Chapter 2 Contract Marriage

A few days after that painful night, Rania was finally going to marry Kenzo.

She stood in front of the mirror, already dressed in a beautiful and elegant gown.

The woman tried to forget everything that had happened in her life-the betrayal of her beloved fiancé.

Since that night, Rania had decided never to contact Damian again, no matter the reason.

She truly wanted to be free from that despicable man. Her tears had dried, and there would be no more sorrow in her future.

Outside the room, guests had already gathered. The wedding was private, attended only by a few close family members.

The decorations were simple-no lavish floral arrangements, no romantic music.

Once, Rania had dreamed of a princess-like wedding, but that hope was shattered. She had to bury that dream.

The door opened. Kenzo stood there in a black suit and silver tie. His expression was flat, his gaze sharp. There was no warm greeting like a typical groom.

"Are you ready?" Kenzo asked.

Rania nodded slowly, though deep down, she still couldn't believe she was about to marry a stranger who had never been part of her life plans.

"Are we really getting married?" Rania asked.

"What do you think?" Kenzo replied curtly.

"This all feels so unreal, Kenzo," she said.

Kenzo took her hand and led her out of the room. They quickly descended the stairs.

The guests had been waiting for the couple.

Kenzo and Rania stood before the priest. The ceremony was held in silence, with only the priest and two legal witnesses present.

"I, Kenzo Adithya, take Rania Anastasya to be my wife..." he recited without hesitation.

Rania repeated the vows, though her chest felt tight and painful. In the end, she was surrendering herself to marry someone she didn't love.

This was her decision, and she had to follow through until their agreement ended.

When the ceremony concluded, Kenzo turned to her. "From today on, you are my wife, Rania. I will give you everything-wealth, status, and protection. Except for one thing..."

Rania raised an eyebrow. "What?" she asked softly.

Kenzo leaned closer and whispered, "Never expect love from me."

Rania froze. She knew better than to ever fall for Kenzo, no matter the circumstance.

"Dear Mr. Kenzo, this marriage is just a two-year revenge pact. Neither of us will fall in love in such a short time," Rania replied.

Kenzo smirked. "Good. Because I never planned to love you either."

After the wedding, Rania asked Kenzo for permission to retrieve her belongings from her house.

Kenzo said nothing and allowed her to do as she wished.

Rania drove to her home. The place was quiet and still. It had once been her dream house with Damian. They had promised to live there together after marriage-but that dream had become nothing.

She opened the door and immediately began packing her things.

The house belonged to both her and Damian. They had saved money together to buy it.

Rania sighed. Even though she was married now, the beautiful memories with Damian were still hard to forget.

She pulled all her clothes from the closet and packed them into a large suitcase. The rest she left behind-it was impossible to take everything with her.

"Where are you going?"

Rania gasped and turned around at the voice.

Her eyes widened when she saw Damian standing there, his face expressionless and intimidating.

"What are you doing here?" Rania asked coldly.

The love once in her eyes had turned to hatred.

"Have you forgotten? This house doesn't just belong to you," Damian said. "We bought it together."

"Fine. I'm no longer the owner of this house. I'm giving it to you-as long as you don't disturb my life again."

Damian laughed mockingly. How dare she act so arrogant?

"I don't want this house anymore," Damian said. "Keep it."

"Whatever. I won't live here again," Rania said.

She began dragging her suitcase toward the door, but Damian grabbed her arm roughly, halting her steps.

"Wait!"

"What now, Damian?" Rania looked up with an icy stare.

"Leaving this house means you'll be nothing but a homeless woman out there."

Rania yanked her arm away from his grip.

"I'd rather be homeless than set foot in this house after your betrayal."

"You're being childish, Rania," Damian sneered. "I just feel sorry for you. You're going to be broke now."

"I don't need your pity!" Rania snapped. "As for the office, I'll be submitting my resignation soon."

"If only you had pretended not to see me with Camila that day, your life wouldn't be this hard. You could've enjoyed my wealth and lived comfortably in this house."

Rania scoffed. Damian was shameless-still trying to justify his infidelity.

"I'd never agree to be the wife of a man like you," she said, pointing at him. Her anger had been simmering since he arrived.

Damian was speechless. He couldn't argue with her words-they were true.

Rania stared straight into his eyes. "I've married a man far richer, more powerful, and capable of giving me everything."

Damian's face tensed. "What... what do you mean? Married? To who?"

"Whoever it is, it's none of your business. The point is, I'm finally free from you," Rania said, with a faint smile.

Damian shook his head in disbelief.

"You must be lying, Rania. Who would marry you?"

They had just broken up a few days ago. Rania had always been faithful and never involved with another man.

"Did you betray me, Rania?"

Rania stopped at the doorway, holding two large suitcases and a bag. Her gaze toward Damian was full of contempt.

"A man who sees my worth-and won't throw me away," she said.

Damian clenched his fists. He wouldn't let her go so easily. He rushed after her and blocked her from entering her car.

He slammed the car door shut.

"Who is he, Rania?!"

Rania was startled by Damian's aggression. They were no longer together, yet he still seemed obsessed with her new husband.

"Darling..."

Both Damian and Rania froze. A man with a commanding presence suddenly appeared beside them.

"Meet Kenzo Adithya-my husband," Rania said proudly.