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.

Chapter 5 Welcome To The Knight Estate 

              Jessica's POV 

I stared through the tinted car window as towering black iron gates slowly opened before us. The gates alone were larger than the apartment building where Brenda lived. The car rolled forward in complete silence. On both sides of the driveway stood perfectly trimmed gardens, marble fountains, and rows of ancient cherry trees.

I couldn't stop myself. “... You actually live here?”

 But Alexander didn't even glance away from the tablet in his hand. “Is there a problem?”

I laughed softly. “No, I'm just wondering if i accidentally married a prince instead of a business man.”

The corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly. “I have been called worse.”

As the car finally stopped in front of an enormous white villa, several servants were already waiting outside.

The driver opened the door, Alexander stepped out first, I followed. Immediately every servant bowed. “Welcome home, young master.”

Alexander acknowledged them with a nod. As a middle aged woman stepped forward, her posture straight, expression respectful. She wore a black dress with a white apron, her gray hair neatly tied into a bun.

Her sharp eyes immediately landed on me. “And this is…”

“My wife,”Alexander answered without delay, hand in his pant pocket. Then i noticed the servants exchange quick glances. Their surprise lasted barely a second before they bowed again. “Welcome home, Mrs Knight.”

The title felt strangely heavy, but i forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”

The housekeeper stepped closer. “My name is Caridadi,  I oversee the household. If you need anything, simply tell me.”

“I appreciate it.” I said with a smile.

Alexander walked toward the entrance. “Take her luggages to my room.”

I froze. “Your room?” Then i hurried after him. “Wait.”

Alexander stopped walking. I cleared my throat after hesitating for a second.“I think…I'd prefer a separate room.”

There was silence,as the air shifted between us, even the servants looked nervous. Alexander slowly turned around. “A separate room?” his voice low and lethal.

“Yes. This marriage is contractual,” i replied.

“So what?”he asked.

“We agreed not to interfere with each other's personal lives, remember?”I said.

His dark eyes settled on mine. “And sleeping in the same room automatically means interference?.”

I nodded, “I believe boundaries are important.”

For several seconds neither of us spoke, before finally he nodded once. “Fine.” He looked toward Caridadi. “Prepare the guest room beside mine.”

“Yes, young master,” Caridadi replied.

I let out a quiet breath I didn't realize i was holding. “Thank you.”

“I didn't do it for you,” he said.

“No?,” my eyes widening.

“I did it because i dislike unnecessary arguments.”he replied.

I smiled, “I will take the victory anyway.”

And for the first time, Alexander actually looked amused. But it disappeared almost instantly. “Follow Caridadi.”

I entered the guest room, the room was larger than Jerry's entire house. A king sized bed, floor to ceiling windows, fresh flowers, walk-in closet, private balcony.

Everything looked elegant without trying too hard.

I slowly placed my luggages on the floor. And sat at the edge of the bed. “What have i gotten myself into?”

A knock interrupted my thoughts. Caridadi entered carrying tea. “I thought you might like something warm.”

I smiled, geniuely. “Thank you.”

Caridadi hesitated before speaking. “You are the first woman young master has ever brought home.”

I nearly laughed. “Really?”

She nodded. “The staffs believed he would never marry.” I looked toward the doorway Alexander had disappeared through. “So did I.”

Caridadi smiled politely. “Dinner will be served at seven.” 

After she left, my phone immediately rang. Brenda. I answered.

“Tell me you are alive.”

“ Yes, I'm alive,” I replied.

“Good. Where are you?,” she asked.

“I'm at Alexander's house.”

“House?” she asked again.

I laughed. “No…villa.”

“And how bad is it?”

“It's so big that i could probably get lost before finding the kitchen,” I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Brenda laughed. “That is not funny,” I said.

“It wasn't supposed to be.” Brenda became serious again. “Jessica…”

“Hmm?”, I mumbled.

“Are you scared?,” she asked.

Then i looked around the luxurious room. “A little.”

“Then why are you pretending to be brave?”

I closed my eyes. “Because if I start being afraid now…I will lose before the game even begins.”

Brenda became quiet. “Just promise me one thing.”

“What?”, I asked.

“Don't lose yourself while trying to get revenge,” she said, voice laced with concern.

I looked down at the wedding ring sparkling on my finger. “I won't.”

After hanging up, I walked toward the balcony.Kyoto glittered beneath the evening sky. And I know by now, that Jerry would be celebrating his victory with his lover.

And probably believing I have lost everything, not knowing I had just walked into the most powerful family in the city. But this was only the beginning. A knock sounded at my door. Caridadi’s voice came from outside. “Madam, dinner is ready.”

I took one last look at the city, then whispered to myself. “Jerry, enjoy your victory while it lasts.”

As I opened the door, I knew waiting downstairs wasn't just dinner. It was the first step into Alexander Knight's world.