Scarlett's action brought the crowd undivided attention as heads turned and conversations died. Isabella gasped. Harry looked up, his face draining of color.

Scarlett didn't care. She was angry. Her heart was broken. And maybe...just maybe...she was done being the girl who got played and used.

The room was frozen in stunned silence,

Alejandro stood like a statue, unmoved and unreadable.

Scarlett's lips had barely left his when she whispered, "Will you marry me?"

His eyes locked onto hers. Cold. Calculating and Curious about who this lady might be and what her motive is.

Her heart pounded. The boldness she earlier portrayed was fading fast, replaced by adrenaline and a creeping sense of dread. What had she just done?

Alejandro tilted his head slightly, studying her like a puzzle.

"You're drunk," he said, voice low and sharp. "And reckless."

Scarlett swallowed. "Maybe" she said. But inside her head it was "I'm done for, how could I have...ohh God, Please! Please! Please! don't let him humiliate me in front of everyone."

Behind them, Harry's arm had slipped from Isabella's waist. Her smug smile faltered. The crowd murmured, shifting uncomfortably, unsure whether to stay or flee.

Alejandro turned to Harry, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade.

"You throw a party in my house. Propose to a woman. And you didn't think to ask for my permission?"

Harry scrambled to his feet, panic flashing in his eyes. "Bro, I... I didn't think you'd be back tonight."

Alejandro's brow arched. "You called me 'bro'? That's funny. I don't recall having a brother."

Harry's face turned ghostly pale. The crowd stared at him, stunned into silence.

Everyone had believed the Kosh family had a close relationship with the Moritz. But now... this? What were they hearing?

The truth was, Harry had only met Alejandro twice. Once at a corporate event where Alejandro had been the keynote speaker. And the second time, briefly, at Alejandro's mother's birthday party...where his cousin Beatrice had introduced Alejandro as her fiancé.

Alejandro's gaze swept across the room, cold and commanding. "Everyone out. Now."

No shouting. No threats. Just a simple, quiet command.

The guests scattered like leaves in a storm.

Isabella, however, wasn't done. She stepped forward, her voice sharp. "Excuse me, this is my fiancé's house."

Harry's eyes widened in horror. He reached out and pinched her arm, trying to stop her from saying more. "Don't," he hissed under his breath.

But Isabella, in her arrogance, ignored him. She thought Alejandro was overstepping. She hadn't fully seen his face yet...he was still standing in the shadows.

"This is my fiancé's house," she repeated, louder this time. "How dare you disrupt my engagement party!"

Harry wished he could disappear. He couldn't decide if Isabella was just prideful...or stupidly ignorant.

He snapped. "Stop it! It's his house!"

Isabella froze, stunned. Her mouth opened, then closed. She looked around, realizing the crowd was gone. Only a few staff remained, watching in horror.

Scarlett, meanwhile, stood to the side, arms crossed, watching the chaos unfold. For once, she wasn't the one being humiliated. And it felt...undeniably satisfying.

When Isabella heard this she turned and face Harry her voice rising as she shouted at him, Harry was shocked by her outburst but couldn't accept being humiliated by a woman so he shouted back at her, and they both turned on each other, their voices rising in a heated argument.

Alejandro had had enough.

"Get the fuck out of my house," he barked, stepping fully into the light.

Isabella turned...and her breath caught.

She hadn't seen his face before. But now, she was speechless. Alejandro Moritz was devastatingly handsome, his presence overwhelming. His tailored suit clung to his tall frame like armor. His eyes were sharp, his jaw set.

She gave him a shy smile, suddenly flustered. Her anger melted into something else entirely. She was ogling him.

Harry's jaw clenched. He hadn't expected Isabella to flirt with another man...especially not in front of him.

Alejandro's expression darkened. Her reaction only fueled his disgust.

He snapped his fingers, and two of his men stepped forward.

"Throw them out," he ordered.

Harry and Isabella were dragged toward the door, still bickering.

Scarlett took a step forward, intending to follow them out quietly.

But Alejandro raised a hand.

"You stay," he said, pointing directly at her.

Scarlett froze.

She had wanted to make a quiet escape. But now... It seemed impossible.

Earlier she couldn't help but watch her ex and Isabella disgrace themselves.

Scarlett's knees nearly buckled. She hadn't expected this. She hadn't expected anything.

The room emptied and silence settled in.

Alejandro walked to the bar, poured himself a drink, then turned to face Scarlett.

"Now," he said, sipping slowly. "Let's talk about the...kiss."

Scarlett's breath caught.

Alejandro's eyes landed on Scarlett again. "You kissed me. Why?"

Scarlett hesitated. Then, with a shaky breath, she said, "Because I wanted to show him"..."no, I wanted to take revenge."

The silence in the mansion was almost suffocating. The only sound now was the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner.

Scarlett stood near the fireplace, arms folded tightly, her breath shallow. Alejandro Moritz leaned against the bar, his tailored suit immaculate, his gaze sharp and unreadable.

He broke the silence first.

Alejandro coolly said "So that's your reason? To kiss me in front of strangers? Bold move. But a foolish decision."

Scarlett's lips parted, her voice dry.

"I wasn't thinking. I just..."

Alejandro snapped. "And that makes it worse. You weren't thinking. You acted. Did you really believe I'd choose you to be my bride? Or was that just your excuse to get my attention?"

Scarlett's jaw clenched. Her heart thudded. Anger flared in her chest, but words failed her.

Scarlett muttered. "I wasn't trying to get your attention."

Alejandro chuckled, low and sharp.

"You're a terrible liar. But bold. That's intriguing."

Scarlett stepped forward, her voice steadier now.

"I wasn't trying to impress you. I...I just wanted to get back at Harry for cheating on me with my cousin."

Alejandro circled around her slowly

"What does that have to do with me, Were you trying to humiliate your ex or me? Make a scene? Or did you really want to be my wife?"

Scarlett blinked, stunned by the question. She hadn't expected him to take her seriously. She hadn't expected anything beyond rejection or mockery. But now, standing in his living room, she felt the weight of her impulsive decision pressing down on her chest.

What was I thinking? He's powerful and dangerous. And I kissed him.

"Answer me."

His voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She swallowed hard.

"I just wanted to tell Harry that I could always find better. And what better way than to marry someone...better?"

Alejandro's gaze sharpened.

"So I was your choice of upgrade."

The air between them thickened. Alejandro studied her like a predator sizing up its prey...curious, calculating and dangerous.

He stepped closer, his voice low. "Then tell me, what's in it for me if I marry you?"

Scarlett's breath caught. She hadn't thought that far. She hadn't expected him to entertain the idea, let alone ask what he'd gain. Alejandro Moritz had everything. What could she possibly offer?

Her silence stretched.

Alejandro scoffed. "I guess you have nothing to offer."

His gaze didn't waver. It raked her slowly and deliberately, from her tousled hair to the blush blooming on her cheeks, down to the curve of her waist. He didn't hide his disappointment.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You're just below average. I'm sure you must be delusional to make such a request."

Scarlett dropped her gaze as Shame washed over her. Her stomach twisted and her chest burned. She was angry at Harry, and everyone else. But mostly at herself.

Alejandro's eyes remained pinned on her. Her kiss had startled him. She seemed drunk. And when she asked him to marry her, he knew something was wrong. But it was also... perfect. He needed a solution to his problem. And she might just be it. But he couldn't trust her.

He stepped even closer, his hands brushing her hair slightly, as he played with the strands .

"You see, I can't marry a...nobody. And definitely not for your sick revenge plan."

Scarlett's head snapped up. Her voice now sharp and laced with fury.

"I might be a nobody...but you don't need to insult me. My actions were impulsive, yes. But I don't want to marry a man like you either. You're not even to my taste. So let's just forget this ever happened."

Alejandro blinked. For the first time, he looked genuinely surprised.

He opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off.

"Don't bother. I'll take my leave now."

But Alejandro stopped her. "It's 1 a.m. You can stay for the night. Leave in the morning."

Scarlett was about to refuse, pride flaring again, when he added, "If anything happens to you, I won't be responsible."

He called a maid to lead her to a guest room. This time, Scarlett didn't refuse. It would be foolish to leave at this ungodly hour without a personal car. She nodded silently and followed the maid.

Alejandro watched her go, his expression unreadable.

Scarlett stirred up from her sleep, her body sinking deeper into the plush mattress. The bed was too soft...too comfortable. Definitely not hers. She stretched, her limbs heavy, and then it hit her.

Yesterday.

The memory slammed into her. Harry had proposed to her cousin Isabella. While still in a relationship with her. After two years of loyalty, of love, of believing in him. And he'd been cheating for two of those years. With Isabella, of all people out of all the women in Los Angeles.

Harry had always advised her to forgive her family's cruelty. To rise above Isabella's constant humiliation. All the while, he was betraying her and screwing Isabella behind closed doors. The man she trusted most had turned out to be the sharpest knife in her back.

She was so lost in thought, she didn't notice the figure seated across the room until a voice-deep, smooth, and unmistakably male, cut through the silence.

"I see you're finally awake, Miss Brooks."

Spinning around.

Scarlett screamed.

"Ahhhhh!"

She placed her hand on her chest trying to calm her racing heart.

And then it all came crashing back. The kiss. The proposal and the humiliation.

Oh God. I asked Alejandro Moritz to marry me.

She groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"What an embarrassing way to start the day..."

But when she looked up, her breath caught again.

Alejandro Moritz sat on a velvet couch, one hand wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee, the other scrolling through a tablet. He wore a gray suit, the top buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a glimpse of ink curling along his collarbone. His presence was magnetic with a sharp jawline, slicked-back hair, and a frame that radiated control.

Scarlett's jaw dropped.

Without looking up, Alejandro said coolly, "If you're done staring, get up. We need to talk about our marriage."

Scarlett blinked. "Good morning..." she stammered, then frowned. "Wait...our marriage?"

He finally looked up, his eyes cold. "You proposed yesterday. And I accepted."

She gaped. "I was drunk. I didn't mean it."

Alejandro tapped his earpiece. "David, push the board meeting by two hours. Cancel the rest of my morning schedules."

Then he turned to her fully. "Come here."

Scarlett hesitated. "No. I'll stay right here, thanks."

He arched his brow. "Suit yourself."

Alejandro slid a document across the table. "This contains the rules you are to follow, as my wife. Read it and Memorize it, then Sign."

Scarlett stared at the paper, then back at him. "You can't be serious."

"I am."

She stood, her arms crossed. "Mr. Moritz, I was humiliated yesterday. I acted out. But that doesn't mean I'm actually going to marry you, besides you clearly didn't accept the offer yesterday, so why the change of mind."

"you kissed me," he said. "In front of hundreds of people. Cameras and some stupid Journalists."

Scarlett gasps. Cameras! I don't think I saw any of them or anyone yesterday...

But then he turned the tablet toward her. A video played of her kissing him, the crowd gasping. Headlines were already circulating: Alejandro Moritz's Surprise scandal with a gold digger!

Scarlett's stomach dropped.

"ohh my goodness I'm so sorry, what was i thinking," she said. "I just hope people will forget about it soon."

Alejandro gave a humorless smile. "Forget, I don't think so. Not when my board is calling for answers. Not when my stock dipped three points overnight because of a scandalous engagement to a mystery woman.

Scarlett's mumbles. "So what are we going to do? Do you want to punish me for that?"

"No," he said. "I want to contain the damage. You have two options: marry me and play the part of my wife, or face a defamation lawsuit and breach of privacy claim. You soiled my name, my image, and created a media storm. My lawyers estimate the reputational damage at ten million dollars."

Scarlett's breath caught. "You're threatening to sue me?"

"I'm offering you a way out," he said. "You want revenge on your ex? Fine. I want control of my narrative. We both get something."

Scarlett's mind raced. She could walk away. She could fight this. But the video... the headlines... the power he wielded. She wasn't naïve. A legal battle with Alejandro Moritz would bury her.

Still, she wasn't going to be bullied.

She stepped forward, chin high. "If I agree to this, I have conditions."

Alejandro's eyes narrowed. "Go on."

"No intimacy. No control over my personal life. And I get to walk away after six months. No strings attached and definitely no lawsuits."

He studied her, then nodded once. "Done. But you'll follow my rules in public. You'll attend events. Smile and play your part as a wife."

Scarlett exhaled. "Fine. But I want my revenge on Harry."

Alejandro smirked. "offcurse. As my wife, I'll get your revenge."

She rolled her eyes. "Temporary wife."

He sipped his coffee. "We'll see."

Then he stood. "Get dressed. We're getting the marriage certificate today. A maid will bring your breakfast and something appropriate to wear."

Scarlett's eyes widened. "What...?.Today?"

"Yes, today miss Brooks. Any problem with that?"

She hesitated, then straightened her shoulders. "No. Not at all. Let's get this over with."

With that. Alejandro left the room.

Scarlett watched him go, her eyes trailing the powerful lines of his back, the way his suit hugged his frame. He was easily the most handsome man she'd ever seen. And somehow, she was about to become his wife for six months, at least.

Still processing everything, she was startled by a knock.

"Come in."

And a maid stepped in, bowing slightly, and introducing herself.

"I'm Mila, and I'll be your personal maid, ma'am. This is your breakfast and your outfit. I'll prepare your bath now."

Scarlett opened her mouth to protest, but Mila quickly added.

"Mr. Moritz's instructions."

She moved efficiently, setting the tray and clothes down before disappearing into the bathroom.

Scarlett sat at the table, nibbling on a croissant, her mind spinning. After breakfast, she stepped into the bathroom...and gasped. What the fuck!

Her reflection was a mess. Smudged lipstick. Mascara streaked from tears. Hair tangled like a storm had passed through it.

Scarlett was beyond embarrassed.

To think she had met a charming man looking like she was involved in a fight. She groaned, and quickly slipped into the bath. The warm water soothed her nerves, but her thoughts remained tangled.

This is happening. I'm marrying Alejandro Moritz. Today.

After taking her bath, Scarlett stepped out of the bathroom. And quickly got dressed, Mila helped style her hair to a loose bun, did a simple makeup, helping her dress in the elegant cream dress laid out for her, the dress was beautiful as it hugged her figure like it was made just for her. She looked every bit the woman who could stand beside Alejandro Moritz.

Thanks Mila, she said with a smile on her lips.

And Mila smiled back. "you are welcome ma'am".

With that Mila left and returned a few minutes later, with a soft knock.

"Mr. Moritz is waiting downstairs, ma'am."

Scarlett nodded, nerves fluttering in her stomach like moths. She followed Mila down the grand staircase, each step echoing in the marble-floored foyer. Alejandro stood by the door, scrolling through his phone, dressed in his earlier charcoal suit, his presence magnetic.

He looked up, eyes scanning her from head to toe.

"You look beautiful," he said, voice cool but appreciative.

Scarlett swallowed.

"Thanks."

Without another word, he opened the door and gestured to the sleek black car waiting outside. The ride to the registry office was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional buzz of Alejandro's phone. Scarlett stared out the window, her thoughts a whirlwind.

This is happening. I'm marrying him.

They arrived at the government building, where an official was already waiting, clearly pre-arranged by Alejandro's team. The room was minimal, clinical, with a desk, a few chairs, and a registrar who looked slightly stunned to see Alejandro Moritz walk in.

The registrar cleared his throat.

"Mr. Moritz. Miss Brooks. Are you ready?"

nodded.

"Let's make it quick."

That's all Alejandro said.

Scarlett blinked. No ceremony. No vows. Just ink on paper.

A thick manila folder was placed on the desk between them, its contents far heavier than the paper it held.

The registrar cleared his throat again. "These are the legal documents. Once signed, the marriage will be binding under the federal law."

Scarlett's fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the pen. Her eyes scanned the document, the words blurring for a moment: Spouse A: Scarlett Brooks. Spouse B: Alejandro Moritz.

Her name beside his. It didn't feel real.

She glanced at Alejandro. He was calm, unreadable, his posture relaxed as if this were just another business transaction. His pen was already in hand, poised.

Scarlett hesitated.

This is insane. I don't even know him. I'm really doing this because I was humiliated. Scarlett really wanted to leave and forget about this whole mistake but she couldn't.

She inhaled sharply, then signed her name. Each letter felt like a step to her death.

Alejandro didn't pause. He signed with a swift, practiced motion, like he'd done this a hundred times before. His signature was bold and confident.

The registrar took the papers, stamped them with a loud thud that echoed in the silent room.

"Congratulations," he said, barely glancing up. "You're legally married."

Scarlett stared at the certificate. Her name beside his. Mrs. Scarlett Moritz. The title felt foreign and heavy.

Alejandro stood and adjusted his cufflinks. "Let's go."

As they walked out, a photographer clearly hired snapped a few shots. Scarlett turned to Alejandro, confused.

"Why the photos?" She asked.

Alejandro smirked. "We need to make it look real. For the press and for my mother. And you can consider this the first step to start your revenge against Harry."

Scarlett nodded slowly. "You're right. It needs to be real."

They climbed back into the car. This time, Alejandro looked at her directly.

"From now on, we play the part. Publicly and privately, we're husband and wife. No feelings attached. And no complications."

Scarlett met his gaze. "Aren't we going to sign a contract stating the period of our marriage?"

"No, we don't need it, whether it's going to end or not depends on my decision alone".

"But earlier I told you I'll only be a temporary wife and you agreed, don't tell me I've been tricked".

"I told you, we'll see about it, I didn't make any promise to you". He said.

Scarlett snapped."You should've been clear about it, and not made me fall into your trap, I clearly remembered you agreeing to my terms".

With a sharp tone. Alejandro said. "You know you should be facing a defamation lawsuit right now. Don't you?"

I...know, but...

"Just shut your pretty mouth and be a good girl. Okay".

Scarlett was speechless. Her head bowed low, as one thought just kept ringing through her head. How has she stupidly gotten here, because of some stupid proposal.

As the car pulled away, she couldn't help but ask herself. I've i made a mistake?. Is my revenge even worth it to be tied to a man like Alejandro Moritz?.

Scarlett's thoughts were a tangled mess. She stared out the car window, watching the city blur past in streaks of gold and gray. Her heart felt heavy, As they raced through her mind, lost in them. She couldn't believe she was married, out of impulse, just to take revenge. But for once, she wanted to use this opportunity to get back at them.

She had married Alejandro Moritz, a billionaire and of all aspects a stranger. All to put Isabella in her place. But now, sitting beside him in silence, she realized how little she knew about the man she'd just signed her life to.

Still, something didn't sit right. Scarlett felt there was more Alejandro wasn't letting out about his reason for agreeing to the contract. For crying out loud, she knew nothing about him.

She'd tried Googling him earlier. All she found were polished headlines: philanthropist, investor, economic powerhouse. And about his age: Thirty-four years old.

Scarlett couldn't believe he's actually eleven years older than her.

He had no scandals. No ex's. No drama. Just power, privacy, and perfection.

Too perfect, she thought. And that scared her a lot.

Her own past felt like a cruel joke of all the imperfections and twists. Two years of a wasted relationship with Harry, his late nights, secret calls, canceled dates. She'd ignored the signs. Trusted him. I loved him. And he'd betrayed her with the one person who knew exactly how to hurt her.

Her stomach twisted with the pain and betrayal.

The car slowed at a traffic light. Alejandro tapped the steering wheel rhythmically, his gaze fixed ahead.

Alejandro, without looking at her, asked. "You've been quiet. What's wrong?"

Scarlett didn't answer. She wasn't ready to speak to him.

He turned to her, his gaze sharp. "Scarlett." he called.

She had to force a small smile.

"Nothing. I'm okay."

He didn't press further. Instead, he pulled into the valet of a high-end restaurant. Which made Scarlett's brows furrowed.

her expression speaking louder than words.

"What are we doing here?"

Alejandro chuckled as he stepped out of the car, walked around, and opened the door for her like a perfect gentleman. Scarlett was stunned.

She couldn't help but ask, "Are we... supposed to be seen together?"

Alejandro just shrugged at her alarmed tone and replied, his voice strained, "You are my wife, Scarlett. We just got married. So do not dare get embarrassed about it. And yes. We will be seen more often...together, because you are now Scarlett Moritz. So start getting used to it."

Scarlett took a deep breath as her head screamed, What have I gotten into?

She wasn't prepared for any public attention, it never came to mind and it was clear Alejandro wasn't about to hide their marriage.

"Come down."

Still, she didn't move.

Alejandro sharply said, his eyes narrowed. "Unless you want me to carry you out."

That did it. She stepped down quickly, sensing the shift in his mood. He closed the door, took her hand, and led her inside.

The restaurant was elegant, intimate, and buzzing with quiet luxury. They were seated quickly. A waiter approached, and Alejandro ordered in fluent French. Scarlett didn't understand a word and she didn't bother asking.

Alejandro was on his phone when he spoke.

without looking away from his phone.

"Come here," he ordered.

Scarlett paused. unsure if he was talking to her. But when he raised his head and looked at her sharply, she gave a questioning look. Is he talking to me?

Alejandro raised his head, eyes locking with hers. "I said, come here."

She stood, unsure, and walked toward him. He reached out, tugging her gently by the waist until she sat on his lap. Her breath hitched.

Luckily they were at a hidden corner of the restaurant. But if anyone could pass by they could see them...

Alejandro leaned in, his voice low against her ear.

"You've been quiet, little wife. Where's the daring woman from yesterday?"

He asked, his lips brushed her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. She squirmed, resisting the pull...but her body betrayed her, responding to the heat of his touch.

Just as the moment threatened to tip into something more intimate. The waiter returned with their food.

Scarlett tried to stand, but Alejandro's grip tightened, keeping her close. His hand lingered at her waist, firm but not forceful. The waiter, sensing the tension, quickly served the dishes and exited.

Scarlett exhaled, her cheeks flushed and her heart pounding.

This is dangerous, she thought. Trying again to leave his arms.

But Alejandro didn't let go.

His voice dropped, low and deliberate. "are you trying, not to be intimate with me?"

Scarlett's breath hitched. There was something in his tone. commanding, and laced with danger.

She didn't want to be bullied by him in this so-called marriage, so she tried making herself clear about her earlier condition. I told you my conditions earlier, that there would be no form of intimacy and I'll only play the role of your wife in public and...

Alejandro cuts her words shut. "I agreed to this marriage for my reasons, and fucking you was among them and I clearly told you, you would accept your duties as my wife publicly and privately or didn't you read the document," he continued, his fingers tracing slow circles on the skin of her thigh. "Don't make the mistake of resisting my touch."

Scarlett's heart pounded. She tried to pull away again, but he held her tighter, his teeth nibbling at her neck.

"Not now, this is embarrassing" Scarlett muttered under her breath. And Alejandro heard her.

"Scarlett" he said in a sharp tone, giving her a silent warning.

Scarlett was still perched on Alejandro's lap, her body tense, her heart thudding from the heat of his whispered words and the possessive grip around her waist. The restaurant's low lighting wrapped around them, until a voice sliced through the quiet space of the restaurant.

"Alejandro..."

The tone was shrill with excitement, but the sweetness was clearly fake. Scarlett stiffened, suddenly hyper-aware of the position she was in. Alejandro's body went rigid beneath her.