Chapter Five

Her words hung in the air, and Calantha froze, her eyes darting between Favian and the woman.

Favian’s jaw tightened. “Get out, Marielle.”

After Favian's command, the tension in the room thickened. Calantha, still in shock, hesitated for a moment, trying to process the woman's outburst. The last thing she expected was to see a scene like this. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of everything she just heard.

The woman, her fury barely contained, shot Calantha another glare before turning her attention back to Favian. "I can't believe you." She said, her voice shaking with anger. "After everything that's happened, you're just going to move on like this?"

Favian remained composed, his expression unreadable. "I suggest you leave, Marielle.” He says calmly. He clearly didn’t want to entertain whatever drama the woman had brought with her, especially now.

Calantha, sensing the escalating tension, knew she needed to make her exit before things escalated further. 

But just as she wanted to make a pivot, Marielle took a step toward her, blocking her way.

"So, you're the one he's chosen?" She sneered. "Do you even know who you're getting involved with? Do you have any idea what kind of man he is?"

Calantha met Marielle’s gaze, unwilling to let the woman intimidate her. But before she could speak, Favian cut her off. “She knows enough.” He responded. "And she's not here for a lecture from you."

“Are you certain she knows enough?” Marielle pressed. “Does she know that you are a murderer?”

“Enough, Marielle!” He snapped. "Leave, or I’ll have security escort you out!"

Tension crackled in the air, but Marielle held her ground for a few more seconds longer before finally turning and storming out of the office, muttering angrily under her breath.

As the door slammed shut, Favian took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. His gaze softened when he looked back at Calantha, but there was a hint of regret in his eyes. "I'm sorry about that.”

Calantha, still processing the chaos, shook her head. “Did you really kill someone?” She stuttered.

"I guess I forgot to mention this, but neither of us should be interested in the other person’s personal drama or else it will in any way affect our perfect image as a married couple.” He reprimanded. “And remember, you are here for one thing—your brother’s surgery. Let’s not waste any more time."

Calantha nodded, and he gestured toward the papers on his desk. "We can finalize everything now, if you're ready."

She looked at the papers, still unsure if this was the right decision, but knowing she has no other option, she indented her signature.

-----

The atmosphere in the car was tense as Calantha stared out the window, trying to steady her breath, barely able to grasp the kind of the life she just stepped into.

The sleek black sports car purred softly as they glided through the streets. She didn't expect to be this far along in the arrangement. Three days had passed since her brother’s surgery was successfully funded by Favian, and though Lawrence was recovering, he was still unconscious. 

Now, she was heading to Favian’s estate.

Yesterday, they had gone to court to register their marriage. With only Favian’s secretary, Divine—known to everyone as Dee—acting as the witness. There had been no ceremony, no vows exchanged. Calantha had felt strangely detached, as though the whole process wasn’t real, but there she was, legally married to a man she barely knew.

Earlier that day, Favian had insisted that she leave behind everything in her apartment, including her toiletries. "As the wife of Favian Drake." He had said. “You need to use the most expensive things. It serves at the evidence of good living." 

The words had stung, not because she hasn't heard them before—she had, after all, been on the receiving end of wealthy men’s condescension in the past—but because now, she was forced to comply. 

The only thing she had with her now was her handbag that was filled with the things she couldn’t afford to lose: Pictures of her and Lawrence, her driver’s license, ID card, and various important documents. 

 Everything else—her clothes, her toiletries, the bits and pieces that made her feel at home—had been deemed unnecessary by Favian.

She glanced down at the bag, realizing how little she had left to call her own.

Favian’s voice broke through her thoughts. "You’ll be taken to the salon and shopping mall tomorrow. To style your hair, buy clothes, and other necessities.” He began. "A few days after that, we’ll attend our first event as a couple. You’ll be introduced to my parents. You’ve already met my younger sister, Marielle and my nephew, Aiden. You’ll get to meet my parents there."

"Is Aiden, Marielle’s son?" Calantha asked, unsure of their family dynamics, trying to hold onto any information that could make sense of all this.

"No!" Favian’s voice was sharp, his eyes briefly glancing at her before returning to the road.

Calantha, taken aback by his sudden harshness, pressed further, trying to untangle the mystery. "Whose son is he then?"

"He is my nephew, Calantha.” Favian replied curtly, making it clear that this was the last question he intended to answer on the subject. "That’s the only thing you need to know."

Calantha nodded, sensing the end of the conversation. There was something about Favian, the way he spoke with such finality that made it clear he didn’t entertain curiosity easily. It was like every part of his life had been kept hidden.

The car came to a stop before a large gate, which slowly opened. Calantha’s breath hitched as she took in the sight before her. The mansion had stone walls and tall windows that glittered in the fading sunlight. As the car rolled forward, Calantha could see several expensive cars parked neatly in the compound—a collection of luxury cars that had to cost more than her apartment could ever dream of.

Favian slammed the door as soon as he exited the car, his sharp movements catching her off guard. Calantha followed hesitantly, her eyes wandering over the array of cars in the driveway, each one more expensive than the last. 

She could hardly believe she was standing here—outside a mansion like this, surrounded by so much wealth and opulence. Everything about this place screamed money. Her fingers tightened around her handbag, the only possession she had left from her old life.

Before she could take it all in, a woman dressed in a formal, black-and-white outfit like that domestic staff—hurried toward them. She was breathing heavily, sweat dampening her brow. Calantha instinctively took a step back as she saw the woman approach her husband urgently.

Favian, already looking slightly irritated, shot the woman a sharp glance. "What’s wrong?" His voice, usually steady and controlled, now carried an edge of impatience.

The woman stopped in front of him, pausing to catch her breath. "It’s Aiden.” She panted, her eyes wide with fear.