Jessica blinked a few times as she stared at the man who had just asked her to marry him, as if it were the most normal thing to do
"Married?" she repeated, "What are you even talking about? You can't be serious!" she said in shock
"I am," William replied calmly with his gaze fixed out of the window.
Jessica blinked again, still trying to process his words. "This is insane. Why on earth would I marry you? Of all people?"
William sighed, "I need to settle down, and for some reasons my parents have taken a liking to you."
"Your parents?" Jessica raised a brow, "Why me? I'm a nobody to them. You're rich, powerful—you could marry anyone. Is this because of what happened between us? Are they trying to 'fix things'? Rest assured, I won't pin the blame on you"
William rubbed his temples, his patience thinning. "It's not that simple. They have their reasons."
Jessica frowned, "What reasons?"
William shifted uncomfortably. "I... I'm allergic to women."
Jessica blinked, then scoffed. "This isn't the time for jokes, Mr. Newman."
"It's not a joke," William said frowning at her remark, "It's a real condition. Physical contact with women triggers an allergic reaction in me. It's been like this for years. I hate physical contact with women—except... that night. For some reason, you don't trigger my allergy."
That got William wondering, why her? Why did it have to be her? Out of all women..
Jessica's mind races as she tried to process what he was saying. "That's...shocking." she commented
"I'm sincerely sorry about that." she empathized with him, "However, I'll still have to decline this offer. Marriage is a sacred thing to me, not something I can agree to on a whim."
"Two hundred days."
Jessica narrowed her eyes. "What?"
William met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "For two hundred days, let's get married. You help me cure my allergy while I make all your wishes come true." He said.
"I will help you to achieve whatever you want, your dream, career–just name it. In return you'll help me cure my allergy. After two hundred days we'll divorce, no strings attached."
"Are you serious?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
William nodded. "Yes. You can live your life as you want. I won't interfere with your personal life, and that includes your dating life. But in front of my parents, we act like a married couple."
Jessica bit her lip, feeling conflicted. The offer was too tempting. But was it really worth it? Her life was already a mess as it is and to make things worse, this was Louis's cousin—the man who broke her heart.
"So, we'll be married for two hundred days," she said, "and on the two hundredth day..."
"We part ways," William completed. "No complications. No lingering feelings."
Jessica stared at him for a long moment. "And I'll have everything I want?" she asked quietly.
"Everything," William confirmed.
Silence stretched between them. Finally, with a deep breath, Jessica nodded.
"All right," she said. "I'm in. But remember—two hundred days, and I'm gone."
"Agreed," William replied with a faint smile. He turned toward the driver. "To City Hall."
Jessica's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, what? What are we doing?"
"We're getting married," William said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Jessica bit her lip. This was all happening too fast.
A short drive later, the car stopped in front of the courthouse. They were led to an office, where a man greeted them with a friendly smile.
"I've been expecting you, Mr. Newman," the man said warmly.
William nodded and took a seat. Jessica hesitated before sitting beside him.
The man, who Jessica assumed was the mayor, pulled out a set of papers and explained the marriage procedure. William signed first, then the mayor slid the papers over to Jessica.
"Miss, please sign here."
Jessica's hands shook as she took the pen. With a deep breath, she scribbled her name across the line.
"Congratulations," the mayor said, beaming. "You're officially married."
'I did it,' she thought in shock. 'I'm married. I'm really married.'
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the mayor, they walked outside to find two cars waiting for them.
William gestured toward one of them. "This is your personal driver from now on," he said.
"What about you?"
"I have a meeting to attend," William replied curtly. "The driver will take you to your place to pack your things."
"Pack my things?" Jessica repeated confusedly.
"You'll be living with me from now on," William said.
Jessica frowned. "Is that really necessary?"
"My parents tend to visit me unexpectedly. I'd prefer not to explain to them why my wife isn't living with me." Without waiting for her response, he turned and walked away.
Jessica watched him go, rolling her eyes. "Two hundred days," will she really cope with his bossy attitude?
____
When Jessica arrived home, a maid greeted her with a polite nod. "Your presence is required in the dining room, Miss Jessica."
Jessica followed the maid's directions. Stepping into the room, she was surprised to see three unfamiliar faces–an elderly couple and a handsome man, probably her age or a few years older.
"Oh, Jessica!" Renata exclaimed warmly. "Come, have a seat."
Hesitantly, Jessica sat down beside Belinda who smirked knowingly.
"Jessica, these are the Shermans and this is their son, Stephen. Meet my daughter, Jessica," Leon introduced.
The older woman's eyes lit up as she took in Jessica's appearance. "She's quite a beauty! Definitely my son's type," she said.
Stephen grinned, his gaze lingering on Jessica who shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"But why have we never heard of her?" the woman asked curiously. "I had no idea you had two daughters."
Renata chuckled. "Jessica has been abroad, traveling. You know how young people are these days. She returned this week."
Jessica clenched her hands tightly in her lap, doing her best to mask her anger.
"Now, let's get to the matter at hand—the wedding," Leon announced.
Jessica stood up sharply. "Father, no."
"Jessica, sit down." Leon said calmly but with an underlying meaning to his tone
"I'm not marrying him," Jessica said, her voice resolute.
"I said sit down!" Leon raised his tone as he slammed his fist on the table.
Tears welled in Jessica's eyes as she stared at him. "Do you even love me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm doing this for your own good." Leon said.
"If you cared about my happiness, you wouldn't force me into this," Jessica said, turning to leave.
"If you walk out that door, you're no longer part of this family," Leon warned.
Jessica paused, then she smiled bitterly. "It's not like I've ever really been part of it anyway." Without another glance, she walked out.
Leon fumed in anger.
____
In her room, Jessica packed her belongings, wiping her tears. Maybe this was for the best. They had never truly considered her family and now, cutting ties was the only option.
She picked up a framed photograph of her late mother and stared at it. Carefully, she tucked it into her suitcase before zipping it shut.
As she left the room, Belinda leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "So, you're really leaving?" she sneered. "This should be fun—watching you struggle out there. You'll come crawling back, mark my words."
Jessica didn't respond, she just walked away.
Belinda smirked, "Finally. She's gone."
____
An hour later, Jessica arrived at William's estate. The mansion, which was located at the outskirts of the city, was even more grand than she thought. It looked like something out of a fairytale.
"Good evening, Lady Jessica," the maids greeted her with respectful bows as she stepped inside, her eyes still darting around.
One of the maids gestured for her to follow. "Your room is ready, Miss. This way."
Once in her room, the maids placed her luggage by the wardrobe and pointed to a small button on the wall. "If you need anything, just press that, and we'll be at your service."
After they left, Jessica took a long bath and changed into comfortable clothes. It took her an hour to unpack and organize her things. Once she was finished, she decided to explore the mansion a little.
On her quest to explore the mansion, she stopped to admire a large portrait in one of the hallways.
"Did he paint it?" she wondered.
Turning to leave, her face met with a hard chest.
"Ouch!" she muttered, rubbing her forehead. "Sorry."
William stared down at her with a cold look on his face. "Since you'll be living here from now on, there are a few rules you have to follow. Rule number one: don't wander into my personal space without my permission. Rule number two: let's keep communication to a minimum. Rule number three: I hate clumsiness, try keeping your hands off where they don't belong."
Jessica furrowed her brows "Okay."
"In two days, my parents will be celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary. All the prominent public figures will be there, they're expecting your presence too." William said before leaving.
"Uhh... Sure" she mumbled, watching him walk away. Once he was gone, she sighed deeply. 'How am I supposed to survive living with him?'
"I'm married," she murmured to herself, still struggling to believe it.
____
The night of William's parents' anniversary arrived, and the Newman estate was alive with celebration. Cars lined the driveway, and flashes from paparazzi cameras illuminated the entrance as public figures and celebrities posed for photos.
In the middle of it all stood William's parents, Charles and Helena, welcoming their guests with warm smiles.
"Liam!" Helena beamed when she spotted him, hugging him tightly. She was wearing a red gown, looking as stunning as ever.
William smiled lightly. "Happy anniversary, Mother. May you and Father continue to love each other as you always have."
"You're our pride and joy," Helena said affectionately.
"Careful son, or I might start getting jealous. You're stealing all her attention." Charles chuckled as she joined them.
William laughed softly. They were the people he cared about most.
"Happy anniversary, Aunt, Uncle." Louis walked over with Amara beside him.
"Thank you, Louis," Helena replied, embracing them both. "I heard you two are getting married next month?"
Amara smiled brightly. "Yes, Aunt. We hope you'll bless our union."
Helena smiled warmly.
"William, I heard from Aunt that you recently got married. Congratulations." Louis spoke to William who nodded. For someone of their status, marriage wasn't an uncommon thing as some people married for connection. He didn't expect William to be any different.
"Thank you. She's on her way."
As they continued chatting, the sound of an arriving car drew everyone's attention. Reporters swarmed the vehicle immediately, flashing their cameras. The door opened, and a pair of slender legs adorned with black heels stepped down the car.
Jessica emerged from the car, her figure draped in a stunning black gown, each step exuding grace and confidence. She moved toward them, her bodyguards expertly holding the reporters.
The guests couldn't help but marvel at her beauty.
*Who is she?*
*Is she a model? Her beauty is ethereal.*
Louis's eyes widened in utter disbelief as he watched her approach. Even Amara wasn't left out.
She reached the family and smiled, "Happy anniversary, Father, Mother."