Chapter 2: A Marriage of Convenience

Ashlyn sat at her vanity, methodically removing the thick layers of makeup with a cotton pad. Her hands trembled slightly as she wiped away the last traces of foundation.

"Miss Knight?" A nurse knocked at the door. "Your step mother would like to know when you will be discharged."

"Tell her I'm indisposed." Her voice came out stronger than she expected.

As the nurse’s footsteps faded, Ashlyn stared at her reflection. The face looking back at her was identical to Commander Hannah's – every curve, every angle, even the small scar near her left eyebrow.

"I promise you, Ashlyn," she whispered to the mirror. "I'll make them pay for what they did to you."

Her phone buzzed. A message from the family lawyer: "Miss Knight, regarding your mother's shares..."

Before she could finish reading, voices drifted up from the garden below her hospital window. She recognized Mrs. White's distinctive tone.

"Christopher, darling, think about it logically." Mrs. White's voice carried clearly through the evening air. "Twenty percent of Knight Enterprises... it's not something we can ignore."

"Mother, she tried to kill Penelope." Christopher's voice was filled with disgust.

"Nothing was proven," Mrs. White said smoothly. "And those shares... they're worth billions. Marry her, get control of the shares, then divorce her. Simple."

Ashlyn moved closer to the window, barely breathing.

"The company needs those shares," Mrs. White continued. "Your father's position is precarious. Without a majority stake..."

"And what about Penelope?" Christopher demanded.

"Keep her as your mistress if you must. But think of the business, darling. The Knights are desperate to repair their reputation after this scandal. They'll agree to anything."

A bitter laugh escaped Ashlyn's lips. "So that's their game."

Her phone buzzed again. The lawyer's message continued: "Your mother's will specifically states the shares can only be accessed after marriage. Would you like to schedule a meeting to discuss your options?"

"Marriage..." Ashlyn's lips curved into a cold smile. She quickly typed back: "What exactly are the requirements?"

The response came quickly: "Any legal marriage registered at the Civil Affairs Bureau will suffice. The shares will be transferred immediately upon registration."

"Perfect." Ashlyn grabbed her coat as she exits the hospital. "Two can play at this game."

At the Civil Affairs Bureau, Ashlyn sat in the waiting area, observing the couples coming and going. Her phone hadn't stopped buzzing with messages from Christopher's mother.

"Consider my proposal, Ashlyn dear. Let's put this unfortunate incident behind us."

"Christopher is willing to forgive you."

"Think of your future, darling."

Ashlyn deleted each message without responding.

"Miss?" A clerk approached her. "We're closing in thirty minutes."

"Just a little longer," Ashlyn murmured, scanning the room.

An elderly couple shuffled past, followed by a young pair taking selfies. None suitable.

Her phone rang. Christopher's name flashed on the screen.

"Yes?" she answered coolly.

"Ashlyn." His voice was carefully controlled. "Can we meet? To discuss... our future?"

"Discussing shares, you mean?" She couldn't keep the sarcasm from her voice.

"I... what?"

"I heard you and your mother in the garden. Very enlightening conversation."

"You were spying on us?" His tone turned angry.

"Hardly necessary when you discuss your schemes so openly." Ashlyn checked her watch. "Now, if you'll excuse me-"

"Don't you dare hang up on me!" Christopher's voice rose. "You need this marriage as much as-"

"Actually, I don't." Ashlyn smiled into the phone. "Goodbye, Christopher."

She ended the call just as the clerk approached again. "Miss, we really need to-"

The bureau's doors swung open. A tall figure stepped in, his expensive suit slightly rumpled, his tie loosened.

Ashlyn's breath caught in her throat. The man's features were eerily familiar – like someone from her past life, someone she thought she'd never see again.

He spoke quietly to his assistant: "Get the paperwork ready. I need to be married by tonight."

"But sir," the assistant protested, "Miss Harris just left you at the altar! The media-"

"I don't care about the media." His voice was steel. "Find me a bride. Any bride."

The fluorescent lights of the Civil Affairs Bureau flickered as Ashlyn studied the man before her. His presence commanded attention, even with his disheveled appearance.

"Sir, please reconsider," his assistant pleaded. "The tabloids are already having a field day with Miss Harris leaving you at the altar. Another marriage tonight would-"

"Enough, James." His voice was sharp but controlled. "Find me someone suitable in the next ten minutes."

Ashlyn stood, her heart pounding. In her previous life, she had known someone with that exact same commanding presence, that same determined set of the jaw.

The man looked in her direction, and their gaze connected from afar in the room.

"Sorry to interrupt," Ashlyn said, moving closer. "I couldn't avoid hearing." I think we could possibly assist one another.

The man's eyebrows rose slightly. Both men turned to look at her. The assistant's eyes widened in recognition.

"Miss... Miss Knight?" James stammered. "The one from this morning's news?"

"The very same." Ashlyn's smile was practiced perfection. "And you are?"

"Richard Walker," the tall man answered, studying her with intense eyes. "Though I'm sure you already knew that."

"Actually, I didn't." She met his gaze steadily. "But I do know we both need a marriage certificate tonight."

Richard's eyebrows rose slightly. "And why would the infamous Ashlyn Knight want to marry a stranger?"

"The same reason you're here, I imagine." She gestured to the nearly empty bureau. "Necessity."

"Sir," James interrupted, "Miss Knight was involved in a scandal this morning. Her own wedding-"

"Was a disaster, yes." Ashlyn's voice remained calm. "But I still have my reputation intact, despite what the gossips say."

Richard's lips twitched. "Your reputation is exactly why we should discuss this further. James, get the paperwork started."

The assistant hurried away, leaving them alone in the waiting area.

"Let's be clear," Richard said, loosening his tie further. "What exactly do you want from this arrangement?"

"Access to my shares. You?"

"Privacy and peace from the media circus." He leaned against the wall. "Any other conditions?"

"Just one." Ashlyn met his eyes. "Whatever you've heard about me isn't true. I'm still... a virgin."

Something flashed in Richard's eyes – anger? disappointment? – before his face became neutral again.

"Sign here, please," James returned with forms. "And here... and here."

As they completed the paperwork, Ashlyn noticed Richard's jaw tightening with each signature.

"Congratulations," the clerk announced tiredly. "You're now legally married."

Richard shrugged off his coat and draped it over Ashlyn's shoulders. "It's cold outside."

The drive to Richard's mansion was silent until Ashlyn spoke. "You seem unhappy about something."

"Do I?" His response was clipped.

"Is it because of what I said? About being a virgin?"

Richard's hands tightened on the steering wheel.