Chapter 5 5

CHAPTER 5

The grand ballroom was abuzz with the cream of society, all gathered to witness the union of Belle and her mysterious groom. The stakeholders and business associates mingled and chatted, their curiosity palpable.

Rachel Lee, a prominent stakeholder, approached James Bailison, Reginald's brother, with a puzzled expression. "James, have you met the groom?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

James shook his head, his eyes scanning the room. "No, I haven't. To be honest, I'm surprised Belle was able to find someone to marry within the two-week timeframe."

Rachel nodded in agreement. "I know, it's astonishing. And the fact that no one knows who the groom is... it's all so mysterious."

Just then, the music began, and Belle emerged from the entrance, looking stunning in her white wedding gown. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, but there was a hint of nervousness beneath the surface.

As she walked down the aisle, the guests turned to look at her, their faces filled with curiosity. How did she get a husband in two weeks?

Belle reached the altar, and the mysterious groom turned to face her. He was tall, with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. He gave a dangerous smile, and Belle's heart skipped a beat.

As the exchange of vows began, Rachel leaned over to James and whispered, "Do you think they're in love with each other?"

James shrugged, his eyes fixed on the groom. "I have no idea, but I'm certainly curious."

As the ceremony came to a close, the guests erupted into applause, and the officiant smiled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for," he said, his voice booming through the microphone. "The kiss."

Belle felt a surge of nervousness as she turned to Adam, her heart racing in her chest. They had to make this look real, for the sake of their guests and their business arrangement.

Adam's eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, slowly, Adam's face relaxed into a smile, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against Belle's.

The kiss was brief, but it was enough to make the guests "awww" in unison. Belle felt a flutter in her chest, but she pushed it aside, reminding herself that this was just a business arrangement.

It was a fake kiss, but it felt real. And for a moment, Belle wondered if maybe, just maybe, this contract wouldn't be so bad after all.

As the night wore on, Rachel approached Belle and her groom, a fake smile plastered on her face. "Congratulations, Belle. You look stunning. And... " she turned to the groom, "you sir, are a mystery."

Adam chuckled. "I suppose I am," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But I assure you, I'm quite harmless."

Rachel raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "I'm not so sure about that," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Belle intervened, her smile tight. "Rachel, please. Let's not pry, my husband and I would like to enjoy our special day."

Rachel's expression changed "Of course, Belle, congratulations again."

The wedding quickly came to an end and guests were returning to their various houses.

The day was already dark and it was soon their wedding night. Adam walked into the luxurious penthouse apartment, dropping his keys onto the marble counter. Belle was standing by the window, staring outside the city.

"Evening," Adam said, his voice low and smooth.

Belle turned, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Evening."

Adam poured himself a glass of scotch from the decanter on the counter. "I think we need to have a little chat," he said, his eyes locked on Belle's.

Belle raised an eyebrow, a hint of wariness in her eyes. "What about?"

Adam took a sip of his scotch, his eyes never leaving hers. "Our aggrement, I think it's time we clarified a few things."

Belle's eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing.

Adam continued, his voice cold and detached. "This is a loveless marriage, Belle. We both know that. And as such, I think it's best if we keep our personal lives separate."

Belle's expression was neutral, but Adam could sense a hint of tension beneath the surface.

"I mean it, Belle," Adam said, his eyes glinting with warning. "I don't want to know about your personal life, and I don't want you prying into mine. This is a business aggrement, nothing more, and I expect you to keep your own end of the bargain."

Belle nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "I understand," she said, her voice cool and detached.

Adam smiled, "Good. I'm glad we have an understanding."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words. But Adam didn't care. He had made it clear what he expected from this arrangement, and he was confident that Belle would comply.

Before Belle went to bed that night, she got a very disturbing text from an unknown number "meet me at the café tomorrow; I have a very important and crucial information about your husband that I think you should know about."

As much as she wanted to ignore the message, something within her wanted to know who this stranger was and what he/she had to say. So she agreed to meet this person.

The next day, when Belle got to the agreed location; her eyes scanned the café, her heart racing with anticipation. She spotted a lady who looked like she was in her late forties sitting in the corner, her eyes looking directly at her.

She was dressed in a simple white shirt and black pants, her face looking concerned. But there was something about her that seemed... familiar.

Belle made her way over to her, her heart pounding in her chest. "Are you the one who sent me the text message?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The woman nodded, her eyes never leaving Belle's. "Yes, I am. My name is Jane, good to see you again Belle."

"You sound like you know me."

"Who doesn't?"

"I mean personally, you sound like you know me personally."

"If I didn't, there was no way I would have gotten your number."

"Hmm, so who are you and what information do you have about my husband?"

"I was your mum's former PA. I resigned when you were about 3 years old because I relocated to another country."

"Okay..."

"I never thought I would have a reason to reveal this but when I heard about your wedding, not just your wedding but who you got married to, I couldn't keep it to myself any more."

"You are scaring me, spill already." Belle demanded.

Jane hesitated, her eyes darting around the café before focusing back on Belle. "Your mum had an affair with your father's former secretary before he got sacked."

Belle's heart skipped a beat. "Wait, wait, wait, what? An affair? But dad had just one secretary, I don't recall him sacking or employing any secretary."

"That's because he got sacked before you were born."

"Okay, let's say what you're saying is true; so what does this have to do with me or Adam."

"Adam's father, Alexander Hamilton, was your father's former secretary."

Belle's eyes widened in shock. "What? Wait, Alexander Hamilton, Adam Hamilton, Oh my God, oh my God. This can't be true, where did you hear this from?" Belle queried.

"I'm a witness Belle," Jane stated calmly. "I didn't hear it from anywhere. Alexander and I were the only one who knew about Catherine's affair. But Alexander didn't know she got pregnant for him, and your supposed father didn't know you were not his biological child. Adam is also unaware about all of this, I happen to be the only living witness."

Tears were already rolling down Belle's eyes, she felt like she had been punched in the gut. "So you are trying to tell me that I just got married to my step brother?"