Maya choked on her drink instantly. The liquid burned up her throat and out through her nose as she coughed uncontrollably, her face flushing red.

Ethan's expression didn't change. He just gave a single glance to one of his men standing silently behind him. The man moved, poured a glass of water, and handed it to Maya.

She took it with trembling hands, gulping it down between coughs.

"Thank you," she managed to whisper.

Nelly rolled her eyes dramatically. "Seriously..." she muttered under her breath, crossing her arms.

Mrs. Sterling cleared her throat and continued as though nothing had happened. "I know this sounds... sudden," she began, smiling. "And you may be wondering about our reason for this change."

Ethan didn't even look up, he simply swirled his wine, his expression unreadable.

Mrs. Sterling went on. "You see, Nelly is still in college, in her final year. And juggling marriage and studies would be... very stressful for her. So we thought it best that Maya takes her place instead. After all, she is still a Sterling by blood. It's practically the same thing, isn't it?"

Maya's eyes darted toward Ethan. The same thing?

Ethan finally spoke. "It doesn't matter," he said flatly. "Nelly or Maya, it makes no difference to me."

Maya froze. What? Her heart racing against her ribs. She had thought Ethan and Nelly were together out of love. But the way he said it... as if he didn't care who stood beside him at the altar.

Behind that calm exchange, however, was a much darker truth.

The Sterlings were struggling, their empire suffering debts and failed investments. Their once-flourishing businesses were crumbling, and only one man had the influence and power to keep them afloat was Ethan Ashford.

But Ethan didn't offer charity. He offered terms. And his terms had been marriage.

Originally, it was supposed to be Nelly. Nelly admired his wealth, personality and amazing looks but she couldn't imagine being "tied down" to a man who couldn't walk beside her.

So when Maya arrived from the countryside, quiet and out of place, Nelly and her mother had found the perfect replacement bride.

Maya's heart was racing, her head spinning. Was she imagining this? What was going on? Were they really serious, saying she was going to marry Ethan Ashford, someone she didn't even know and had just met tonight?

It couldn't be true. Why would they push a marriage on her?

Her hands trembled as she held her head. "Uhm. No. I mean... how can I get married to him? I don't even know him. I-"

"Shut it, Maya," Mrs. Sterling snapped harshly. "What does you knowing him have to do with this, hm? You should be ashamed. Do you know it's a privilege to even be sitting here, in our presence, in the presence of Ethan Ashford? You're a lowlife. And getting married to him? That's you doing your pathetic self a favor."

Maya swallowed hard, clenching her teeth. "Marriage is a choice. You can't force me to-"

"Nobody's forcing you," Mrs. Sterling interrupted smoothly. "We're simply telling you what is going to happen. This is what's best for the family. And if you cooperate... you might even survive the night without embarrassment."

Nelly chuckled cruelly beside her. "Don't act so shocked, Maya. You've been plucked from the countryside, tossed into our world. This is how things work here. Adapt or be stepped on."

Maya's gaze moved toward Ethan. He sat there with an unreadable expression, his hands folded neatly on the table. There wasn't a hint of emotion in his eyes. She had no idea what he was thinking, but the coldness in his gaze made her chest tighten.

"I just... I can't get married," Maya stammered, her voice trembling, but determined.

Mrs. Sterling's eyes narrowed. "Listen carefully, Maya. Mr. Sterling is your father, whether you like it or not. You getting married to Ethan is doing your own father a favour. You see, this marriage with Mr. Ethan is going to help our family as we have certain... financial problems going on right now. And Mr. Ethan is the one who can help us, on the condition of marriage. And you can't be so selfish to turn us down."

Maya looked down at the table, her fingers tightening around the edge. "Then why isn't your daughter-"

"She's in her final year in college," Mrs. Sterling cut her off harshly. "I'm pretty sure you didn't even go to college. Didn't finish high school, did you?"

Maya didn't respond, and Mrs. Sterling pressed on. "Listen, from what I've heard, your mother, still living in the countryside, handed you over to us when she realized who your father was. Meaning, you are in our custody. You have nowhere else to go. So you better say yes to this marriage."

Maya's eyes darted up, her voice trembling. "You're making me get married to help your family... and you're not even treating me a little bit nice."

Nelly's eyes widened. "Oh my gosh... the audacity."

Mrs. Sterling gave a mocking laugh and folded her arms. "Aw, poor Maya wants to be treated nicely now," she said, feigning sympathy. She turned to Nelly with a smirk. "We should take notes, darling. Maybe we've been too harsh on her delicate feelings."

Nelly let out a scoff, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Please. She should be grateful we're even letting her sit here. If it weren't for Dad's sense of pity, you'd still be in that muddy little town you and your mother came from."

Maya's chest tightened, but she stayed quiet.

"Respect is earned in this house, Maya," Mrs. Sterling said coldly. "And so far, all you've done is remind us why charity is wasted on the ungrateful."

Nelly giggled. "Exactly!"

"But getting married is my choice to make-"

"Oh, you can talk now, can't you?" Mrs. Sterling snapped. "Disrespectful urchin! Where did you even come from? Couldn't your mother train you properly?"

Maya flinched but rose to her feet, her brown eyes blazing. "Don't speak about my mother! You can talk about me all you want, but you have no right to speak about my mother!"

Mrs. Sterling gasped, anger flashing across her face. She slammed her hand down on the table, then stepped closer. "What did you just say to me?"

Before Maya could respond, a hot slap landed across her cheek. The room seemed to freeze for a moment. "You insolent brat!" Mrs. Sterling hissed. "You're nothing but a pathetic bastard!"

Maya held her burning cheek where Mrs. Sterling had slapped her. It felt hot, and she could swear it was red. Her fingers trembled as she pressed them against the sting, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Mr. Sterling sighed in his seat. "That was too far, don't you think?" he said quietly, glancing at his wife.

Mrs. Sterling scoffed, flicking her hair back as though the matter was nothing. "Oh, please, darling you saw the way she spoke to me. Such insolence should be corrected."

She casually walked back to her seat, while Maya just stood there, still frozen, holding her cheek.

Mrs. Sterling then turned toward Ethan, who had remained calm and silent through the entire scene.

"Mr. Ashford," she began sweetly, "I am so sorry for her uncouth behavior. You see, she's from the countryside so she lacks manners, proper training, and basic social grace. I sincerely apologize for that."

Ethan didn't respond. His expression didn't change even a little. He simply dabbed his mouth with his napkin, as though none of this fazed him in the least. "Okay,"

Mrs. Sterling's smile widened.

"Once she becomes your wife, you can handle her however you like. Discipline her, if you wish. I give you full permission."

Maya's head snapped toward her. "What?"

Mrs. Sterling ignored her reaction completely. "You'll have to understand, Mr. Ashford," she continued, "the girl has never been exposed to real society. She was raised by a woman who clearly didn't teach her the meaning of respect."

Mr. Sterling cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, since the change was abrupt..." he glanced at Mr. Ashford, then at Maya. "We should give them some time to have a private conversation."

Mrs. Sterling folded her arms. "Private conversation?" she scoffed, but Mr. Sterling gave her a look that made her huff and look away.

She turned to Maya again. "Right. You should have a private conversation. You better not mess this up, you hear?"

Ethan glanced at his watch. "Five minutes," he said. "We could talk for five minutes. She can ask me any question she wants for just five minutes. I have somewhere to be."

Mrs. Sterling nodded eagerly. "You heard him. Get up quickly! Mr. Ashford is very time conscious"

Maya didn't move at first. Her head was still spinning.

"Oh, come on, get the fuck up," Mrs. Sterling hissed.

She rose slowly.

"You can go to the balcony," Mr. Sterling added.

The two men standing behind Ethan stepped forward and carefully helped him back into the wheelchair. He didn't say a word as he turned toward the glass doors and wheeled himself out to the balcony.

Maya stood frozen for a moment, staring blankly at the floor.

"Move, you slowpoke!" Nelly spat, nudging her.

Maya blinked rapidly, her legs finally obeying. She started walking slowly toward the balcony. With each step she took, her heart raced faster, her palms damp with sweat. Her mind was spinning, she was about to speak with the cold, expressionless billionaire she was meant to marry.

The air on the balcony was cooler. She could hear the soft rustle of the evening wind. Ethan was already there, facing her, his back straight in the wheelchair.

He wasn't saying anything.

She swallowed hard, her throat dry. His presence alone was intimidating. It was as if the evening wind had mixed with his cold aura.

Maya stopped a few steps away, unsure if she should speak first.

Ethan finally moved slightly. He raised his wrist and glanced at his watch.

"We have five minutes," he said flatly. "It's four minutes left. You don't have any questions to ask me?"

Maya blinked, caught off guard by the way he measured time so accurately.

"Well," she began softly, her voice trembling, "you were supposed to-"

Ethan raised a brow.

"You were supposed to get married to Nelly," Maya continued quickly, "and things were changed last minute, so... why didn't you object?"

"I was getting married to Nelly as the daughter of the Sterlings. Since they needed my help, the arrangement was set. You are also Mr. Sterling's daughter, and so the bride was switched to you. It doesn't matter if it's Nelly or you." He said immediately.

Maya's eyes widened slightly.

So it was about the marriage and not the bride.

"But why?" she asked quietly.

Ethan looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I need to get married for some reasons."

That was it? No elaboration...Just that?

The wind blew at Maya's hair, sending a shiver down her spine.

Maya swallowed. "Do you even know my name?"

Ethan glanced at her briefly. "Maya Sterling, formerly Maya Hart, 20 years old, from the countryside, biological daughter of Mr. Sterling. That's all I need to know."

Maya's eyes widened. "Wait... how did you know that? I just got here today!"

He smirked faintly. "Nothing serious. I'm aware of everything. One of my men was among the ones who went to get you, so I know everything."

Maya swallowed. "So... you're okay getting married to someone you don't even know?"

"Strangers get along better than lovers when emotions aren't involved. I prefer peace."

Maya's heart raced. She blinked, trying to process his words. "Marriage isn't supposed to be like that. You can't just treat it like a business deal."

"I can and I will."

She looked down. "So... it doesn't matter who the bride is, as long as the arrangement works?"

"That's correct," he said simply.

"What are you like... as a husband?"

Ethan's eyes lifted to meet hers. "I don't know," he said flatly. "I've never been a husband before."

Maya blinked, caught off guard. What kind of answer is that? she thought. That wasn't how normal people replied to such a question. She sighed softly, her fingers fidgeting.

Maya looked at him. "What if I say... no?"

"You won't," he said, leaning back slightly in his wheelchair.

Maya frowned. "And what makes you so sure?"

"You already know what happens if you do."

Maya's lips parted, but she didn't say anything. Her heart pounded so loudly she could hear it in her ears. She opened her mouth to ask another question but then Ethan glanced at his watch.

Without saying a word, he reached into the side of his jacket and pulled out a small black velvet box.

He flipped it open with one hand, revealing a simple yet elegant diamond ring that gleamed under the balcony light.

"Time's up," he said as his eyes lifted to meet hers.

"Maya Sterling," he said evenly, "will you marry me?"

Ethan opened the box. "Will you marry me, Maya Sterling?"

Maya's eyes widened as she froze on the spot. What? Just like that? Her heart began to race, beating so loudly in her chest she could barely hear anything else. Her mind went blank. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

"I'll take your silence as a yes," he said calmly.

That was when she noticed he had already moved himself closer, stopping right in front of her. Before she could even react, he slipped the ring on her finger.

She just stared at it, the diamond sparkling under the light.

"Be ready tomorrow," he said simply, closing the box with a soft click.

***

Maya woke up to the shock of cold water splashing across her face and body. She gasped loudly, jolting upright as the icy chill made her shiver. The air in the room was just as cold, fanning her soaked clothes.

She shivered, instinctively hugging herself as droplets rolled down her arms.

She looked up to find Nelly standing by the bed with an empty bucket dangling from her hand and that usual wicked glare on her face.

"Get up, you freak," Nelly snapped.

Maya blinked. "What was that for?" she managed to say.

"Shut up," Nelly scoffed. "I'm not even ready for you this morning. It's your wedding, and you're sleeping?"

Maya glanced around. The sheets were completely soaked, water pooling at the edge of the bed. Her hair was dripping, sticking to her neck. She pushed a few strands behind her ear.

"I guess the bed was way too soft for you, huh? Got a little too comfortable. Get the hell up."

Maya bit her lip and slowly got off the bed, squeezing the ends of her wet nightgown.

Nelly gave her a glare. "Huh? What's that look on your face, you ungrateful thing? You should be grateful you're getting married to a multi-billionaire like Ethan Ashford."

Maya's lips parted slowly. "It was supposed to be you, wasn't it? So why aren't you grateful?"

Nelly's jaw clenched. "please. Didn't you hear what Mom said?"

"I...know that was a lie," Maya said softly.

Nelly smirked. "Oh, you're smart. We all seem to figure things out, don't we?" She began twirling a strand of her perfectly combed hair. "Ethan is handsome, stinkingly rich, and all that...but there's just one problem."

She paused dramatically, then continued. "He's in a wheelchair. Look, I'm beautiful, hot, and I don't need to be bound to someone who can't even walk beside me. Get that?"

Maya stared at her. So that was it. She just knew it. That was the real reason Mrs. Sterling had made up that flimsy excuse about Nelly being busy with college.

Maya's throat tightened. For them, she wasn't a daughter. She was a solution. A replacement bride.

Over an hour later, they were now down from the vehicle and walking into the church.

Maya was made to wear heels that were six inches long. She barely ever wore heels, and it was so hard to walk in these. It felt like her ankles were shaking. She tried not to trip as they walked.

"Get a grip on yourself," Nelly glared at her.

Maya just managed to walk, holding up the dress so she wouldn't fall. It was all too much, the heavy gown, the glittering jewelry, the veil that kept brushing against her face.

It felt like her body was weighing three times its usual weight.

The doors opened wide, and they began walking down the aisle.

There weren't many guests, just a few, seated neatly on either side. Still, Maya felt every single eye on her. She could hear the whispers.

"Oh, the countryside girl."

"That's her?"

Some people even laughed softly behind their hands.

The little flower girl began spreading petals ahead of her, and Maya forced herself to keep moving, even though she just wished the ground would open up and swallow her.

At the altar, Ethan was already seated in his wheelchair. Beside him stood a young man, probably in his twenties, who looked to be his best man.

Maya was led forward by one of the maids since her own mother wasn't there.

Then, the priest's voice echoed gently through the hall.

"We are gathered here today to unite Ethan Ashford and Maya Sterling in holy matrimony."

The words made her breath hitch. Everything that followed felt like a blur, from the verses, the vows, the prayers. She could barely hear them. Her mind was spinning too fast to catch up.

Then suddenly, the next thing she heard the priest say, was. "Do you, Ethan Ashford, take Maya Sterling to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." Ethan replied without hesitation.

Maya's gaze snapped to him. He didn't even blink. It was as though he was confirming a business deal.

Then, the priest turned to her.

"And do you, Maya Sterling, take Ethan Ashford to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Her stomach twisted. Her palms were cold and sweaty beneath the bouquet. Lawfully wedded husband kept echoing in her head, over and over again.

She glanced at Mrs. Sterling, whose glare was sharp, warning her not to say anything foolish.

Maya's throat went dry.

"I... I do."

The priest smiled faintly. "Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

There was a round of applause. A few guests smiled, others whispered again.

The priest turned to Ethan. "You may now-"

Before he could finish, Ethan simply reached forward, not for her lips, but for her hand. He lifted it and placed a brief kiss on her knuckles. His eyes didn't even meet hers as he did it. The entire gesture looked distant.

Mrs. Sterling's fake tears sparkled as she dabbed at her eyes with a napkin.

"Oh, they look so perfect together," she whispered dramatically. Nelly scoffed softly beside her.

Maya didn't move. Her heart still hadn't caught up to what was happening.

Then Ethan turned his chair slightly toward the side table where a man had already set down the marriage papers. "Let's finish this," he said calmly.

Maya followed, her hands trembling as she picked up the pen. She tried to steady her breathing as she signed.

Ethan signed next. The priest smiled again. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Ashford."

Maya froze at that name. Mrs. Ashford. Would she ever get used to it?

Ethan's best man moved to wheel him toward the exit. He didn't say a word. Not even a glance.

Maya followed behind him slowly, the train of her dress dragging across the floor. Her mind was blank.

Outside, camera flashes blinked. Mrs. Sterling pushed her forward lightly.

"Smile, dear. You're a married woman now," she hissed through her teeth.

Maya forced a weak smile, looking at Ethan's unreadable expression as he faced the car waiting for them.

And she knew for certain, her life had just changed.