Chapter 2

David didn't argue after hearing her answer.

He simply took out his ID and placed it on the counter.

Chloe followed.

From start to finish, neither of them spoke another word.

The clerk glanced between them again and again, visibly uneasy. They had registered countless couples, but this was the first time it felt like witnessing a corporate merger rather than a wedding. No smiles. No nerves. No excitement.

Only cold efficiency.

The clerk cleared their throat and dropped a few careful hints, clearly hoping one of them would hesitate.

Neither did.

With no legal grounds to refuse, the stamp came down.

Thud.

Two red marriage certificates slid across the counter.

David flipped through his briefly, then handed one over.

"This is yours."

"Thank you."

That was it.

No congratulations.

No photos.

No holding hands.

They walked out together like colleagues leaving a meeting.

Outside, David stopped and waited for her.

He reached into his pocket and took out a set of keys-already prepared.

"The apartment is in Square Garden," he said briskly. "Grandma mentioned your bookstore is near Toronto Middle School. It's about fifteen minutes by bus."

He studied her for a moment. "Do you have a driver's license?"

"Yes."

"Good. If you want a car, I'll handle the down payment. You take care of the monthly installments. It'll save time."

Then, without waiting for her reply, he continued.

"I'm busy. I leave early, come back late, and travel often. You don't need to take care of me. Household expenses-I'll transfer money to you every month on the tenth."

He paused, eyes sharpening.

"One more thing. For now, this marriage stays secret."

Each sentence landed clean and decisive.

Like clauses in a contract.

Chloe didn't mind.

This marriage was a solution-not a romance.

She accepted the keys. "I have an e-bike. Just changed the battery. No need for a car yet."

After a brief hesitation, she asked, "Do we need to go AA on expenses?"

Her sister and brother-in-law had loved each other once-and still ended up arguing over every cent. Since she and David were strangers, splitting costs felt... safer.

David answered instantly.

"No."

He met her eyes. "I married you. I can afford to support this household."

Chloe smiled faintly. "Alright."

Still, she made up her mind to pay for groceries and daily necessities herself. Even a contractual marriage needed balance.

David checked his watch again. "I need to get back to the office. I can lend you my car, or you can take a taxi and I'll reimburse you."

"Let's exchange WhatsApp first."

They added each other.

"I'll take a taxi," Chloe said. "Go ahead."

"Contact me if anything comes up."

Before leaving, David pressed two hundred dollars into her hand.

She tried to refuse.

One look from him-and she obediently accepted.

The newlyweds didn't even walk to the parking lot together.

David left first.

Inside the van, Grandma Jones immediately sensed something was off.

"Where's my granddaughter-in-law?" she demanded. "You went in together. Why are you alone? Did you scare her off?"

David fastened his seatbelt and tossed the marriage certificate onto her lap.

"It's done. I gave her money for a taxi. I have a meeting."

"You heartless child!" Grandma snapped. "At least drive her home!"

The doors locked.

"Grandma," David said coolly as the engine started, "I married her because you wanted it. Don't interfere beyond that."

His eyes darkened.

"I still need to observe her. Until she passes my test, this isn't a real marriage."

Grandma stared at him in disbelief. "The Jones family does not divorce!"

"Then that depends," he replied coldly, "on whether the wife you chose is worth a lifetime."

Ten minutes later, the van stopped at a quiet intersection.

Waiting there was a fleet of luxury cars.

At the center-an unmistakable Rolls-Royce.

David stepped out, tossed the keys to a bodyguard, and said, "Take the Old Madam home."

"I'm not leaving! I'll live with Chloe!" Grandma protested.

Too late.

The Rolls-Royce door closed.

The motorcade disappeared into traffic.

David Jones-corporate executive on paper-was in reality the crown prince of Toronto's business empire, the head of the city's wealthiest family, a man worth hundreds of billions.

Grandma Jones clenched her cane, eyes glinting.

"Stubborn brat. I hope you fall so hard you regret every word."

She immediately called Chloe.

"Chloe dear, David is busy. Don't take it to heart."

Chloe touched the marriage certificate in her pocket. "I understand, Grandma. I'm already on my way home."

"Still calling me 'Grandma Jones'?"

"...Grandma."

The old woman laughed happily. "Good girl. If that boy ever bullies you, tell me. I'll deal with him."

After all-she hadn't worked this hard to trap a granddaughter-in-law just to let her grandson scare her away.