Chapter 4 Chapter 4

MERRI's hands trembled as the silence stretched between them. Evan's words echoed in her ears. Marry me.

Her mind refused to accept him, and every part of her wanted to scream at him, to call him arrogant, heartless, and cruel. She hated him. She hated the way he stood in front of her so calm, as if her life were just another deal on his table. But behind her anger lay the truth she couldn’t escape: she had nothing. No family, no home, no safety. The world had already taken everything from her. And now, the man she despised was the only one offering her means to survive. She might hate it, but what choice could she possibly have?

Her hands curled into fists, nails biting into her palms.

“Don’t say it… Don’t give him the satisfaction,” her pride hissed.

But survival spoke louder.

Her lips trembled as the words slipped out, softer than a whisper.

“Y-Yes. I’ll marry you.”

For a brief second, she saw something flicker in Evan’s eyes: victory, satisfaction, maybe even relief, before his face returned to its cold mask.

“Good,” he said simply, his tone clipped and businesslike, as if she’d just signed a contract instead of surrendering her freedom. “Tomorrow, you’ll be my bride.”

The next morning came too quickly. Merri barely slept, her thoughts a storm of fear, anger, and uneasy resolve. When the maid entered to wake her, she was handed a white silk robe and told to prepare for the stylist who would be arriving soon.

She stood before the mirror, staring at her reflection. Bride. The word didn’t feel real. She was a secretary, a woman who had been betrayed and beaten down by life, not someone meant to wear a wedding gown.

Downstairs, Evan was already dressed sharply in a black tailored suit, his tie perfectly knotted. He spoke with his lawyer and publicist, his expression cool and controlled. His pride was at stake today.

When Merri entered the room, all heads turned. Even with her hair messy and her robe loose, she drew attention. Evan’s gaze lingered, unreadable, but he quickly masked it with his usual icy composure.

“Sign here,” the lawyer said, sliding the contract across the table.

Merri’s hands trembled as she read the bold letters: Marriage Agreement Confidential.

The terms were clear. Six months. No interference in personal lives beyond appearances. Payment delivered monthly. Strict confidentiality.

She held the pen tightly. Pride screamed for her to throw the paper back at him, but the memory of debt notices, the menacing faces of the loan sharks, and her parents’ grave kept her frozen.

Finally, she signed.

Evan signed next, quick and sharp. The deal was sealed.

Hours later, Merri stood in a gown she never imagined wearing. It was simple yet elegant, ivory satin hugging her figure, with delicate lace trailing her arms. The stylist had tamed her hair into soft waves, a small tiara resting on her head. She looked nothing like the secretary Evan used to bark orders at.

When she saw herself, her breath caught.

“This isn’t me… is it?” She whispers as she lets her fingers run through her reflection in the mirror.

The ceremony was held in a grand hall, decorated with white roses and chandeliers that sparkled like stars. Guests filled the seats: business associates, family acquaintances, reporters, and photographers eager to capture the wedding of the powerful Evan Alexander Virkin.

Evan stood at the altar, expression steady, hands behind his back. His eyes, however, searched for Merri the moment she stepped in.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. The mysterious bride was revealed.

Merri felt her knees weaken under the weight of every stare, every camera flashing at her face. She wanted to run. But Evan’s eyes caught hers, steady and commanding. His unspoken message anchored her: Don’t falter. Not now.

Step by step, she walked toward him.

When she reached the altar, Evan offered his arm. To the world, it looked like a gesture of devotion. To her, it was a silent command.

“You look… presentable,” he whispered coldly, just for her ears.

She glared at him. “And you look as arrogant as ever.”

The priest began the ceremony. Words washed over her vows, promises, blessings. They weren’t real, not for her. But to everyone watching, this was the perfect union.

When it came time for the kiss, Merri froze. Her heart raced. Cameras leaned in, flashes ready. She turned her face slightly away, panic rising.

Evan’s hand gripped her waist firmly. His voice was low, threatening but calm: “Don’t you dare ruin this.”

Before she could react, his lips brushed hers, light, controlled, but enough to seal the image of a perfect kiss. The crowd erupted in applause.

Merri’s chest tightened. It was over. She was now Evan’s wife, not by choice, but by survival.

Yet as she looked into his eyes after the kiss, she saw something strange flicker there. Not love. Not kindness. But not completely cold either. Something she couldn’t name.

And in that moment, she realized one thing: this marriage might not just be about survival. It might change everything. Her life, and endanger her heart and peace of mind.

In the reception area, she couldn't believe her eyes; everything inside was luxurious and expensive. Even the guests were extraordinary people, making her feel out of place.

“Oh my!” A sound slipped from her mouth as she nearly fell, having bumped into something. Luckily, Evan managed to catch her and support her.

“Watch out and focus. Don't you dare make a scene here that would ruin my reputation,” Evan whispered in her ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled at the approaching guests.

She looked up and glared at him, unable to believe how good he was at acting.

“Such a lovely wife you have,” a voice praised. She immediately shifted her gaze from her husband to the owner of the voice, one of the businessmen, a special guest of Evan’s.

“Such beauty! Why did you hide her from us?” the man's companions chimed in.

Evan chuckled. “Some treasures are meant to be hidden to preserve them and exposed when the time is right.”

He smiled coolly as he pulled her closer, gently holding her chin and lifting it, causing her eyes to widen and her lips to part in surprise.

“What a perfect match,” an older woman commented.

She pressed her lips together and managed to curve a smile.

“Thank you, everyone,” she said, trying to remove Evan's arms from around her waist, but he didn’t let her go.

“Behave and just go with the flow,” Evan whispered to her, his finger running gently along her face.

“You—”

“Let's make a toast for my successful marriage and for having a beautiful wife,” Evan declared, ignoring her protests.

“CHEERS!”

She had no choice but to smile as they turned to the guests, who were cheering and wishing them a blessed marriage.

Suddenly, the host clinked his glass.“Now, let’s not forget the most awaited part of our newlyweds’ first toast!”

The crowd erupted in cheers. Merri froze when a waiter handed Evan two filled glasses of red wine.