The contract marriage ( identity disguised)

Chapter 1

"Keen Steakhouse Victoria era. Meat lover."

This is the seventh time he's sent me to this same location. The seventh time!

"Dude, I get it. I'm late," I mutter, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as I accelerate.

The notifications on my phone keep buzzing, and it's testing my patience. I'm ten minutes late-definitely not the impression I want to make.

Ugh, this is not going to reflect well on me.

Lost in my thoughts about speeding up, I nearly miss the truck heading straight for me until it's almost too close to dodge.

"Urrgghh!"

The driver is livid, screaming and shouting as I pull my car to a stop beside him. "ARE YOU BLIND, CAN'T YOU SEE, YOU WANT TO GET KILLED?-blah blah blah, blah blah blah- I COULD CALL THE POLICE, I ALMOST CRUSHED YOU, PAY ATTENTION!!!"

And with that he is off, barreling down the road. Goosebumps litter my skin at the thought, I almost died, damn.

I check my phone, more messages, I'm 20 minutes late, and the steakhouse is still like 100 miles away.

Briefly, I contemplate turning the car around and just going home. Telling father that I didn't go because it was too late and then I shook my head and wrenched the car to start again.

It takes 15 minutes of me speeding down the road like a fugitive on the run with motorists screaming bloody murder at me but I

FINALLY arrive at the steakhouse.

A fancy-looking hotel, restaurant thing. Taking deep breaths, I step out of the car.

I'm unsure of how I'd find him, should I text him, or....i

"Miss Caliste?"

The guy that approaches me is a nondescript, black suit, shades, and all.

"Who are you?"

"We were sent to escort you to your table, my boss awaits you" I eye him warily.

"We? Who's your boss?"

"Mr. Darius miss," he says, bows, and then gestures toward the long line of bodyguards behind him

Yep, that's Mr Mason.

I say a silent prayer, praying I don't end the night with a noose on my neck, and nod to him.

The table he leads me to is tucked away from the rest of the resort, beautifully arranged and with tasty-looking tart cake on the table.

I'm so preoccupied with eating the cake with my eyes that I almost miss the man sitting.

"You're 26 minutes late," He is beautiful, my groom but a marriage wasn't happening on looks alone

"I apologize," I say, sitting down in front of him.

"Hi," I say again, taking out my hand for a handshake. He completely ignores it, looking away. That was rude.

"Okay um, let's get to the point then" I feel like a fool, gosh

"I do not want this wedding, I doubt you do too, but if we both object to it, our families can let us be and..."

"We have nothing to discuss. I'm here to see who the bride will be," he says, finally looking at me. He has great thas great hair, I expected someone younger. He has pretty eyes, thin lips, and serious eyes. He's attractive, and he knows it. Ew

"I do not want to get married to you" I counter

"This is a business deal, so don't take it personally," he responded.

Argh

"This is my life, Mr Mason, I thought you'd understand. I beg of you, there are several ways to boost the partnership. I can't just marry you, I barely know you.

Certainly, this isn't how you envisioned your life, let's drop the marriage plans"

He sends me a scowl

"Your theatrics will not do anything Miss Caliste, this union is necessary for your family and mine. You're not a child so drop the tantrum"

I feel my eyes well with tears and I look outside to stop the tears from pouring out, the view was nice.

"The wedding is tomorrow."

"What?" I asked, my eyes widening in shock

"Do you have a problem with the date?" His voice is low, daring me to object

"You can't just make decisions for me like that. What happened to consulting me and ensuring I was okay with it?" I say, my irritation evident as I grit my teeth.

"Well, your opinion doesn't matter," he replies dismissively.

I can't stand him. I can feel my anger boiling beneath the surface.

With a snap of his fingers, the earlier guy approaches our table, bowing slightly as he waits.

He retrieves a blue document and lays it on the table before bowing once more and walking away.

"Read it carefully; your father has outlined the details of this agreement for you," Mason states, leaning back with a smug look.

"A court marriage license? Who gets a license without the bride being present?" I demand, clenching my fists as I glare at him. This man infuriates me.

He chuckles coldly, and I wish he would just scowl instead. According to this, he would be my husband in just a few hours. It's best I start asserting myself now.

After scanning the document, I close it, realizing how everything is stacked in his favor.

He grabs his phone, stands up, and dusts off his suit, behaving as if he hasn't just shattered my dreams.

"The marriage will happen, and I agree, but not tomorrow," I assert, grabbing his hand before he can walk away.

"Don't touch me," he snaps, shrugging my hand off. "Be at the hall by midnight. I won't tolerate being kept waiting again." He turns to exit, leaving me momentarily stunned, my mouth hanging open in disbelief.

"This isn't fair," I call after him, but he ignores me, signaling his men to escort me back to the car.

"You're so mean, OLD, and ugly and rusty and... and OLD!" I shout after him, frustration boiling over.

"Be on time," he responds without looking back. "I won't deal with your delays."

"Well, forget you!" I shoot back, my irritation igniting further as the guards attempt to usher me away.

"Wait, I need to grab my cake!" I manage to break free, snatching the cake before they can stop me.

I refuse to let that deliciousness go to waste, I remind myself as I walk back to my car, cake in hand, determined to hold onto at least a sliver of my dignity.

************

Next day morning

I am a mess this morning, racing against the clock to get to the wedding on time. It's 9:48, the ceremony starts at 10, and I'm still not dressed. This is unacceptable.

"Where is the designer?" I demand, frustration boiling over.

"Damnit!" I try to struggle with the corset myself, but that's clearly a mistake. I can hear people outside my room buzzing with urgency.

"I just need to calm down," I tell myself, though it feels like my insides are about to burst.

I'm getting married! To a man I barely know, who I suspect might be one of the rudest guys on the planet. Fantastic.

A knock on the door jerks me back to reality. Please let it be the designer, I think as I stride across the room to open the door.

It's Emma, my best friend.

"Pookie! You look stressed," she says with an encouraging smile. Emma has always been my rock. I cross my arms, feeling the pressure of it all.

"Honestly, this is not an ideal situation," I reply, sitting down on the bed.

"Caliste, you really should be excited. You're marrying one of the hottest bachelors, and he's incredibly wealthy, too."

I frown as she launches into a list of Mason's qualities that she's read about in the magazines.

"I promise you, he's a gentleman. You'll be happy," she insists.

"Well, he is an asshole" I grunt

She frowns, stepping closer to pull me into a hug and kissing my cheeks. I felt the warmth of the gesture but remained conflicted.

"Cheer up," She says

"Your dad is happy. You have the perfect family, the perfect figure, and now the perfect husband," she says, still avoiding my gaze.

"You know my life isn't perfect, right?" I reply firmly, shaking my head.

"Here, have some water." She pushes a glass toward me, and I down it in one go.

"There's no need to worry. Mason will love you, and everything will work out," she insists, taking my hand.

"And if it doesn't? What if life doesn't improve, and I'm stuck with him forever?" I catch her rolling her eyes from the corner of my vision, a gesture that feels patronizing, but I choose to ignore it as she beams at me. Maybe I imagined it; my head is pounding.

"Caliste, it will," she asserts.

"Thanks for everything," I say, giving her a hug.

"It's okay. I will always be here for you," she replies reassuringly.

"Wedding dress arrival, ma'am Caliste!"

Finally, I stand up and make my way to the door, a bit too quickly, and I feel my head pounding and the room spinning.

"Emma, something isn't right," I manage to say, my tongue feeling heavy.

"Caliste, love..."

Gradually, my vision blurs, and I feel myself sinking down to the ground.

Chapter 2

EMMA'S POV

Finally!

"Damn it! She always wants to get the best." I mutter to myself, eyeing the unconscious girl on the floor. I've known Caliste since childhood, she has always gotten everything I've wanted. But not Mason , I won't let her.

I've known Mason since I was in highschool, a successful, powerful, ravishingly attractive man and I tried hard to make him mine.

Even when the tabloids confirmed that he's not the type to engage with women or have any sexual or romantic attachments, I was still determined to claim him. And now, Caliste has effortlessly captured his attention,basking in it and flaunting it to my face. No, I'd rather die than let that happen.

The designer is still knocking at the door so I make haste to drag her to the backrooms. Being caught now will put me in a precarious situation I can't afford to get out of.

"Ma'am, Caliste!" the designer calls out again. I stay silent, continuing to pull her along. She's got some weight to her, but it's no surprise-a daddy's girl who always gets what she wants, eating well and enjoying the finest things in life.. My stomach churns with envy.

Just as planned, a guy I hired for the next move was waiting in the room, ready to finish up.

"Help me pull the corset off, don't let anyone see you leave with her"

He is shaking, a blubbering mess as he pulls the corset off her and shoves her in a bag "oh God is she dead?"

"I wish. Now pull off the fuckin dress and stop shaking." I whisper yells at him, staring at him, "Get her out of here, now," I command again, surveying the area with urgency.

"I'm just trying to be careful," he replied, his voice tinged with unease.

"Be quiet, it'll fall through," I decided, confident that it would all work out.

The boy would leave soon, and I'd be alone in the room again.

"Are you okay, ma'am? Would you like me to call your dad? It's almost time," the designer called from the corridor, her tone tinged with concern.

I'd almost forgotten about her.

I crossed to the door and opened it just enough to speak. "You can go now. I'll get ready myself."

"Miss, are you sure?" she asked.

"Absolutely, I'm sure," I replied, dismissively closing the door. I pressed my body against it until I heard her footsteps fade away.

With a determined sigh, I turned away from the peephole, ready to take charge of the situation.

I only need to embody Calista for the wedding and the month that follows. By then, it would be too late for anyone to contest the union, and they'd all see that I'm far better than her. I'll be too valuable to toss aside.

I've gone to great lengths to replicate Calista's appearance-same weight, same hair, same stature. Sure, she's a few inches taller, so the dress drags on the floor, but I doubt Mason will notice, not with the expertly crafted mask I wear.

I've even swapped my eye color from blue to green with contacts.

I glance in the mirror and twirl.

I'm ready.

For the wedding.

My wedding.

-----------------

The church is filled to the brim with people, the New York sun streaming through the windows, casting a fairytale-like glow around the room.

I step out of the car, wearing a confident smile. Mason stands outside, his frown a stark contrast to the joyous occasion.

I throw him my brightest smile, but he remains unmoved, which is annoying.

Still, despite his stern demeanor, excitement surges through me at the sight of him. His intense gaze ignites my desires as I walk closer, lost in visions of our wedding night.

He takes my hand firmly, making my heart race.

"You're late."

"I had..." I start, but he interrupts me.

"That's no excuse. We discussed this yesterday."

They had a conversation yesterday?

"Can we please focus on the joy of today, Mason? Don't you think I look stunning?" I tease, lightly tracing my finger along his chin.

He scrutinizes me, confusion flickering across his face. "You're different today."

Oh, if only you knew. I smile at him, but he sighs, and that intensity between us grows stronger as Mr. Orson approaches to take my hand.

As the ceremony begins, Mason adjusts his tie, glancing around at the guests. Their collective sighs make me chuckle. I'm the bride now. I've won.

"You looked ready to tear into me yesterday, and you even threw some insults my way, but today you seem all giddy and happy. What gives?" he questions.

"Maybe I spent the night thinking about you and realized it wasn't all bad," I whisper back, our exchange mistaken for sweet nothings by the congregation, drawing another round of sighs.

Mason shakes his head, his gaze piercing through me. "No, something is off." His intensity leaves me feeling bare.

"We are here today to unite this man and woman in marriage," the Priest announces. Mason's skepticism remains, but I'm determined.

"Caliste Orson, do you take Mason Darius to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, till death do you part?"

I glance at Mason and nod decisively, my voice unwavering. "I do."

Father Silas turns to him, and we wait.

Mason's hands are clenched, his jaw set. "I... I don't."

Gasps reverberate through the guests, and my heart stops.

"Mason?"

"I do," he finally says, his voice softer but firmer this time. He takes my hands, locking eyes with me. "I will marry you, Caliste Orson."

Internally, I release a breath of relief. We're almost there.

Just as Father Silas prepares to continue, a loud crash echoes through the church, followed by screams and chaos. Everyone turns in confusion as a body crashes down.

The figure hits the floor with a sickening thud, sending guests into a frenzy.

A woman lies crumpled on the floor, her white wedding dress spread around her. She remains motionless, eyes shut tight. A wedding dress.

My blood runs cold, and my eyes widen.

"What... wh-" I struggle to gather my thoughts.

"Caliste?" Mason strides forward, wrapping his arms around her.

"Seize her!" Mason commands, and I feel unfamiliar hands gripping me tightly.

"No... no... please," I plead, the mask itching against my skin. I was so close.

Chapter 3

Mason's POV

I can't stand hospitals. The smells, the harsh lighting, the oppressive silence-they all get under my skin.

It's been ages since I last set foot in one; they trigger my headaches.

But here I am, bent over the bed, fixated on Caliste, willing her to open her eyes, to show any sign of life.

"Sir," the nurse from earlier interrupts, reappearing fifteen minutes later, just like she did an hour before.

"What?" My irritation cuts through the air.

I can sense her flinch, even with my back turned to her. I know I'm not the most polite person during a crisis, and right now, I'm on edge.

*How could I let this happen? How did I let it slip through my fingers?*

Thoughts spiral in my mind, replaying yesterday's chaotic events.

I almost married her friend. The same friend who tried to deceive me, right out in the open. The stark change in her demeanor was a glaring red flag.

It was her face, yet somehow it wasn't.

I clench my fists, suppressing the urge to lash out. That girl tried to pull a fast one on me.

"Sir, um," the nurse tries again.

I turn to face her, and she flinches once more. I let out a long sigh.

"There's a man here to see you. If you could step away from the patient's side, we need to focus on her care."

"Fine," I reply sharply, giving Caliste one last glance before I step out.

Zach stands waiting in the hallway, immediately assessing my state as I exit.

"You look like crap," he says bluntly.

"How's she doing?" he asks, eyeing me. I rub a hand across my weary face.

"Unresponsive. The doctor said it might take some time before she wakes up."

"Yeah, that fall was brutal." I wince, shaking off the image of blood.

"What's the update on Emma?" I ask as we head towards the hospital exit-it's time for a break.

"Well, she's been hysterical, not cooperating at all, but she's still in detention. Her accomplice, however, gave us a confession." My interest piques.

"And?"

"He confessed that he played a significant role in the plan to let Caliste fall right after the vows and papers were signed. It all seems outlandish for Emma, but it looks like he slipped up."

"She's lost her mind. The girl is sick," I grit out as we reach the car.

"What about the contract?" he asks, his voice low.

"On hold for now. His daughter just came close to dying, and we're still investigating whether he conspired with Emma. There's nothing more to be done at this point. I'm already married to Mr. Jason Orson's daughter."

"I don't think the investigation is warranted. I doubt he'd risk his daughter's well-being for a contract. You've seen how he is with her; he cares deeply," Zade counterpoints.

"It's part of the procedure, and necessary. We can't take any chances."

I recognize that Emma is shrewd. The document stipulated I was to marry Orson's daughter. Thoughts of her had slipped my mind, but it turns out she's his adopted daughter.

"His daughter is still his daughter, so there's no basis to dissolve the deal without compensation. I let Zade drive; I'm not in the right headspace to risk an accident."

"I'm infuriated. I just want to punch something. For now, Emma was in jail, being prodded for answers and I almost regretted calling the police. I should have taken her myself and tortured her a thousand times.

But why do I feel like there's something else I can't reach?"

"Surely Emma was Caliste's best friend and had access to a lot but she couldn't have worked alone..."

"Surely there was someone else. The drug, the hallways, it is hard to decipher who, but I swear I would,for Calista."

"So what now?" Zach says

"We do some digging, alone, low profile, find the bastard and gut him, probably hit the boxing ring later on, I feel like I would burst anytime soon if I don't hit something," I say, leaning on my seat.

"They better get ready for what's coming for them, they better."