Chapter seven

Camelia POV

My mouth dropped as the truth sank in. Everyone knows CASTLE - the conglomerate that owns shopping malls, estates, and pharmaceutical companies across the country, with branches spanning the globe. And I, Camelia, was in a contract marriage with the owner of this empire. My heart pounded loudly in my chest. I had been so focused on seizing the opportunity that I never stopped to consider who Henry really was…

“It's alright,” the woman said, her voice calm this time around. She had to be surprised — but nowhere near as stunned as I was.

"Give me the dress," she added, reaching for it. The sales rep handed it over without a word. With the dress in hand, she turned and walked away from the mall quietly.

“Camelia, you can relax,” Henry said, noticing the confusion etched on my face. “Oh... okay,” I exhaled, finally realizing I’d been holding my breath. I wanted to ask him so many questions, but this wasn’t the right moment.

Turning to the sales rep, I read her name tag. “Grace, are you okay?”. “I’m fine, ma. Thank you for your help,” she said, her smile warm yet cautious as she gave a small bow.

“Don’t let customers treat you that way,” Henry added firmly. ,”If it happens again, report it immediately.”

“Yes, sir,” Grace replied, her smile widening with gratitude.

Can you show us around? We came to do some shopping,” he said. He rambled on as if nothing had just happened. Did he really think I wouldn’t be shocked by what I just heard?

Grace nodded politely and led us to the section where female dresses were displayed. The racks were filled with vibrant fabrics and elegant dresses. “There are lovely dresses,” I murmured, running my fingers along a delicate gown.

Go ahead,” Henry urged, encouraging me to pick some clothes.

I picked a few dresses — just enough to get by.

“Gabriel,” Henry called out, signalling him to come . “Pack everything on this row,” he said, pointing to a line of dresses.

“No! I'm fine with these ones,” I blurted out, my voice sharper than I intended.

Henry’s eyes shifted to the handful of clothes in my arms, his expression hardening. “Are you saying you're okay with this?” he asked, his tone colder now. “Or... do you have plans of going back to your ex-husband’s place to take your things?”

I froze. I never mentioned that I’d left my things at Brady’s — but anyone could have guessed that much. Still, something about the way Henry said it — was different.

I lowered my head slightly, my gaze fixed on the ground. “I don't have such plans,” I murmured.

I stood by quietly, watching as Gabriel packed the dresses. Grace helped him, carefully folding and arranging each piece.

“Make sure they're all in her size,” Henry instructed.

He repeated the process for the bags, shoes, and jewelry. I couldn't help but wonder if the car could possibly contain everything.

As we reached the jewelry store, Grace and Gabriel had already started carrying the packages to the car. Henry lingered behind, his gaze fixed on the glittering display.

“Don't you think we need a ring?” he asked.

A young man, stationed behind the counter, stepped forward. “Which one would you like?” he inquired politely.

“Give us that one,” Henry said, gesturing toward the shimmering array.

“This one?” The attendant held up a delicate ring with a simple stone.

“No,” Henry corrected, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto a slender band adorned with a radiant diamond. “That one.”

My eyes widened as I saw the price.

“This is too expensive,” I whispered, but he ignored me. Instead, his gaze shifted to my finger.

“This should fit,” he murmured, selecting a plain one for himself.

“Here,” he said, handing me the ring.

I doubted if he knew anything about romance. With a scoff, I held out my hand. “Place the ring on my finger yourself,” I teased.

Without hesitation, he slid the ring onto my finger. I couldn’t stop admiring the gorgeous piece of jewelry.

“Let me have it,” I said suddenly.

“Have what?” he asked.

“Your ring, of course.”

He stuttered, quickly pulling it off his finger — I hadn’t even noticed him put it on.

“Your hand, Mr. Henry,” I said jokingly as I slipped the ring onto his finger.

“I feel like we've just become husband and wife,” he said quietly.

“Yes, I feel so too,” I replied with a smile — though in my mind I added, “But a contract wife”.

******

We finished our shopping, and it was time to leave the mall. Before we stepped out, he handed out tips to some of the workers and gave his business card to Grace — just in case.

I still couldn’t quite figure him out. His personality was a puzzle — but one thing I could tell for sure: he was kind.

We drove out of the mall in silence. The air was filled with questions I hadn’t yet found the courage to ask.

But this time, I decided to speak up. After all, I deserved to know something about the man I'd be spending the next twelve months with.

I took a deep breath. “Can I ask you something?” I began, hoping I wasn’t overstepping.

“Why did you lie to me?” I stuttered.

“Lie to you?” he repeated, feigning innocence.

“Yes!”.I shot back. “You never mentioned you owned CASTLE.”

“Oh... that,” he said with a carefree shrug, as if it were no big deal.

“If I had told you, would you have taken my offer seriously?” His gaze met mine. “You’d probably think I was just toying with you.”

He paused, then straightened slightly. “So, let me officially introduce myself. I'm Henry Richard, CEO of Castle & Co.” A subtle smile played on his lips. "Sorry for the late introduction.” He winked, effortlessly charming.

I hadn't mentioned it before, but he had the most captivating blue eyes — the kind that seemed to soften his sharp features. For a moment, my frustration wavered, almost washing away.

But I did some digging about you. “Hope you're not upset about that?” He asked cautiously. “And I'm sorry if you felt that way.” He apologised.

Now it all made sense, why he didn't give me his business card at first. I couldn't blame him; anyone would want to keep their identity hidden in his position.

“I only manage a few branches of the company,” he explained. “My father and brother handle the rest.”

“You have a brother?” I asked, surprised.

“Yeah, I do,” he nodded.

******

Can we stop at the local market? I'd like to get some vegetables," I asked.

“Sure,” Henry replied almost immediately.

“Gabriel, pull over at the market. Camelia wants to grab some things,” he added.

We stopped by the bustling local market, vibrant with colorful stalls and busy shoppers.

“You can stay in the car; I'll just get what I need quickly,” I suggested.

“Why would you say that?” Henry frowned. “I wouldn't be comfortable letting you go alone in a crowd this busy.” With that, he stepped out of the car and pulled on a face mask.

In just a few minutes, we had everything we needed, with Henry insisting on paying for the items.

As we made our way back to the car, I suddenly felt a strong tug on my arm.

“My purse!” I screamed as a strange man dashed off into the crowd with it.

Without hesitation, Henry chased after him, Gabriel following close behind. My heart pounded in my chest unsure of what to do.

Moments later, they returned, my purse safely in Henry's grasp.

"Thank you," I breathed.

"It's nothing," he said between deep breaths.

"But you shouldn’t have..." I began, noticing the streak of sweat trickling down his forehead.

“I feel refreshed”, Henry said with a laugh, still catching his breath. "It's been a while since I had a good run," he sighed, grinning.

“Let me help you with that,” Henry said, stretching his hand toward the paper bag I was holding.

Before I could respond, Gabriel stepped in and took the bag from me.

We headed back home, the ride smooth and quiet. Somewhere along the way, Henry dozed off, with his head resting on my shoulder.A clause from the contract flashed in my mind — “no physical contact.”

I shifted slightly, trying to pull away without waking him.

But then, he murmured in a low whisper, “I helped get your purse back... can I stay like this for a while?”