Chapter 6 — The Contract Marriage
A week later, the world of Silverwood City buzzed with whispers.Rumors traveled fast — the kind that spark at the top floors of glass towers and spread down through every café and salon.
Elena Seo and Damian Lee were getting married.
No one believed it at first. The heiress-turned-artist and the ruthless CEO of Nova Enterprise had nothing in common — no romance, no past, no reason. Yet, invitations were sent out, engagement photos were leaked, and the gossip columns had their feast.
For Elena, it wasn't love. It was strategy.For Damian, it wasn't emotion. It was precision.
And for everyone else, it was a mystery.
The Deal
Their marriage contract was simple.It stated in black ink:
"This union shall remain valid for one year.Both parties agree to maintain appearances publicly,cooperate in mutual interests,and terminate upon the completion of shared objectives."
No affection.No interference.No personal boundaries crossed.
But neither of them knew how quickly those lines would blur.
The Ceremony
Their wedding was held at Crown Garden, a venue of golden arches and white lilies. The press called it 'The Wedding of the Year'.
Elena stood before the mirror in her silver gown — not the fragile bride she once was, but a woman cloaked in purpose. Her eyes, once soft with trust, now shimmered with quiet fire.
Damian entered the room before the ceremony, breaking the rule that grooms shouldn't see the bride before the vows.
"You look... formidable," he said, his tone somewhere between admiration and warning.
She smiled faintly. "I plan to be."
He handed her a small silver ring — simple, elegant, nothing like the glittering diamond Noah once gave her.
"This isn't just a symbol," Damian said. "It's a reminder."
"Of what?" she asked.
"That every contract has consequences," he replied.
Elena slipped the ring on, meeting his eyes. "Then I'll make sure I like mine."
When they walked down the aisle together, the cameras flashed like lightning. The world saw a perfect couple — power and beauty united.But beneath the surface, two hearts beat to the rhythm of revenge.
Across the hall, Noah Han stood among the guests, his jaw tight, his hand gripping a champagne glass too firmly.Beside him, Vivian Seo whispered something, her smile venomous.
"Elena always did love the spotlight," Vivian murmured.
Noah didn't respond, but his gaze stayed fixed on the bride — and for the first time, Elena felt satisfaction burn in her chest.
She didn't need his love anymore.She needed his envy.
The First Night
Their wedding night wasn't filled with romance, but silence — sharp, heavy, understanding silence.
Damian poured himself a drink while Elena sat near the fireplace, removing her earrings one by one.
He finally spoke. "Are you sure you can handle what comes next? The rumors, the pressure, your family's wrath?"
Elena looked up at him, her eyes calm. "I've already lived through hell once. I'm not afraid to walk through fire again — this time, I'll be the one holding the match."
Damian's lips curved slightly, not quite a smile. "You're dangerous, Mrs. Lee."
She tilted her head. "You make that sound like a compliment."
He raised his glass. "It is."
That night, as the clock struck midnight, Elena stared out the window of Nova Penthouse. The city stretched endlessly below her — beautiful, ruthless, alive.
Her reflection in the glass looked back with quiet determination.The game had begun.
And this time, she was the one pulling the strings.