Mira never thought she would be getting married. Not so soon. Not so quickly. Not so unexpected and unplanned and undigested. And definitely not to the most unexpected person—the man she least thought of.

Every girl dreams of their wedding day. Dressed in beautiful white wedding garments. Their groom in his best tuxedo. The best decorations. Family, friends, well-wishers invited. Merriment and joy.

Mira never expected hers to be so full of intentions. Not the good ones. The ones with interests that were not in her favor.

She had been living a good life. An endurable routine. Ever since she left the Zhao family for the school campus, she had found something close to peace. Then the phone call came. Return to the Zhao house immediately.

And now here she was. Standing in front of her full-length dressing mirror, staring at her reflection.

The dress was modest. An A-line skirt that brushed the floor. A high neckline—not the elegant type but the suffocating type, swallowing her small swan-like neck. The lace sleeves were shapeless, swallowing her arms. The dress could easily be mistaken for a potato sack that someone had bedazzled. The skirt had no waistline, just hanging straight down like a comic costume for a ghost character. The silk was very good, very expensive quality. But the design was the direct opposite. It made her look like a ridiculous joke.

And then there was her face. Unmistakably Mira's masterpiece.

The foundation was two shades lighter than her neck, making her look as pale as one could imagine. Bright red blush sat on both cheeks like each was fighting for attention. Unblended. Unapologetic. And her eyes—the main center of it all. The left eye painted in bold, seductive color. Sharp. Fierce. A black wing that could cut glass. In contrast to this alluring eye was the right eye: no wing. Just a sad, thick line drawn like it had given up halfway through. Together, they looked like two cousins who had never met. One was going to a business meeting. The other was going to a funeral. Her lashes were clumped into tiny black spikes. Her lips were colored blood red, the edges bleeding past her lip line. Smeared. Careless. And finally her hair. Braided in big clusters of twisted braids that had probably been in her hair for months. Like a traveler who had wandered the world with no direct destination.

She looked like an earthquake in full bloom. Like a crime scene in a movie gone wrong.

Clicking her tongue and winking at herself in the mirror, she admired her masterpiece. Uniquely Mira. Nothing less.

She thought to herself: *I think I look too beautiful to be overlooked as the bride. If they're going to force me into a marriage that I have nothing to benefit from, then why don't I make them happy a little?*

She still remembered that day. Before all this happened.

It was supposed to be a quiet, peaceful Saturday afternoon. Bright. Full of hope and fresh starts. She was still in her dorm, typing away the last line of her project, when the phone call from hell came in. The Marcus Zhao family. It was her uncle. The man with a smiling face that wrapped knives. He asked her to come back home for an urgent meeting.

"Okay," was all she said. The meek and gentle niece she had learned to be after twelve years of living with his family. Knowing fully well that whatever was awaiting her in that house was never anything good. Normal occurrence. Unprecedented, but normal.

Getting home, she was welcomed with the news of the unexpected marriage. They claimed it was arranged due to some occurrence during childhood and was accepted by both families. Something like that. Laura's cocky grin sat across the table like she knew Mira was being sold but was still helping to count the money.

Mira didn't object. Didn't argue. Just nodded and left for her room.

It was located at the end of the hall. Beside the laundry room. Behind the last door on the left. It was small. Too small for a Zhao. The housekeeper's room was bigger. Marcus's excuse back then was that the house was under maintenance. Something about a leakage in the roof. That was twelve years ago. She had adapted.

The twin bed was shoved against the wall. Faded sheets. Sagging mattress. A narrow window that could barely bring enough air in to diffuse the unknown stink.

She flopped on the bed and thought about her parents. The mystery behind their death. The only reason she was still here.

Then her phone rang.

It was her grandfather. He told her he had his reasons for the marriage arrangement. That Damon Cipher was the only person he could trust her with. He was aging now, and she needed someone to protect her. He hinted that he knew what she was going through in that house, even if she never told him. It was only a matter of time. He had his reasons for keeping quiet. She didn't need to feel alone. Elderly warmth. Gentle unconditional love. The kind she had not felt since her parents passed.

After the call, she felt light.

She looked at herself in the mirror for the second time. Grinning. Mischief and trouble dancing in her mismatched eyes. Nothing like the meek, gentle bride she was about to transform into.

A knock came from the door. It was a maid. Aunty Cara. She came to tell Mira that the car was here to pick her up. Seeing Mira's face and outfit, Aunty Cara wasn't perturbed. She knew this was Mira's signature style. With a bit of upgrade. She acted calm on the outside, but internally she was questioning her life choices and wondering how Mira—the once beautiful little kid—had become this disaster wrapped in rainbow. She didn't say anything. Just advised Mira to take care of herself. All pure affection and care. Not the fake type.

Mira nodded and mouthed thanks.

She went downstairs. There she saw the family of three sitting in the living room. And on the other sofa sat a man dressed in a navy blue suit. Combed hair. Clean. Sharp. She watched the way her uncle and his wife practically worshiped him and guessed that he was probably sent by her soon-to-be groom.

When Mira walked down the stairs, the noise from her heels tapping the floor attracted the attention of the four people in the living room. They turned to look at the source of the noise. And saw Mira's tragic outfit and horrific makeup.

Hayden—Damon's assistant, the man actually here to pick her up—was sitting with the three family members of shamelessness. When he saw Mira, he almost screamed. But thanks to his composure and all the training he had received from Damon, he didn't. He looked quietly and said nothing. Internally, he was screaming. Doubting all his life decisions. Wondering what the old man was thinking when arranging his grandson with this girl for marriage.

The remaining family of three? Their reaction was spontaneous. Laura was the first to gasp dramatically, barely holding in her laughter. Lisa took on the usual role of the caring aunt—a performance that could certainly earn her an Oscar. Marcus just stared. Looking like someone who had gotten used to it but didn't know what to do. The helpless uncle who had tried everything to help his niece. In the past, it would earn him sympathy.

Mira smirked internally. But externally, she smiled sweetly at her uncle and his family. It almost scared the life out of them. Thank goodness it was daytime.

Then Mira turned to look at the man sent to pick her up. She nodded at him, then walked toward the door without saying goodbye to the people in the living room.

Walking out of the house with Hayden behind her, Mira spotted a very black sedan parked outside. Low-key. Luxurious. Definitely waiting to pick her up. Hayden went forward to open the backseat door.

Mira slipped into the backseat with too much hurry and slammed straight into a hard wall. Or so she thought. This wall smelled of sandalwood. Mint. And a mix of medicinal herbs.

She looked up.

Her eyes traveled from his chest upward. His black shirt was snug against his body. The sleeves were rolled up. The collar was open. No tie. The hollow of his throat was visible, his Adam's apple moving up and down in slow rhythm. Looking very sexy yet poised. His skin was pale. Not sickly. Just untouched. Like no one had ever been close enough to touch or see it. His jaw was sharp. Like it had been sharpened by a sculptor. A bit of subtle stubble—the kind that made your hands itch to rub it. His lips were thin, juicy pink, pressed into a line with dissatisfaction clamoring there. His nose was straight and pointed. Aristocratic. The kind that looked down on people even when the other person was standing. Perfect bridge. High cheekbones.

And his eyes. Black obsidian. Like a bottomless pit. The kind that made you feel seen through without even trying. Dark and deep yet alluring and beautiful. They were looking at her now with annoyance advertising for attention, as Mira would say. They held eye contact. Damon looking like he could commit murder at any time. Mira knowing that look. It was a warning.

She decided to ignore it and do something more crazy.

She blinked at him with her two hands still straddling his lap—which was her supposed wall. Then, in the most sweet, sultry voice one could never think of coming from the lips of a person dressed in a sack-like white wedding dress and a color carnival disaster of a makeup, she said:

"Honey. You finally came. So you're my husband to be, right? Not bad."

She said this while checking out his face. Blinking like someone who knew nothing about the kind of look Damon was giving her. She held his cheeks with her two little hands and nodded, muttering to herself that his looks were not bad. Quite manageable. Congratulations to her. Damon heard it all. Everything.

In the driver's seat, Hayden felt like the ground could open and swallow him up. *Oh my gosh. What did I just hear? That voice. The honey sounded too sweet to be true. This girl must be seeking death. Not only did she slam her makeup-stricken face into boss, but she touched him. Touched him. And said his face—his face that could get all the women in Veridian City scrambling to see even without him smiling—she said his face was quite manageable. Oh my gosh. Big boss has really gotten himself into this. Definitely no turning back.*

Hayden tried to act as invisible as possible. Because he didn't know what his never-rational boss would do to him.

Mira was just getting started. She continued staring at Damon and muttering to God knows who. Then she tapped his nose twice. Winked at him. And asked in that same sweet voice:

"Honeyyyy, can you stop giving me that look? We're going to get married soon, and here you are looking like the world owes you millions."

Hayden choked in the front seat. He really wanted to burst out laughing. But Damon's eyes from the rearview mirror left him no choice but to cough. He really couldn't take it anymore. *Aghhhhh! Finally, someone who isn't scared of six feet. The last person that ever spoke to boss—not even as bad as this—is lying six feet under now. And here... aghhhhh! I'm in for more drama.*

Mira continued, now adjusting herself to kneel properly, using both hands to press Damon's thighs to steady herself. Damon shot her a look. She ignored it.

Then he spoke. The first words since she got into the car.

"Get your hands and yourself off me. Now."

Mira blinked. Then pouted dramatically.

"Why are you shouting? You're scaring me. Don't you know how to talk to a beauty? Not just any beauty—an adorably cute, beautiful lady like me?"

Hayden burst into laughter, holding his stomach. "Oh no, this is too much for only me to bear."

It earned him another sharp look from Damon. It took him forever to get back the composure that Mira had somehow helped him throw under the car since they stepped in.

Then Damon's voice was heard. Low. Sexy. But full of warning, killing intent, and mockery.

"You probably have never looked well in a mirror. Or you don't know the meaning of the words you just mentioned to actually associate yourself with any of it."

Mira frowned and held her chest dramatically like someone who had been shot in the heart.

"Who's not associated? You are the one who's not literate enough to understand those words. Okay, you've probably never met a beauty in your life, that's why you can't tell. I won't argue with you too much. Just know that you are very lucky to have this beauty as your bride without any effort. Hmph."

Hayden burst out laughing again. This time, Damon did not stop him. Because even he was exasperated. He was left speechless by Mira's statement. He was forced to look at her again. Holding back a smirk, he said:

"Clown."

Mira heard and was about to reply before he cut her off.

"Not another word from you, or I won't think twice before throwing you back to that house. Now stay away from me."

Mira snorted and climbed off his body to sit on the other side of the car, rubbing her nose and muttering something about him not being able to send her back because he would have done that already, and his legs being too hard—they almost broke her poor, innocent nose.

Damon just looked at her. Then looked down at the large patch of his pants stained with her thick makeup. Annoyance written all over his face. He calmed himself down, convincing himself that he was probably in a good mood today, and that's why she was still breathing.

Then he looked at the rearview mirror.

"To the Lakeside Villa."

Hayden hesitated, wanting to say something, but seeing the annoyance on his boss's face, he held his horses. As if Damon knew what he was trying to say, he replied: "The official from the court should come home directly to complete the paperwork and registration."

"Yes, sir," said Hayden, now starting the car with a mind full of many questions.

END OF CHAPTER ONE

THE LAKESIDE VILLA

The drive took more than an hour, and that was only because traffic was kind. The villa sat on the northern edge of Veridian City, where the busy noise of the city—the honking of automobiles, the hustling and bustling of people—faded into open countryside.

The road leading there was smooth and quiet, lined with low stone walls that had been there for decades. Rolling hills spread out on both sides, covered in wild grass that swayed in the breeze like they were listening to a certain soothing music. No crowded neighbours. Just open sky and gentle slopes, giving off a peaceful, serene vibe. Mira never expected this cold new husband of hers to love such an environment. *He's got good taste,* she thought.

The black iron gate came into view. Simple vertical bars, clean and unpretentious, with a small silver keypad. Simple. Unassuming. It did not announce itself. It slid open without a sound. Beyond the gate, the driveway curved through a small grove of birch trees, their bark glowing softly in the fading light. The lake was a beautiful scene to behold—a wide expanse of fresh water nestled between two grassy hills.

Then the villa. It sat low and wide, hugging the land. Flat roof. Walls of pale grey stone mixed with warm wood panels and large panes of glass that caught the sky and the trees, blurring the line between inside and outside.

The front door was dark, warm wood and a wooden sign with the words "LAKESIDE VILLA" done with Gothic font calligraphy hanging above the door and a simple brass handle. The maids were already waiting to receive them, their heads bowed. The moment the car stopped in front of the black entrance door, Damon alighted without giving a second glance to his new wife, like he was being chased by ghosts.

Hayden knew the reason. He thought to himself while opening the door for Mira: *I really wonder how he was able to cope for this long, knowing fully well of his cleanliness obsession. This madam has really done a lot, but here she is, still breathing. I think there'll be more drama unfolding.*

"Madam, this way," he said, guiding her to the front door where the maids still stood with their heads bowed. He continued, "Well, don't mind boss's earlier behaviour. It's just that everything was unexpected and, well, you see…" He scratched his head. "Boss has a cleanliness obsession. I mean a serious case of OCD. That's why he hurried inside, so don't blame him."

Mira just waved it off, yawning. "Are you sure this is that stone face's house? Like, I mean, it doesn't really look like his house."

Hayden was speechless, but he still answered, "Yes, this is boss's house."

They walked past the maids and their chorus greeting of "Welcome home, madam." Then Hayden continued, "Boss likes quiet space like this, and this is the first time he's bringing anyone in here."

Mira blinked and snorted, saying sarcastically, "That deserves a Grammy."

Hayden fell silent.

The villa doors opened into the hallway. A long corridor stretched ahead, the floor pale oak, the walls white. It opened into a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the vast blue lake. The whole space was simple yet inviting: a long charcoal grey sofa, a black oak coffee table, two cream-coloured armchairs, and a thick light grey rug. A fireplace sat against the wall in the far corner.

The housekeeper, Aunty Carter, was already waiting there to welcome Mira. The moment she saw Mira, her facial expression couldn't be deciphered—only for a minute, before she returned to her usual composed self. She went over to welcome Mira.

"Good afternoon, madam. You're welcome to Lakeside Villa. I hope the journey wasn't too hard for you."

Mira saw that this woman was very warm and also had serious self-control. She silently praised Damon for his good training of his workers. She nodded at Aunty Carter like a meek little deer, which softened Aunty Carter's heart.

Aunty Carter led Mira to the bedroom already prepared for her according to Damon's instructions. It was upstairs, the second floor or so, with a spiral staircase and black metal railings. Aunty Carter introduced each room to her along the way, also telling her the rules and regulations of the house.

By the time they got to Mira's room—which was actually right opposite Damon's—she opened the door and they both walked in. The room was everything she never got in the Zhao mansion. Walls painted white and pastel blue. A king-sized bed with a soft white blanket and four pillows of different shapes and colours, mostly feminine. A thick pink rug laid on the marble floor. An area for work and study: a big table with a laptop and every other necessity. A big walk-in wardrobe with dresses hung in neat rows, blouses and tailored shirts lined in different rows, not just ordinary pieces—these were designer pieces from the best designers, the latest editions, with footwear and headwear taking their respective spaces. The whole space looked like a boutique. It was magnificent. Mira never expected this from her rushed husband.

Seeing her staring at everything with the curious eyes of a child made Aunty Carter's eyes warm. She walked over to Mira and said, "Sir asked us to arrange everything the way a girl will like it. Well, you see, he has never brought anyone here before except you. If there's anything you don't like about the arrangement, you can say it, and we'll change it immediately."

Hearing her words, Mira didn't reply sarcastically like she had to Hayden. She just shook her head. "I really like it. Thanks for the trouble."

Aunty Carter smiled. "You're welcome. It's our honour." Then she continued, "Sir already informed me that the officials from the court would be coming to finalise your marriage registration. If there's anything you want to eat, or maybe you want to freshen up, you can do that and rest before he gets here, madam."

Mira nodded. "Okay, no problem. I'm not hungry, but I'll like to rest a little. Thanks."

Aunty Carter nodded as a sign of understanding. "No problem. I'll come up and inform you when he arrives so you can get prepared. That's the intercom there." She pointed to the landline beside Mira's bedside stand. "Just call, and someone will be here to attend to any of your needs."

"Okay," said Mira.

Aunty Carter left, gently closing the door behind her.

Mira walked to the door, locking it, before returning to the bed and sitting down. She positioned herself comfortably, trying to process all that had happened in the past three days—the wedding, Damon. She was still thinking into space when a phone call interrupted her.

It was from her friend. Her ride or die. Her second chaos and mischief buddy. Kael.

He had been overseas somewhere in Europe, claiming he needed some solitude or something. And he sure wasn't planning to get it here.

She picked up on the second ring, and his loud, unmistakably him voice came into her ears.

**Kael:** "Hello, little menaceeee! I just landed. Miss me much?"

**Mira:** "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but no. I actually thought you were dead."

**Kael:** "Aghhhhhhh! My heart. My fragile heart. It hurts soooooo much. But that's okay. I know your heart says otherwise. I can feel it in my heart."

**Mira:** "I won't bother bursting your bubble. So tell me, where have you been? Like seriously, you said you were searching for solitude. Don't tell me you haven't found it for staying this long."

**Kael:** "Yeah, hehe. See? You missed me. Now look at all the evidence lying beneath your words."

**Mira:** "Don't flatter yourself. I don't miss you. I just wanted to know how many mental quirks are left in the world."

**Kael:** "Aghhhhh, you and your sharp tongue. But that's why I fell in love with you, so it's fine."

**Mira:** "Don't make me ask again. Where have you been, asshead?"

**Kael:** "Europe. Milan. Paris. And some island I already forgot the name of. Dad said I needed vast cultural enrichment. I think he just wanted me out of the country so he wouldn't have to look at my beautiful hair."

**Mira:** "I'm sure he would be doubting your DNA by now."

**Kael:** "Well, he has thought of doing that before, but a look from Mom got him shaking like a salted water fish."

**Mira:** "Noted. I'll help you send this to uncle."

**Kael:** "No, no, you wouldn't dare. Hmm, well, I mean… you know I love you, my sweetheart, my love, the sugar in my tea, my baby, my sunlight—"

**Mira:** "Ewwwwww. Do I look like those blind girls who will fall for whatever shit falls out from your mouth? I ain't buying that."

**Kael:** "But I love you seriously. Hehe."

**Mira:** "So what's the new disaster on your hair?"

**Kael:** "Silver. Like a hot villain from a bad movie. It's stunning. You'll swoon if you saw it."

**Mira:** "The last thing I want to see is your annoying face. So why are you calling me?"

**Kael:** "Because I'm back in Veridian City, obviously, and I heard something interesting."

**Mira:** "No."

**Kael:** "I haven't even said it yet."

**Mira:** "You are surely gonna say something annoying, so no. Anyways."

**Kael:** "You got married."

**Mira:** "Hmm."

**Kael:** "Shorty. You got married to my uncle. I mean, my uncle. That ice statue that likes to glare daggers like the universe owed him silence."

**Mira:** "Yep. It was a business arrangement."

**Kael:** "Or rather a disaster waiting to happen, and I'm so angry I wasn't there to watch. Tell me everything. Did you wear the ghost makeup? Did he glare? Did you call him something terrible? Please tell me you pissed him off, even if it's just a little."

**Mira:** "I slammed into his lap with my beautiful makeup-stricken face and stained his entire suit pant with mascara and foundation. And excuse you, that's my masterpiece. The most beautiful makeup from a genius makeup artist like myself. Not a ghost makeup, okay?"

**Kael:** *Screaming with laughter.* "Aghhhhh! Oh my gosh, I'm dying here! Did you just call that rainbow disaster you wore a genius masterpiece, or did I hear wrong? But okay, that's fine. Aghhhhhhh!"

**Mira:** "He looked like he wanted to set Mars on fire but held back just a little."

**Kael:** "I'm deceased. I'm writing my will, and you are getting everything. Oh my God. What did he say to you?"

**Mira:** "He called me a clown."

**Kael:** "That's fair."

**Mira:** "Excuse you?"

**Kael:** "You looked like a clown. A disaster wrapped in white. The dress was a crime. The makeup was a cry for help from the colours. You looked like a lampshade that got into a fight with a rainbow and lost."

**Mira:** "That was the goal."

**Kael:** "I know, and I've never been prouder. But still, clown is generous. I would have called you a natural disaster."

**Mira:** "I hate you."

**Kael:** "And I love you more, and I know you love me too."

**Mira:** "Are you going to visit?"

**Kael:** "And risk running into my uncle? The man who once stared at me for three seconds and gave me nightmares for a week? Absolutely. I'll be there tomorrow. Bringing snacks and bail money."

**Mira:** "I'm hanging up now."

**Kael:** "No, you are not. You missed me. Say it."

**Mira:** "I missed having someone to insult who doesn't threaten to throw me out of a moving car."

**Kael:** "That's not the same."

**Mira:** "It's the closest you'll get."

**Kael:** "Fine. I missed you too. Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation."

**Mira:** "Ohhhh, I didn't know."

**Kael:** "What's with that sarcastic 'Ohhh'? I meant it, okay? My reputation."

**Mira:** "Your reputation is that you are annoying and badly dressed."

**Kael:** "And yet you keep me around."

**Mira:** "Goodbye, asshead. Gotta go now."

**Kael:** "Bye, Mrs. Cipher."

They both hung up. She stared at the phone, now feeling lighter and more refreshed than ever.

IN DAMON'S BEDROOM OPPOSITE.

After freshening up and changing the probably never usable pants, Damon went straight downstairs where he met both Aunt Carter and Hayden. He asked, "Where's she?"

Without doubt, they both knew who he was referring to, and Aunt Carter was quick to answer. "Sir, I took madam to her room. She should be resting now."

Damon: "Good. Did she eat anything?"

Aunt Carter: "No, sir. When asked, she said she wasn't hungry and she's fine."

Damon: "What about the room arrangement?"

Aunt Carter: "She said she liked it very much."

Damon nodded his head and just said, "Hmm." Then he faced Hayden, asking him to come up to his study, dismissing Aunt Carter with a wave of his hand.

THE STUDY

The room was painted in dark grey and stripes of black. A black oak desk with one black leather chair and two linen chairs facing it. Very simple but low-key, just like him.

He sat down on the black leather chair, leaving Hayden with the choice to either sit or stand.

He got straight to business, signing some documents on his desk without looking up at Hayden. He asked, "When will the court official arrive? Have you spoken to him ever since?"

Hayden straightened up and replied, "Yes, boss, I have. And he said he'll be here in a while. He's already on his way."

Damon just responded, "Good."

They both stayed in the study attending to office matters afterwards before the knock on the door disrupted them.

It was one of the maids who came to inform them that the official from the court had arrived. Damon, still attending to whatever he was busy doing with no intentions of standing up, spoke to Hayden: "Go get him up to the study and also ask the maids to inform madam that she should come to this study, and they should probably show her the way here if she still hasn't familiarised herself with it."

"Yes, sir," said Hayden, already walking towards the door before Damon's voice with a bit of frustration rang out again: "And also get them to tell her to change to something better for the photos."

"OK, boss. But, boss," Hayden said, hesitating to speak further. Damon shot him an annoyed glare. "What?"

Hayden swallowed hard then continued anyway. "Boss, what about her hmmm, well, I mean her makeup?"

Damon just snorted before speaking. "They say it's her signature style and she's probably not gone a day without using it for the past 4 years, so just let her be. Or are you bothered?" He said the last words while narrowing his eyes at Hayden, and Hayden, seeing the warning in his look, didn't dare say something foolish and just replied, "No, sir. I'll go right away."

Damon: "Good."

Hayden immediately left to attend to the task he was given, leaving Damon alone in the study and closing the doors behind him.

MIRA'S BEDROOM OPPOSITE

Mira had now changed into a long white dress of unknown origin but definitely not from the closet arranged by Damon. Her hair was now loose, falling down her shoulders to the area just above her hips. Her makeup was still on, making her look like a ghost in broad daylight who was probably not going to spare anybody she saw alive. She was still nodding approvingly at her outfit when a knock on the door interrupted her.

It was a maid. The moment Mira opened the door and the maid saw her, the young maid almost screamed but had to hold it in. She didn't dare offend the madam of the house and get into her bad books, seeing how meticulous sir was with her matters even before her arrival. Then she spoke.

"Sorry to disturb you, madam, but sir asked you to come to the study. The court official has arrived, and well…" She was hesitating, and Mira saw the hesitation in the way she fiddled with her fingers with her head bowed.

Mira asked, "Any other thing?"

The maid quickly replied, "And sir also said you should change to something better for the photos."

Mira just nodded as a sign of acknowledgement. The little maid stayed without moving, which made Mira look at her and ask, "Any other thing?"

The maid replied, stuttering, "Madam, sir said I should show you the way to the study in case you haven't familiarised yourself with the way yet, so I'll be waiting outside here. Just knock when you are done, then we can go."

Mira just nodded and said, "Okay, I'm actually ready so there's no need to wait. Let's get going."

The maid didn't move. She just stared at Mira without moving, which led to Mira waving her hand in front of her face twice.

The maid quickly replied, "Madam, I mean… you're sure you are ready?" She said this while staring at Mira's weird-looking white dress and wondering where she got it from, remembering that she did not bring any bag with her except for that little black backpack.

Mira, seeing the way the maid was staring at her outfit, raised an eyebrow, smirking at the maid before asking, "What? Does it look bad or unpresentable for the photos?"

The maid shook her head like a rattle drum and quickly said, "No, no, no, I didn't mean it that way."

Mira nodded. "Good. Then let's go."

Meanwhile, downstairs, Aunty Carter opened the door to welcome the court official, Mr. Edgar Pemberton.

He was a man who carried the quiet confidence of a senior court official—someone who had spent decades navigating the highest circles of Veridian City's legal system. Edgar Pemberton was fifty-nine years old. His silver hair was neatly trimmed, his jaw clean-shaven. He wore a charcoal grey suit of excellent quality—respectful, not ostentatious. His pale blue eyes looked calm. Too calm for someone about to face a storm like this couple. But he also knew better than to show nervousness in the presence of Damon Cipher, a man with low tolerance for incompetence.

He carried a leather briefcase, high quality and well maintained.

Aunty Carter greeted him politely. "Good day, sir. Thank you very much for gracing us with your presence, and sorry for the trouble."

Mr. Edgar, knowing better than to show arrogance and seeing her respectful but polite greeting, immediately replied as she showed him the way in. "Good afternoon, ma. It's my honour. No troubles at all."

Hayden was already waiting for him in the living room. On seeing the impeccably dressed elderly man, Hayden couldn't help but think back to the chaotic couple, and he really felt sympathy for this man who didn't know what he was going to face. But Hayden sure wasn't going to tell him that.

He walked up to Mr. Edgar, greeted him respectfully, and led him up the spiral staircase. "Good day, sir. Nice to meet you. I'm sure you've been informed that the marriage was in a hurry, so we couldn't complete all the paperwork at the court. Boss believes you have all the necessary documents with you." He said this while staring at the leather suitcase in Mr. Edgar's hands.

Edgar, unfazed by Hayden's composure and polite but commanding presence, answered, "Rest assured, I was already informed to bring the necessary documents. There shouldn't be any issues."

Hayden nodded, thinking to himself: *I don't doubt your competence. It's just that there might be issues—not with the documents, but with the couple in question. But that's for later.*

They arrived at the study soon after. Hayden opened the door, gesturing for Mr. Edgar to step in. He did. Hayden followed and closed the door behind him.

---

THE STUDY

As soon as they both stepped into the study, they were met with the sight of Damon still inside, his face serious and impeccably handsome, with so much composure it seemed nothing could faze or shake him.

Mr. Edgar had heard a lot about Damon Cipher, and to be honest, this was the first time seeing his face. Although Damon was the heir to a very prestigious and powerful family and also one of the greatest business moguls, no one had ever seen his face up close. Even those who had seen it were few and could hardly identify him in a crowd. This was because of his low-key personality. Damon didn't like publicity, appearing in newspapers, or having his picture taken without his permission. Even his employees hardly knew what he looked like. That was how bad it was.

Edgar didn't dwell on that thought for long before Hayden walked over and, with Damon's permission, brought out a chair for Edgar to sit in front of Damon.

Damon finally spared Mr. Edgar a glance after signing the last paper in front of him and indicating for Hayden to clear the desk.

Mr. Edgar was the first to greet him. "Good day, Mr. Cipher." He thought to himself, wiping invisible sweat: *I have only heard of this man's aura, and this is my first time witnessing it myself. I must say, it's really too strong for a man as young as him.* His eyes were too terrifying. Too deep, like a bottomless hole. Like they could see through a person's soul with one glance. And maybe they could.

Damon replied with a nod and a curt, "Sorry for the trouble."

That shocked Edgar, but he replied immediately without missing a beat. "It's no trouble at all. It's my duty to begin with."

Damon just nodded, indicating for him to start with the documentation.

Mr. Edgar was still busy arranging the paperwork when he heard a knock on the study door. Damon indicated for Hayden, who immediately went forward to open it, knowing it was Mira.

Opening the door, he was met with Mira. Supposedly wearing "something better." Nothing different. Nothing spontaneous. Same disastrous makeup and a different white dress. But the type that made her look like a nun. Or a lifeless ghost.

He thought to himself: *Is this her understanding of "change to something better"? Did the maids not arrange the clothes boss instructed them to arrange in the closet? The ones released just recently?*

Hayden didn't dare say this out loud or keep Mira waiting. He immediately stepped aside, giving her a chance to step into the room.

Mr. Edgar Pemberton was already staring expectantly at the door, wanting to see the woman lucky enough—and also gutsy enough—to marry Damon Cipher. He never really thought Damon would get married. Rumor had it he was gay because he didn't let women close or touch him and was only seen with men, especially his best friends—all men.

He caught sight of her from the door.

A girl, tall and straight like a pine tree, with long legs probably not visible due to the long dress she was wearing. She stood with a natural, effortless grace that made her seem taller. Her long black hair fell in thick locks past her shoulders, almost to her waist.

But her face told a different story. She looked too young. Even with the disaster of makeup she had applied, she could be mistaken for an underage girl. But what shocked him the most was her makeup. It was really... hmm. Well, something out of the ordinary. She was a strange contradiction to this perfectly organized man.

Damon, seeing Mr. Edgar evaluating his new wife like a courtroom exhibit, was forced to clear his throat while also shooting a glare at Mira. She completely ignored him like he wasn't there.

Damon looked at her again, and that's when he realized that she actually changed. Yes, she did. But there was certainly nothing special about it. In fact, he didn't know where she got this dress, but she could definitely be mistaken for a widow rather than a new bride. He was sure going to deal with her on this later.

Mr. Edgar, seeing the annoyance on Damon's face, knew he had lost his composure a little and quickly returned to what he was doing.

Mira walked over, and Hayden helped her pull a chair just beside Damon, already arranged for her to sit.

Immediately she sat down, she faced this elderly man who still looked too organized and composed after seeing her. She greeted him meekly, like a little deer. "Hello, sir."

Edgar confirmed his doubt: she was sure still a minor, thanks to her meek little voice. Unknown to him, Mira was a cunning little fox, not a deer, and she was definitely not a minor. After all, she was eighteen already. But nobody was going to tell him that. Nobody actually knew what was going on in his grey hair.

He replied immediately. "Hello. You must be Mrs. Cipher. Nice to meet you."

Mira smiled back. That smile that could definitely cause a heart attack. But Mr. Edgar still had a lot in store for him with these two being the reason behind it.

He finished arranging the documents before passing them over to Damon and Mira, asking them to check for any errors and anything they were not satisfied with. They actually cooperated, going through the documents and finding no errors. They signed with the pen handed to them by Hayden, then directly returned the papers to Mr. Edgar, who kept them cleanly in a folder from his suitcase, arranging everything back to order before facing them again.

He spoke. "I'll like both of you to please get ready for the photograph."

Damon: "Is it necessary?"

Mr. Edgar: "Yes, it is, Mr. Cipher. This is the only procedure left to complete before you can be announced husband and wife by the court."

Damon: "Just hurry up."

Mr. Edgar: "Yes, Mr. Cipher."

Mr. Edgar stood up and brought out a little camera from the side pocket of his suitcase, which surprised Mira, leading her to ask, "Do all lawyers and court officials also do photography now?"

Mr. Edgar replied while fixing the lenses. "No, Mrs. Cipher. It's just that I have some experience with photography. Also, I was informed that Mr. Cipher doesn't like it when people come to his house, which is one of the reasons I was sent here—so I wouldn't have to bring a photographer along."

Mira nodded her head innocently. "Ohhh, I see."

Then Mr. Edgar looked at both of them again before speaking. "The photo would be nothing elaborate. Just the two of you together, facing the camera, with smiles." He said the last words while glancing at Damon, wondering if this ice block would really smile for the photo.

Damon looked like he would rather swallow the camera than stand next to Mira for the picture. Mira, on the other hand, brightened like a child told she could have dessert before dinner.

"A photoshoot? And both of us?" She clasped her hands together. "How lovely. I've never had a photoshoot with anyone, except for that one time Laura made me stand behind everyone in the family portrait so no one would see me."

Hayden coughed. He wished he could evaporate. Just a wish, okay.

Damon pinched the bridge of his nose, shooting her an annoyed glare before facing Mr. Edgar. "Fine. Make it quick."

Mr. Edgar nodded eagerly, grateful for Damon's reply. "Right, yes. If you could just stand closer together... hmm, well, I mean side by side."

Mira immediately scooted closer. Damon shot her another warning glare, but she turned a blind eye.

Mr. Edgar's voice rang out again. "Side by side, Mr. Cipher. Maybe you could move a little closer to your wife." He said this while wiping invisible sweat from his forehead with his face towel, already regretting all the life decisions that had brought him to this exact moment.

Damon stared at Mr. Edgar but didn't move any closer.

"Mr. Cipher, maybe a small smile," said Mr. Edgar, who was now shivering like it was snow falling in the study room.

Damon stared at him. Really looked. And Mr. Edgar's soul left his body.

"Right. No smile. Got it. Noted."

Meanwhile, Mira had already positioned herself right in front of Damon. Even with his eyes that looked like they could kill her at any moment, she tilted her head, placed one hand on her hip, and gave the camera her most dramatic pout.

"How is this?" she asked, ignoring Damon's frustrated glare.

Mr. Edgar hesitated. "Madam, perhaps if you stood beside Mr. Cipher—"

"But I'm the bride. I should be the center of attention."

Damon's voice, flat and cold, came from behind her. "You're already grabbing attention with that ridiculous makeup of yours, clown. Move aside."

Mira sighed dramatically, murmuring, "I'm not a clown, I'm a beauty," before stepping to the side. She positioned herself next to him but, instead of standing beside him, she leaned against his arm like a withered flower.

Damon wanted to push her aside. He couldn't. Not because he didn't have the strength, but because he was enduring her. And also because she smelled really nice. Soothing. Not like those heavy perfumes that seemed to intrude on one's senses. She smelled like citrus—lemon—then lilies with a bit of lavender. A scent unique to her.

*Probably her washing soap,* he thought.

Her voice woke him from his strange trance. "Is this better, honey?" she said so sweetly and sultry that even Mr. Edgar couldn't help but shiver.

Damon's jaw tightened. "Don't call me honey."

"Sweetheart?"

"No."

"Snuggle bear?"

Damon finally turned his head to look at her. His eyes promised death. Mira blinked up at him with false innocence.

"Clown," he muttered.

"Stone face ice grid," she replied sweetly.

Damon wanted to snap her neck in half.

Mr. Edgar, caught between terror and confusion, raised his camera. "If I could just get you both to look this way... yes... perfect... hold that expression."

Damon looked like he had swallowed a volcano. Mira looked all sweet and mischievous, like a devilish clown. Her head was tilted, her smile too wide.

Just before Mr. Edgar clicked the shot, she sneakily hooked her hand around Damon's arm.

*Click.*

The shot was taken. Mr. Edgar gave her a thumbs up, which earned him a death glare from Damon.

Damon looked down at her tiny hands hooked around his arm. Then slowly looked at her. Then at Mr. Edgar.

Mira's voice rang out. "Come on, darling. At least pretend you don't hate me for the camera. A wedding photo should feel warm."

"I don't pretend," hissed Damon, grinding the words out from between his teeth.

"That's what makes it fun," replied Mira, smiling smugly.