Chapter 0003

Mia POV

I confirmed at least three times that he was the one Ivan had arranged for me, and he answered patiently with a smile each time.

I had more questions, but there was no point in prying further, not yet, at least.

"I am Mia, by the way," I started, feeling the need to move on. "So… should we schedule a time for the marriage registration?"

Albert chuckled, a rich, unexpected sound. "Actually," he said, reaching into his suit pocket, "it's already been arranged. We can get married… right now."

My brows furrowed. According to everything I knew, there was a waiting period of at least 24 hours after scheduling a registration before the ceremony could take place. How in the world did he...?

The answer dawned on me like a cold slap. Ivan was the Volka underboss. Of course, he'd find a way to circumvent the rules, just like every other made man.

Another man in a crisp suit materialized beside the man. I hadn't even noticed him getting out of the car.

"Mr. Volkov," he said, his voice clipped and efficient, "everything is in order. Miss, could you sign this?"

He handed me a document. I didn't take it immediately, barely glancing at it in his hands.

"What is it?"

"This is the prenuptial agreement outlining the division of assets and your financial compensation."

I hesitated but took the document. I scanned the document quickly. It stipulated that our premarital assets would remain separate, and there would be no obligation to share a bed or have any physical intimacy. Most importantly, Albert would cover the full amount of my mother's medical expenses in exchange for the marriage.

A wave of relief washed over me until I saw the clause about further compensation. I had no idea what that was about, but before I could even think about it, I saw the clause that would explain everything.

He needed me for public appearances. The prenup stated I would be required to accompany him to certain events, playing the role of his spouse. This seemed like a lot more complicated than just getting a green card.

"What else should I know?"

"You'll need to keep it confidential," Mikhail said. "Unless Albert deems it alright."

Well, that made sense since we were doing something illegal.

"No questions?"

I glanced at him. "Do you tell people when you're going to pull off a heist?"

He chuckled. "I supposed not. Not even about the time?"

"The government?" I shrugged. "I've heard that they keep an eye on couples like this for a while."

He blinked. "I... also need my family and friends to think it's real. It's a full deal."

I winced, thinking about my mom. "Yeah... me too."

I kept reading. It was stated that I wouldn't have to sleep with him, which made me relax.

I wouldn't have to worry about my mom. I'd be making more money, wearing a dress and maybe drinking some champagne with him every once in a while, in public than I ever could make as a nurse.

I could dig us both out of debt, and when the time was up, and he no longer needed me to put up the charade, I would be free.

I checked for that clause to make sure it was there. It felt a little better because it was very clear.

We would have privacy, but there was a strict clause about not dating publicly or doing anything to damage his reputation.

Albert Volkov. I frowned at the name.

"Do I have to take your name?"

He seemed surprised at that question. "That is the American custom, isn't it?"

"Is it your custom?"

The cocked eyebrow at me. "No."

That would make things even easier when this was done.

"And how long should I expect this to last?"

"Until I no longer need it... Mikhail?"

"At month at most."

A month? I could do that. It would give me at least a paycheck under my belt. Along with this it would be more than enough to set me and mom up for a good long while. Maybe even long enough for her to get back on her feet completely.

I did the math in my head and figured that in a month I'd be more than halfway out of debt.

With a trembling hand, I signed the agreement.

Albert POV

I guess I chose right by picking a completely normal woman for my plan. Mia was prettier than I imagined her to be and far more accepting of having her life changed than I first thought she would be. She was a bit on the petite side, and she seemed a little underweight, but there was something about her eyes that captured me.

I could tell she was honest and naïve. Much like my mother had been. It made me feel a bit guilty about using her this way and bringing her into a world that she had no business being in. There was, after all, an inherent risk involved in being married to me, even if it was a sham.

The clause about public appearances meant she would be exposed to Dimitri. Maybe I should let Ivan arrange this deal for someone else, for her sake.

"Here."

I looked down, realizing that she'd already signed it.

I'd half expected Mia to push back and negotiate for a few more privileges. In the world I navigated, everything was a transaction, but it was a hard-fought battle every time. I couldn't forget that she was going to be paid well for it, so I couldn't feel that bad. This was a transaction, after all, and deviating from this plan would put me in a much tougher spot for far longer than a month.

It would be fine. I'd just have to watch myself. She wasn't like my mother at all.

Mikhail took the agreement, nodded, and stepped back. I gave her the bouquet, and we headed inside. We proceeded through the registration process. It was a blur of paperwork before heading up towards the justice of the peace, a kindly-looking man in a simple outfit.

Just when I thought things would be done smoothly, the officiant asked for the rings.

Damn. I hadn't even considered getting rings for us. My hand instinctively reached for my pocket, ready to flag Mikhail down and dispatch him for a quick jewelry store run.

But before I could utter a word, Mia surprised me again.

She pulled out a pair of cheap-looking silver rings with engraved smiles on them. It couldn't have cost more than a few bucks.

"I bought them at the dollar store on my way here," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the droning of the officiant.

Even for a fake marriage, they were too cheap.

"I hadn't been aware that we were actually going through with it today. I just got them to check ring sizes..."

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips. The fact that she was worried about something so simple that it could be fixed with just a bit of cash felt almost charming.

"Why don't we just use these?"

Was she really not interested in getting a diamond? Did she care at all? A diamond ring would be a hell of a thing to pawn.

The officiant clearly sensing the awkwardness and the obvious lack of familiarity between us, peered at us with narrowed eyes.

Just as the tension threatened to crackle, Mia did something unexpected.

"I knew you'd be so nervous you'd forget our real rings!" She laughed and slipped her hand into mine. Her voice was light and teasing. "And you always tease me for being overprepared."

Then, before I could even register the shock, she leaned forward and planted a kiss on my cheek.

My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared down at her. Struck by something I couldn't name.