Chapter four: Marriage

Anna pov

If anyone had told me this was how I would get married, I would have argued. Countless times I have imagined how much of a fairy tale my wedding would be. but here I am standing in a dress that hugged my body like a second skin, white silk that probably cost more than my old apartment.

I stood in front of the mirror in Carlton’s mansion, fingers shaking as a maid adjusted the veil. Today I became Mrs. Carlton Blackwood. Fake wife, I corrected in my mind. Mom was still in the hospital recovering from surgery, too weak to attend, but Dr.James promised she was stable and truly she was smiling when I called earlier.

“You look beautiful, Miss Anna,” The maid said with a warm smile. “The car is ready.”

I nodded. “Thanks. Let’s get this over with.”

The ride to the venue felt too short. Only a handful of guests attended, close friends of Carlton’s family, a few business associates, the press and his mother, Mrs. Veronica Blackwood, seated front and center in an elegant cream suit. A lot of faces I don't recognize but I reminded myself. Just enough to make it look real.

As I stepped out. Mrs. Veronica rose immediately and rushed over, pulling me into a soft hug. Her perfume wrapped around me like comfort.

“Hi, I am Carlton's mom, veronica, You can call me Veronica or mom too, daughter-in-law. "And from her tone, I could tell she was excited to see me.

“Veronica, I have heard a lot about you from",

I turned my head to look at Carlton, he gave an approval nod, "Carlton, so I'm glad I'm finally meeting you." Then she hugged her.

“Oh my, such a sweet child, this is why I love girl children, I was so surprised when Carlton finally agreed to get married after wh---", "mom", he interrupted before she could say whatever she wanted to say.

“Welcome to the family, my dear.”

Her eyes shone with real warmth. She had no clue about the contract. To her, this was love at first sight, her son finally settling down. I forced a smile.

“Thank you,Veronica. I’m glad you’re here.”

She squeezed my hands. “Carlton is a lucky man. Now go make my son the happiest groom alive.”

Carlton’s assistant waited at the edge of the aisle. “Ready, Mrs. Vale? I mean, soon-to-be Mrs. Blackwood.”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

Music started, soft and classical. I walked alone down the short path lined with white roses. Carlton stood at the altar in a black tux that made him look even taller, more handsome than he already is. His eyes locked on me the whole way, deep and intense. Except his face was spotting same cold smile he gave me at his company two weeks ago.”

The officiant cleared his throat when I reached him. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”

The words blurred. I focused on Carlton’s face. He took my hands in his, warm and firm, just like the day we bumped into each other.

“You clean up well,” I whispered sarcastically as the officiant spoke.

His lips twitched. “I know I look good,Anna. Try to act like you want this.”

The vows came next. I repeated mine first, voice steady. “I, Anna Vale, take you, Carlton Blackwood, to be my husband. To stand by your side…”

He listened, eyes shooting warning to not fuck up. Then it was his turn.

“I, Carlton Blackwood, take you, Anna Vale, to be my wife.” His voice stayed deep and smooth. “To protect what’s mine. To give you everything you need. In sickness and health, for the year ahead and beyond.”

The officiant smiled. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Carlton pulled me close, one hand on my waist, the other tilting my chin up. Cameras from the few guests flashed. His mouth came down on mine firm, not gentle. Heat shot through me. I kissed him back because I had to, lips parting just enough that he deepened it. For a second, I wondered if he was still In script.

He broke the kiss but kept his face close, breath warm against my ear. “You taste sweet.”he whispered low, the words rolling off his tongue like velvet.

I blinked, confused. My heart raced. It sounded romantic, almost too sweet for the cold man I signed papers with. But his eyes burned with something I didn't understand.yet.

“What did you just say?” I whispered back as we turned to face the guests.

He gave a small, cold smile. “Do I have to explain everything to you now we are married. wife.”

Veronica clap cut the conversation short. She came forward with tears in her eyes. “My beautiful daughter-in-law! Come here, both of you.”

She hugged me again, tighter this time. “Anna, you’ve made my son smile in a way I haven’t seen in years. Thank you. We’ll have a proper family dinner soon. Just the three of us first then four of us once Helene is stronger.”

“I’d like that,” I said, keeping my voice light. Trying not to sound emotional.

“Wonderful news!” Veronica beamed. “Carlton, treat her right. She’s family now.”

He nodded, arm still around my waist. “I plan to, Mother.” If only him mom knows he’s pretending.

The small reception followed right there in the garden. Waiters brought champagne and light food. Guests offered quick congratulations. John had sent flowers earlier with a simple note wishing me well, but he wasn’t here. He has argued with me about my decision, And I felt bad.

My mom too was mad when I told her about it last week, she felt guilty thinking I was getting married because of the hospital bill. True but I had to reassure her that I love him before she finally calmed down.

One older associate raised his glass. “To the new Mr. and Mrs. Blackwood. May your union be strong and profitable."

Carlton clinked glasses with him. “It will be.”

I sipped my champagne and turned to him. “Profitable? That’s romantic."

He leaned down, voice for my ears only. “Everything with you will be, Anna. Play along.” And I didn’t know if he meant the romantic or profitable part.

Mrs. Veronica joined us again. linking her arm with mine. “Tell me, dear, how did you two really meet? Carlton was so mysterious about it.”

I glanced at him. He answered smoothly. “At the Hospital reception. Anna was visiting her mother. We collided. Literally. Best accident of my life.”

Veronica laughed. “How sweet! Fate, I tell you. I knew you needed a good woman, son. Anna fits perfectly.”

“She does,” Carlton said, his hand sliding lower on my back. The touch sent sparks up my spine.

I passed her a fake smile. “Your son can be very persuasive.”

“Persuasive?” Carlton raised an eyebrow. “You said yes pretty fast, baby.”

There goes the sweet word again. Baby. It sounded nice. teasing, Heat rose in my cheeks.

“Only because you wouldn’t take no for an answer,” I shot back.

Veronica chuckled. “That’s my boy. Always knows what he wants. Now, I won’t keep you two lovebirds long. Enjoy your first night as husband and wife.”

She kissed my cheek and moved to speak with her acquaintance around.

I turned to Carlton once we had a moment alone near the edge of the garden. “Your mother really loves this story. She has no idea it’s all paper and signatures.”

He pulled me closer, bodies almost touching. “And she never will. You signed the deal, Anna. Smile for the guests, they’re watching.”

“I am smiling,” I said sharply. “But that whisper at the altar, what did it mean? I am telling you Carlton. Don’t play games with me.”

His eyes darkened. “Don't humor yourself, wife.”

My breath caught. “Oh am I? This is just a contract. Don’t forget that.”

He brushed his lips against my ear again. “Contracts have fine print, wife. I don’t even dream of touching you but are you sure it’s the same for you.”

I pulled back slightly, heart hammering. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re stuck with me for a year.” He offered his arm. “Time to go. Driver is waiting with the car.”

We said quick goodbyes. Mrs. Veronica hugged me once more. “Take care of each other. I’m so happy for you both, Anna. You’re the daughter I always wanted.”

Her words hit soft. I felt affection. “Thank you, Veronica.”

In the Bentley, the door closed and the privacy screen went up. Carlton sat across from me, legs stretched, eyes locked on mine.

“Confused about the arrangements still?” he asked.

“Yes. I was still unmarried yesterday.” It feels strange and I can’t imagine what the future holds.

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