Kristine took getting married seriously.

If she didn't do it soon, her family would likely force her into some arranged match.

If anyone was going to make decisions about her life, it would be her.

The family could save their matchmaking schemes for someone else—her supposed sister, for one, who had taken Kristine's place for years after being switched at birth, would probably jump at the chance.

Her assistant responded, "Copy that. I'll get it done!"

Satisfied, Kristine set her phone aside and headed for the shower.

She pulled out her hair tie and let her hair tumble down over her shoulders before disappearing into the bathroom.

At dawn, Kristine was up and moving, squeezing in her usual workout before heading out for the day.

Kristine's assistant worked fast, already lining up a marriage candidate who ticked every box.

He was tall, solidly built, just twenty-two, and had come from overseas on a student visa. With no savings and graduation right on the corner, he was desperate to stay in the country—marriage was his golden ticket.

At least he had good looks, a gentle disposition, and zero hesitation about signing a prenup.

Kristine only cared about obedience.

She barely looked at his photo before snapping the file shut, already bored.

When she reached the courthouse, she spotted him waiting outside.

He was dressed head-to-toe in black—a hoodie, sweatpants, baseball cap, and a mask pulled up high. He slouched against the wall, long legs stretched out as if he didn't have a care in the world.

Kristine figured he was trying to hide, embarrassed at having to marry to stay in the country.

But honestly, his feelings didn't matter to her at all.

Closing the distance, Kristine realized he was taller than the profile had suggested.

Kristine found herself staring at his impossibly broad shoulders, forced to tilt her chin just to meet his gaze. The moment their eyes met, she froze.

Those green eyes of his were almost hypnotic—bright as polished emeralds, sharp and impossible to ignore.

Odd. The picture hadn't done him justice. Were contact lenses really this convincing now?

Suspicion flickered across her face as she dug out the prenuptial contract, eyeing him carefully.

"So, you're here to get married too?"

"That's right." Nathan Spencer's reply was calm, but he took his time studying Kristine.

Her wide eyes, small mouth, and round cheeks made her look lively and charming, though he honestly didn't care who he married. In his mind, the whole arrangement was just a business deal, and partners could be swapped out at any time.

With a shrug, Nathan scanned the contract, arched an eyebrow, and scribbled his signature with practiced ease.

Kristine had already signed. She felt a small thrill at his no-nonsense attitude. Nathan Spencer—her gaze dropped as she whispered the name under her breath.

They tucked the paperwork away and walked into the courthouse side by side, both steady and sure.

Just ten minutes later, the two of them walked out as a married couple, the deal sealed and official.

"If there's anything I need, I'll get in touch. For now, just stay put and wait for my instructions," Kristine said, not slowing down as she walked towards her car.

Nathan stopped for a second, caught off guard. Wasn't he supposed to be in charge here? After all, he was the one who hired her.

Still, the boldness in her voice made him want to laugh.

Too bad the mask hid his grin—nobody could see just how much her attitude amused him.

Nathan realized that Kristine never once tried to make conversation, barely even glancing in his direction during the entire marriage process. She followed every step by the book—no questions, no curiosity, just efficiency. That sort of discipline made her exactly the partner he'd hoped to find.

"Works for me," Nathan murmured, and then turned on his heel and strode off.

They both got what they wanted, no fuss or lingering looks.

Kristine got married, but she wasn't eager to parade herself in front of Benny just yet.

She took up residence at Rose Manor, throwing herself into a fierce fitness routine.

All her effort paid off—she slimmed down faster than she'd ever imagined.

Within two months, Kristine barely recognized herself.

Her new figure was all elegant curves and balance, the kind of silhouette that drew every eye in the room. Her delicate features seemed to glow, and just the hint of a smile could send hearts racing.

Admiring her reflection, Kristine traced the edge of the mirror with a pleased grin.

"Miss Holt, you look absolutely incredible! I swear, if I knew you'd end up like this, I would've volunteered for that marriage slot myself. How did I miss out on such a golden opportunity?" Pamela Warren, her assistant, burst into the room, beaming.

"Oh, right! The CEO from Glory Group sent you another invite. His grandson's birthday bash is tomorrow, and apparently, they're announcing the heir to the company," Pamela said, clapping her hands as she remembered. "Are you planning to go? I know you usually avoid these events these days, so—"

But Kristine's lips curved upward, a spark in her eyes, as she interjected, "Why wouldn't I go? It's about time I showed my face."

She had every intention of running into Benny at that party. He still owed her ten million, and Kristine was determined to collect every cent.

"Reach out to Nathan and make sure he has a suit for tomorrow's event," Kristine said offhandedly, already turning her attention to selecting her own dress and jewelry.

Pamela stood in the doorway, thoroughly confused, and hurried to grab Kristine's arm. "Wait—Nathan who? Who are you even talking about?"

"Are you serious right now? Nathan Spencer, of course. My legal husband—the man you picked out for me, remember?" Kristine shot her assistant a stunned look.

Pamela raked her hands through her hair, clearly frazzled. "No, no, I'm sure I arranged for a guy named Jeff Sutton! Didn't Jeff show up to marry you?"

Kristine's jaw dropped. "Excuse me? Jeff Sutton was supposed to be my husband? So what was this Nathan guy doing here, claiming he was waiting for me?"

Across town, Nathan stood at the window of his seventy-second floor office, surveying the skyline.

One leg crossed, he tapped his fingers on the table in a slow, steady rhythm.

His bespoke suit hugged his frame, every line immaculate.

A tight line settled over his lips, and his jaw tensed, projecting a silent command that filled the room.

His eyes slid over to the nervous man giving a report. The pressure of Nathan's gaze made the subordinate's voice falter as he stared down at the floor.

"Mr. Spencer, we've discovered that Kristine Holt, the woman you accidentally married, isn't as straightforward as she appears. Someone clearly made sure most of her history stays hidden. What we do know is that she has a connection to the Campbell family from Dosnard and spent five years in a fake marriage with Benny Higgins. It seems she was tricked into it. There's still a lot we're working to uncover."

"Keep digging. It is indeed interesting she's tied to the Campbells," Nathan said, a short, cold laugh slipping out. His gaze hardened as he looked straight at his subordinate. "Go take your punishment. Now."

"Understood, sir!"

...

Kristine had finally pieced together the truth, but now there wasn't much she could do. She couldn't get through to Jeff, so she ended up heading to the banquet alone.

As luck would have it, she bumped into Benny and Emilee right at the entrance.

Neither of them had remembered to bring their invitation, and the security guards weren't about to make exceptions.

Both Benny and Emilee wore matching sour looks, but the guard didn't budge. "Sorry, sir, ma'am, you can't enter without an invitation."

"Do you have any idea who we are? He's the CEO of the Higgins Group, and I'm his wife! I was personally invited by Mr. Gerard Payne himself. The outfits he and his grandson are wearing tonight? All my designs! If you keep us out, do you know what kind of rumors the press will run with tomorrow? What if the company's stock price takes a hit? You're going to be the one held responsible by then!" Emilee puffed herself up, her voice loud and clear.

She was dressed to impress, layered in diamonds—her necklace alone was worth a small fortune, and the giant pink diamond on her finger had once belonged to royalty.

Watching Emilee flaunt her jewelry, Kristine couldn't help but smirk, thinking how all that sparkle only made her look gaudy. Sometimes, she mused, a lack of taste said more about a person than any headline.

With a steady hand, Kristine lifted her gown and approached the door, calm and collected.

"There's no need to hassle the security. They're only doing their job. If you don't have an invitation, step aside and let the next guest through," Kristine said, passing her own invitation to the guard. She added with a teasing smile, "Am I right?"

Tonight, Kristine was dressed in a deep green gown, its flowing skirt embroidered with vines and blossoms that made her seem almost otherworldly.

A crown of emerald-studded leaves rested lightly on her hair, the whole effect striking in its simplicity—no gaudy jewelry weighed her down.

"What's your problem? Are you just trying to steal the spotlight? Who even are you? What business is this of yours?" Emilee shot Kristine a scornful glare, her voice rising in protest.

Benny's eyes lingered on Kristine, a look of surprise and faint recognition flickering across his face.

This woman looked oddly familiar, though he couldn't quite place her.

Their spat drew a crowd of curious guests, some already whispering among themselves after spotting Kristine's elegant gown.

Kristine kept her tone even as she replied, eyes glinting with sarcasm, "It's not about me making a scene—it's about what's fair. Maybe you don't know who I am, but I know exactly who you are." Her gaze narrowed. "Although, I'm a little confused. When did Mr. Higgins swap wives without an announcement? Or are you just his new lover?"

"Who are you calling a lover? I'm—"

Emilee's retort was cut short when Benny stared at Kristine, his voice shaky with realization. "Wait... Kristine? Is that really you?"

Benny recognized the voice right away. No wonder this woman before him looked so familiar—Kristine had lost weight, and now he realized just how striking she was.

He scowled, suspicion flaring. "How did you even get an invitation? This is a huge day for Mr. Payne and his family. There's press everywhere. If you're here to cause drama, pick another time. Kristine, don't start one of your scenes. This isn't the place."

Benny shook off his shock and quickly assumed the worst, his brows pulling together as he scolded Kristine. He was certain she had only shown up to make a scene for him and Emilee.

Emilee wasted no time stepping into the spotlight. She pressed a proud kiss to Benny's cheek before turning to Kristine, her words dripping with condescension. "Miss Holt, Benny is my husband now. If you want advice, here it is—quit chasing after men or trying to cash in on breakups. If you want to succeed, work for it. Any woman worth her salt stands on her own feet."

Before Kristine could reply, Gerard Payne, the banquet's host, hurried over to diffuse the tension.

"My apologies, everyone. There's been a misunderstanding on our part. Please, come inside and make yourselves comfortable," Gerard announced from across the hall, eager to shift attention away from the drama and avoid any unwanted headlines.

But his whole demeanor changed as soon as he spotted the gold invitation in Kristine's hand, the prominent letter "K" unmistakable. A flash of recognition lit up his face, and a genuine smile replaced his earlier worry.

"Kueen! I can't believe you actually came," Gerard said, sounding both thrilled and apologetic. "I hope there wasn't any trouble here. Did the security give you a hard time?"

He went straight to Kristine, extending a warm welcome, and then turned to the security with a stern look.

"How could you miss her? This is Kueen, the artist behind 'Soul of Spring'—her jewelry and fashion line shattered records at auction!"

Whispers of disbelief rippled through the crowd. "That's Kueen? She's so young! I always pictured her as older—maybe in her sixties. How does someone so young create such incredible designs?"

"She's absolutely gorgeous! Kueen, could I get your autograph?"

"When is the 'Soul of Earth' collection coming out? Is there any way to get on the waitlist? I'll pay double if I have to!"

Most had only heard of Kueen by reputation, so seeing Kristine step forward in person created an instant buzz. Guests pressed closer, each eager for a chance to speak with her or just catch her attention.

The scene quickly turned from elegant to electric, like a flash sale with all the usual restraint forgotten.

For a moment, Kristine felt a wave of surprise at the overwhelming excitement. Still, when she glanced over and caught both Emilee's and Benny's stunned faces, a quiet sense of satisfaction settled in.

Her reply was gracious. "Tonight is all about the Payne family. I'd hate to draw the focus from them. Soon, though, I'll be hosting my own soiree. I hope you'll all come."

Upon watching Kristine charm the crowd, Emilee's envy only grew sharper. She couldn't accept this twist—she had always seen herself as the youngest design prodigy in the room, never someone who'd be upstaged by Kristine, of all people. Kristine, who had supposedly cared only for romance, couldn't possibly be Kueen.

Emilee's patience snapped, and she raised her voice, letting her skepticism show. "Just showing up with an invitation doesn't prove a thing. Everybody knows Kueen is older—maybe in her fifties. Kristine must have stolen someone else's spot. Mr. Payne, have you even met her before? Don't let an imposter fool you and ruin your reputation."

Benny could not help but agree.

Five years with Kristine should have meant he knew her inside and out. If she really was Kueen, there was no way it would have escaped him.

The more he considered it, the quicker his admiration for Kristine's makeover faded to nothing.

He frowned, shaking his head. "Kristine, this has gone far enough. There's no point in us continuing this. If Kueen finds out you're pretending to be her, she's not going to just let it slide," said Benny, voice sharp with disapproval.

With Benny and Emilee so sure of themselves, Gerard's excitement started to die down.

He knew Kueen tended to avoid public events, and all he really had was a necklace she'd designed, which he only secured through a friend.

Sending her an invitation felt like a long shot—he never actually believed she would show up.

On top of that, Kristine looked nothing like the age that was rumored about Kueen. Was it possible... that she really was an imposter?

"I know exactly who I am, and I'm sure Mr. Payne does too. Isn't he able to confirm that for everyone?" Kristine retorted with a cold smile, her eyes on Gerard.

But Gerard faltered instead of stepping up for her.

"Forgive me, Kueen. There's some doubt in the room. Would you be able to prove who you are? We haven't met in person before, and I don't mean to challenge you, but..." said Gerard, uncertainty weighing down his words. That hesitation spoke volumes. He was just as doubtful as the others.

Kristine's expression turned stormy, her lips pressed into a thin line.

She could not believe the nerve—Gerard was the one who had sent the invitation in the first place.

Emilee crossed her arms and tossed her hair over her shoulder. "So Mr. Payne hasn't met Kueen before, but Dominick Collins has. He's Kueen's close friend and a giant in the design world. He's coming today, Kristine. You'll have your answer soon enough," she said, not bothering to hide her smugness.

Before Emilee could even finish, a dignified man with white hair stepped through the crowd.

Spotting him, Emilee hurried over, her face alight with excitement. "Mr. Collins, thank goodness you're here! There's someone pretending to be Kueen, and you're the only one who can clear this up!"