4

(Lander  POV)

 

"Son, why a church wedding?" my father, Rafael, asked as we drove back. "You have a girlfriend, and I thought she was the one you wanted to take to the altar."

 

I stared out the window, the image of Aria in that dress burning into my mind. "I just changed my mind. I want a real wedding, even if it's not with Irish."

 

"But I thought you hated her?" my mother asked.

 

"I changed my mind," I repeated firmly.

 

"Son, remember this is just a contract," my father reminded me. "Laurence is the one destined to marry her eventually. Your brother already agreed to take her next year. You are just a placeholder."

 

A placeholder. The word felt like a slap. I remembered how she provoked me at dinner by mentioning Laurence's name. She knows he was the first choice, but she doesn't know the most dangerous part of the deal.

 

"Does she know about the transfer?" I asked. "Does she know that next year, she’s supposed to be handed over to Laurence?"

 

"No," my father said. "She only knows he was the original groom. She doesn't know she’s part of a long-term trade."

 

"Good," I muttered.

 

I leaned my head back. My plan was to make her pay, but f*ck... I can't get Aria Montefalco out of my head. If she thinks she's just waiting for Laurence, she’s dead wrong. I’m not letting her go that easily.

 

(Aria  POV - The Next Day)

 

"Girl! Congrats! You’re officially becoming Mrs. Storm tomorrow!" my friends squealed at the university gates.

 

"It’s just a contract, guys. Don't make a scene," I said, my voice cold and steady.

 

We walked through the hallway, and the crowd parted like the Red Sea. In the distance, I saw Lander surrounded by his friends, with Irish clinging to his arm.

 

"Look at your 'husband' with another girl," a student whispered mockingly.

 

I didn't lower my head. I looked straight at them with a smirk. "Let them be. We aren't married... yet."

 

Lander noticed me. He shook Irish off and walked straight toward me. "Aria! Wait."

 

"What do you want, Lander?" I asked, crossing my arms and looking him right in the eye.

 

"After this class, you're coming with me. I've excused you from your subjects. We’re going to the pre-wedding photoshoot."

 

I raised an eyebrow. "A photoshoot? For a one-year contract?"

 

"I want it done right. Be ready," he commanded.

 

Irish stepped forward, her face twisted with jealousy. "Don't get cocky! He’s only doing this because he’s forced to. You're just a placeholder for the real deal."

 

I didn't flinch. I took a step toward her, my gaze icy. "Forced or not, Irish, I’m the one getting the ring tomorrow. I’m the one becoming a Storm. So, unless you want to be escorted out by security for harassing the future Mrs. Storm, I suggest you get out of my way."

 

Lander's eyes flared with something—pride? He stepped between us and put his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. "I’m walking my wife to her class. Move, Irish."

 

The hallway went dead silent. Lander walked me to my room, his presence heavy and protective. "Ignore them," he muttered.

 

"I don't need your protection, Lander. I can handle a few jealous girls," I snapped, pulling away from him at the door.

 

"Maybe. But you're my wife now. My rules," he said before walking away.

 

Inside the classroom, the whispers were everywhere. "Look at her... breaking up the 'it couple' of the school." Even the professor joined in: "Congratulations, Aria Montefalco Storm. Though some say you ruined a perfect couple."

 

A guy from the front row laughed. "Respect her? I'd rather beat her up for being such a snake."

 

I stood up slowly, my chair scraping against the floor. I looked the guy straight in the eyes. "If you have something to say, say it to my face. And remember, by this time tomorrow, my last name will be Storm. If you think you can 'beat up' a member of the Storm family and get away with it... be my guest. I’d love to see you try."

 

The guy turned pale and looked away. I sat back down, my head held high.

 

Lander Storm thinks he can own me, and these people think they can break me. They are all wrong. I am the storm they didn't see coming.

 

 

 

As I sat in my seat, I felt everyone’s eyes on me, but I didn't care. I opened my phone to see a text from an unknown number. It read: "Enjoy your new title, Aria. Storms leave nothing behind but wreckage... and you’re the first in line."

 

I looked out the window and saw Lander’s black car still waiting below, like a beast waiting for its prey. I smirked and deleted the message.

 

"You miscalculated, Lander," I whispered to myself. "I’m not the victim in this game. I’m the rules."

 

The photoshoot wasn't just a formality anymore; it was a declaration of war. And tomorrow, when that ring slides onto my finger, the whole world will know that I didn't enter the Storm family to be a substitute wife... I entered to be the storm that uproots them all.

 

Let the ceremony begin. I’m ready for the hell you promised..