Bound by Paper

Skylar

I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. My mind was still hazy. It took me a moment to gather my thoughts, but as my eyes adjusted to the morning light coming through the curtains, I noticed a neatly wrapped box resting at the foot of my bed.

Frowning slightly, I pushed myself up and reached for it. The deep blue ribbon was tied with some kind of expertise, the paper smooth and elegant.

I was about to call my mom to ask who owned the package, but mom beat me to it and knocked on my door.

As she entered, I greeted. “Good morning Mom. Who-”

She cut me off before I could finish.

“Cole Buckman sent it earlier this morning.”

Cole Buckman sent me a package?

She left shortly after, giving me a small smile.

Curious, I pulled the package apart, my breath hitching as I lifted the lid. Inside lay a breathtaking white dress—simple yet refined, with delicate embroidery adorning the edges. The fabric felt soft beneath my fingertips.

He actually sent this?!

The realization sent a strange shiver down my spine. Before I could process it, my phone rang again, this time more insistently. I grabbed it, barely glancing at the caller ID before answering.

“Skylar.”

Cole’s voice was crisp, as composed as ever.

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around the phone.

“Mr. Buckman?”

“It’s today.”

For a moment, I didn’t understand what he meant. My still-sleepy mind scrambled to make sense of his words, but then, like a bolt of lightning, it struck me.

Today was our wedding day.

I had agreed to this arrangement, signed away my fate with nothing more than ink on paper. And yet, as the reality set in, I found myself momentarily breathless.

“I’ll be there in thirty minutes,” he continued. “Get ready.”

The call ended before I could respond. I stared at the screen, my pulse beating in my ears. There was no time to sit around feeling dazed. I swung my legs over the bed, hurriedly making my way to the bathroom. The moment my feet hit the cool tiles, the weight of what was happening crashed over me.

I was getting married today.

I let out a humorless laugh as I turned on the shower, stepping under the warm spray. No amount of scrubbing could wash away the uncertainty pooling in my chest, but I went through the motions anyway—cleaning myself, drying my hair, slipping into the dress Cole had sent.

By the time I emerged from my room, fully dressed and ready, I found him standing at our door.

Cole looked immaculate as always—his sharp suit perfectly tailored, his dark eyes unreadable. He gave me a brief once-over, his expression betraying nothing.

“Let’s go,” he said simply.

The ceremony was nothing extravagant. A visit to the courthouse, a few signed documents, a solemn exchange of words. Just like that, my name was inked beside his, bound legally in a way that felt almost surreal.

I held the marriage certificate in my hands, staring at the bold letters that sealed my fate.

Skylar Buckman.

I sighed, shaking my head. I was finally someone's wife. Alas, this was one of the temporary things in life.

“Regretting it already?” Cole's voice was laced with amusement.

Then, without warning, he pulled out a folder and handed it to me.

“What’s this?” I asked.

“The contract.”

The word made my stomach clench, but I took it nonetheless. I flipped open the folder and scanned the first few lines. It was thorough—cold, clinical. My fingers tightened as I read through the terms.

- The marriage will last for exactly three years.

- The two parties will not interfere in each other’s personal lives.

- To maintain the purity of the marriage, neither party shall engage in extramarital affairs.

My eyes paused on the clause, and for a moment, I felt a strange mix of relief and unease. It was a reasonable condition, but would it truly apply to both of us?

I looked up at Cole and said, “I can do it. But I hope you’ll abide by it too and not let this clause become a one-sided restriction on me.”

He raised an eyebrow at my words but said nothing. Getting no reaction from him, I continued reading.

- The two parties will not live together.

- Any public appearances together must be pre-approved and coordinated by Cole Buckman’s team.

- Miss Skylar McLair must attend designated social events as Mrs. Buckman when required.

- Miss Skylar McLair is prohibited from revealing the contractual relationship between both parties and the contents of the contract to outsiders.

- Breach of contract will result in immediate nullification of the agreement, with no financial compensation.

- Upon divorce, Miss Skylar McLair will receive twenty million dollars. The terms went on and on, but I didn't bother to continue when I saw the amount written.

Twenty million? My heart nearly stopped.

I must have made a sound, because Cole arched a brow.

“What?”

I shook my head quickly, still staring at the number in disbelief. “Nothing,” I murmured. “I just…the amount...”

A strange look flickered across Cole’s face before it quickly disappeared. “What, you think it’s not enough? You think it's too small, right? You must really have a big appetite for money.”

I could have corrected him, explained that I wasn't thinking about more money, but was surprised about the money stated there, rather I didn’t bother. Instead, I continued reading.

When I reached the clause about living separately, my brows furrowed. “You don’t want us living together?” I asked.

Cole’s gaze hardened. “No.”

I hesitated before speaking again. “Why?”

His jaw tightened. “Because this is a contract, not a real marriage. Don’t overstep, Skylar. I don't want you in my personal space.”

His warning was clear, almost as if I didn't have a say in the marriage…did I even have a say?

I looked down at the contract again, my emotions tangled in a knot. After a moment, I reached for the pen and, without hesitation, signed my name at the bottom.

Cole exhaled quietly, and for the first time today, I saw the ghost of a real smile on his lips.

He extended his hand toward me. “Mrs. Buckman,” he said smoothly. “Hope we’ll have a happy cooperation.”