Joanne stood outside the towering glass building of King Enterprises, gripping the black card Alexander had given her. Her heart pounded as she took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The lobby was grand—marble floors, gold accents, and an air of power that made her uneasy. She approached the receptionist, who barely glanced at her before directing her to the top floor.
The elevator doors slid open to reveal a private office with floor-to-ceiling windows. Alexander was already there, seated behind a sleek black desk. Unlike last night, he wasn't in a wheelchair. Instead, he stood beside the desk, tall and commanding, his gaze sharp as he watched her approach.
Joanne's steps faltered. He can walk?
Alexander smirked as if reading her thoughts. "Surprised?"
Joanne quickly masked her expression. "A little."
He gestured to the chair across from him. "Sit. We have a contract to sign."
She did as instructed, and a man in a suit—his lawyer, most likely—placed a thick document in front of her. Alexander's voice was calm but firm as he outlined the terms.
1. The marriage will last six months.
2. Public appearances together are mandatory.
3. No romantic entanglements outside the marriage.
4. At the end of six months, a peaceful divorce will be granted.
5. She must move into his mansion immediately.
Joanne's fingers tightened around the pen as she read the last clause. "Move in with you?"
Alexander leaned back in his chair. "A real marriage needs real proof. Do you have a problem with that?"
She exhaled slowly. This is for Mom. If she had to live with him for six months to keep her father's financial support, she'd do it.
"No problem," she said, signing her name at the bottom.
Alexander's smirk widened as he signed his name beside hers.
"Congratulations, Mrs. King."
Joanne's stomach twisted. What have I just done?.