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. 

Chapter 6

Jessica's POV

The dining room was almost as large as Brenda's apartment. I paused for a moment before taking my seat opposite Alexander. A long mahogany table separated us, decorated with crystal glasses and silver cutlery. “So…,” I said, looking around. “Do you always eat alone?”

But Alexander just unfolded his napkin without looking at me. “Most of the time.”

“That sounds lonely,” I said, “Don't you feel bored eating alone.”

“No, I don't. I prefer quietness,” he replied.

I smiled faintly. “Well, as for me…I talk when I'm nervous.”

“I noticed,” he said, just as a servant began serving dinner. Then the room fell silent, I picked up my fork taking a piece of bacon before breaking the silence again. “Can I ask you something?”

Alexander nodded. “You already are.”

“So what happens now?”, I asked.

He looked up, “You live here.”

“I know that part. What else that's what I mean,” I said, my voice calm.

“You attend public events with me when necessary,” he said, as i nodded while he continued. “And we maintain the appearance of a married couple.”

“And after the one year?”, I asked, even though I already know the answer to that because i proposed it, but I still wanted to hear it from him.

“Then we go our separate ways,” he replied. His answer was immediate. No pause. No emotional reaction.

I lowered my eyes. “That looks very simple.”

“Yes, and it should remain simple.”

Before I could reply, Alexander's phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, as his expression remained calm, but I noticed his eyes narrowed slightly. Then he answered. “Hello, mother.”

I quietly continued eating, though i was curious what the call was all about. As a woman's voice echoed faintly through the speaker. “I heard the news.”

“It's true,” Alexander replied.

“You got married without informing your family?” Her voice laced with anger.

“Yes,” he said, like it was no big deal.

“And when are you bringing her home?”

Alexander looked across the table then at me. “Tomorrow. Definitely.”

“Alright then, no excuses. Because i want to meet this woman who suddenly became my daughter-in-law,” she said, and the line went dead.

Then i slowly put down my fork. “That doesn't sound welcoming, at all.”

He looked at me for a second. “It isn't.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “I have never been good at making first impressions.”

“You don't need to impress them, just be the real you,” he muttered, and I looked at him surprised. “You sure, I don't?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“Then what do i need to do?,” I asked.

“Nothing, just survive dinner,” he said calmly, taking a sip of water.

The following morning, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cream colored dress Caridadi had prepared. As a soft knock came at the door. “Madam?”

“Come in,” I muttered.

Caridadi entered with a jewelry box. “Young master asked me to give you this.”

“Okay,” I replied, taking it from her. And opened it, inside lay a delicate diamond necklace. I froze.

My own design, again. Someone else had claimed it. My fingers tightened around the box.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” Caridadi smiled. I forced myself to smile back. “Yes…”

Very beautiful. Too beautiful to belong to the thief who stole it.

“I will wear it,” I answered.

Not because i like it, but because every stolen design reminded me why I was here, I thought within.

Downstairs, Alexander was already waiting for me. The moment I approached, he looked up. And for a brief second…his usually unreadable eyes lingered on me. “You cleaned up so well,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow. “Is that a compliment?”

It was an observation,”he whispered, as we head outside.

“I will take it anyway,” I said with a smile.

He opened the car door for me, I entered and he followed suit. As the driver, drove the vehicle through Kyoto's busy streets, neither of us spoke a word. Before finally I asked, “What are your parents like?”

Alexander answered without hesitation. “They are difficult.”

“Oh, okay. How difficult?,” I asked, a bit nervous.

“My mother values reputation, while my father values profit,” he said, voice low and calm.

I sighed. “So…that means they already hate me.”

“No, they don't know you,” he said.

“But they don't have to, before they do,”I replied.

Immediately Alexander turned toward me. “You don't lose easily, do you?”

I shook my head. “Good,” he said.

“Why do you say so?,” I asked, feeling confused.

“Because they won't make today easy for you.”

Forty five minutes later, the car stopped before an enormous traditional estate surrounded by stone walls and blooming cherry trees. I swallowed hard. “This is your parents house?”

Alexander nodded once. And before we reached the entrance, the front doors opened. A graceful woman dressed in an elegant silk kimono stepped outside, behind her stood a distinguished older man.

As several servants lined both sides of the entrance. The woman looked me up and down slowly, silently, without a single smile on her face. “So,”she said. “This is the woman who trapped my son.”

I met her gaze calmly. “No, ma'am.” As a faint smile appeared on my lips. “I’m the woman he agreed to marry.”

Instantly, silence fell across the courtyard. Alexander's mother stared at me, while his father folded his arms, then Alexander, himself simply watched. There and then, I realized this wasn't going to be a family visit. Rather an interrogation.