Even if the new medication passed clinical trials, getting it to market would still be a slow, exhausting nightmare. Impatience gnawed at me—Yara—pushing me to scheme my way closer to Mathias, to get that drug as fast as humanly possible. Even just the formula would give our research team something concrete to study.

Naturally, being married would bring us far closer than mere partners.

Mathias's thick lashes fluttered in surprise. "Married?!"

Seeing him struggle to process the bomb I'd just dropped, I added with a taunting edge, "Don't believe me? Once you're out of the hospital, I'll show you our marriage certificate."

Mathias squinted, still skeptical.

I figured he couldn't sense the kind of intimacy a married couple should share. After all, we'd only been in bed together once, and our meeting yesterday had been laced with tension—not exactly a solid foundation for deep feelings. I lowered my gaze, feigning sadness.

"I know you might not feel much for me right now, especially since I was the one who chased you. But one night, after we'd both had a little too much to drink, something happened. You said you'd take responsibility and suggested we get married.

"You also wanted to keep it under wraps, so right now we're in a secret marriage."

Years of verbal sparring with my stepmother had sharpened my acting skills to a razor's edge. I even managed to squeeze out a few tears, looking pitiful enough to soften him.

Mathias might have been shrewd and impossible to read before, but with amnesia, he was easy to fool.

I took his hand and pressed it to my cheek, pouring every drop of sincerity I could fake into my next words. "Maybe you married me out of obligation, but we've been good together. I know this is a lot right now, but don't worry. I'll always be by your side, and eventually, you'll remember all the little things about us."

Mathias's expression finally eased. "...This is sudden. I need some time to process it."

I tested the waters carefully. "You wouldn't want a divorce just because you have amnesia, would you?"

Mathias smiled faintly. "Why would I want a divorce if you're this good to me? But I don't remember anything, so I'll need some time to adjust."

I made my face light up through the fake tears. "Aww, so you do have a heart!"

Knowing when to back off, I said, "You should get some more sleep."

Mathias had just woken up and was still weak, clearly needing rest.

"You don't look so great yourself. You should rest too."

That hint of growing concern told me my groundwork was already paying off, and I felt a secret thrill.

I smiled. "Thanks for worrying about me, honey."

Mathias looked taken aback, his expression turning a little awkward. "...Do you really call me that?"

He was still getting used to it, no doubt.

I thought to myself, how else are we supposed to get close fast if not with pet names?

"Ever since we got hitched, that's what I've called you. But you still haven't called me 'wifey' once."

I arched my brows playfully. "Why not take advantage of the amnesia and try it now?"

Mathias ignored my teasing and pretended to fall asleep.

Once he'd dozed off, I quietly got up, arranged for the nurse to keep an eye on things, and left the hospital.

If we were going to play husband and wife, I had to commit to the role completely.

Thankfully, Mathias had his ID on him. Using the information on both our IDs, I mocked up what looked like a certified county marriage certificate, then went shopping for his basics and arranged them neatly all over my apartment.

With no time to rest, I whipped up a nutritious stew and rushed back to the hospital.

The nurse told me Mathias had woken up briefly, then dozed off again. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep at his bedside, gripping his hand.

At some point in my sleep, I must have used his hand as a pillow, because the tingling sensation woke him. He started to pull away, but when he saw how wiped out I was, he paused and let his hand stay right where it was.

While I'd been gone, the nurse had checked on him, and Mathias had asked a few questions.

Apparently, I'd been out of my mind with worry and had begged the doctor to do whatever it took to save him.

The nurse, a romantic in her forties, laid her story on thick. "Heard you needed a blood transfusion, and she rolled up her sleeve without a second thought. Said she'd donate as much as the doctors safely allowed if that's what it took! Then she fainted right after, only woke up after they gave her fluids, and still rushed straight back to look after you. That woman loves you. Don't you go neglecting her just because you can't remember."

Mathias seemed to buy every word. When he looked at me again, gratitude—and something that looked a lot like guilt—softened his expression.

Lost in thought, I woke up with a start and met Mathias's deep gaze.

"Honey, you're awake! Hungry? Let me get you something to eat."

His hand was still tingling, and he pulled it back slowly. "All right."

I raised the bed. "I made chicken broth with carrots, celery, and herbs—something light to help you recover."

As soon as I opened the thermos, Mathias wrinkled his nose. "Take it away. I hate celery."

I'd tried to research him online, hoping to learn how to win him over, but found nothing. The heir had spent years abroad and stayed low-key and mysterious.

I filed away his dislike of celery and used a coaxing tone. "I know you hate it, but you need calories and fluids while you're recovering. Just have a little, okay?"

Mathias had a strict rule about not eating things he disliked, and my coaxing wasn't enough to move him. "No."

Feigning a pitiful look, I raised my arm and showed the marks from last night's transfusion. "AB negative blood is hard to come by around here. I really don't have much left to give. Please, just a little."

Mathias looked at the bruises and remembered the nurse's story about me fainting after the transfusion.

Eventually, he reluctantly lowered the hand shielding his mouth and nose.

I brightened. "That's a good boy. Now open wide."

I blew on the stew to cool it before lifting the spoon to his lips, playing the attentive caregiver for all I was worth.

Uncomfortable with the intimacy, Mathias insisted, "I can manage."

"You can't even hold the bowl. If it spills, I'll be the one cleaning it up. Now open wide."

Too weak to argue, he gave in. Being doted on by a loving, attentive wife wasn't exactly a bad consolation.

After a few spoonfuls, I offered him a piece of chicken. "Eat some meat. Protein."

He eyed the piece beside his lips, frowned, and turned away. "Skin."

I caught on instantly. "Oh, silly me. I forgot you don't do chicken skin."

A true princely palate, really.

From childhood until now, I'd rarely served anyone, but to secure my mother's medication, I'd gladly work myself to the bone.

I removed the skin and bones and finally offered the choicest piece to the picky heir.

Mathias showed a sliver of courtesy. "You've worked hard."

"Between us, that's not necessary. Seeing you like this hurts me. I wish I could trade places with you."

His amnesia seemed to have reset him, softening all his edges. When he saw the tears welling in my eyes, he paused, but eventually comforted me. "Don't worry, I'll get better soon."

I noted every little change in him. My spirits soared, sensing victory was close. Recharged, I poured even more effort into the act.

After the meal, I fetched hot water. "You love being clean. Going days without a bath must be rough. Let me help freshen you up."

Mathias was used to luxury, so hygiene was naturally important to him. I couldn't miss with that one.

"I do feel grimy," he admitted.

All part of my strategy—catering to his every need to get my hands on that drug.

"Of course. As your dear wife, I have to take good care of you."

While wiping his abdomen, I couldn't resist poking at his well-defined muscles. "You have an incredible body. I love feeling your abs."

Mathias glanced down at me and frowned. "Was it lust that made you chase me?"

I met his gaze with a sly smile. "Not quite."

Then I went right back to playing with his abs.

After half a minute, he caught my playful hand.

"Don't."

I feigned hurt and pouted. "Are we really so distant now that I can't even touch you?"

Watching my fake pout, Mathias's expression softened, amusement flickering in his eyes.

His nose twitched, and his voice softened as he explained, "...It tickles."

Mathias's lips curved into a faint grin. "I thought my wife had lost her memory and wouldn't let me touch her. Had me a little worried."

The corner of Mathias's mouth twitched, as if he were trying not to smile at me.

He let out a low chuckle. "How old are you?"

With that expressive face of mine, I sometimes looked like a teary-eyed child, much younger than I actually was.

I pulled out the forged county marriage certificate I'd prepared ahead of time and handed it over. "Amnesia doesn't mean you forgot how to read, does it?"

Mathias took it, studying the document. "I may have lost my memory, but I'm not an idiot. Of course I can read."

After scanning the marriage certificate, he looked back at me, slightly stunned. "You're only twenty-one?"

Yeah. Really young.

I nodded. "I just graduated from college this year."

Mathias shifted his attention to his own information.

Name: Mathias Thomas.

Age: 27.

"So we're from New York. What are we doing here?"

I had our backstory down pat. As I kept helping him freshen up, I explained, "My family owns a pharmaceutical company, and there's an old factory here. My dad sent me over for some hands-on experience. Since I came to Pittsburgh, you naturally came with me."

The first part was true.

Lucien, pushed by his current wife, had shipped me off to this dreary place for "experience."

But I hadn't wanted to go. I had little management experience, and I knew some of the company's old guard were in my stepmother's pocket. The whole thing reeked of a setup.

Then, ten days ago, everything tilted. When I learned Mathias was out for revenge, I packed up and slipped away overnight.

Somehow, we still crossed paths again.

I went on, "Last night, you probably got into some trouble and got mugged. Before you passed out, you said you didn't want your parents to worry, so you asked me not to tell them. Lucky for us, we're far enough away that word won't get back to them."

After all, keeping his injuries quiet had been Mathias's call, so I wasn't exactly lying.

Mathias frowned a little. "What did I do before?"

I looked into his eyes, trying to read his expression before answering carefully. "Our families are in the same industry, and you've been researching Mixed Hypersensitivity Syndrome."

Mixed Hypersensitivity Syndrome was exactly my mother's rare illness.

People who suffered from it were extremely sensitive to light, wind, water temperature, sound, and vibrations. Too much of any one of them could trigger a violent episode.

My mother had lived in a quiet countryside care facility for years. Every time I visited, I could only see her from a distance.

Thinking about my mother's years of suffering made my nose sting and my eyes burn, but I kept my voice light.

"You told me your research had made a major breakthrough—that you'd developed a cure. Once all the clinical trials pass, it'll be available on the market."

Mathias narrowed his eyes. "Mixed Hypersensitivity Syndrome?"

I pushed down the hope rising in my chest. "Does that ring any bells?"

After thinking for a moment, Mathias shook his head.

I hid my disappointment. "That's okay. Once you're better, it might come back to you. You said it was instinct—that you'd remember once you saw the documents."

Mathias didn't push. Instead, something else caught his attention. "So you're managing a company now?"

I beamed. "Impressive, right? Your wife's pretty capable!"

The conversation loosened, and Mathias's lips twitched into a smirk. "You're young and a woman. You think you can handle them?"

I sighed internally at his words.

I'd only been in Pittsburgh a few days, but I'd already run into plenty of trouble.

Most of the company's higher-ups were seasoned veterans over forty. They weren't about to bow to some young newcomer.

With my stepmother's allies stirring the pot, they constantly tried to undercut me.

But I hadn't come to Pittsburgh to fail. If I did, my stepmother would use my inability to manage a small company as an excuse to keep me out of the main office.

I needed everyone to know exactly who was in charge.

Even with all the stress, I kept my cool on the outside.

"The company belongs to my family. They wouldn't dare disrespect me. Managing them is a piece of cake!"

Mathias noticed my youthful bravado and chuckled. "Let's hope so."

I huffed, playing along. "Even if I'm still green, once you recover, I'll have you backing me up. You can whip them into shape!"

I was only half joking, but Mathias surprised me by agreeing. "All right."

"Really?!" My eyes lit up with excitement.

Mathias nodded.

I could barely contain myself, bouncing on the spot.

The Thomas family had a long business lineage and had survived every kind of challenge. Anyone with the Thomas name was a force to be reckoned with. If Mathias really stepped in, he'd have the Pittsburgh branch under control in no time.

Mathias squinted. "Is it really that big of a deal?"

I nodded eagerly. "It means you're making a move, and I could get emotional!"

"With our combined strength, we'll turn this struggling factory around. My dad will let me into the main company. Then I'll hand over my shares and make you the boss while I trail behind and enjoy the rewards!"

Mathias watched me get lost in my daydream, smiling along. "Then show me the company's documents."

Having grown up around business dealings, Mathias naturally found corporate management fascinating.

I, however, shook my head. "Not now. You're still recovering. Wouldn't it be heartless to make you work?"

Mathias, bored lying there, tried to negotiate. "Just a quick look."

I put on my stern-wife act. "Not even for a minute! Your job right now is to rest. Once you're healed, you can dive in."

Mathias couldn't argue with that, so he settled for a compromise. "If I can't see them, can you at least tell me about it?"

Seeing how restless he was, I thought it over. "All right."

I'd already run into problems anyway. I could use advice from a business prodigy.

So I explained the general situation at the Pittsburgh company.

My family's business had started here and done well. Eventually, to expand, the core business moved to New York, though some operations and production lines stayed behind.

In recent years, the Pittsburgh branch had struggled, and Lucien had considered shutting it down. But some local company veterans refused to move to the New York headquarters or agree to the closure, dragging things out.

Mathias listened with his eyes closed, looking like he was resting. "Those old-timers just treat it like a retirement home."

I grew more agitated. "Exactly! The company relies on subsidies from headquarters. These old leeches don't generate any profit, but as shareholders, they still collect dividends from the main office. They're total freeloaders!"

Mathias said, "They're used to coasting. Now that you've suddenly shown up in charge, they'll try to push you out."

His words struck a nerve.

Even though I was officially the top manager, my authority was mostly for show. Everyone brushed off my efforts.

Ten days in, and I still hadn't even accessed the company's core data, let alone made any real progress.

Undeterred, I scoffed. "Me? Scared? I'll bring them to heel eventually!"

Mathias opened his eyes, intrigued. "How do you plan to do that?"

I boasted, "I have my ways! Just keep watching. Your wife is no pushover!"

Mathias smiled. "Want some advice?"

My eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I'm all ears."

Mathias generously shared his wisdom. "First, build a loyal crew. Second, make an example out of someone. Lastly, take down the biggest threat!"

My eyes brightened. "You totally get me!"

I'd actually been thinking about all this before, but I couldn't figure out how to even get started. Everything felt so chaotic—just way too overwhelming.

I sighed. "It's a shame I haven't found anyone I can trust yet."

I'd originally planned to spend the weekend getting to know all the employees and seeing if there was anyone I could take under my wing. But after running into Mathias, all my time went to the hospital, and work completely fell off my radar.

Mathias suggested, "Do we have employee files? Let's go through them together."

His idea hit the nail on the head, so I decided to drop my earlier vow not to lean on his help. Grabbing my laptop, I sat down beside him.

"I'll hold it while you look."

We sat shoulder to shoulder, and I started explaining the company setup with real enthusiasm.

"Here's how the company is structured. Before I got here, it was run by Howard Blake, a local who fought every change tooth and nail. Most of the department heads he appointed are locals too. Uprooting them is next to impossible, so finding an ally among the higher-ups isn't going to work."

Mathias listened closely, his expression turning serious. "It doesn't matter. Sometimes even the smallest player can make a huge impact."

I nodded, just as serious. "But I still don't know them well enough. I haven't found the right person."

Mathias went through all the employee profiles, eventually pointing to someone named Zoe Carter.

"She's from New York. What made her stick around this small town for three years?"

I recognized Zoe Carter. "She moved here for her boyfriend, but two months ago he cheated on her and married some local girl."

Mathias thought for a moment. "Do you think she'd want to go back to New York?"

The lightbulb went off in my head. "She definitely would!"

Mathias gave a small smile. "She's in finance, so she probably has a good grasp of the company. Try winning her over."

That breakthrough lifted my spirits. "You're fantastic, darling!"

I was so deep in character that calling him "darling" felt completely natural—and kind of sweet.

Mathias just sighed.

I reached out and gently pinched his cheek like he was a cute kid, my eyes shining with affection. "How did I manage to snag such a clever husband?"

Remembering the rumors that Mathias was cold and ruthless, dancing on thin ice with him gave me a serious thrill.

Amnesiac Mathias was unexpectedly good-natured. He let me pinch his face for a while before finally catching my hand. "Okay, let's keep going."

Even if this was only for show, his warm, affectionate tone almost melted my heart.

I sighed happily and rested my head on his shoulder. "All right."

I felt him tense up when I first leaned against him, but he relaxed quickly.

It seemed physical closeness really could close the gap between two people fast.

What was supposed to be a quick ten-minute discussion turned into a two-hour deep dive without us even realizing it.

Yawning, I finally noticed how late it had gotten.

Reluctantly, I shut the laptop and lifted my head off Mathias's shoulder. "It's time to sleep."

I decided to stay overnight.

Not wanting to sleep too deeply and miss any of Mathias's needs, I pulled the hospital cot close to his bed so they were side by side.

"If you need anything, wake me up."

Since the night before, I'd only managed bits and pieces of sleep. Exhausted, I fell asleep almost immediately, holding Mathias's pinky. Even though he was awake, Mathias patiently listened to my snores.

The day's events had left me physically and mentally drained, and I drifted into a string of disturbing dreams.

In one, Mathias regained his memory and discovered that not only had I hired him for one night, but I'd also faked a marriage certificate to claim we were married!

I found myself tied up and trembling at the top of a skyscraper, facing a menacing Mathias.

"Yara, how dare you trick me? Prepare to meet your end!"

He shoved me off the rooftop, and I felt myself falling.

Then I dreamed about my mother not getting her medication in time, suffering beyond recognition before dying right in front of me.

My grip on Mathias's hand tightened painfully, waking him.

He heard me crying "Don't kill me" and pleading about "Mom," and he knew nightmares had me in their grip.

My exhaustion kept me from truly waking up.

Checking the time—just past five in the morning—Mathias frowned and watched me for a while. He shifted closer, wrapping one arm gently around me and patting my back soothingly with the other.

"It's all right. Everything's all right."

Eventually, my tense body relaxed and settled, and my sleep-talk faded away.

Mathias grabbed a tissue and wiped my sweaty forehead.

Since he'd slept most of yesterday, he wasn't tired now. He tried to piece together the past while continuing to comfort me until dawn.

A nurse came in to start the IV, speaking loudly. "Room 26..."

Mathias frowned and pressed a finger to his lips. "Shh."

The nurse noticed me holding his hand in my sleep and, smirking, moved more quietly.

"Three bags in the morning."

Despite the small disturbance, I woke up.

Peeking through sleepy eyes, I saw Mathias, and my mind snapped awake.

Taking advantage of my still-groggy state, I murmured, "Darling~" in a slow, loving tone.

I mentally congratulated myself on my flawless acting.

The nurse smiled broadly while adjusting the IV tube. "He didn't want to wake you and insisted I be quiet. He really cares about you."

I felt unexpectedly pleased by the quick feedback and smirked at Mathias. "Really? You care that much?"

The seemingly unattainable prince didn't feel so unreachable after all.

Mathias looked a little proud but refused to admit it. "Stop flattering yourself."

I laughed. "You'll be totally smitten with me eventually."

I freshened up and headed downstairs to grab breakfast.

Just then, Avianna called again.

"Yara, I'm sorry I still haven't been able to get in touch with Mathias Thomas. But I heard his grandfather is pressuring him to get married and setting him up on dates. You've got a great profile, so I'll do my best to get you on the shortlist."

I paused, about to speak, but Avianna cut in. "I know you hate blind dates, but this is about getting close to Mathias to ask about the medication—not actually marrying him."

I didn't want to lie to a friend who had always had my back. I wanted to come clean, but remembering how Mathias insisted on keeping his whereabouts secret, I hesitated and stayed quiet.

"Avianna, I'll handle this myself. Stop stressing about me so much."

Avianna sighed. "If I don't worry, who will? I heard your sneaky stepmother is also trying to set her daughter up with Mathias. If they pull it off, she'll wrap him around her finger, and he won't lift a finger to help you. There's no time to waste."

I wasn't too concerned about my stepsister's attempts, especially since Mathias was with me. She couldn't possibly meet him!

I asked, "Mathias wouldn't be interested in her. Anything about the Thomas family that stands out?"

Considering Mathias had disappeared, the Thomas family had to be in turmoil.

Avianna sounded unsure. "There's always news, but anything especially juicy... Does him meeting five different dates in one day count?"

"Five dates?!" I was genuinely shocked.

Mathias was right here. How the hell was he dating?

Avianna went on. "Yep, that prince is really efficient, but he's rejecting plenty of them too. Apparently, he still hasn't found anyone he likes. His granddad's getting pretty frustrated."

Casually, I remarked, "Mathias isn't even that old. Why the rush?"

Avianna, well-connected and always up on the latest gossip, explained, "The old man is desperate for great-grandkids. Old-money families like theirs can get obsessive about carrying on the family line. I heard he promised ten million dollars in rewards for a great-grandchild!"

"How... much?!"

The amount was jaw-dropping.

Being this close to Mathias, I was tempted to claim the prize myself!