Chapter 5 Third Person's POV

William paced around his office, replaying Jake's last words in his head. A contract bride? How on earth would that work? He couldn't deny the logic in Jake's suggestion, but the very thought of it made his stomach churn. How could he fake something so serious just to keep his company?

Sinking into his leather chair, he stared at the framed picture of Porsha on his desk. Her smile beamed at him, and guilt gnawed at his chest. He loved her. But deep down, he knew his family wouldn't approve. They never had.

Jake, now lounging on the couch, smirked at William's silence. "You're thinking about it, aren't you?" he said, flicking through his phone with the nonchalance of someone who didn't just drop a bombshell of an idea minutes ago.

William ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "It's absurd, Jake. Completely insane. I can't fake a marriage just to satisfy my father."

Jake raised an eyebrow, finally putting down his phone and giving William his full attention. "It's not just about satisfying your father. It's about saving your company, your legacy. And let's be real, Will Porsha isn't 'wife material' in your dad's eyes. Do you really think she'll survive the scrutiny?"

William clenched his fists at Jake's words, though he knew his friend was right. Porsha, as much as he loved her, wasn't what his family expected. She was independent, outspoken, and too bold for their conservative tastes.

"What kind of woman are you even suggesting, Jake? Where would I find someone who'd agree to such a ridiculous arrangement?" William's voice rose in frustration.

Jake leaned back, grinning like a man who had all the answers. "Leave that to me. I've got connections. All you need to do is agree, and I'll make sure we find the perfect candidate. Someone who won't cause any trouble, but will play her role convincingly. Just a simple contract no strings attached."

William glared at his friend, still uneasy about the whole idea. But as he thought about his father, the company, and the overwhelming pressure building on his shoulders, the walls started closing in. Maybe this was the only way out.

"Fine," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "But this has to be discreet, Jake. I don't want anyone to know about this. Especially Porsha."

Jake's grin widened. "Trust me, bro. You won't regret this."

Clara's POV

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting my dress nervously. Mrs. Janelle's advice kept ringing in my ears-go see Ted, prove him wrong, or prove yourself right. My heart thudded against my chest at the thought. What if I didn't find anything suspicious? What if Ted really was the man I thought he was?

I sighed, pushing the negative thoughts aside. There was no use overthinking. I had to see this through, or else it would keep gnawing at me.

"Clara, you're really going to this guy's place?" Nick's voice came from the doorway, startling me. I turned to find him leaning against the frame, arms crossed, with that same disapproving look he always gave when Ted's name came up.

"Yes, Nick," I said with a roll of my eyes. "I need to clear my mind. It's not fair to keep doubting him without proof."

Nick pushed off the doorway, stepping into the room with an exaggerated sigh. "I don't trust that guy, Clara. He's always seemed...off to me."

I let out a tired laugh, throwing my jacket on. "You've never liked any of my boyfriends. I think that's more about you than them."

"Hey, that's not true!" he defended, though the grin tugging at his lips told me otherwise. "I just think you deserve better. That's all."

I softened, walking over to him and giving him a quick hug. "Thanks, Nick. I know you care. But this is something I have to do."

He sighed again but didn't argue further. "Just...be careful, okay?"

"Always," I replied with a smile, though deep down, I wasn't so sure.

The ride to Ted's place felt longer than usual. My thoughts were a tangled mess of anxiety and doubt, but also hope. Part of me wanted Mrs. Janelle to be wrong. I wanted to believe that Ted loved me the way I loved him, despite his flaws.

When I pulled up to his apartment building, my stomach twisted in knots. I hesitated for a moment, staring at the entrance as if it held all the answers to my uncertainties. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and made my way inside.

The elevator ride to his floor felt endless, each ding of the passing floors making my heart race faster. Finally, the doors slid open, and I walked down the hallway to Ted's apartment.

I knocked once. No answer.

I knocked again, a bit louder this time.

Still nothing.

Confused, I reached for the doorknob, testing it out of sheer curiosity. To my surprise, it turned easily, and the door creaked open. I hesitated on the threshold, my instincts screaming at me to leave. But I pushed forward, stepping into the apartment cautiously.

The place was eerily quiet, and a strange feeling settled over me. Something wasn't right.

"Hello?" I called out, my voice sounding unnaturally loud in the silence. No response.

I took a few more steps inside, my eyes scanning the living room. It was neat, as always, but there was something off-an unfamiliar jacket draped over the back of the couch. My heart began to race as I recognized the jacket. It wasn't Ted's. It was a woman's jacket.

Panic surged through me, and I hurried down the hallway toward his bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, and I could hear soft voices inside.

I froze, my hand hovering over the door handle. Every instinct in my body told me to turn around and leave, but I couldn't. Not without knowing for sure.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open gently and peeked inside.

What I saw shattered me.

Ted was sitting on the edge of the bed, his arm wrapped around a woman I had never seen before. They were talking in hushed tones, but the intimacy between them was undeniable. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he was holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

I stood there, frozen, unable to process what I was seeing. My heart felt like it had been ripped from my chest, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.

Just as I was about to back away, Ted's eyes lifted and met mine. His face paled, and the woman beside him turned, her expression one of surprise and guilt.

"Clara..." Ted whispered, his voice full of panic.

I didn't wait for an explanation. I turned on my heel and bolted out of the apartment, tears blurring my vision as I ran.

Third Person's POV

William sat at his desk, staring out the window as the city lights twinkled in the distance. His phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the silence. It was a text from Jake.

Got someone for the job. She's perfect. We need to meet tomorrow.

William's heart raced as he read the message. Tomorrow. The contract bride. His life was about to change in ways he couldn't predict.

But little did William know, his future was already intertwined with a woman whose world had just crumbled before her eyes.