2 A Friend’s Warning Ignored

Jessica's POV

The cold night air hit my face as I dragged my luggages down the empty street. “Where do I even go from here?” I whispered.

For a moment, i simply stood there. Then one name came to my mind. Brenda. My best friend. I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

She answered on the first ring. “Hello, Jess?”

“Are you home?” My voice sounded hoarse.

There was a brief silence.

“What happened?,” she asked immediately.

“I will explain when i get there,” I replied.

“I'm waiting.”

Twenty minutes later, I stood outside Brenda's apartment. Before I could knock, the door flew open. “Jess!”

Her smile disappeared the moment she saw my swollen eyes and the luggages besides me. “What happened?”

“Can I come in first?” I said.

She stepped aside immediately. “Of course.”

The moment the door closed behind us, she turned to face me. “Sit.” I lowered myself onto the sofa. Then she handed me a glass of water. “Start talking.”

I stared at the glass for several seconds before speaking. “Jerry broke up with me.”

Brenda blinked. “... What?”

“He said he never loved me. He admitted he only dated me because of my parents inheritance.”

The glass slipped from Brenda's hand and landed on the carpet. “What did you just say?”

“He used me,” I continued, “He confessed to everything.” Brenda slowly sat beside me. “He said I wasn't useful anymore,” I said as my lips trembled.

Brenda's eyes widened. “That shameless bastard!”

“He already has another woman, and told me to leave the house because she's moving in,” I said.

For several seconds, Brenda couldn't speak. Then she suddenly stood up. “I knew it!” I looked up.

“I warned you about him, Jess.” She sighed heavily. “The first time I met him, something about him felt wrong. And I told you he looked like a man with hidden motives. But you defended him.”

“Yes, i remembered,” I whispered.

“You even told me I was overthinking it,”she said. And a bitter smile appeared on my lips.

Brenda shook her head. “I wasn't trying to ruin your relationship. I was only trying to protect you.”

“I'm sorry. I thought I was actually doing the right thing,” i whispered.

She looked at me for a long moment before pulling me into a hug. “ I’m not angry with you.”

The warmth of her embrace almost broke the wall I'd been trying to hold together.

“I'm sorry,” i whispered again. “I should have listened.”

“It's okay, it's over now,” she said, patting my back.

“No,” i said, as I slowly pulled away. “It's not.”

Brenda frowned. “What do you mean?”

I wiped away the tears on my face. “He stole my parents inheritance, my future and even mocked my dreams.”

Brenda clenched her fists. “Yes,I know.”

Then i continued, “But he didn't steal everything.” She looked confused. “I don't understand?”

I hesitated.

For years, I had kept one part of my life hidden from everyone. Even Brenda didn't know the full truth, there was a reason I had disappeared from the international jewelry scene. A reason I had abandoned the name that once shook the industry.

Not yet….It was too soon. I forced those memories back into the darkness. “Nothing,” I said quietly.

Brenda studied my face. “Jess….”

“I have cried enough,” I said.

“Then what are you going to do?,” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

I looked up, my eyes hardened. “I'm taking back everything that belongs to me.”

Brenda searched my eyes. “How?”

A small smile appeared on my lips. “The same way Jerry played his game….,” my voice low, steady. “I will play mine.”

Brenda’s face etched with worry. “Jess, don't do anything reckless.”

“I won't. But revenge changes people, I'm already changing,” i whispered.

She fell silent. After a long pause, she asked softly, “So…what's your first move?”

I didn't answer immediately, I just walked toward the window and stared at the glittering lights of Kyoto. “ I don't Know. but one thing is certain, I'm taking all step by step.”

Brenda froze. “Jess…?”

I smiled without turning around. The city had taken everything from me, Now it would watch me take everything back.

Chapter 3 The Proposal

Jessica's POV

The next morning, I woke up feeling as though i hadn't slept at all. Every time I closed my eyes, Jerry's words echoed in my head. “You're no longer useful to me.”

I squeezed my eyes shut before forcing myself out of bed.

“No,” I whispered to my reflection as I stood before the mirror after getting dressed. “You don't get to break me.” I took a deep breath. “Jessica Addams…today is the first day you start taking your life back.”

With that, I grabbed my handbag and left Brenda's apartment.

By nine o’clock, I was already at the jewelry company. The familiar scent of polished wood and fresh coffee greeted me as I entered the design department.

“Morning, Jessica! Congratulations again on your promotion. You deserve it,” my colleagues said.

I smiled politely. “Thank you.” The smile on my face were convincing enough. No one would ever guess that less than twenty-four hours ago, I had lost my home…my relationship and nearly everything I owned.

I sat before my computer and opened the latest necklace collection I had been designing.

The elegant curves, the balance of gemstones, the intricate details…

Jewelry had always been the one place where my heart remained honest. My phone vibrated.

Brenda: have you eaten?” A small smile found my lips. “Already at work” I typed.

Her reply came almost immemdiately. “You are unbelievable.

“I will survive,”I messaged.

“ Let's meet up later, for lunch. No excuses.” She messaged again.

“Fine,” I typed back before slipping the phone back into my pocket.

As i looked at the design on my screen, my fingers paused over the mouse. The pendant…it resembled one of the earliest concepts I had created years ago.

Back then, no, I closed the file immediately. That part of my life no longer existed or at least that was what everyone believed.

By Afternoon, I and Brenda met at Zadmak Spicy Restaurant. The restaurant buzzed with conversations and clinking glasses.

I sat by the window, untouched food in front of me, fingers wrapped around a glass of water I hadn't tasted.

“Jessica, you need to eat,” Brenda said.

“You go ahead and eat, Brenda. I'm not hungry,” I whispered.

“But you need to eat. You've barely eaten since yesterday,” Brenda persuaded, tone laced with concern.

“And i said I'm not hungry. I'm fine.”

She sighed. “You said that yesterday too.”

“I wasn't lying. I will be fine,” I muttered. But Brenda wasn't the type who takes no for an answer without a tangible reason. Then she asked, “When?”

“The day Jerry regrets it,” I replied.

Brenda leaned forward. “And how exactly are you planning to do that?”

Just as i wanted to answer, movement near the private dining area caught my attention. A tall man walked in, and every conversation around him seemed to lower without anyone asking.

His expression calm. Unreadable. Wrapped in a perfectly tailored black suit.

Power seemed to follow him effortlessly. My eyes narrowed. “Who is he?”

Brenda followed my gaze. “You seriously don't know him?”

“No, i don't,” I replied, my gaze still fixed on him.

“That's Alexander Knight. I'm surprised that you are the only one who doesn't recognize him.”

I paused. Alexander Knight? The CEO of global tech company?,” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Brenda nodded.

My grip tightened slightly around the glass, as my head did an arithmetic calculation.

“Hmm…this means power, connections, access. Everything that i need. This is it, Jessica. Go try your luck, you wouldn't want to miss this opportunity, would you?” My mind screamed at me. Then a faint smile grease my lips.

Brenda noticed the change in my expression, she grabbed my wrist. “I know that smile, don't even think about it.”

“I don't know what you are talking about. Think about what exactly?,” I pretended.

Brenda frowned slightly. “That look on your face says it all, so don't even try to play dumb with me.”

“I will be right back,” I whispered softly, leaving.

“Jessica.”

“I won't cause trouble,” I said.

“Don't, Jessica__”

Ignoring her protest, I walked toward his table. He didn't look up. “Hi, excuse me,” I said.

But no response. I exhaled softly. “Mr Knight.”

Then his gray eyes lifted slowly, sharp, cold, assessing. “...Do i know you?”

I shook my head. “Then you have ten seconds, and straight to the point,” he said flatly.

“I’d like to discuss a business proposal.”

“That's one second wasted,” he said. “I'm having lunch.”

“It concerns something you've been searching for,” I said.

That made him paused. “What exactly have i been searching for?”

I met his gaze without flinching. “Lumiere.”

Immediately the indifference in his expression shifted, only slightly but i noticed. “Sit.”

I took the seat opposite him.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Jessica Addams,” I answered.

“ I asked who you are,” he said.

“I already answered.” His gaze remained fixed on mine. “You mentioned a name very few people know.”

I smiled. “I know.”

“How?” h asked.

“I've worked in this industry long enough to know what people are looking for,” I replied. He didn't respond. Instead, he leaned back again. “Go on.”

Then i continued, “I know you've been trying to find Lumiere and I also know why.”

His eyes narrowed. “Tell me.”

“You believe finding Lumiere will give Global tech an advantage in the luxury market,” I said.

A faint smile appeared on his face. “You have done your homework.”

“I always do,” I muttered.

“And what do you want?” He asked.

“I want a fake marriage.”

He blinked once, then laughed softly. “I beg your pardon?”

“I want you to marry me. It will be just a one year agreement with no strings attached and once it's expires, we'll both go our separate ways. Also i won't interfere in your personal life,” I said without hesitation.

Alexander stared at me like i have just entertained him. “Really? And in return?”

I nodded then continued, “We both get something we need.”

He studied me carefully. “I don't make life changing decisions with strangers.”

“Neither do i,” I said sincerely.

“Then why propose one?” He asked.

“Because ordinary solutions won't solve extraordinary problems.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “You speak confidently.”

“I speak after thinking.”

“And what exactly do you think I gain from marrying you,” He asked.

I folded my hands neatly on the table. “I can't promise to introduce you to Lumiere. But i can promise something just as valuable.”

His expression hardened. “What?”

“When the time is right…I'll make sure you understand why that name matters,”I added.

Alexander remained silent. Then, a waiter approached. “Sir, should I clear the table?”

“Leave us,” he ordered. The waiter immediately stepped away. Several moments passed, before Alexander finally spoke. “I don't know whether you're courageous or…reckless.”

“I have been called both,” I whispered.

“And if i refuse?” He asked, staring at me deeply.

I smiled faintly. “Then i walk away.”

“Are you sure? No drama? No begging? And you'd simply accept it?” He asked.

I shook my head. “Yes.”

He watched me for another long moment, then reached into his pocket and placed a business card on the table. “My private number.”

I looked at it without touching it.

“I haven't agreed,” he said. “But i haven't rejected your proposal either.”

“I know,” i answered. Then our eyes met.

“If i decide you are wasting my time…” His voice calm. “You will never get a second chance.”

I picked up the card. “I understand,”i said, and stood up. “So do we have an agreement?”

“We have….” He paused, “..a conversation that isn't finished.”

I nodded. “Alright, i will wait.”

As I walked back toward Brenda, I could feel his eyes following me.

“What happened?” Brenda asked immediately.

I slipped the card into my purse. “He didn't say yes.”

“He didn't?” Brenda asked.

I smiled. “But he didn't say no either.”

Derek, approached Alexander. “Should I investigate her, sir?”

Alexander looked toward the entrance where I had just disappeared into the afternoon crowd. “Yes,” he said, and picked up his untouched coffee. “Find out everything.”

Derek nodded. “And if she really knows something about Lumiere?”

Alexander's gray eyes darkened. “Then Jessica Addams has just become the most interesting woman in Kyoto.”

Chapter 4 The Contract Wife

Alexander's POV

I stared through the floor to ceiling window of my office. Kyoto glittered beneath the afternoon sun, yet my thoughts remained on one person. Jessica Addams. The woman had walked into a restaurant, proposed a contract marriage, mentioned a name almost no one knew, and walked away as if she had already won. A knock interrupted my thoughts. “Come in.”

Derek entered carrying a tablet. “You asked me to investigate Jessica Addams.”

I turned around. “What did you find?”

“I found out she is twenty three years old, jewelry designer. Recently promoted to head of jewelry design and technology,” He said.

I nodded. “Continue.”

“Only child of the late Mr and Mrs Addams,” Derek added.

“And what else?,” I asked.

“Two years in a relationship with Jerry Lawson.” I remained silent. “But yesterday, Mr Lawson ended the relationship after obtaining control of her late parents inheritance.”

“So she wasn't lying,” I muttered. Derek shook his head. “What about Lumiere?”

Derek hesitated. “Nothing.”

I frowned. “Nothing?”

“Yes, there isn't a single connection between Jessica Addams and Lumiere,” he replied.

“That is impossible,” I said, not convinced.

“I thought the same.”

I walked back to my desk. “ So what else did you find?”

Then Derek placed another file before me.”There are missing records.”

Immediately i looked up. “Missing?”

“Yes. Five years ago.” He said, as his eyes narrowed. “For almost eleven months, there is no employment history, no public activity, competition or even interviews. It's as if…she disappeared.”

Silence filled the office.

I tapped the file thoughtfully. “People don't disappear without a reason.” Derek nodded in agreement. “Exactly.”

I closed the file. “Call her.”

Jessica's POV

I was reviewing a necklace sketch when my phone vibrated. I checked, an unfamiliar number. I answered cautiously. “Hello?”

“This is Alexander Knight.”

I straightened immediately. “Mr Knight.”

“I have considered your proposal,” he said.

“And?,” I asked quickly.

“Meet me in one hour's time.”

“Where?” I asked again.

“I will send the address,” he said and the line disconnected.

I stared at the phone before a small smile appeared on my lips. “I knew you'd call.”

One hour later

I stepped into the private lounge of the Knight Group headquarters. Alexander was already waiting. He gestured toward the chair opposite him. “Sit.”

I obeyed. Without a word, he slid a document across the table. I glanced at the title, contract marriage agreement. I looked up. “So…you have decided.”

“I have decided to negotiate,” he said.

The corner of my lips lifted slightly. “I expected nothing less.”

Alexander folded his hands. “One year, no interference in each other's professional lives.”

I nodded.” I agree.”

“Also, no unnecessary media exposure. And if either party develops personal feeling…” I raised an eyebrow. “...they do not affect the contract,” he added.

I almost laughed. “That's very confident of you.”

“No, it's called being practical,” he said, voice low and lethal.

“I can be practical too,” I said.

He watched me carefully. “You will move into the Knight Estate.”

I paused. “Is that even necessary?”

“Yes, it is. Because people will surely investigate,” he said.

“Alright then,” I agreed.

“My family will believe this marriage is real,” he whispered.

Silence stretched between us, before Alexander finally asked the question that has been bothering him. “Why did you mention Lumiere?”

I smiled faintly.” Like i told you before, I know something.”

“That is not an answer,” he muttered.

“It isn't supposed to be.”

He studied me for several seconds before standing. “We are done.”

I blinked in surprise. “That is it?”

“For now, yes,” he answered, picking up his car keys.

“We still need rings,” I said, following him outside.

Fifteen minutes later…

His black Rolls-Royce stopped before one of Kyoto's most luxurious jewelry boutiques. A manager hurried outside. “Welcome, Mr Knight.”

Alexander nodded. “Wedding rings.”

“Right this way, sir,” the manager said, leading the way.

I quietly followed. A velvet tray was placed before us, which contained diamonds, gold, platinum. Each one probably worth more than everything i currently owned.

Alexander barely glanced at them. “You choose.”

I shook my head. “Something simple is fine.”

“I don't do simple.”

“That's not necessary __”

“It is,” he cut in. His tone wasn't loud, But it wasn't negotiable either. I went silent.

Then my eyes settled on a simple platinum ring, before I could speak, another design caught my attention. My breathing stopped.

It was one of my creations, one I had sketched years ago. Displayed under another designer's name. Alexander noticed my expression. “You don't like it?”

I forced myself to smile. “No…” As i gently picked up the ring. “It just feels…familiar.”

“Try it,”he said. I slipped it onto my finger.

“Perfect fit, price?”, he asked.

“Three point five million yuan, sir.”

I moved to remove it immediately. “I.. this is too__”

“Leave it,” he said. Then he handed over a black card. Just like that, paid. No hesitation. No reaction.

We stepped outside, I stared at the ring. “...Do i pay you back?” I asked quietly.

“No,” he replied.

“But it's too expensive.”

“And so?”

“I don't want to owe you.” Then he looked at me properly, “You already do.”

I froze.

Back in the car, I kept staring at my hand, at the ring. But little did Alexander know…I wasn't admiring someone else's masterpiece. I was looking at my own.