Henry POV

I was shocked by Camelia's action. Her words totally threw me off.

"What is she talking about, Henry?" Lydia asked, standing up from the sofa.

"I am his wife," Camelia repeated, gripping my hand tightly. I stood there speechless with my eyes locked on Camelia.

Immediately, Lydia grabbed her bag angrily and rushed towards the door. I could tell she was just as shaken as I was.

"You're going to regret this decision, Henry!" She barked. "I am never letting you go!" She turned to Camelia,with her tear-streaked face. "And as for you," she sneered, "I don't think you're ready for what's coming." With that, she smirked and slammed the door behind her.

Silence filled the room after she stomped out of the house. "Hope I didn't do too much?" Camelia asked quietly, breaking the silence as she gently pulled her hands away from mine.

"No, you didn't," I replied, avoiding her gaze. I couldn't explain the tingling sensation I'd felt in my chest when she grabbed my hands earlier. Now, I couldn't even look her in the eye.

"Won't you ask me anything?" I asked, stealing a quick glance at her face before turning away.

When the time's right, you'll tell me what I need to know," she muttered, smiling faintly.

"Such a naive soul," I thought.

"Don't think about what Lydia said," I added. She's just bluffing. I also wondered if it was just her bluffing. She once pushed a girl that had a crush on me in high school into the pool.

"Can I get some rest now? I don't want to go falling again,"Camelia joked lightly.

"Of course," I said. "Forgive my manners. I've kept you standing too long." I gestured to a passing maid.

"Take her to one of the master's rooms," I instructed. The maid hesitated, Which of the rooms, sir? She asked with confusion crossing her face. I didn't blame her - there were too many rooms in the house, each with different sizes and designs.

I pressed the alarm in the living room - a signal to gather the household staff. Within moments, they stood before me.

"I need a moment of your time," I began. "This is Camelia Raymond - my wife." Faces shifted in surprise, but I ignored the stares. It's going to be a topic of discussion amongst them anyway. "You will treat her with the same respect you show me." I added.

"That will be all." The staff gave a small bow and returned to their duties.

"That wasn't necessary," Camelia whispered.

"You're my wife now, remember?" I grinned slightly, though I couldn't forget this was all part of the contract.

Turning back to the maid, "I hope that cleared your confusion?. Show her to one of the master's rooms."

"Yes, sir," she replied. Camelia you can get some rest now, with that she followed the maid upstairs.

*****

"Gabriel, I need you here now," I said after dialing his number. Within moments, he arrived.

"I've got the information you requested," Gabriel said.

"Just the important parts," I urged, too drained to listen to stories or epistles. "Uhmm.... before you start, call the office and tell them I won't be coming in today."

"What about your father? What should I tell him if he calls?" He asked. "It's something you can sort out Gabriel!" I snapped, placing my hands across my face. Or do I need to teach that? "No sir," He murmured.

"You can go ahead and brief me" I requested.

"Her mother died during a surgery two years ago," Gabriel began. "She had just finished school at the time. She's a journalist but hasn't worked anywhere yet."

"Skip that," I said. "Tell me about her father."

"He's alive and doing well," Gabriel replied. "She also has a younger sister."

"At least she's not alone," I muttered.

"Actually, sir... she might be," Gabriel added. "Her husband, Brady, tricked her into taking out that loan you offered to clear. When her father found out, he disowned her."

"Wait... what?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

"Brady also cheated on her and got the other woman pregnant," Gabriel continued.

It all clicked - the woman we'd seen at the hospital earlier. I felt my chest tightening. "Do you know where Brady is now?"

Probably somewhere, Gabriel replied

"Do you want to visit him, sir?" He added.

I clenched my fists. Part of me wanted to grab him and make him pay for what he'd done. I didn't know why I felt so angry, but I did - and it showed.

"I've heard enough, you can stop here" I muttered.

"Okay sir, Henry..." Gabriel's voice softened. When he called me by name, it usually meant something serious.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Don't you think what you've done is risky? What if she doesn't keep her end of the bargain? What if she goes back to her cheating husband? Or worse... what if she scams you for your money?"

"Gabriel, you worry too much," I said, shaking my head. "I considered all that before letting her sign the contract. Do you know what is more scary out of all this? It's the thought of getting married to Lydia."

"So when are you going to tell her about Lydia?" He asked.

"Soon," I replied. "Camelia isn't in a hurry either... and to be honest, she's... sweet." The word slipped out before I realized it.

"Did I just compliment her?" I thought, almost laughing at myself.

"Alright, sir," Gabriel said. "And yes, the accountant confirmed the transfer's been completed." He added.

"Good," I muttered, sinking back into my thoughts.

"Lunch is served, sir," one of the maid muttered as she set the dining table.

"Get Camelia from her room," I instructed. She turned to leave, but I stopped her. "Don't worry, I'll get her myself."

Turning to Gabriel, I added, "You should join us for lunch."

"I won't be able to stay," he replied.

"Suit yourself," I said, my voice fading as I climbed the stairs.

Reaching Camelia's door, I knocked once but there was no answer. I pushed the door open, just enough to see inside. But my breath caught in my throat - she stood there, half-dressed, with her back turned to me.

Camelia POV

"You can use this room ma," The maid gestured graciously, leading me to a lavish room on the right wing of the house. I noticed several doors beyond mine, hinting at the mansion's vastness. "Ring this alarm if you need anything, ma'am," she said, before leaving.

"As I stepped into the room, I was struck by its sheer luxury. The spacious king-size bed, surrounded by elegant furnishings and a stunning bathroom that seemed to sparkle in the soft light. I didn't know when I jumped on the bed letting out a loud sigh.

For a moment, I thought of what Lydia said even though Henry said not to mind her. "Twelve months of pretending, and I'd be done." I smiled to myself, a faint blush spreading across my cheeks as I remembered the act I'd put on earlier. Henry's stare still lingered on my mind.

I stood up, reading through the contract and its terms once more. "This was my reality now" I said as I hid the contract in the wardrobe's last drawer, a constant reminder of the deal I'd struck."

"Now that my debt has been settled, I could finally reach out to my father."

I recalled his actions, thinking they were driven by momentary fury. I picked up my phone and dialed his number, my heart racing with anticipation as the phone rang, finally a female voice answered. It was Lily, my sister. "How can I help you?" She asked, her icy tone, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Where's Father?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"He's not available," Lily replied curtly. "And you know better than to call him." Her tone was dismissive, leaving no room for discussion.

"I just want to talk to him," I pressed, my voice firm.

"You think he wants to talk to you? You're the last person he wants to hear from." She snapped.

I was taken aback by her response, which was not what I had expected, especially considering she had watched me being pulled away. "Always playing the favorite daughter," she muttered, her voice full of bitterness. I gripped my phone tightly. "Don't talk to me like that, Lily!" I snapped. "I deserve some respect."

"You? Respect? Please. You're too dumb to deserve that." Her tone oozed with sarcasm. 'I honestly hope your life is as miserable as your choices, sister."

Her parting words were like a slap in the face. "As Father had said, stay out of our lives!. " With that, she dropped the call, leaving me reeling.

I swore never to make another attempt to reach out to them again. This was it– the end. I had also picked up the pieces of my life. I decided to treat myself to a relaxing bath. The warm water and soothing scents were just what I needed. Afterward, I wrapped myself in a plush bathrobe, I stared at my phone for a moment and dropped it in a bathtub filled with water,watching it sink beneath the surface. A step toward a fresh start.

As I reached for a towel to dry myself, I sensed someone behind me. I quickly adjusted the bathrobe and turned only to find Henry looking startled. 'Uh... sorry," he stuttered.

"Brunch is ready," he explained hastily. "We can go shopping tomorrow for clothes." He added. With that, he quickly exited, leaving me surprised.

I got dressed, wrapped my hair and hurried downstairs, not wanting to keep him waiting.

*******

"Is this a cuisine?" I asked, eyeing the elaborate spread on the dining table.

Henry gestured for me to sit, his voice clearer than before. "Please, have a seat."

I sat across him, overwhelmed by the numerous dishes. But as I scanned the platter in front of me, I opted for a simple meal: an omelette, baked beans, and toast.

The brunch was quiet, with neither of us speaking until Henry broke the silence. "I'm sorry about earlier," he muttered. "I knocked, but there was no response. I shouldn't have opened the door."

I waved it off. "It's fine. I was probably lost in thought."

Two maids came over to clear the table. I whispered "a thank you" and headed back to my room.

Just as I reached the stairs, Henry called out, "Wait a minute, Camelia!" He hurried upstairs and returned with a blue shirt and trousers. "These are from my wardrobe. I hope they'll fit."

I blushed, touched by the thoughtful gesture. "Thank you," I muttered, taking the clothes from him. With a smile, I headed back to my room. "Don't forget about the shopping" he whispered as I walked away.

*******

The sun's ray pierced through the window, illuminating my eyes. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while . I stretched, savoring the softness of the bed. "Wait....It's the weekend!," I gasped, my heart racing hoping I hadn't overslept and forgotten Henry's plan for us to go shopping.

I threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed, quickly showered, and put on the clothes Henry had given me the day before. As I stared at my reflection in the huge mirror, I smiled, feeling a sense of renewal. I tied my brown hair into a bun and headed downstairs.

"Good morning, sorry I kept you waiting," I muttered, touching my ears.

"I woke up late."

"It's fine, come let's have breakfast before we leave. I've already asked Gabriel to prepare the car," He added.

We finished breakfast quickly and headed out to Castle Mall, one of the largest malls in New York City. I had always wanted to visit. And I finally got a chance!.

As we entered the mall, the automatic door swooshed shut behind me. The receptionist greeted us warmly, and other workers bowed their heads slightly in respect.

"I want a refund!" a woman screamed at the sales representative. "What sort of dress do you sell here?

"But the dress was fine before you took it away, ma. We can't cover for your mistake," the sales representative replied, her voice firm but shaking slightly.

"Did you just say my mistake?" The woman's eyes blazed with anger as she snarled. Before anyone could react, her hand shot out, delivering a hot slap across the sales representative's cheek. The sharp crack echoed through the store. She raised her hand again, prepared to strike once more.

I couldn't stand by and watch. Without thinking, I rushed forward. "Please stop, ma! You can sort this out amicably,' I pleaded.

The woman spun to face me, her face flushed. "And who are you to interfere? Or do you want to pay for the dress?" she snapped.

"I'll pay for it," a voice called from behind me. I turned to see Henry stepping forward.

"And why would you pay?" the woman sneered.

"I want her to pay for the dress!" she snapped, pointing a sharp finger at me. "Since she can't mind her business!", Her eyes locked onto mine and for a moment, I froze.

"Would you take my offer?" Henry asked coldly, stepping closer, "or would you prefer to be dragged out of here?"

"Who the hell are you to give me such options?" the woman smirked, crossing her arms.

"The owner of this mall," Henry answered, his voice low but unwavering.

"The owner?" I stammered, my heart skipping a bit.

"Who exactly was this man I'd agreed to spend the next twelve months with?"