Celeste's POV
"How did it go?" Sofia's voice came through my phone, sharp and curious.
I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I flipped through the pages of my schedule with one hand, my pen tapping gently on the tab screen, "It was crazy. Most of them sounded stupid. Their profile pictures did not match their intelligence at all."
There was a pause on the other end, then a quiet sigh. "That was not the question, Celeste," she said, her voice dropping into that tone she used when she thought I was being deliberately difficult. "How did it go? Were you able to get someone?"
I leaned back on the chair, tilting my head as I turned my eyes to the side of the car. "Maybe…"
"Maybe?" she repeated, disbelief thick in her voice. "Celeste, how do you say maybe? Did you not like him?"
"I haven't seen him yet, okay?" I returned, irritation slipping into my tone. I rubbed my temple slowly, "So I don't know."
She scoffed and I could imagine her shaking her head, "I am sure you are rolling your eyes right now," I muttered.
"Very observant, I am so glad you know that," She chuckled softly. A small smile tugged at my lips.
"When are you going to see him?" she asked.
"Today. By seven."
"Good," she said quickly. "When you are back, you are telling me everything and you won't skip anything. Don't even think about it."
"Whatever, Mrs. Sofia," I teased, a hint of amusement in my voice.
"Hey! Don't call me that," she snapped lightly. "It makes me look old."
I laughed under my breath as I stood up, grabbing my bag. "Are you not? I mean, you are finally married to the man of your choice."
She gasped dramatically, then laughed, "You know what I have to go. My husband wants me. Bye!"
The call ended, and the silence that followed felt heavier than it should with me glancing through my system.
By the time I got to the office, my mind had already shifted back to business.
I pushed the door open and froze.
Evan's stood in the middle of my office, his back facing me, his posture relaxed like he owned the place.
My expression hardened instantly.
"What are you doing here, Mr. Evans?" I asked coldly, stepping in.
He turned slightly, slipping one hand into his pocket, the corner of his lips lifting into a slow, mocking smile. "You are here, Celeste. Welcome."
I didn't respond. I simply walked past him, placing my bag on the desk.
"How is your new husband?" he added casually, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
My fingers stilled.
"He is good," I replied flatly.
Evan laughed, low and amused, shaking his head. "You know, it's funny how you can keep such a good act."
I folded my arms, my gaze locking onto his. I said nothing but my silence was sharp.
"I cannot wait to see this man that is so in love with you," he continued, stepping closer, his eyes glinting with something unsettling, "You just have one day left, Celeste. So use it wisely."
"Get out of my office." My voice came out firmer than I expected, my jaw tightening.
He smirked, clearly enjoying himself.
"Enjoy it while it lasts, darling. I will be taking over soon."
My chest tightened, but I refused to show it. He walked out slowly, like he had all the time in the world.
The moment the door shut, I exhaled deeply, my shoulders dropping. I grabbed a bottle of water and gulped it down, the cool liquid doing little to calm the storm building inside me.
I quickly picked up my phone and texted the so-called new husband, reminding him of the time.
No response…
I stared at the screen for a moment, my brows furrowing slightly.
"He must be busy," I told myself, though the uneasiness lingered.
By the time the clock neared six, I had forced myself through the rest of my work.
"Sandra," I called my assistant, grabbing my bag,
"Please forward the rest to me. I have somewhere to be by seven."
"Yes, ma'am," she replied quickly.
She walked me out, and soon I was seated in the car, my fingers tapping restlessly against my thigh.
I tried calling his number again, but nothing… Frustration bubbled inside me.
My lips pressed into a thin line as I looked outside the window. He better not disappoint me.
Just when I was about to give up, my phone buzzed.
'I will be there by 7'
My shoulders relaxed as relief washed over me instantly.
Back home, I got ready quickly.
The red dress hugged my figure perfectly. I
applied light makeup, just enough to enhance my features and leaned closer to the mirror, studying my reflection.
"Perfect," I whispered, but the slight tension in my eyes betrayed me.
I pushed it aside with a deep breath and put back my confidence. I have always been a confident woman; this would not make any difference to me.
"Harmony Restaurant," I instructed my driver as I stepped into the car.
On the way, I texted him. 'What will you be wearing?'
'A grey suit,' he replied almost immediately.
"Okay," I murmured.
When I arrived, I stepped out of the car, smoothing down my dress before walking in.
The restaurant was softly lit, the atmosphere was too calm.
'Where are you seated?' I texted.
No response.
I glanced around, scanning faces, then my phone buzzed.
'By the left-hand side of the restaurant.'
My eyes followed the direction and landed on him.
I inhaled slowly, steadying myself, and then walked toward the table.
He was seated, composed, watching me.
I pulled out a chair and sat down. "Hi, I am the lady you have been talking to. My name is Celeste" I said, extending my hand.
He stared at me, not casually nor politely. He stared with confusion. It made my smile falter slightly.
Still, he took my hand, "What is your name again?" I asked.
There was a pause.
"…Damien."
"Nice to meet you, Damien," I said, forcing composure. "I won't waste your time. I believe you are a busy man."
I leaned forward slightly, my fingers clasped together on the table.
"As I told you on the phone, I want a contract marriage. No strings attached. Two years as a couple, but we stay out of each other's business."
He smirked and bursted out into a serious laughter.
My brows pulled together slightly, "What is funny?"
He swiftly composed himself, clearing his throat to shake off the moment, "I have one question," he said with every seriousness.
"Go ahead."
"What is in it for me?"
I scoffed softly, leaning back, "What do you want?"
"Well…" he tilted his head, his eyes locking onto mine, "what can you give me? And don't say money. I have enough of that."
"What a proud jerk," I muttered under my breath.
"Of course, wife," he said smoothly, leaning closer, his fingers brushing my arm.
I immediately pulled away, my expression hardening, "We are not supposed to touch. That is one of the rules."
He smiled, amused. "If you say so… Princess."
"I am not a princess. My name is Celeste." I reminded him again.
"I did not forget," he replied calmly.
I exhaled sharply. "You will get shares in my company."
"How many percent?"
"—Thirty percent," he answered before I could.
My eyes widened. "What? You can't just—"
"Deal?" he cut in.
My jaw clenched. Anger burned in my chest.
But I needed this, I needed him to put those idiots in their place. So I swallowed it.
"…Fine."
He clapped softly, satisfied. "Good. How do we begin? What do I sign?"
I handed him the document, watching him carefully as he skimmed through it, then signed without hesitation.
"That will be all for now, Mr. Damien," I said, collecting the paper.
"Give me your card," he said suddenly.
"Why?"
No response. He simply stretched out his hand.
I hesitated… then handed it over.
"See you soon, wife," he said, his smirk lingering.
I turned and walked out, my heels clicking against the floor, my chest tight with unease.
I was reaching for my phone to call my driver when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I turned.
"I knew it was you," the man said, slightly out of breath, "I'm sorry I'm late for our date."
I frowned, "Date?"
"Yes… I got stuck in traffic. I was supposed to tell you to wait for me"
My eyes slowly drifted over him.
Grey suit. Brown hair.
My heart dropped the moment I realized what had just happened.
"Hold on… you were not inside the restaurant? You were not the person I just spoke to?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"No," he said apologetically.
My stomach twisted.
If he wasn't—Then who did I just agree to marry?