006

Valerie’s POV

Sunlight filtered through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the bedroom in a golden hue. I blinked against the brightness, groaning softly as I turned to my side—only to freeze.

I wasn’t alone.

Ryan Devante lay beside me, his breathing steady, his muscular frame relaxed against the silk sheets. His dark hair was tousled in a way that should’ve looked messy but instead made him look even more devastatingly handsome.

And then it hit me.

I had agreed to marry him.

A billionaire. A man I barely knew.

Oh, God.

My stomach twisted as the events of last night replayed in my head, his absurd proposal, his reasoning, and worse, my acceptance. I had said yes. I had willingly agreed to a contract marriage with the most enigmatic, unreadable man I had ever met.

What the hell was I thinking?

I needed to get up. To clear my head. To put some distance between myself and this reckless decision.

Slowly, I lifted the blanket, careful not to disturb him. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and—

"Going somewhere?"

I sucked in a sharp breath, my heart leaping to my throat.

His deep, morning-rough voice sent a shiver down my spine. I turned my head slightly to see him watching me through half-lidded eyes, a slow smirk curling his lips.

"I…" My voice faltered. Damn him for looking this good right after waking up. "I need to freshen up."

His smirk deepened, but he didn’t stop me.

"Bathroom’s to your right. There’s a closet filled with clothes in case you need something else to wear."

I hesitated before nodding. With as much dignity as I could muster, I got up and padded toward the en-suite bathroom.

Inside, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The space was ridiculously luxurious—black marble countertops, gold fixtures, a massive glass shower, and an oversized bathtub that looked like it belonged in a five-star resort.

I caught my reflection in the mirror. My hair was a mess, my mascara slightly smudged under my eyes. I barely recognized the woman staring back at me.

A woman who had made a deal with the devil.

I turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on my face, hoping it would snap me back to reality. But no amount of cold water could change the fact that I was now engaged to Ryan Devante.

For one year.

I was still lost in thought when a knock sounded at the door.

"Valerie." His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it. "Come out when you’re done. We have things to discuss."

Right. Discuss.

I sighed, drying my face before stepping back into the bedroom. Ryan was already up, standing near the window with a cup of coffee in hand. He had thrown on a crisp white shirt, the first few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his toned chest.

I hated that my stomach fluttered.

"Sit," he said, gesturing toward the armchair opposite him.

I hesitated before sinking into the seat. He studied me for a moment before setting his coffee down.

"I assume you haven’t changed your mind overnight."

I met his gaze, straightening my shoulders. "No. But I do have questions."

"Ask away."

I licked my lips, gathering my thoughts. "How exactly are we pulling this off? Do we just… announce that we’re getting married out of nowhere?"

His expression remained unreadable. "There’s going to be an engagement announcement today."

I nearly choked. "Today?!"

"Yes," he said smoothly. "My PR team is already handling it. By noon, the world will know that you are mine."

My heart pounded at his choice of words.

"That’s—" I exhaled sharply. "That’s fast, Ryan."

"We don’t have time to waste." He leaned back against the windowsill, crossing his arms. "We’ll have an engagement party in a week. The wedding will be in three months."

Three months.

I swallowed. "And until then?"

"Until then, we’ll have to make this believable." His gaze darkened slightly. "Which means public appearances, interviews, and, of course, playing the part of a couple in love."

I tensed. "And what exactly does that involve?"

He smirked. "Holding hands. Smiling at me like you’re madly in love. Maybe even kissing me in public."

My cheeks burned. "You make it sound so simple."

"It is," he said, completely unfazed. "The world will believe what we show them."

I exhaled through my nose. "And when this is over? You just… walk away?"

He nodded. "We’ll divorce quietly, and you’ll walk away with a hefty settlement. No strings attached."

I studied him carefully. "And what happens if I want out before the year is up?"

His jaw tightened, his playful smirk fading. "Then you forfeit everything."

I held his gaze. "I see."

Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken tension.

Then he sighed, rubbing his temple. "Look, I know this is overwhelming. But if we do this right, we both get what we want."

I wanted to believe that.

I really did.

Before I could respond, his phone buzzed on the table. He picked it up, his brows furrowing slightly as he read the message.

"Your new phone is on the way," he said, slipping the device back into his pocket. "I had your number changed for security reasons."

I frowned. "I didn’t ask for that."

"You didn’t have to," he replied smoothly. "You’re about to become Valerie Devante. That comes with risks."

I wasn’t sure how I felt about him making decisions for me, but I bit my tongue. This was temporary.

"I arranged for a stylist to meet you today," he continued. "You need to be camera-ready before the announcement goes live."

I narrowed my eyes. "You mean I need to look the part of your fiancée?"

"Precisely."

I let out a dry chuckle. "You really thought of everything, didn’t you?"

Ryan shrugged. "I always do."

Of course he did.

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling exhaustion creep in. "Fine. Let’s get this over with."

His lips curved into a satisfied smirk. "Good girl."

I shot him a glare, but he only chuckled.

"One more thing," he said, walking closer until he stood right in front of me.

I looked up, my breath hitching at the intensity in his gaze.

"This isn’t just an act for the cameras," he murmured. "If we’re doing this, you have to get used to being touched by me."

I swallowed. "What—"

Before I could finish, he reached out, his fingers grazing my jaw in the lightest of touches. My skin tingled where he touched me, my heartbeat hammering in my ears.

"See?" he murmured, tilting his head slightly. "You have to look like this doesn’t affect you."

I willed my body to stay still, but every nerve in me was hyper-aware of his proximity.

Ryan smirked. "You’ll get used to it."

I sucked in a breath, forcing myself to pull away. "We’ll see about that."

His eyes darkened with amusement. "Indeed, we will."

I had no idea what I’d just gotten myself into.

But there was no turning back now.