Lauren's heart strengthened after her thought and she took a step to walk out of the building to look for any man she found, but as she was walking, her gaze was attracted to two men who stood beside a luxurious car. 

"Boss, Miss Vivienne isn't picking up the call. What should we do now?" a male who seemed to be the subordinate of the man asked anxiously.

The tall man he was talking to seemed calmer and the mature and cold aura around him made even Lauren pause and stare. 

The man was tall, gorgeous and the commanding aura which surrounded him would make anyone want to submit to him. 

Lauren stood there and was attracted to the words the assistant had said, so she focused her full attention there as she wanted to know what was going on. 

The tall man finally turned to look at his assistant, his face was cold and his eyes sharp as if nothing on earth could make him panic, he parted his lips and spat out, "If she doesn't want to come, then find another person who wishes to get married! Even if it's a woman on the street, as long as I'm able to get married and let that old man stop threatening me with the company." 

Lauren's calm heart surged when she heard the man's words. She raised an eyebrow and her fist clenched beside her as if she was deliberating on something. 

From the conversation between the man and his assistant, she could understand that the man seemed to be in the same situation as her. 

Lauren bit her lips and though the man seemed to take the marriage casually, isn't their goal the same? A marriage certificate. 

So without wasting time, Lauren gritted her teeth and walked forward before the assistant could leave to carry out the order. 

"Mister seems to need a woman to get married to, right?"  Lauren spoke aloud which drew the attention of the man and his assistant. They both turned to focus on Lauren who was trying to hide her nervousness under the sharp gaze of the man.

The man looked at Lauren sharply, "And who are you?" he asked, his voice cold and smooth.

Lauren felt her hand become sweaty, but she clenched her fist hard and tried to stabilise her breathing. She looked at the man with a determined expression, "I'm Lauren Sterling, and we seem to be in the same situation, why don't you choose me? I need a groom and you need a bride, isn't that perfect?"

The man was a bit stunned at first, then his eyes became sharper. He looked at Lauren intensely and Lauren also met his gaze with hers that carried desperation. 

As minutes passed that seemed like hours, the man finally nodded coldly. 

"Then, Miss Sterling, let's go." 

***

The signing of the certificate was smooth and fast without any suspense and as Lauren stood outside the registry with her certificate in her hand, she felt dreamy.

"I'm married? Just like that?" she muttered, then her gaze turned complicated when she saw the name of the man. 

Alexander Ashford.

Who doesn't know him? This was a name that resounded heavily in the country. The youngest master of the reputable Ashford family and the CEO of the multi-billion-dollar company, Ashford Empire. 

When she saw his name at first, Lauren had been stunned and she had wanted to back out, but Alexander had stared at her coldly until she signed her name. 

Lauren stared at the certificate that contained a picture of them that was taken, speechless.

"I seem to have bagged a big thigh," she muttered. Though she didn't know why a man like Alexander had agreed to marry her, as long as she could get the relics, then it was fine.

As Lauren was lost in thought, Alexander walked to her and tapped her shoulder which caught her attention.

"Miss Lauren." He called out calmly. 

Lauren turned towards him and they both looked at each other awkwardly.

"Ahh. Well..." Lauren stammered.

"The certificate has been signed but I have my rules, Miss Lauren." 

Lauren was stunned, her heart skipped a beat when she looked into the serious eyes of Alexander, "Oh.." 

Alexander who saw her reaction had a smile in his eyes but he immediately hid it. 

He had actually recognised Lauren when she came closer and he heard her name. He knew her because he had investigated the big families in the country and he knew the Sterling family had an heiress who cut ties with the family after her mother's death and the betrayal of her father. He also knew that she was in a relationship with a man. He also recognised her face so he hadn't thought twice before agreeing to get married to her, and also, he changed his mind the moment he took the certificate-No divorce. 

"I need you to understand something, Lauren," he said quietly. "Now that we're married, there's no turning back. I don't believe in fake marriages and as far as I'm concerned, this is real."

His words sank deep causing Lauren to panic for a bit. She only wanted her safe but the finality of his words made her question the possibilities. Whatever this was and whatever it would become, as long as Celine and Julian felt the heat, she was all for it. Her pulse steadied and a slow resolve formed beneath her fear.

"I understand." She said calmly.

"I'll give you a day to pack your things," he continued. "My assistant will pick you up tomorrow."

She nodded slowly. "Alright. But I have one condition."

One of his brows lifted slightly. Alex wasn't used to people demanding, he always set the conditions. 

"Which is?" He said, deciding to humour her. 

"I don't want our marriage to be public for now," Lauren said and her tone sharpened instantly. Alex noticed the coldness in her eyes and for a moment, he wondered the cause of it. "I have things to settle first. Some debts need to be repaid so until then... this stays between us."

Beneath her calm exterior, there was more. Hatred and determination burned and it intrigued him. He didn't ask what she meant by her words and simply watched her.

"Three months," he said finally. "I'll give you that long to handle your affairs. After that, if you haven't finished whatever you need to do, I'll make our marriage public myself. I don't hide what belongs to me."

Lauren closed her eyes for a second, and when she opened them, they became firm, she looked pointedly at Alex and nodded, "Okay!" 

Alexander finally smiled and stretched out his hand, "Hello, Mrs Ashford. Please take care of me." 

***

Lauren stood outside the bank and in her hand were the relics she had just gotten. Her eyes were puffy as she had cried after seeing the things her mother had kept for her. 

In that safe lay a carefully arranged collection of her mother's things and these items carried the weight of memories and secrets.

There was her mother's design book, its cover worn but still elegant. She had filled it with sketches and notes from a renowned lineage of designers. Beside it sat a deed to a jewellery company Lauren had never known existed. And nestled in a small velvet-lined box were priceless gemstones; emeralds, sapphires, and rubies to be precise.

"These... these were all hers?" she had questioned the lawyer when she saw them.

"Every single one, Lauren." Her lawyer, Aunt Catherine, who was her mother's friend, had assured her. 

Lauren had felt the weight of the things and felt the thought of her mother. She closed her eyes at the thought of her mother and even standing outside, silent tears tickled down her face.

Her mother's death still haunted her. The mystery of it still ate at her as she had never believed her mother who was so strong would commit suicide. Deep down, she was certain her father's new wife had something to do with it but she just didn't have any evidence.  

At the thought of the time she had wasted on a relationship instead of getting more power to avenge her mother's death, Lauren felt so much rage for herself.

The thought of how she had even quit her career just because Julian had told her to do so filled her with regret. 

She bit her lips and looked at the document and box with so much emotion.

"You wanted me to see this now... because you wanted me to be ready. I am ready, Mom."

She understood now. She understood why her mother had set this up for when she was older. She had saved it for when she could protect herself and handle the ugly truths of life. 

Now, Lauren was ready to stand on her own! 

"I'll investigate your death and avenge you! I'll destroy the people who wished me death and make them wish they were dead! I'll become the strong woman you have always wanted me to be, mum! I'll make you proud."

In an apartment, a figure buzzed around the room, packing things into her bags and making sure nothing was left behind.

The person was Lauren. She was dressed in casual wear with her hair tied in a low bun, and she had an expressionless face as if this place wasn't somewhere she had called her home for years. 

Suddenly, her eyes paused on the frame she had placed on the bedside table and finally, the emotions she had kept hidden showed on her face. Her face turned pale and her lips trembled, but she still swallowed hard and picked up her courage to walk to the frame. She picked it up with her trembling fingers and her eyes deepened with emotion seeing the three people with a joyful smile.

The picture was of Lauren, Celine and Julian. This picture was taken on their graduation and the smiles on their faces were happiness and carefreeness. 

Her fingers caressed their faces and her lips gradually curled up in a small sneer. 

"How could I be so stupid as not to know something was going on between you both? You both are really good pretenders!" she chuckled but it was one of self-mockery. 

She felt sorry for herself. Now that she thought about it, she wondered how someone like herself had agreed to give up everything for Julian? Was he that good? 

He had told her his family doesn't like the limelight and like a fool, she had given up everything and even began to work behind the scenes just for his company to grow. And the dumbest thing she had done was that she never once asked him for anything. She didn't care about what he did with her designs or whether he gave her profits. All she had ever wanted was sincerity, but it seems, she had looked too desperate for him and like a fool, she allowed herself to be played by them. 

She would agree that this was her fault. But, still... 

Lauren paused, then her fingers that had traced the faces suddenly clenched on the frame and with a "bang!" she threw the frame on the floor. 

She watched the glass that secured the picture break into pieces and as she bent to pick up the photo from the ground, she felt tense. 

With one hard pull, the photo in her hand was torn but she didn't stop, and continued to tear it into shreds, then she walked to the washroom that was in the room and flushed it. 

Lauren will not allow herself to be sentimental towards people who have treated her wrong. She would give an eye for an eye! 

Besides, since she was married now, she would remain loyal to Alex. 

At the thought of that powerful man, her heart which was still surging calmed down and her face returned to being indifferent.

Though she couldn't give him her heart, she would make sure her loyalty lies with him. 

After resolving the conflict in her heart, she calmed down and finally finished parking her bags. Lauren pulled the bag up, then looked around the room she had stayed in, and then turned around to leave without any sentiment.

Though she and Julian lived together in the same apartment, they never slept in the same bed. And for the past few months, he hadn't even been coming home with excuses that he was busy, but now she understood that all had been lies. 

Lauren opened the door and walked out, but she was shocked when she got to the sitting room and saw someone she wasn't expecting. 

She frowned and her hand on her bag tightened. 

How come she hadn't heard the sound of someone coming in? 

"Lauren-" 

Lauren snapped out of her daze and looked up to see Julian looking at her bag with a frown on his face. 

"What are you doing?!" Julian asked with his eyes returning to Lauren. 

He had rushed back home after he was done settling things at the company with the thought of coming home to coax Lauren. He knew she would be angry at him for not adhering to the promise he had made to her, but he also knew that with some promises and sweet words, Lauren would forgive him.

Besides, it's not like they couldn't get married anytime. 

But, he didn't expect to meet her with her bag as soon as he got home and this confused him. 

"Where are you going with a bag, Lauren?" He asked again, this time with a serious tone that showed his dissatisfaction. 

Lauren looked at the man who questioned her and she couldn't help but find it funny. She couldn't help but be amused by the fact that he was able to act nonchalantly. 

She sneered, "Leaving. Can't you see?" She responded casually. 

"What?!" Julian was truly stunned this time. His eyes widened as he looked at her, but then he calmed down after thinking about it. 

He could understand that she was angry with him for not turning up at the wedding. 

He sighed, then loosened his tie in frustration, then he walked towards Lauren to hug her but she pulled back immediately with a frown. 

Julian stiffened, then smiled helplessly and those who don't know would think he was a man who loves indulging his troublesome girlfriend. 

"Lauren, I'm sorry for not turning up like I had promised. But," He sighed again like he was exhausted, then he looked at her with those eyes she was familiar with. 

Those eyes that had always enchanted her and made her soften every single time. He always used this on her every time she was about to flip out and like a fool, she would always fall for this, but now that she knew what was happening, she felt so angry! 

Those loves she once saw in those eyes were now so clear! She had been stupid that she couldn't see the pride, arrogance and indifference. 

How stupid had she been?

Then Julian, who didn't know his cover had been broken, continued with his act, "You didn't even ask me why I didn't come. We just found out that some information leaked from the company so I had no other options but to take care of it. You wouldn't want our hard work to go down the drain, right?" He asked softly, then began to walk towards Lauren with a face filled with disappointment. 

"Lauren I'm disappointed with you!" He spat.

Lauren who stood quietly watching his play felt her lips twitch. She felt speechless as she watched him try to fool her. 

She lowered her head, and mockery filled her eyes, "Disappointed in me? I should be the one who is disappointed, right?" she asked.

Julian paused as he was surprised by her question. Why wouldn't he be surprised? He had thought as usual, she would turn pale and beg him not to be disappointed anymore. But, then, he thought about it and felt it was normal that she was still angry so he didn't think too much, but instead continued.

"We promised to be together forever but just because of something this little, you want to leave?! Must we get married today? There is tomorrow! Next tomorrow and every day, so why pack your things to leave just because of this?! Why are you so childish?!" 

Lauren's body stiffened. Her hand which held her bag tightened and her blood surged with anger. 

"Childish? He called me childish?!"

Well, since he said it like this, then... 

Lauren suddenly smiled and looked at Julian who was still yapping away.

"Then, go with me to get married now!"

"Then, go with me to get married now!" 

"Huh?!"  Julian was shocked. He was only trying to make her feel guilty when he heard her words. 

He stood there like he had lost his mind, the words of Lauren kept on repeating in his head and suddenly, he panicked.

He didn't want to get married to her. He was just trying to coax her and then keep delaying things until they got everything they needed from her, but who knew Lauren would be so desperate to get married? 

Get married? To Lauren? Hell no! 

He would never get married to a fool like Lauren. She couldn't dress seductively for him, she was too uptight and all she knew was to listen to orders. He had never liked that kind of woman. 

Truly, he had liked Lauren at first when he was still pursuing her. She had been young, fresh and innocent then and she had this high-class aura that made one want to worship her. She was cold but gentle, intelligent but not arrogant, and her aura brought out her beauty to the top, but, after she became obsessed with him, listening to his words like a puppet, she had lost her shine in his eyes and his woman, Celine, was much better. 

Celine was soft, gentle and would throw a tantrum once in a while which made him feel like a real man, and when she was in bed... 

Just thinking about Celine made him even more disgusted with Lauren and the thought of getting married to her made him want to puke, but he knew he couldn't show it, so he hid his true emotions and showed a helpless look on his face, but what he didn't know was that Lauren could see the disdain in his eyes and aside from anger and some pain and regret, she felt nothing more. 

"Why?" Lauren raised an eyebrow, "You can't do it? I thought you were ready to marry me?" She asked in a strained voice that shocked Julian back to his senses. 

He looked at her, then immediately kept his thoughts and rushed towards her. 

"Who said so?! Why wouldn't I want to marry you, Lauren? Don't you know how much I love you? We have been together for years and you should know how loyal I am to you. I didn't even touch you just so our wedding night would be special. Hold on! Lauren," He suddenly furrowed his brow as if he was hurt, "...You don't trust me?" he asked with a choked voice.

Lauren stood speechless. If she didn't have to put up with the acting, she would have been clapping her hands for his performance. She wondered how a man could spit out nonsense and make it make sense. 

As she recalled his words, she couldn't help but finally snap. 

"You love me?" She asked, then laughed aloud. She looked at Julian with eyes filled with so much anger, "We have been together for years and not once did you propose to me! You keep promising me, making lousy excuses and now you tell me you love me?!" She yelled, then shook her head while looking at him incredulously. 

"You know what, Julian?!" She asked sharply and Julian suddenly had a bad feeling. 

He moved towards her with a frown but Lauren moved back. 

"Enough Lauren! Don't cause a scene!" He finally snapped. He felt so pissed off at this moment.

He had had enough of her tantrums and was too tired to deal with this nonsense. If she thought he would relent and agree to marry her now, then she must be joking! 

He sneered at his thought, and the eyes he looked at her became colder and the aura surrounding him turned sharper as he stared at her. 

Lauren who noticed the dark look in his eyes and his aura felt disdainful. 

He knew he couldn't sway her and now he wanted to suppress her and make her listen like she had always done, but jokes on him this time! 

She looked at him pointedly, "Julian, let's give each other a break and think about what we truly want!" She spat out, and without waiting for a response from him, she turned around and dragged her bag with her. 

"Lauren! If you walk out of that door, then don't bother coming back!"

Lauren paused, her hand on her bag tightened and her eyes that stared ahead grew colder and ruthless. 

If not because she still had to keep acting like things were still alright, she would have torn his face and made him know that Lauren wasn't to be offended. 

But... 

She took a deep breath to calm her raging blood, "Calm down, Lauren. Let them continue to jump around for now, and they wouldn't know what hit them when you get started." 

After the prep talk, she didn't bother with Julian again and walked out with her head raised high. 

Meanwhile, Julian stood in the middle of the large sitting area in shock. He couldn't believe that the woman who had always listened to him like a robot dared to disobey him. 

He had thought he had successfully threatened her when she stopped, but- 

How did it become this way? Just because of the marriage? 

Julian frowned then immediately brought out his phone and called a familiar number. 

"Julian~"

A sticky-sweet voice sounded from the other end of the phone but this time, Julian couldn't feel it as he was worried about something.

"Celine, Lauren left. Go find out from her what the hell is happening!"

The other person on the phone was stunned, then her loud shrill voice sounded, "What?! How could that wretch leave?! That's impossible!" 

Julian frowned. That was also what he had thought too, but since it had happened, he knew he needed to do something. Lauren still had something they wanted and they weren't done using her yet. 

Besides, the design competition was around the corner. 

***

Meanwhile, Lauren didn't know those two were planning for her but even if she knew, she would only sneer and still continue with whatever she was doing. 

Here, Lauren was surprised to see the assistant of Alex and she quickened her steps to meet him. 

Her eyes flashed with surprise as she looked at the car he was resting on. 

"Madam!" The assistant greeted her and immediately walked towards her to pick up the box in her hand. 

Lauren stood there in surprise, she narrowed her eyes, "You-" 

Suddenly, the car window sliding down interrupted her words and when she saw the handsome face that appeared in her presence, shock was an understatement of what she felt. 

Her eyebrow raised, and she looked at him perplexedly, "You... I thought you said you'd be leaving for a business deal?" She asked. 

Alex who she was talking to looked at her from her head to her toes, then he silently heaved a sigh of relief. 

After ascertaining that she was alright, he relaxed on the seat, then threw her a one-sided look, "Aren't you coming in? Or did you want to go back in?" 

Lauren was stunned, then she flashed him an embarrassed smile. 

"Coming! Coming!" She responded, then immediately hopped into the car and sat next to him. 

As the car drove away, Lauren couldn't help but turn to look at the house that was gradually becoming smaller. 

Her fist secretly clenched, and her eyes became dull. 

And as if Alexander noticed her mood, he stretched out his hand to pat hers. 

"You're only allowed to be gloomy now. But the moment the car stops, you have to forget that place because where we are heading to right now is your home, Mrs Ashford."