Bella's heart skipped a beat as she entered the strange office, which did not look like the Bureau, with James by her side. She scanned the room, taking in the formal atmosphere, and that's when she saw him—Ethan Black, sitting at the front, looking every bit the powerful businessman he was.
Their eyes met, and Bella felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins. She hadn't expected to see him here; she thought he'd be too busy with his own affairs. But here he was, looking at her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.
James led her to the table, where a lawyer was waiting with a stack of papers. Ethan stood up, his eyes never leaving hers, and walked over to her.
"Bella," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. "Glad you could make it."
Bella tried to sound calm, but her voice came out barely above a whisper. "Mr. Black."
The lawyer cleared his throat, breaking the spell. "Shall we begin? We have a lot to cover."
Ethan nodded, his eyes still locked on Bella's. "Let's get started."
As the lawyer began to explain the contract, Bella couldn't help but feel like she was in over her head. But with Ethan by her side, she felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, I can get through this after all, she thought.
Ethan handed her a folder containing the contract. "Read it, sign it, and we'll finalize the arrangements."
Bella took the folder, her hands shaking as she opened it. The contract was thick, filled with legal jargon and clauses that made her head spin.
"What's all this?" she asked, feeling overwhelmed.
"Just standard stuff," Ethan replied, his tone dismissive. "You'll be my wife, in name only, of course. You'll attend social events with me, play the role of the dutiful spouse, charm my grandfather. While we're together, you won't be allowed to see any men, and the same goes for me with women. In return, I'll take care of your brother's medical expenses and provide for you financially. After five years, you and I will get a divorce as per the agreement, and we'll never see each other again."
Bella's eyes scanned the pages, her mind racing. This was a nightmare, but she had no choice.
She took a deep breath and signed the contract, feeling like she was signing away her soul. She and Ethan were both given copies of the contract.
After that, James, Ethan, and Bella went to the civil bureau in his car to get their marriage certificate.
Bella's hands trembled slightly as she held the papers, her eyes fixed on Ethan's determined gaze. They were standing in the civil bureau, surrounded by beige walls and the quiet murmur of official business.
James, Ethan's assistant, stood witness, a discreet smile on his face. The clerk, a kind-eyed woman with a warm smile, looked over the papers, her voice a gentle drone as she read out the vows.
Bella's heart raced as Ethan took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. She felt a rush of emotions: fear, excitement, uncertainty. But as she looked into Ethan's eyes, she saw a glimmer of hope—a promise of a new beginning.
"Do you, Bella, take Ethan Black to be your husband?" the clerk asked, her voice breaking the spell.
Bella nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I do."
Ethan's grip on her hand tightened, his eyes burning with intensity. "I do," he replied, his voice firm.
The clerk smiled, stamping the papers. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Black. You are now husband and wife."
As they signed the papers, Bella felt a sense of trepidation. What had she just gotten herself into? But as Ethan's hand brushed against hers, she felt a spark of connection, a sense of possibility.
As they left the civil bureau, Bella felt a sense of surrealism wash over her. She was married. To Ethan Black. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.
Ethan, seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil, took her hand. "Let's get out of here," he said, leading her to a waiting car.
Bella followed, her mind reeling. What have I just done? She barely knew this man, and yet... and yet, there was something about him that drew her in.
As they drove through the city, Ethan's phone buzzed nonstop. He answered call after call, his voice firm and commanding. Bella watched him, fascinated despite herself.
Finally, they arrived at a sleek, modern house. Ethan led her inside, where a team of staff waited to cater to their every need.
Bella's eyes widened as she took in the opulence. "This is... wow," she breathed.
Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Welcome to our new home," he said, his voice low and husky.
Bella's heart skipped a beat. Our home. The words sent a thrill through her, mixed with a healthy dose of fear. What had she gotten herself into?