Joanne sat in silence as Alexander's sleek black Rolls-Royce pulled into the massive estate. The iron gates opened automatically, revealing a grand mansion that looked more like a palace. Towering columns, pristine gardens, and a long driveway lined with luxury cars—everything screamed wealth and power.
She swallowed hard. What have I gotten myself into? How rich is this man?
The car rolled to a stop, and the driver quickly stepped out to open the door for them. Alexander exited first, his movements smooth and confident—so unlike the man in the wheelchair she had met just a day ago.
Joanne followed, stepping onto the polished stone driveway. Before she could take in her surroundings, the grand double doors swung open, and a middle-aged woman in a crisp uniform stood waiting.
"Welcome home, Mr. King," she greeted respectfully, then turned her sharp gaze to Joanne. "And you must be Mrs. King."
Joanne stiffened at the title. "Yes. Nice to meet you."
"This is Martha, the head housekeeper," Alexander introduced. "She oversees the staff."
Martha nodded. "Your room has been prepared, Mrs. King."
Joanne turned to Alexander. "Room? Not… our room?"
He smirked. "Did you think we'd be sharing a bed?"
Heat rushed to her cheeks. "No, I just—"
"Relax. This is a contract marriage, not a real one," he said, his tone amused. "Your room is next to mine. Follow Martha."
Joanne bit her lip but said nothing as she followed the housekeeper inside.
The interior was even more breathtaking—high ceilings, chandeliers, and expensive artwork lining the walls. This was a world far beyond hers, and she suddenly felt out of place.
Martha led her to a spacious bedroom with a king-sized bed, a walk-in closet, and a private balcony overlooking the gardens.
"If you need anything, just ring the bell," Martha said before leaving.
Joanne sank onto the bed, exhaling deeply.
Six months. I just have to survive for six months. She kept reminding her self.
But as she looked around at the cold, unfamiliar room, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had just stepped into a world where she didn't belong—a world where Alexander King ruled with secrets she had yet to uncover.