NAOMI'S POINT OF VIEW
My fingers trembled as I reached for the pen.This wasn't how I'd imagined getting married.
There were no butterflies,No months of planningNo happy tears.....Just a contract with a stranger and a mother waiting for a surgery I couldn't afford.
The lawyer slid the document toward me.
"Miss Bennett, please take your time."I almost laughed.
Take my time?The groom had less than an hour before his empire began to crumble.
The surgeon had given me twenty-four hours to save my mother.Time was the one thing neither of us had.I lowered my eyes to the contract.
CONTRACT MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
Duration: One year.
Compensation: Fifty million dollars.
Confidentiality: Absolute.
At the bottom of the page was a blank line waiting for my name.I closed my eyes.
Mom.......Please forgive me.When I opened them again...I signed.....Naomi Bennett.
The scratching sound of the pen seemed deafening.The lawyer immediately signed as a witness before passing the document to Xavier.Without hesitation......He signed his name beside mine.
It was done....I had just agreed to marry a man I'd met less than an hour ago.Liam let out a long breath.
"I can't believe that actually worked."Xavier ignored him.Instead, he looked at me.
"You can still walk away."I blinked.
"What?"
"If you've changed your mind..."
"...say so now."His voice was calm.
"No one will force you."I stared at him.Most people would've tried convincing me to stay.He was giving me another chance to leave.For some reason.......That made me trust him just a little so I shook my head.
"I gave you my word."He nodded once.
"Then let's get married."
**
**
**
The ballroom had fallen eerily quiet.....Hundreds of guests sat whispering among themselves,Some were checking their watches while Others were scrolling through gossip sites already reporting that the wedding had been delayed.
Near the altar, the officiant looked just as confused as everyone else then the doors opened and every head turned.
A collective gasp swept through the room.
"Who is she?"
"That's not Isabella."
"What's going on?"
"I've never seen her before."My knees almost gave out.....I wasn't wearing a designer wedding gown....There hadn't been time.
One of the stylists had quickly altered a beautiful ivory dress meant for a bridal photoshoot sponsored by the hotel. It fit surprisingly well.My hair had been pinned into a simple elegant bun.
A pearl veil rested lightly over my shoulders.....I barely recognized myself.Liam leaned closer and whispered,
"Smile."
"I think I'm going to faint."
"You can faint after the vows."I shot him a nervous glare and he grinned.
"Too late now."The music began.....Every step toward the altar felt unreal.....Xavier was already waiting.Tall and Composed.....Impossibly handsome in his black tuxedo.
When our eyes met......Something inside me settled.Not because I knew him but because he looked just as overwhelmed as I felt.
The officiant cleared his throat.
"We are gathered here today..."I heard almost nothing after that...Everything sounded distant.
"...Do you, Xavier Kingsley, take Naomi Bennett to be your lawful wife?"
"I do."Without hesitation,Without uncertainty.The officiant smiled.
"And do you, Naomi Bennett..."My throat tightened.
"...take Xavier Kingsley to be your lawful husband?"I looked at the stranger standing in front of me.Then I thought about my mother.
"I..."For one terrifying second, no sound came out....The entire ballroom held its breath.
"I do."Applause erupted immediately.Camera flashes exploded from every direction.I blinked against the bright lights.
"...I now pronounce you husband and wife."My heart hammered and the officiant smiled.
"You may kiss your bride."My eyes widened.Nobody had mentioned that part.....I looked at Xavier in panic.He leaned in slightly and whispered,
"We'll keep it simple."Before I could respond, he gently brushed a kiss against my forehead. Soft and respectful.
Gone almost as quickly as it happened.The crowd applauded even louder.
**
**
**
Reporters flooded outside the hotel the moment the ceremony ended.Questions were shouted from every direction.
"Mr. Kingsley!"
"Who is your wife?"
"When did you meet?"
"Is this why the ceremony was delayed?"Security quickly escorted us through a private exit.I released a shaky breath as the limousine door closed.
For the first time all day......It was quiet....Xavier loosened his tie.
"You alright?"I stared down at the wedding ring on my finger.
"No."He gave a small nod.
"Neither am I."Despite everything.......That honest answer almost made me smile.The limousine started moving....After a few minutes, I looked out the window.
"I need to stop somewhere first."Xavier turned toward me.
"Where?"I looked down at my bouquet.
"My mother."He frowned slightly.
"She's in the hospital."Silence filled the car.
"I got married today..."
"...and she doesn't even know."My voice cracked.
"I can't let her hear it from the news."For a moment, Xavier said nothing.Then he leaned forward.
"Change of plans."The driver glanced into the rearview mirror.
"Sir?"
"We're going to the hospital "
"Which hospital,is it??"He asked.
"St. Mary's Hospital."I muttered.
"You heard her"
"Yes, Mr. Kingsley."As the car changed direction, I looked out the window, my heart pounding....I had become Mrs. Kingsley but I had no idea how I was going to explain any of this to my mother.
