Chapter 5

The night seemed to slow its rotation, matching every drop of rain falling outside the window of the restaurant located at the top of a penthouse in Greenwoods. Here, far from the noise of the street, the man I never expected to cross paths with again in this manner sat directly across from me.

He was Lysander Gray Castellano.

He leaned back in his chair. His white polo shirt had two buttons open, and the sleeves were neatly folded up to his elbows. Every movement he made carried authority, a kind of power that did not need to be shouted because everyone around him felt it naturally. He held a glass of scotch, slowly swirling the ice inside, while his sharp and dark eyes were fixed on me.

Why did it have to be him? Of all the men in the world, why was it Xavier’s father I ended up with on that night full of mistakes? I needed to calm the shaking of my hands under the table. He could not be allowed to see that I was affected.

"You're five minutes early," he greeted.

"I appreciate people who value time, even if they like to escape in the early morning without even saying goodbye properly after a... productive night."

I felt the heat quickly rise to my cheeks. No matter how much I tried to stop it, every detail of that night in the VIP room of the bar returned to my mind. I wished the ground would swallow me up right now. I thought I was with a mere gigolo, but it turned out I had paid a billionaire with pocket change. What did he think of me now? A desperate woman who was arrogant with her money?

I sat across from him, forcing myself to maintain a straight posture and my dignity.

"I just want to finish whatever we are going to talk about, Mr. Castellano. I have a very busy schedule, and I still have many paintings I need to finish."

He laughed softly, a sound that seemed mocking.

"Sixty dollars, Primrose? Was I that bad? Or are you really just that rich that you give away money to people you don't even know just because of a mistake?"

"I was drunk that night, and you know that," I answered firmly, forcing the conversation back to a more serious tone.

"And do not call me Primrose as if we are friends. We are here for business, nothing more."

"Fine, Ms. Zobel. Let's talk business then," he put down his glass and stared straight into my eyes.

His gaze was analytical, as if reading every tiny reaction on my face.

"I already bought all your paintings at the exhibit. Every single one of them. My staff is already coordinating with Mr. Sanchez for the delivery to my estate. I admire your work; it's full of emotion and a certain kind of beauty that only someone truly broken can create."

I remained silent. If you only knew that your son was the reason for the anger you see on my canvas, you might take back your check. The fact that Xavier’s father was the one who understood my art was an irony I could not yet swallow. But I had to stand by my role. He could not know the true connection between me and Xavier.

Not yet.

"But that’s not the only reason why I called you here tonight," he continued.

He took a folder from the side and slowly placed it in the middle of the table.

"I need a wife."

I almost dropped the wine glass I was holding. My eyes widened and my breathing stopped for a moment.

"What?! Are you insane? You already have a son, Lysander. Why do you still need a wife at this stage of your life?"

"It’s a contract, Primrose. Relax," he said without any hesitation.

"Lately, so many women have been trying to get close to me. Daughters of business partners, socialites, and gold diggers who want to latch onto the Castellano name for money and power. They are becoming persistent. And they are already interfering with my work. I need a shield. Someone who doesn't need my money because she already earns millions from her own name. Someone who has her own reputation to protect. And more importantly, someone who isn't interested in a real, emotional marriage."

I stared at the folder in front of me. A marriage contract.

Just one year, Primrose. One year of being the wife of the most powerful person in the country. If I became Lysander’s wife, I would enter the Castellano territory not just as a mere victim, but as a queen. I would have access to everything Xavier owned. I would see him every day, and I would make sure that in every moment we were together, he would regret the day he forgot me.

Lysander was known for being elusive and picky. If he chose me to be his wife, even just on paper, it meant protection and power that no one could break. Even Xavier could not touch me once I was the wife of his father.

"Marriage on paper?" I asked while opening the folder. I read some of the provisions.

No interference in personal lives, support at social events, and a duration of one year for the contract.

"Exactly. One year. We show up at events together, we live under the same roof for appearances, and then we divorce quietly after twelve months. You get a generous settlement, not that you need it, but it’s part of the deal and I get my peace of mind. I know you're not after my wealth, and that makes you the perfect candidate. You have no interest in me, and I have no interest in you beyond this business."

I looked at him. The phrase 'no interest' sounded like a challenge to my ears. You are wrong, Lysander. I have a very big interest in your family. He did not know how big my interest was in him, not for love, but for revenge.

But I needed deeper access. It was not enough to be with him at home. I needed to be with him in every decision he made, in every move he made in the company. If I wanted to bring Xavier down, I needed to know how the Castellano empire operated.

"I have a condition," I said while slowly closing the folder.

I placed my elbows on the table and leaned slightly toward him, letting the scent of my perfume reach him.

"Anything. Money? Properties? You want me to fund your next exhibit?" he asked, seemingly ready to give everything as long as I agreed

"I want to be your personal secretary. I want to work directly under you in your office, day in and day out."

Lysander paused. This was the first time I saw a trace of surprise on his face. His forehead creased slightly and he seemed to analyze if I was joking.

"Secretary? Primrose, you're a world-class artist. Your hands are meant for brushes and canvases, not for managing my tedious schedules and handling corporate files. Why would you want to sit in a boring office?"

Because I want to see the downfall of your son up close. I want to see his face every time he has to pass through me before he can get close to you.

"My family is planning to hand over our next business operations to me soon," I lied without blinking. I had to look believable.

"I need experience in handling corporate matters at the highest level. Who better to learn from than the great Lysander Gray Castellano? I will treat this as a tuition f*e for this marriage. I want to see how you run a company from the inside. Besides, if I am your secretary, it will be easier for us to maintain the pretense that we are married because we will always be together."

He stared at me for a long time. The silence between us seemed to grow heavy, full of tension and unsaid intentions. I could feel him weighing my offer. I knew he was a smart man, but I also knew he needed me for his own peace against the women chasing him. In the end, the benefit he would get carried more weight.

Whatever game you want, Lysander, I will make sure that I am the winner in the end. I will use you to get my justice.

"You're a very calculating woman, Ms. Zobel," he finally said, a small and dangerous smile forming on his lips

A smile that seemed to say he accepted the challenge.

"You want to be near me all the time? Fine. I accept your condition. You will be my secretary by day, and my wife by the eyes of the world."

"Then we have a deal," I answered, feeling the victory in my chest.

"We have a deal," he repeated. He raised his glass for a toast

"Welcome to the Castellano Group, Secretary Zobel. And welcome to my life... wife."

I smiled and cheered with him, the sound of the clinking crystals sounding like music to my ears. While I drank the wine, only one thing was running through my mind.

Xavier, get ready. Because the woman you disregarded is returning as your boss. And I will make sure you kneel in front of me before this one year ends.

***