The man's features came into sharper focus.

His jawline was sharp and defined, exuding a certain cool edge. His thin lips were tightly pressed together, and his dark, depthless eyes looked like they could suck you in whole.

He radiated masculinity-like, the kind that hits you straight in the face.

Calliope felt her heart skip a beat.

He stopped right in front of her, towering over her almost a whole head, casting a shadow that practically swallowed her up.

"Calliope Godfrey?"

Good looks aside, his voice was also criminally attractive.

It was low, raspy, and carried a sort of magnetic pull-like a jolt straight to her eardrums.

Calliope gave herself a mental shake and nodded. "That's me. You're... Olivia's cousin?"

He gave a slight nod, glancing her over just for a second before looking away and answering in a flat tone, "Conrad Hilliard."

Calliope still found it a little hard to believe.

Olivia seriously had a cousin like this? Legendary level.

"Did you bring your ID?" Conrad asked.

"Yeah," she said instinctively, handing it over to him.

He took it and turned without hesitation. "Let's go in."

"Mr. Hilliard," she called out, making him stop, "isn't this... a bit rushed? Don't you think we should at least get to know each other more?"

Conrad didn't bother sugarcoating. "Olivia filled me in. Getting to know more is just wasting time."

Calliope was speechless.

Of course Olivia had already run her mouth. No doubt this guy knew all about her baggage by now.

"But before we register the marriage, I think there are a few things we need to make clear."

Conrad raised an eyebrow, gesturing for her to continue.

"First, this is a contractual marriage. We both get what we need from it. I won't interfere in your life, and I expect you to stay out of mine."

"Fine."

"Second, finances stay separate. I'm not after your money, and you better not touch mine."

He gave her a quick look. "Understood."

"Lastly-this is the biggest thing for me-I have zero tolerance for lies. Any form of deceit, we're done. Can you handle that?"

That was her absolute line in the sand.

Conrad's gaze tightened a bit; the lazy vibe he had softened.

He stared at her for a few seconds.

Calliope didn't flinch, looking back at him steadily.

Finally, he responded with a brief, "Okay."

"I'm done with my conditions. Mr. Hilliard, what about yours?"

"Just one," he said, lifting his chin slightly. "I'm not into women. This marriage is just to keep my family off my back. So do us both a favor-don't catch feelings."

Calliope gave him another once-over, head to toe.

Broad shoulders, trim waist, mile-long legs. His T-shirt clung to his chest and arms, outlining solid muscle underneath.

Even through the fabric, you could sense the raw physical energy rolling off him-this guy was practically dripping hormone.

And he claimed to have no interest in women?

If he wasn't into women... then was he into men?

So this really was a no-strings-attached, strictly-business deal. Just two people teaming up for convenience.

He could smooth things over with his family, and go on living his "colorful" life.

Noticing her shifting expression, Conrad frowned. "What? Second thoughts?"

Calliope curled her lips up slightly, a faint dimple surfacing on her cheek. "What a coincidence, Mr. Hilliard. I'm honestly not into men either. Especially... your type."

"I've always been clear-headed when it comes to relationships," she added with a playful blink and an overly innocent smile. "Relax, I'm not gonna catch feelings. We're just keeping it professional, mutual benefits and all!"

Conrad was speechless.

Why did she sound so off? Her gaze felt... weird.

He turned on his heel and headed toward the registration center, striding like someone on a mission.

Calliope's ankle still wasn't fully healed. Standing too long was already making it ache again. She tried to keep up but his long legs made it impossible-she was practically dragging herself.

Watching him almost disappear into the building, she had no choice but to raise her voice. "Conrad, wait up!"

The man paused and looked back, visibly annoyed.

"Why are you so slow?" He shot her a glance like she was some kind of human snail.

Calliope opened her mouth to explain, but before she could say a word, Conrad strode back and reached her in a few steps.

And then out of nowhere-he picked her up. Like, full-on bridal carry.

"What?!" Calliope stared up at him, her heart suddenly pounding.

His arms were steady and strong, like he was barely using any effort. Through her thin clothes, she could feel the heat of his chest and the tension of his biceps.

"Oh my god!"

"That's totally a princess carry! So romantic!"

Gasps came from a few people nearby.

Calliope's ears went completely red. Two lifetimes, and she'd never been carried like this in front of so many people.

"Mr. Hilliard, seriously, put me down, I can walk," she muttered, feeling way too seen.

He glanced down at her. That look he gave was straight-up judging-like he was saying, 'You? Walk? Maybe in the next century.'

"...Whatever." She gave up fighting it and just buried her face in his chest.

If she couldn't see anyone, then no one could see her, right?

His body tensed for a second, then he walked straight to the service counter and gently set her down in the chair.

Even the lady at the counter couldn't hold back a giggle. Her gaze bounced between them with an amused twinkle. "You two are so adorable. Alright, form time!"

Calliope froze.

Please, someone dig her a hole to crawl into.

Fortunately, the office staff worked fast.

Forms, photos, vows-it all moved like a checklist. Each station took a bit of walking, and every time Calliope slowed down even slightly, those iron arms swooped in like clockwork and lifted her again.

Being carried around the office by him, her mind couldn't stop looping back to how she got the ankle injury in the first place.

That night two days ago, heading to a bar. Lucien was too busy checking his phone, didn't even notice the red light. A car was speeding their way, and she yanked him back just in time-only to twist her ankle in the process.

His response? Just a frown and a cold, "Wow, you're clumsy."

Then he had Angelina help her cross the street, not even offering a hand himself.

Thinking about all that now-and looking at the man holding her like she weighed nothing-her supposedly-temporary husband didn't seem all that bad. A little grumpy, sure, and kind of rough around the edges, but... not the worst.

The two marriage certificates were quickly issued.

After walking out of the registration center, Conrad scooped her up in his arms and then slid one of the booklets out of her hand.

He held out his palm again. "Give me your phone."

Calliope was caught off guard. Confused, she still handed him her phone.

He took it, his fingers moving deftly across the screen. Then he handed it back.

"My number's in there. Also, the code to the apartment. Move in if you want, or not-up to you."

Then he fished out a debit card from his pocket and held it toward her.

"Salary card. PIN is six nines."

Calliope looked at the ordinary bank card in his hand, then at the plain clothes he had on. She didn't take it.

The handbag slung over her shoulder alone was probably worth several months of his pay.

"This... doesn't seem necessary. We said post-marriage finances stay separate."

"That's your rule," Conrad said, pausing for a moment before continuing in a low voice. "In my unit, the guys all hand over their salary cards."

Calliope went quiet.

So this man was really committed to playing this marriage role all the way?

Was he scared she'd pull something on him later, or did he just think this was how a husband should behave-at least on paper?

Whatever. If he wants it that way, fine. It's not like she cared about a bit of extra cash anyway.

"Alright, I'll keep it safe for you."

She nodded and tucked the card away.

Conrad seemed satisfied. He gave a brief "Yeah," then added, "I've got stuff to handle at the station. Gotta go," and turned to leave.

Calliope stayed where she was, looking at the marriage certificate in her hand, a whirl of emotions churned inside her.

In her last life, she'd pulled every trick to get her hands on this one thin document.

Subtle hints, light tapping around the subject-eventually it'd taken a doctor's reminder during a check-up for them to actually register the marriage.

Lucien had been so reluctant back then.

And now, in this life, she had it handed to her almost absurdly fast.

She let out a soft, mocking chuckle, her lips curling, but there was nothing warm in her eyes-only a cold trace of irony.

She slipped the certificate back into her bag and was about to call a ride when a black sedan pulled up right beside her.

"Excuse me, are you Ms. Godfrey?"

Calliope blinked in surprise. "I am."

The driver smiled and said, "Your husband just booked the ride for you. I'm here to take you home."

Calliope froze.

Seriously? Never thought that guy would be that thoughtful.

Looks like his "boyfriend" really trained him well.

*****

As soon as Calliope stepped into the villa, she could tell something was off.

The living room was buzzing-way livelier than any holiday.

She barely crossed the doorway when a whole crowd of aunts swarmed her.

"Oh my, Calliope's back!"

"Sweetheart, you must've had such a rough time! That Lucien's such a jerk, backing out like that. Absolutely shameless!"

"Right? And that Angelina? No better. That girl's nothing but trouble, stealing someone else's fiancé like that. So tacky!"

"Calliope, don't let it get to you. Guys are everywhere! Lose one and a better one's around the corner!"

It took her a second to process.

Of course-today was May 20th.

She was supposed to marry Lucien today.

He'd gone all out, booking the most expensive hotel in town, invites sent all over high society. The extravagance was insane.

In her last life, it made headlines for days-people called it their fairytale wedding. She was the lucky Mrs. Sterling with the perfect love story.

Thinking back now? What a damn joke.

Well, since he picked Angelina, he'd probably handed over that whole lavish wedding plan to her.

"Calliope, cheer up, okay?"

A distant aunt-one she barely knew-put on her best fake-sweet voice:

"Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Marrying into that family might've been a nightmare. Oh, speaking of which, my neighbor's son just got back from abroad. Good-looking young man. Want me to set you two up?"

Calliope snapped back and gave just the right amount of dazed, fragile expression.

She had half the mind to flash her marriage certificate and show them that she was far from unwanted.

But seeing those barely-hidden smirks and fake sympathies in their eyes, she paused.

Instead, she gave a soft nod and a small smile. "Sure, thanks, Auntie."