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.

Scarlett turned her head toward the voice. A tall, elegant woman stood by their table, her smile dripping with seduction. Scarlett instinctively slid off Alejandro's lap and returned to her seat. He didn't stop her this time.

The woman's eyes followed Scarlett with a sharp, laser-like glare full of disgust. Scarlett met it with a blank stare, refusing to flinch. But deep inside, she felt small, expecially with the lady's radiating confidence, and how she carried herself, she was elegant, tall, and with a great body.

Scarlett wondered who this woman is to Alejandro, she couldn't help but compare herself to her.

"I've missed you, baby," the woman cooed, her voice flirtatious and loud enough to draw attention. "I tried calling, but it wouldn't go through. I've been looking for you since I got back to the state."

Alejandro took a slow sip of his wine, his expression unreadable as he showed no reaction to her claims. The silence stretched just long enough to make the woman shift awkwardly.

Then he spoke, voice cold and clipped.

"What are you doing here, Mrs Johnson?"

Scarlett's eyes flicked between them, her curiosity piqued. She leaned back slightly, watching the exchange like a live drama unfolding.

Mrs Johnson faltered, then recovered with a sultry smile. She laughed as if Alejandro had just said a joke, cleaning fake tears,

Mrs Johnson!, come on Alejandro you know it's Lucy. She posed suggestively, subtly tugging her dress higher to reveal more legs.

Seeing this, all the admiration Scarlett had for this Mrs Johnson, went down the drain. Like what the hell.

"You know," Lucy purred, "lets hang out. Talk about the things we've missed, spend time together..."

Alejandro sighed, clearly unimpressed.

"Lucy, you're married."

"I'm widowed," she snapped, her tone defensive. "And I want us to talk. About us. Maybe fix things."

Scarlett couldn't hold back anymore.

"Excuse me?" she said, voice sharp. "I'm right here. And you're making advances on my man? I can't believe there's a shameless bitch in here bold enough to do that."

Lucy scoffed, eyes narrowing.

"Mind your business, you little slut."

Scarlett's blood boiled.

"I'm no slut. You are. Now get your fucking fake ass out of here and leave my husband the hell alone."

Lucy's mouth dropped open, stunned.

"Excuse me..."

Alejandro smirked, his voice low but commanding.

"You heard my wife. Leave. Unless you want to be thrown out."

Lucy's face twisted in fury, but she knew better than to challenge him.

She made a silent promise to herself to get him back no matter what. With a huff, she turned on her heel and stormed out.

Scarlett muttered a curse under her breath, glaring at Alejandro.

He sat back down, smirking.

"I like that," he said. "You claiming me as your man, you're learning fast."

Scarlett couldn't help but kick him under the table. Annoyed.

He didn't flinch, her kick did little to nothing, but the amusement in his eyes deepened. He wanted to laugh, but didn't. She was clearly pissed, and God, she was beautiful. Her cheeks puffed with anger, her eyes blazing. He felt the urge to kiss her right then and there.

Scarlett couldn't believe he was smirking after what had just happened he didn't even do anything to stop the lady even when she insulted her.

His indifference really annoyed her, but one thing was clear he had secrets he wasn't letting out.

"Who was she?" she asked, her voice low and sharp.

Alejandro's expression changed instantly. The warmth vanished. His eyes turned cold and dangerous.

"You shouldn't care," he said.

His meaning was clear. Don't ask.

She looked into his eyes., dark, unreadable, and cold. There was no warmth there.

Scarlett clenched her jaw, furious. She turned her attention to her food, stabbing at it with her fork, refusing to look at him again.

Alejandro watched her in silence, the tension between them thick.

Alejandro's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening when he saw the caller ID, Estella Moritz. His mother. An image flashed in his eyes of her perfectly styled hair, her cold and calculating smile.

He answered with a clipped, "Yes?"

Her voice came sharp and scornful.

"Morning to you too, Alejandro. Why aren't you home? I clearly told you yesterday that Beatrice has her wedding dress fitting today. As her groom, weren't you supposed to be there? But no....you just had to disobey. Now my princess is in tears."

Alejandro rolled his eyes, the word princess making his skin crawl.

"For fuck's sake, princess," he muttered under his breath, then spoke louder, his voice flat. "Cancel the wedding. I'm not marrying her."

There was a beat of silence. Then Estella's voice exploded through the speaker.

"How dare you! God, where did I get this boy from? For heaven's sake, Alejandro, grow up and stop being childish!"

She gave a brief pause, then spoke again. "I need you to come home and apologize to Beatrice. Apologize about that stupid scandal going on about you and that gold digger, I've made myself clear you must marry Beatrice".

Her words were harsh, but he'd long since stopped being affected. Years of being raised in a house where love was conditional and comparison was currency had hardened him. Beatrice had always been the golden girl, polished and adored. Even when she wasn't a Moritz, and he had to leave with it for years, he couldn't give them the helping hands to control him all his life, in the name of a marriage alliance. He had lived as a disappointment and rebel. The one who refused to play along, he was fine fitting in that role.

He stared out of the restaurant window, it was either now or never he had to stop this nonsense they call a marriage union.

He replied, his voice low and final.

"I'll be home soon."

He ended the call without waiting for her reply.

Turning his head, he looked at Scarlett. She was hunched over her plate, stabbing at her food like it had personally offended her. Her brown curls framed her face in wild defiance, her green eyes hidden but burning beneath her lowered lashes.

Alejandro smirked. She was angry. If only she knew how beautiful she is while being angry, her green eyes would widen and her cheeks red. But at least she was his wife.

He cleared his throat, loud enough to be heard. Scarlett didn't look up. She was ignoring him deliberately. But he knew she'd heard every word of that call. Her silence was a statement.

Still, he spoke, his voice calm but commanding.

"There's an urgent issue I need to handle. My driver will pick you up. You'll go get your things and move in today."

Scarlett's fork froze mid-air. Her head lifted slowly, eyes locking with his. The disbelief in her gaze was sharp enough to see through her .

"what?...I'm not moving in with you," her voice was low and repulsive.

Alejandro leaned forward, his tone darkening.

"Oh, baby...you will get your things and move in with. End of discussion. Or I'll come to wherever you are and carry you home myself."