 

                  *******

The next two days passed in a blur of chaos. 

Stylists invaded her small apartment, bringing expensive dresses, heels, and jewelry she had only ever seen in magazines. They measured her, plucked, waxed, and transformed her appearance while she sat silently, feeling like a doll being dressed for slaughter. 

On the morning of the wedding, Selena stood in front of the full-length mirror they had brought in. The simple but elegant white dress hugged her figure perfectly. Her curly hair had been tamed into soft waves, and light makeup made her hazel eyes look bigger and brighter. 

She looked beautiful, but broken. 

A black Rolls Royce picked her up exactly at 11 AM. When it pulled up to the massive Kingland Mansion, Selena’s heart nearly stopped. The place looked like a palace — cold, luxurious, and intimidating. 

Matthew was already waiting in the large living room that had been turned into a makeshift ceremony space. He wore a sharp black suit, looking every bit the powerful billionaire. His face showed no emotion as he watched her walk toward him. 

The officiant cleared his throat. 

“Shall we begin?” 

The short ceremony was painfully cold. No vows written from the heart. Just legal words. When it was time for the ring, Matthew slipped a massive diamond on her finger without gentleness. It felt heavy. Like a shackle. 

“You may now kiss the bride.” 

Selena tensed. Matthew stepped closer, tilted her chin up with two fingers, and pressed a brief, cold kiss on her lips. There was no warmth. No passion. Just performance. 

It was over in less than fifteen minutes. 

As the officiant and witnesses left, Matthew turned to her, his grey eyes unreadable. 

“Welcome to your new home, Mrs. Kingland,” he said flatly. “Your wing is on the east side. Stay there unless I call for you. Remember the rules.” 

Selena nodded, too emotionally drained to speak. 

Matthew was already turning away when his phone rang. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and for the first time that day, something shifted in his expression. 

A small, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. He answered while walking away from her. 

“Victoria,” he said, his voice noticeably warmer, smoother. “You’re back?” 

He listened for a moment, then let out a low chuckle — the sound sending an unexpected chill down Selena’s spine. 

“Yes… I’m a little busy right now,” he continued, still smiling as he headed toward the grand staircase. “But we should meet soon. Dinner tonight? I’ll send the driver.” 

He paused at the bottom of the stairs, listening again, then spoke softer. 

“I missed that voice too.” 

Without even glancing back at Selena, Matthew disappeared upstairs, still on the call with his ex. 

Selena stood alone in the middle of the massive living room in her wedding dress, the heavy diamond ring feeling like a chain on her finger. 

Her brand new husband had just smiled and told another woman he missed her voice… on their wedding day. 

She closed her eyes, heart sinking. 

What kind of hell did I just walk into?