(Author's POV)

Jemima thought he also cherished her unlike her friends, unaware that he was only using her to make money.

She wasn't the type to expect grand gestures. She'd always been the nice girl people described with fake smiles and Lukewarm compliments.

But Ryan chose her for two years and that alone made her believe she was special.

It was her birthday and their two-years anniversary. The happiest day of her life. The day she decided to spend the rest of her life with him.

Jemima stared at her reflection, running her fingers down the small wrapped box on the dresser. A silver watch engraved with 'Forever starts today'. She bought it with the money she'd been saving for a month now. She imagined him, smiling, pulling her closer whispering the word she'd been yearning to hear.

"Marry me, Jemima. And make me the happiest man on earth."

By evening, she was in Chicago's busiest bakery buying his favourite chocolate cake. She could see the night unfolding in her head; Dinner, laughter, maybe champagne...

Ryan thought she’s still at work. She'd told him she would be late just so she could sneak the suprise into his night and watch his face lit up.

Something made her pause, the door wasn't locked. She tilted her head, a ridiculous thought crossed her mind, it might be one of his surprises.

She stepped inside. The living room was empty. Quiet. Too quiet. Balancing the cake box on her hip, she crossed the carpet, her heels clicking softly as she moved down the familiar hall way.

The sound hit her first. loud, vulgar, and shameless sounds. A mix of screams and moans, punctuated by the heavy, rhythmic slap of skin against skin.

Her fingers went numb. And she froze.

"Oh gawd, you're so fucking tight."He grunted in pleasure.

That voice. That familiar grunts she loved hearing in the moment of passion.

He was naked, thrusting deeply into a woman under him,her legs coiled around his waist,moans on moans, his hands gripping him like she belonged to him.

Her stomach lurched. No, no , she had to be hallucinating.

"Yes...baby, more."The woman moaned under him breathlessly.

He kept penetrating inside her deeply, the more she screamed the more he drove inside her. They were so lost in it, to the extent that they didn't notice she entered.

Jemima's vision blurred, her fingers shook so violently she almost dropped the cake box.

"You love me right?,”the woman's voice rose, almost a plea.

"Ryan...mmm...answer me!"She screamed when he didn't respond.

Jemima blinked, she knew that voice. Her world tilted as Ryan grunted one word that made her knees buckle

"Evelyn..."

Evelyn–her best friend, her sister in everything.

"...I love you, Jemima is nothing to me, she's just my credit card.”

Tears clawed Jemima's eyes as reality clawed into her. The cake slipped from her trembling hands, the box crashing onto the cold tiled floor, it's content spilling in a mess of frosting and broken sugar flower.

The sound snapped them from their haze. Ryan's head whipped around, he pulled away from Evelyn, his chest heaving.

“Jemima…”He stuttered. "It's not...what you think."

A flu befell her and her whole body trembled, Jemima's gaze shifted to Evelyn who was now sitting up straight on the bed, her chest rising and falling from the sinful aftermath.

The woman she called her best friend, the only human she considered more than a sister.

"Oh my God."Her voice cracked–lips shaking and her eyes red.

"Jemima... it's...not what you..."

Evelyn hissed. "It's what you think, we're having an affair right under your nose."

"You were my best friend Eve, and you betrayed me like this!" She said, her voice cracked.

Evelyn scoffed, she didn't feel any guilt even though Ryan was pleading with her. He stood up after wearing his shorts.

"Jemima.. please...I can explain" He tried touching her but she moved away.

"Explain what?! You cheated Ryan... you betrayed my trust, our love, and... for her?!" She shouted at him, tears blurred her vision.

"Cheating is not something new" He scoffed.

"Coming from you? Ryan..."she whispered, her lips trembling.

He rolled his eyes as though her pain was like a performance he didn't have time for. "Yes, it shouldn't be new to you."

"Really? Cheating shouldn't be new to me?" she asked again.

"Get a hold of yourself, Jemima. And don't make a fuss about this. Ryan loves me and I feel the same way, you can't tell me to ignore my feelings just because you were pathetic to keep him!" Evelyn's words landed like a blow.

Jemima could remember the countless times she'd defended Even going to jail to cover for her mistakes.

"Eve, we've been best friends for five years even before he came into the picture." She yelled.

"So what?!" Evelyn snapped back.

"You never valued his sexual needs and I did, you don't have to make it a big deal just because you weren't ready to open your legs for him every time." She said.. "And besides he said you weren't beautiful for him. I mean we both know you're ugly."

Jemima stared at Ryan, hoping he'd at least lie to her face that he didn't say that.

"Ryan, tell me it's not true?" She demanded, staring into his eyes. Hoping to see him shake his head and say "No, you know I'd never say something like that."

He chuckled darkly, his voice hollow.

"It's true. You never gave me what I wanted, so why are you surprised?" He said like the last two years of us meant nothing to him.

"Despite everything I have done for you," she poked her index finger at him. "You have the audacity to tell me all this! Ryan, I paid your bills, rent, last month I was fired because of you and after all these sacrifices, you loved her!"

"Yes I loved her, you know why?!" He snapped, his breath warm against Evelyn's skin. "Because she's the prettiest woman I've ever seen. Have you ever looked at your reflection? You're worthless, Jemima. And your ugly face makes me want to puke."

Evelyn grinned,as if she's been waiting for this day and finally it's happening.

"You paid his bills, his rent, yes who hasn't done that before? He deserves someone pretty, not a worthless bitch like you." She spatted.

She moved back a bit, tears spilling down her eyes weakly. Their cruel words echoed in her head. Her best friend of five years and her boyfriend of two years. It was too much for her to bear.

Ryan's tone hardened, with finality"And if you think I owe you any explanation,I never asked you to do all what you did for me, you were so desperate for love and attention, and you decided to play the martyr. That was your choice, Jemima."

She staggered. He used her. Her chest rose and fell in an uneven gasps. His words cut deeply inside her. She was never desperate for love and affection. She just showed him, she loved him too much.

He grabbed her hands, and she was too numb to resist.

"We're done, Jemima," he said before slamming the door loudly on her face.

Just like that, he discarded her like a trash. Two years relationship, five years friendship, all gone.

The cold air slapped Jemima's face when she finally made it outside. Night had already fallen, Chicago's street was alive with distant chatter, honking cars, glowing neon lights. But to her it was silent and empty.

Each step felt heavier than the last, her body trembling from the weight of everything she'd just heard.

Ugly. Worthless. And she's nothing but a credit card to him.

She crossed the street without even looking. A black sleek pulled to a sharp stop in front of her. The tires screeched and the burnt rubber filled the night air.

She froze blinking through her tears at the blinding lights. A tall figure stepped out of the car, his presence commanding even from a distance. His shadow stretched across the street light as he moved towards her.

"Are you okay?"

Her lips parted but no words came. The silver box slipped from her fingers clattering on the pavement. And just before darkness swallowed her whole, she saw the stranger's eyes—dark and terrifyingly familiar.

Her boss–-Khalid Greyson

Six Months later...

Khalid was back to Paris, to fulfill his mother's wishes.

He wasn't back for business, he came back to get married to the woman his mother chose for him. He had refused many ladies, just because he didn't believe in love anymore. He lost his spark and he doesn't think he'll get it back.

But he finally agreed to marry this mysterious woman his mother chose for him.

He could remember their last conversation.

"Khalid, you need a partner,a woman not just someone who'll warm your bed, you need someone who'll understand you, care for you, love you like you've ever loved yourself."

"And is it so easy to find that one woman?" He'd asked her.

"I wasn't going to do this before but I think it's necessary,I spoke with my friend and we came to a conclusion"She said firmly.

"What conclusion?" He had asked wearily and she smiled.

"You'll get married to her daughter, Jemima."She said with finality.

Khalid stared at her, though as if he hadn't heard right.

Jemima?

The name echoed in his head, ringing like a bell that refused to stop. His brows drew together in confusion, and disbelief mixed with exhaustion.

He doesn't even know who this Jemima was, but the name sounded so familiar.

His mother looked calm, she didn't stutter, she just held his gaze with her own. Her lips pressed together in that signature firm way she always did when she had made up her mind.

"You'll marry– Jemima Wilson. She's been raised well, she's educated and well behaved. Most importantly she's available."

Khalid heaved out a sigh, he agreed to marry this woman without any problem until he went on a date with her.

Where he found out she was his secretary.

Jemima was so pompous, she was rude and wouldn't let him speak. He doesn't even want to remember that day, all his life, not even his mother dare to talk to him that way.

But Jemima did, and a part of him loved that side of her and at the same time. Something scared him though, with her behaviour, he doesn't think the marriage will work out.

He stood before the mirror, buttoning his shirt. Getting ready for his wedding, it's finally the day his life was going to change forever.

Meanwhile Jemima Wilson sat in her room, fully dressed in a wedding gown, she stood still as the stylist made the final touches.

The gown screamed elegance, every thread carefully woven, her hair pulled into a perfect bun, the exact style that fits the royalty of her gown.

Her face screams beauty and one sentence — I don't wanna get married to anyone.

Marriage is not the next thing for her, not after she had lost two relationships in one night— her boyfriend and her best friend.

Six months ago, when she was discharged from the hospital. She booked a flight straight to Paris, to come back to the life she left behind.

She was broken, her dreams, her expectations, her love was shattered and instead of her mom comforting her.

She said, "I'm glad it ended. I've been patient enough to keep this from you, Jemima. Your marriage alliance with the CEO of Greyson corporation has been fixed."

"Are you listening to yourself?! Are you Mama?!" She snapped at her. " I've lost everything I've worked so far, I lost my friend and relationship and all you could say is this?"

"You didn't lose anything, they lost you, okay? And trust me, about this marriage, you'll thank me later."

And she was left with no choice, the alliance had been since her childhood according to what her mom had told her.

"Done, Ma'am." The makeup artist told her and she opened her eyes.

"How do I look?" She asked, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"You look amazing." The artist replied warmly.

She smiled faintly, then her mother came to walk her out, to the car. The journey to the wedding hall was short since it was nearby.

Khalid stood at the altar, his heart racing beneath the weight of the tuxedo, waiting for his bride, the woman who was going to change his world forever.

The grand hall, shimmering with golden light, chandeliers sparkling above as though the heavens themselves bent low to witness the union. Different guests cloaked in satin gowns, and tailored suits, whispering behind raised hands, their eyes darting between the groom and the unopened door at the end of the aisle.

Khalid glanced at his wrist watch again, wondering if she'd change her mind and finally cut off the alliance like she threatened.

"I'll rather drink poison than marry a man like you. Wait and see how I call this marriage off!" Her words echoed in his head.

It'd be great if she did that. He doesn't want this marriage either.

Then gasps rippled through the hall as the door opened.

Jemima appeared, stepping into the light. The camera flashed violently on her.

Since her dad wasn't there, Khalid personally walked to her, without hesitation placing her palm on his arm.

Jemima stared at him, she'd never pictured herself walking down the aisle with her boss. Her little fantasy about her wedding had always been with someone she loves, someone she was willing to spend the rest of her life with. Instead, she was marrying a man she barely knew. And the person she was willing to walk down the aisle with? He is currently in Chicago with another woman.

It's high time she accepts the fact that she was never destined to be with Ryan. Her life wasn’t a fairytale, and it looks like it will never be.

Laura and Marianne smiled, exchanging glances. They both longed for this day to come and here it is. Finally, their minds will be at rest, and they hope the marriage will be filled with peace and harmony.

The priest cleared his throat.

“Shall we begin the vows?”

Jemima and Khalid stood before each other, to read out their vows to each other, framed by the arch of flowers, and the watchful eyes of hundreds of guests. Their faces were gloomy, distant yet strangely perfect together.

To the crowd, they looked real, but anyone who looked closely will see it was all just a beautiful lie.

Jemima glared at him, she flipped open the first page, the vows stated as follows;

"I, Jemima Wilson, accept you Khalid Greyson as my lawfully wedded husband."

"I, Khalid Greyson, accept you Jemima Wilson as my lawfully wedded wife."

Jemima smirked, staring at him with so much hatred. It's really happening, she's taking vows with the same man that humiliated her in Chicago.

The same man who yelled at her. When she was still working as his secretary, he was always harsh to her and never treated her nicely.

If he could treat an outsider like that, how would he treat his own wife?

She hates him and she despises herself for being his bride today.

Khalid saw the hatred beneath her eyes, he knew he deserved it. He was cold, harsh and he even yelled at her. When she was falsely accused, he arrested her before the final culprit was detected.

"I promise to love and trust you with all my heart." She read, every word tasted bitter on her tongue.

Khalid was silent, he didn't want to repeat the vow. Love and trust her, he's a man of his word. Saying it will make it fulfill it, but does he have any choice in this?

No. His lips parted and his voice low and soft.

"I promise to love and trust you with...all my heart."

The vow continued, they read it out line after line.

"I'll always support you no matter what." she read aloud, her voice flat, almost sarcastic because she ain't doing that shit.

"I'll be your knight and save you from all danger."

Their eyes communicated, with their heart threatening to pop out of their chest.

"Even if it's the slightest thing hideable, you'll be my secret keeper."

"You'll be my first and last priority."

"I'll never let go of your hand, till death do us apart."

A loud applause roared from the crowd, Laura and Marianne cheering each other.

It was supposed to be a happy moment after the vows but the marriage was a loveless one.

Khalid reached for his pen, his fingers brushed the edge of the certificate, hesitating before he signed on it. He handed it to Jemima who snatched it from him, she signed on it as well.

Yes, it's done.

They're legally married now.

The crowd erupted in a loud applause, guests rose from their seats, clapping with wide smiles.

It was supposed to be a celebration but to Jemima and Khalid it was nothing but a loveless marriage sealed in contract.

The priest cleared his throat and the hall became silent again.

"You can now exchange rings."

The tray was brought to them, without wasting time they exchanged rings.

It was time for the oral vows,

"Khalid, Are you willing to take Jemima Wilson as your wife?" The question came from the priest.

"Yes, I'm willing." Khalid replied.

His mother, Marianne, smiled with joy in her heart. It felt like a blessing seeing his son marrying the best woman she chose for him.

"Jemima, are you willing to take Khalid Greyson as your husband?"

Tears lingered in her eyes, but she blinked it away. Her gaze found her mother who was smiling and she gulped with a no choice expression.

"Yes...I'm willing." She replied.

"Now, I pronounce you as husband and wife, you may kiss your bride."

Jemima bit her lips, anxiety washed through her as he moved closer to her. She let him frame her face with his palm, his eyes lingering on her red lips.

"This is just for our mothers, don't be nervous." He whispered before kissing her.

Her eyes widened at first, she gasped in his mouth and he deepened the kiss. She badly wanted to push him and give him a tight slap, he said just for our mothers, why did he deepen it?

She cursed him under her breath, clutching her gown with the tips of her fingers. She didn't reciprocate his kiss, nor did she break it. She just closed her eyes while he succulently smooched her soft lips.

The guest smiled, murmuring from ear to ear. Laura and Marianne chuckled with a surprise filled face.

The ceremony ended, the guests rising to their feet in celebration. Rose petals and glittery confetti rained from the balcony above.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to rip off the gown and slip the ring from her fingers.

But instead she smiled like the perfect bride.

Like it was a perfect marriage.

The crowd took photos as they walked down the aisle, flash after flash.

"Just like we agreed, my son and your daughter will be leaving the country." Marianne said. "His business is based in Chicago. Your daughter has to live there with him."

"I understand you Marianne. I'm so glad my daughter married your son." Laura nodded.

Jemima stopped in front of her mother, staring at her with tears in her eyes. Laura quickly embraced her daughter.

"I'll miss you so much sweetheart." She said, muffling her sobs. "Please always take good care of yourself and your husband. Give him everything, including your body, okay?"

Jemima broke the hug, giving her a light smile. She's not surprised her mom said otherwise, she was supposed to at least comfort her before she leaves.

Khalid kissed his mother's hand, his mind finally at ease after fulfilling her wish. Even if Jemima filed for a divorce later at least he made his mother smile.

They both entered the car, and the driver drove off straight to the airport.

Inside the car.

"Can you give me one good reason why if I've to follow you to Chicago?" Jemima questioned him.

"The reason is simple, you're my wife." He replied.

Jemima smirked, "I'm only your wife to the world, we both agreed to this so quit the pretense, your mom is not here!"

“You hate me that much?” He asked, staring into her eyes.

“No words can describe how much I hate you Khalid Greyson. I despise you more than anything!” She blurted out to his face.