Chapter 3

One month later.

The wedding was held privately in the Grand Ballroom of The Celestia, a seven-star hotel owned by the Wrenford family. The room was filled with arrangements of white and gold flowers, glittering crystal chandeliers, and important guests from the business elite. Of course, the wedding drew sneers from some people—after all, Liora was just a secretary and not from a wealthy background.

Liora wore an ivory lace haute couture wedding gown with a long train. Her hair was neatly styled in an updo, crowned with a diamond tiara given by Xavier. Meanwhile, Xavier looked handsome in a custom-made black suit, white tie, and platinum watch.

They exchanged vows in flat tones, as if signing a merger agreement. After that, Xavier slid a large diamond wedding ring onto Liora's finger—a ring that looked more like a symbol of ownership than love. When they were forced to kiss in front of the guests, Liora hesitated and only meant to brush her lips against his, but Xavier deepened the kiss intensely.

What is with this man? Liora thought.

Xavier pulled away, while Liora turned her face aside. The Wrenford family's glances at her were cold and disdainful.

Liora took a deep breath. "This is just a contract. Don't think I'll truly bow to you."

"We'll see."

The wedding car stopped right at the entrance of the Wrenford Penthouse. The driver opened the door, and Liora stepped out first, lifting her long gown. Xavier followed behind—no reporters this time, because the wedding was entirely private. They stepped into the elevator, and Liora's heart pounded in her chest. The elevator carried them to the highest floor. A moment later, it opened, and Xavier stepped out first.

They entered the penthouse, and Liora couldn't help but gasp in awe—this level of luxury was everywhere. She trotted around, amazed by every corner, like she was living in a dream.

Xavier took off his suit jacket and draped it over the back of the sofa.

"Max has settled all your debts. They'll be cleared by tomorrow," Xavier said.

"Ah, thank you."

Liora kept wandering around, inspecting the expensive vases and the lavish furniture. Xavier watched her silently. Most women would have tried to play coy and maintain an image in front of him, but not Liora.

"You'll sleep in the master bedroom," Xavier said flatly.

"And you?"

"Me too."

Liora squared her shoulders. "One room?"

"Our contract never said we'd sleep separately. I won't touch you, but starting tonight, outsiders have to believe we're truly husband and wife—including the penthouse staff. So we share a room," Xavier said, stepping closer.

"The staff wouldn't know if we didn't share a room."

"No objections!" Xavier cut her off.

Liora fell silent. One way or another, she had to follow this game. After all, they were married now. It shouldn't matter if they shared a room.

"Clean your face. Change out of that gown," Xavier ordered. His tone sounded like he was giving her work instructions.

Liora bit her lip, holding back her words. She walked to the wardrobe and pulled out one of the silk pajamas hanging neatly inside—everything had already been prepared. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Liora undid her wedding gown by herself. She slipped into a red silk pajama, while Xavier had already stripped off his clothes, catching Liora off guard.

"Are you insane?"

"Why? We're husband and wife now," Xavier replied casually as he changed into fresh clothes.

It's huge... like a sword ready to pierce anytime. God, Liora. What's wrong with your dirty mind?

"Clean up those dirty thoughts," Xavier said.

Does this man read minds or what? He must know everything I'm thinking.

"Why are you just standing there? Sit down," Xavier said, patting the side of the bed.

Liora stepped closer and sat beside him, unsure what to do.

"If you feel uncomfortable, just say so."

Liora kept her eyes on the window. "I'm used to sleeping next to a cold man."

Xavier stayed silent. At the corner of his lips, a faint smile appeared—one no outsider had ever seen. "Good."

Liora closed her eyes, letting her thoughts drift back to the past—to the grand house that no longer belonged to her, to Noah's hateful gaze, to Bella's growing belly. Her chest tightened. Slowly, she opened her eyes again and looked at Xavier's back over his shoulder.

"Xavier."

"Hm?"

"Why did it have to be me?"

"Because you're the only one desperate enough to say 'yes.'"

That answer stung Liora more than any insult, but deep down, she knew it was true.

Tonight, Liora had to attend a dinner with several of her husband's business associates—more accurately, her contract husband's. Long tables were filled with top-tier business partners, including senior business executives, foreign investors, and prominent representatives from major financial media outlets. All gathered for one name: Xavier Wrenford, the cold heir of Wrenford Holdings, whose reputation was untouchable.

Liora stood beside Xavier, wearing a knee-length black satin dress, her hair elegantly pinned up, with tiny diamond earrings dangling from her ears. The dress had been chosen by Xavier's assistant earlier that evening.

"Mind your manners. Hold my arm if you need to," Xavier told her before entering the restaurant.

A waiter led them to the VIP table, and several people stood to shake Xavier's hand while Liora only bowed politely to them.

"From now on, you're Xavier Wrenford's wife. Don't lower your head to them!" Xavier said sharply.

"Ah, I was just trying to be polite," Liora replied.

"They're the ones who should be polite to you and bow their heads for you," Xavier said, as if he could never be wrong.

At that moment, Liora's eyes fell on a man she knew all too well—and the woman beside him. Of course, it was Noah and Bella, the two people who had stabbed her in the back. Liora's hand trembled as she turned her gaze away.

Noah's eyes were fixed on Liora. He froze. His mouth hung slightly open, as if his brain needed time to process the fact that his ex-wife was standing next to Xavier Wrenford, a man Noah had never managed to get close to in any business circle.

Without glancing at Noah, Xavier leaned in slightly and reached for Liora's hand, holding it firmly for everyone to see.

"Darling, introduce yourself," Xavier said.

"I'm Liora Wrenford, wife of Xavier Wrenford," Liora said loudly enough for Noah to hear every word.

Noah stiffened. Bella, beside him, drew a sharp breath, her hand tightening on Noah's arm, her eyes locked on Liora in disbelief.