Chapter 3 I Just Got Married

Vivian spilled everything in a rush, barely stopping to breathe because she was scared William might end the call before she finished speaking. "Please don't get the wrong idea," she said quickly. "I'm not trying to use the baby to tie you down, and I'm not asking you for money or status. What I'm proposing is a contract marriage. Just for show."

She paused, and when she spoke again, her voice dropped to a whisper tinged with desperation. "Once the baby's born safe and sound, we'll go our separate ways. I won't ask you for a cent. There's just one thing I'm hoping for... Will you let me visit the child now and then?"

For a moment, the silence on the other end was so thick that it pressed in on her.

Vivian's pulse pounded in her ears as she pressed the phone harder to her cheek, terrified that she might miss any hint of a reply.

In her mind, William was a shadow behind the line-cool, detached, impossible to read, holding all the cards as if none of this touched him.

She pictured him frowning ever so slightly, weighing her request the way someone might size up a risky investment.

The seconds stretched on, each one heavier than the last.

Her mind spun in every direction. If he refused, was there anyone else who would agree to such a bizarre arrangement? Could she find someone else in time? If it came down to it, maybe she'd have to pay a stranger to play along just to get through this.

Just as her anxiety began to crush her and she felt hope slip through her fingers, William's answer finally broke through. "Deal."

Vivian let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her legs suddenly weak. Seizing the moment, she spoke quickly. "So, Mr. Lewis, if you're free right now, can we get married today? The sooner, the better. It won't take much of your time!"

"Fine," William replied, as straightforward as always. "Meet me at the City Hall in an hour. Bring your documents. My attorney will also be there. You'll need to sign some forms."

"Absolutely. I'll be there," Vivian answered without missing a beat. In that moment, she was willing to sign anything at all.

She ended the call, snatched up her documents, and bolted for the door.

When she arrived at the City Hall, a man in a flawless suit was already waiting with a briefcase in hand. He introduced himself as William's attorney.

Without delay, they were led into a quiet, empty lounge.

The attorney opened his briefcase and pulled out a thick stack of paperwork, sliding it across the table. "Ms. Fowler, Mr. Lewis asks that you read and sign this prenuptial agreement before anything else."

Vivian leafed through the pages, struck by how thorough every section seemed.

The document spelled out exactly how long their marriage would last, what would happen with property after the divorce, and spelled out in detail how custody and visits would work for their child. No detail was left unclear or open to debate.

She couldn't miss the message behind all those carefully chosen words. Their marriage was business-nothing more. There was no pretending otherwise.

Vivian didn't hesitate. She took up the pen and signed where the attorney pointed, moving steadily from one signature line to the next. By the time she finished, the tension in her chest began to melt away.

After the prenuptial agreement was signed, she waited quietly.

A sleek black car soon pulled up to the curb. William stepped out, dressed simply in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, drawing glances from nearly everyone nearby.

He paused in front of her, his eyes settling on her face for just a moment. "Did you sign everything?" he asked, his tone cold and even.

"I did," Vivian replied.

"Let's head in."

Everything moved quickly after that. Less than twenty minutes later, they had finished all the paperwork.

Brilliant sunlight greeted them the moment they stepped outside, forcing Vivian to shield her eyes.

William passed her a copy of their newly issued marriage certificate. "I have to leave the country for work. I'll be back in three days. After that, someone will come take you to my place. You'll be staying at my house until the baby arrives. That's the arrangement."

Vivian tucked the certificate safely in her purse, nodding. "Understood."

"Let me drop you off."

Vivian shook her head quickly. "There's no need. I'll get home on my own."

The last thing Vivian wanted was her father, Archie Fowler, spotting her climbing out of a luxury sedan or discovering that she had just married the head of Zeus Group. That would only invite a mess she wasn't willing to face.

Choosing the safest option, she hailed a cab and made her way home.

Opening the front door, she found Archie and Melinda camped in the living room, sour-faced and silent.

No sooner had Vivian set foot inside than Archie pounced. "Vivian, you'll come with me to the hotel tonight. Devin wants to meet you. Go get changed, and make yourself presentable for the meeting."

Vivian walked right past him and set the crisp marriage certificate on the table with a deliberate motion.

She glanced up and offered a calm, almost amused smile at the pair of them, their faces frozen in shock. "Don't bother trying to pair me up with a man," she said, her tone soft but unmistakable. "I just got married."