Chapter 4 Sealing with a Ring

Chapter Four: Sealing with a Ring

the elevator whispered it's ascent, silent, smooth, and fast, like everything in Daniel Copper's world. Gold watched the glowing numbers blink overhead as the car glided toward the top floor of the Copper Heights building, each passing floor reminding her she wasn't just stepping into a new chapter.She was stepping into a different universe.She clasped her purse tighter as the doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a corridor that looked more like a five-star hotel lobby than the entrance to a private residence. The floor was marble, polished to a mirror finish. Modern art hung on walls as white and cold as snow, and recessed lights glowed like starlight.A man in a dark suit stood waiting for her, phone in hand, posture crisp. "Miss Bennett. Mr. Copper is expecting you."Gold gave a small, stiff nod. "Thanks."She was led down the hallway, heart thudding like a slow drum. The closer she got, the more she questioned her sanity. What kind of woman agrees to marry a stranger, billionaire or not, just because her heart got stomped on?Apparently, the kind who'd had enough of struggling. Of being invisible. Of always being someone's backup plan.The door opened to a space so sleek and vast she forgot to breathe for a second. The penthouse was floor-to-ceiling glass, New York's glittering skyline stretching like a postcard behind it. Minimalist furniture in blacks and greys, an open kitchen with gold accents, and a fireplace so clean it looked untouched.Daniel stood by the window, hands in his pockets, wearing a dark gray suit that fit like it had been stitched onto him. His gaze flicked to hers the moment she stepped in, and just like that, her stomach did a ridiculous little flip."You came," he said, almost like he hadn't doubted it.Gold raised an eyebrow. "I said I would."He gestured toward the living room area. "Have a seat. We'll keep it formal tonight, contract first, small talk after.""I like that order," she replied, sitting down on a plush leather couch that probably cost more than her car.A leather folder was already laid out on the glass coffee table. Daniel took a seat across from her, crossing one leg over the other with the casual confidence of someone who didn't just own the building, but half the city.Gold opened the folder. The contract inside was thick, detailed, and intimidating."Everything is outlined," Daniel said calmly. "Length of marriage: one year. Public appearances are expected once a week. Media training will be arranged. You'll live here full time. You're free to decorate your suite however you want."Gold blinked. "I get a suite?"He smirked faintly. "It's a marriage, not a sleepover."That made her lips twitch, almost a smile.She skimmed further down. Monthly stipend, private car, health benefits, and a clause stating that neither party could engage in a real romantic relationship during the term of the marriage."No dating?" she asked."It would complicate the image. And cause headlines. I like clean headlines."Gold gave a low whistle. "You really have thought of everything."Daniel leaned forward, his tone suddenly less businesslike. "Gold, I don't expect you to fall in love with me. This isn't a fairy tale. But I do expect honesty. Discretion. And partnership. In return, you'll have financial freedom. Security. No strings when this is over.""And if I want out before the year's up?""There's a termination clause." He tapped the folder. "You'll still walk away with your dignity. And a payout."Gold looked up and met his eyes. For a moment, the air shifted. Beneath all his polish and sharp edges, she saw something unexpected, weariness. A quiet kind of loneliness that matched her own.He wasn't offering her romance. He was offering her a lifeline. Just as she was offering him one."I want one clause added," she said.Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Go on.""No surprises. No secrets. I don't need to know every detail of your empire, but if I'm going to wear your name and smile for your cameras, I need the truth when it counts."He studied her for a beat, then gave a slight nod. "Agreed."Gold held out her hand. "Then we have a deal."Daniel took it, his grip firm and steady. "We have a deal."The wedding was the next day.No dress fittings. No flowers. No vows under a sunset. Just a quick, private courthouse ceremony arranged by Daniel's assistant, followed by a discreet lunch with no press and zero champagne.Gold wore a simple white dress Leila helped her pick out that morning, and Daniel wore another tailored suit that screamed effortless wealth."I feel like I should say something," she muttered as they stood before the officiant.Daniel glanced sideways. "You don't have to."But she did anyway."I don't know where this road leads," she said softly, looking at him. "But thank you for letting me walk part of it with you."His expression didn't change much, but his eyes did. They warmed. Just a little."And thank you," he said, "for saying yes when I least expected it."The ring wasn't flashy. It wasn't even a diamond. It was a thin band of gold, simple, quiet, and somehow perfect. Like a placeholder for something they hadn't figured out yet.After the short ceremony, Daniel offered her his arm. "Shall we go home, Mrs. Copper?"Gold took it, inhaling deeply."Lead the way, Mr. Stranger."And just like that, they walked out, not as lovers, not as enemies, but something in between.Something brand new.