Unexpectedly Yours: Falling For My Billionaire Groom

With the marriage certificate clutched tightly in her hand, Scarlett Knight stepped out of the city hall.

"Thank you, Mr. Dixon!" she said to the man next to her.

Waving his hand, Ethan Dixon said, "I have to get to a client quickly. Which way are you going? If our destinations coincide, I'll drop you there."

Scarlett was surprised. Was he offering her a ride? She assumed he must be repulsed by her.

Three months ago, she had accidentally saved him and taken him to the hospital. And now, she forced him into a marriage with her because of that twist of fate.

Despite having told her that he would return the favor, he must be appalled by her for forcing him to marry a stranger.

"Thanks, but I biked here. You go ahead with your work."

Most likely, he said it out of civility and a sense of gentlemanly education. She wouldn't be so smart if she got into his car.

It was merely a contractual marriage. She was grateful he agreed to it, but she didn't expect him to act like a typical husband.

Checking his watch, Ethan acknowledged her response. "Alright, I'm off. Apologies for not being able to spend our first married day together."

"I'm good," Scarlett assured him, impressed by Ethan's gentlemanly demeanor.

Ethan nodded, then hurried off to his car parked nearby. As he opened the door, a thought struck him, and he glanced back to see Scarlett riding her electric scooter in the opposite direction with her down jacket on.

Her departure left him momentarily stunned.

He had assumed she wanted him to fulfill his promise and marry her for some ulterior motive.

Yet, here she was, leaving without asking for anything in return.

Was that her playing hard to get?

Ethan pursed his lips in thought. If she was being sensible, he would leave her be.

But since he had made a promise to marry her, he intended to fulfill his duty, while keeping his true identity hidden.

Shifting his focus, Ethan got into his cheap car and drove away.

At the next intersection, Ethan stopped his car and stepped out, approaching a black Maybach parked nearby.

When he opened the door, the driver informed him, "Sir, your grandmother seems to be aware of what happened between you and Ms. Knight."

"What happened?"

"Trey noticed your absence from the company this morning and looked into it; that's why he found out. Then, he informed your grandmother."

Ethan sneered. His half-brother, Trey Dixon, couldn't wait to let their grandmother know he had married a woman from a humble background.

"Ensure all traces related to her are erased before Grandma intervenes. I don't want anyone else to know about our marriage," he instructed.

"Understood, sir."

Ethan tapped his fingers on the car window, pondering for a moment before adding, "Keep him occupied. I don't want him getting too idle."

"Of course, sir." The driver acknowledged before suggesting, "Should we arrange for some protection for Ms. Knight?"

Ethan's demeanor turned cold as he contemplated the suggestion. "Yes, do it discreetly. Ensure she remains unaware of my identity to prevent any misguided intentions."

Meanwhile, Scarlett, unaware of the complexities, arrived at the hospital on her electric scooter.

The winter in Pradset started earlier than in other places.

The cold wind, laced with sea spray, slapped her cheeks, seeping into her bones and numbing her heart.

Wrapped in her down jacket, Scarlett paused outside the ICU of the cerebral surgery department, gazing through the thin glass at her frail grandmother lying amidst a tangle of tubes. Her eyes welled with tears.

Blinking them back, she mustered a smile.

"Grandma, I got married," she whispered, holding up the marriage certificate against the glass window for her grandmother, Nicola Knight, to see.

"He's a tall, strong, and attractive guy. And he acts in a gentlemanly manner." Even after she compelled him to marry her, he apologized to her for not being able to go with her on the day of their marriage. "So, don't worry. I'm alright. You must also get well. Even if it's for me, please hold on. You're my only family. Don't leave me alone."

Tears welled up, but Scarlett forced a smile, remembering Nicola's fondness for her smiles.

After talking to Nicola for a while, Scarlett went for an update on Nicola's condition from the doctor.

The young but seasoned physician, Cody Campbell, adjusted his glasses. "Your grandma's aged, plus the shock she endured... It's a miracle she's hanging on. Despite her situation becoming more stable, her ability to wake up still depends on her own will."

Scarlett squeezed her palm with her nails and nodded at the doctor. "Thank you for your assistance. Please do everything you can to help her. Money is not an issue if it means she can wake up. And please keep me posted."

Being an orphan taken in and raised by Nicola, Scarlett couldn't fathom life without her.

She was unaware of Nicola's circumstances on the day she passed out. She just found out from the neighbor that someone appeared at her house, and they got into a heated argument. Nicola passed out after the other person left.

Cody was going to tell her that the patient was elderly and that there was a possibility she wouldn't wake up. Regardless of how much money was spent on medicine, it would most likely be in vain.

However, he swallowed the words as he looked at the weak, adaptable, and determined girl standing in front of him.

"Sure thing. I'll keep you updated."

As she stepped out of the hospital, a blast of icy wind hit her face, making her shiver.

The sky above looked heavy and ready to burst at any moment.

Brushing the chill off her cheeks, Scarlett made her way to her electric scooter. It seemed it was going to snow heavily.

Just as she was about to start the scooter, her phone rang, breaking the silence.

Scarlett removed her gloves and pulled her phone out of her pocket. She was taken aback at seeing the person who had messaged her.

The moniker "E" was unknown to her, and the profile photo was of the black night sky. There was nothing else to know about it.

It took her a moment to realize it was Ethan, her newlywed husband!

Back when she had saved him, he had given her a business card and promised to do one thing for her without any conditions.

After Nicola had passed out, Scarlett had been prepared for the worst as the doctor had advised.

She thought that if Nicola was dying, she wanted to fulfill Nicola's last wish-to see her get married.

She had asked several guys before Ethan, but all of them had turned her down upon hearing about Nicola's condition.

After many failed attempts, she was left with no alternative but to go to Ethan.

Ethan was different. After a simple exchange on a social app, he had agreed readily, leading to their unexpected marriage.

Ethan's message read, "My address is Room 1601, Building 6, Horizon Apartments, Oak Road. If you're free today, you can move in now."

Then came another message. "Get whatever you need. I've got a busy day ahead and might be late."

The message was followed by a notification of a two-thousand-dollar transfer.

The messages left Scarlett puzzled.

Was he suggesting they live together like any normal couple would?

Scarlett hesitated, her lips pursed, uncertain about the situation she found herself in.

She never imagined becoming an actual couple with Ethan. Her intentions were solely to fulfill Nicola's wish, not to find herself sharing a place with a stranger.

But then again, if Nicola woke up and discovered she was married but living separately from her supposed husband, how could she explain that?

After a few moments of pondering, she accepted the money.

"Okay," she replied, deciding to try and adjust to the idea of being married to him.

As for the money he gave her, she figured she could buy something for him with it.

Anything she needed, she could handle with her finances.

It seemed prudent to maintain clear boundaries in certain aspects, even if they would be sharing a home.

With her decision made, Scarlett hastily rode her electric scooter home, packed her belongings, and headed to the underground parking lot with her suitcase, intending to drive to Ethan's place.

However, upon seeing a line of flashy supercars in the parking lot, she couldn't help but question the taste of her teacher and her fellow students once again.

Their design work could easily be adored by many, but their choice of cars was certainly unique.

Shaking her head, Scarlett opted for a taxi instead.

Standing outside Room 1601 with her suitcase, Scarlett hesitated.

Ethan hadn't given her the door password.

She furrowed her brow and messaged Ethan.

"Mr. Dixon, what's your door password?"

After waiting for five minutes with no response, Scarlett tried calling Ethan.

However, the phone rang a few times before being disconnected.

Scarlett raised an eyebrow, guessing he must be busy, and decided not to bother him further.

With her suitcase in tow, she turned around and left, intending to catch a cab home.

Meanwhile, Ethan, after hanging up on the unknown caller, handed his phone to his assistant, Greg Jenkins, with a frown. "Handle this. Why am I getting calls from an unknown number?"

"Got it."

Greg took the phone and left the meeting room.

As Ethan turned his attention back to the meeting, the topic shifted to Alva. "Have you found Alva's whereabouts?"

"We've confirmed that Alva is in Pradset, but we still haven't pinpointed their exact identity or location. Alva is incredibly elusive, making it hard to determine whether they're a man or a woman."

"Keep searching," Ethan instructed, tapping his fingers on the table. "The resort is crucial for the transformation of the chain hotels under Cosmos Group. Alva's design style aligns perfectly with our future plans. We need to persuade them to join us."

"Yes, Mr. Dixon. We'll find them as soon as possible."

Ethan nodded and then moved on to the next topic.

In the hallway, Greg added the unknown number to the blacklist and prepared to contact the telecommunications company.

But before he could do so, he noticed an unread message and clicked on it.

The profile photo caught his attention-it was Alva's first famous design.

The sender was Scarlett, who had recently married Ethan.

Ethan was interested in collaborating with Alva because of this profile photo.

Reading Scarlett's message, Greg replied promptly, "906386. You can input your fingerprints after unlocking it."

Ethan had Greg buy an apartment at Horizon Apartments after agreeing to marry Scarlett to hide his identity from her.

Greg was in charge of everything regarding the apartment, so the password was naturally familiar to him.

Meanwhile, Scarlett had just opened her taxi app when she received Greg's message.

She sighed and turned back to the apartment.

Entering the door, she was greeted by the sleek, impersonal decor.

She took off her shoes and walked around barefoot, noticing the decor. "Well, the style very much reflects Ethan!" she mused.

It looked good, but it felt cold and unwelcoming, unlike a real home.

It seemed that...

Scarlett grinned as she looked around the massive black and white room. It looked like an office to her.

After a quick inspection, Scarlett formulated a plan. Putting her shoes back on, she added her fingerprint, closed the door, and left.

Ethan remained busy until nearly nine in the evening.

Once he finished the last document, he stretched and instructed, "Greg, go get the car ready."

"Yes, Mr. Dixon." Greg turned around, headed for the door, then paused. "Oh, Mrs. Dixon... Ms. Knight sent a text asking about the apartment's password earlier. Guess she's moved in there. Do you want to swing by and check it out?"

Ethan paused for a while and replied, "Yes."

Greg nodded back and dashed off to prepare the car.

When Ethan got to the ground floor, he was greeted by snowfall.

Pradset nights brought a chill sharper than daytime. The wind bit at his skin as if trying to steal it away.

He scrunched his brows, thoughts drifting to Scarlett's slender figure.

The cold was biting tonight. Scarlett must've been freezing riding her electric scooter through this snow and wind.

When Greg pulled up with the car, he saw Ethan lost in thought, staring at the snowfall.

Ethan's usually handsome face looked colder than the snow itself, giving Greg a pang of worry. Whoever Ethan was thinking about would perhaps soon be going through a tough time.

"Greg, get another car," Ethan said as he settled into the back of the Maybach. "Around a hundred grand, something suitable for a lady." His voice barely carried over the wind.

A moment later, Greg pieced together that the car was for Scarlett.

The car cruised steadily through the snow. Half an hour later, they pulled into the underground garage of Building 6, Horizon Apartments.

Ethan stepped out of the car. "You don't need to pick me up tomorrow morning."

"Understood, Mr. Dixon."

Entering the apartment, Ethan found Scarlett emerging from the kitchen, holding a bowl of steaming noodles in her loungewear.

When their eyes met, the two of them got lost in the moment.

Scarlett hadn't expected him back so soon. After all, he'd mentioned a late return due to a packed schedule. So she'd just made noodles for herself.

She didn't make dinner for him.

Ethan surveyed the apartment, noting the changes. It felt unfamiliar.

His frown deepened as he glanced at the small ornaments she'd carefully chosen that afternoon. He didn't seem pleased.

She hesitated before explaining, "I'm sorry. You said to pick out things myself, so... If you don't like them, I can put them away."

"Don't bother. Just leave them," he replied, his tone cold, masking his feelings.

An unsettling silence ensued between them. Scarlett focused on the noodles in her hands. "Um, Mr. Dixon..."

"Ethan!"

"What?" Scarlett blinked, thrown for a loop there.

Ethan met her gaze. "Just Ethan. Not Mr. Dixon. That sounds too distant!"

After a pause, he added with a furrowed brow, "Or would you rather your husband call you Ms. Knight?"

That was when it clicked.

They were married now.

How could they address each other as Mr. Dixon and Ms. Knight?

"Okay." Scarlett lowered her head. "Ethan, have you had dinner?"

It was just a change in addressing each other. There wasn't a difference between Mr. Dixon and Ethan.

When he blurted out a "No," he surprised himself.

He had eaten the takeout ordered by Greg.

Ethan's gaze lingered on Scarlett's hands cradling a bowl of simple seafood noodles, adorned with a fried egg and several succulent shrimps. The fresh, plump shrimps nestled against the soft, white noodles created an enticing sight.

Surely, they had to be a culinary delight.

Caught off guard by his direct stare, Scarlett paused, her words hanging in the air as she hesitantly extended the bowl towards him. "Would you care to try this?"

"Why not?"

Scarlett had anticipated a polite refusal, yet she found herself taken aback by his acceptance.

As Ethan began to savor the noodles, he noticed something. "Aren't you going to have any?"

Scarlett had intended to indulge in the noodles herself, only to find them taken away by her unexpected guest.

"I wasn't aware you hadn't eaten dinner. I made only one serving, but don't worry, I can whip up some more."

"Very well," Ethan replied, continuing to enjoy the noodles.

Scarlett couldn't help but be surprised by his response.

At that moment, she realized she would struggle to keep pace with her husband.

Initially perceived as aloof, Ethan surprised her by honoring his word and displaying impeccable manners.

She had pegged him as a gentleman, but his straightforward demeanor left her gritting her teeth in frustration.

Shaking her head, Scarlett retreated to the kitchen to prepare herself another dinner.

Behind her, Ethan looked at her angry back, his eyes darkening.

Moments later, Scarlett emerged with a fresh bowl of noodles, only to find Ethan had already finished his serving. And not a drop of broth remained.

Reluctantly, Ethan admitted that Scarlett's noodles were indeed delicious.

With their simplicity and seafood charm, they had captivated his palate.

"Have you had enough? If not, there's more in the kitchen." Scarlett had purposely cooked extra.

"Refrain from indulging before bedtime," Ethan cautioned as he rose, carrying his bowl to the kitchen.

Scarlett assumed he intended to deposit the bowl in the sink, only to be surprised when he returned with a heaping portion of noodles, taking a seat opposite her.

She was left dumbfounded. What was the meaning of this?

How could he caution against overeating while continuing to do so himself?

To her surprise, he reminded her, "Eat at your own pace. No one will deprive you of your food!"

Speechless, Scarlett found herself at a loss.

How the hell could he say that?

The air grew heavy with silence, punctuated only by the sounds of chewing and swallowing.

Quietly, Scarlett stole a glance at Ethan, observing his elegant demeanor as he savored his meal.

Since his return, he had shed his black overcoat, leaving a light-colored sweater and black trousers. His chiseled features exuded an air of refined elegance, but his eyes harbored a piercing intensity when focused.

With his own apartment and car, albeit modest, his striking appearance compensated for any shortcomings.

But he was unattached.

At that moment, Scarlett found herself intrigued by her enigmatic husband.

She ventured, "Mr. Dixon... No, Ethan, what do you do for a living? And your parents? Shouldn't they be informed of our marriage?"

She had breached the barrier.

Ethan fixed her with a cold stare.

His gaze, sharper than before, left Scarlett feeling uneasy.

She even started to wonder whether she had overstepped by asking him those questions.

Flustered, she recoiled. "If you'd rather not answer, I understand."

She believed that, as a married couple, they ought to acquaint themselves with each other's basic details.

But Ethan looked like he was unwilling.

"There's nothing I cannot disclose." Ethan's gaze lowered as he spoke. "I work in the marketing department of Cosmos Group. My mother passed away when I was young. And my father... He is deceased as well. I have my grandmother, though I prefer to keep my marital status concealed from her for now."

Scarlett failed to discern the subtle shift in Ethan's demeanor as he mentioned his parents. Lost in guilt, she regretted prying into his past.

She hadn't imagined his background could be far more tragic than hers.

Though she was orphaned and deprived of familial joy, Ethan had endured even greater sorrow since he lost both parents after having them around.

"I'm sorry, I had no idea..." she apologized.

But Ethan seemed unaffected, finishing his noodles and elegantly dabbing his lips with a tissue.

"Now, I must clarify a few matters."

His cold demeanor pricked at Scarlett's conscience, making her uncomfortable.

However, she instantly calmed down as she had said something that had previously upset him.

"Proceed." Scarlett set down her fork, feigning interest.

"Firstly, I propose we keep our marriage clandestine for the time being. While I shall fulfill my obligations as your husband, I prefer minimal interference in my affairs."

He wasn't done yet. "Secondly, our marital relationship shall not extend to intimacy. I trust you comprehend. However, as a man, I don't want to be cuckolded. Do you understand?"

He was no libertine, nor did he entertain desires for a stranger with unknown intentions.

Still, as a man, he was averse to being betrayed.

Scarlett grasped his intentions and nodded. Her earnest gaze met his. "And the third?"

Ethan's brow furrowed at her unchanged demeanor.

"Thirdly, should you have any requests, within reason, I shall endeavor to accommodate them."

As a man of influence, Ethan understood the art of control.

After proposing two stringent conditions, he wielded his greatest leverage to secure her compliance. It was a test for her.

Yet, Scarlett remained unruffled, her demeanor suggesting acquiescence.

"The first two stipulations align with my sentiments. I concur. Given our lack of familiarity, it is prudent to maintain such boundaries. We've only met twice at most... No, three times! It's in our best interests." She smiled, relieved.

Pausing, she added, "As for any requests, I have none. However, if I may impose, would you accompany me to meet someone tomorrow?"

Previously, when Ethan noticed she seemed to have a clear line from him, he wondered whether he had overthought it.

But his initial thawed countenance reverted to its former chill when he heard her last sentence.

It seemed that she was more astute than he had presumed.

She feigned having no requirements. If he wasn't on guard, he could easily be deceived.

Feigning indifference, Ethan replied, "Regrettably, I have a prior engagement with a crucial client tomorrow."

Disappointment flickered across Scarlett's features.

Nevertheless, she remained composed. "That's alright. We shall revisit the matter later."

She could only bring him to meet her grandmother some other time.