Chapter 4 Four

The Courthouse

Mary never imagined her wedding day would feel this cold, distant, and impersonal.

No white flowers. No joyful music. No friends or family. Just a sterile courthouse, a judge with a neutral expression, and the man she was marrying standing beside her like a business transaction waiting to be signed and sealed.

Thomas Randolph looked as composed as ever, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit, his gaze unwavering and unreadable. If he had any second thoughts about this arrangement, he didn't show it.

Mary, on the other hand, gripped her hands tightly in front of her, her simple white dress feeling more like a costume than anything else. This wasn't a wedding-it was a contract, a desperate exchange of needs.

She barely processed the judge's words as they exchanged vows.

"Do you, Mary Marshall, take Thomas Randolph to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

She hesitated just for a second. It wasn't real. It wasn't love but she needed to do it to survive and protect her family.

"I do."

Thomas's voice was steady when he responded, "I do."

When the judge finally declared them husband and wife, Mary expected some kind of shift inside her-regret, fear, or maybe even relief. But all she felt was numb.

Thomas slipped a simple gold band onto her finger, and then it was over. No kiss. No celebration.

Just a signature on a marriage certificate and a deal sealed in ink.

"Congratulations," the judge said, though the words felt empty.

Thomas extended his hand. Mary stared at it for a moment before placing hers in his. His grip was firm but not warm.

"Let's go," he said.

And just like that, she left the courthouse as Mrs. Randolph.

The Randolph estate...

The drive to his estate was silent.

Mary sat stiffly in the luxury car, staring at the city lights blurring past. Every now and then, she snuck a glance at Thomas, who was focused on his phone, typing with quick precision. He hadn't spoken much since they left the courthouse, and she wasn't sure if she should feel relieved or uncomfortable.

When they pulled up to a towering building, Mary exhaled slowly. She had never been anywhere this extravagant before.

"Welcome to your new home," Thomas said coolly as he stepped out.

The moment she followed him inside, she felt small.

The house was stunning-floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city, modern furniture, a beautiful garden, a big pool at the back, and a staircase leading to the second floor. Everything about it screamed power and wealth.

Mary turned in a slow circle, taking it all in. It was beautiful, but it didn't feel like home.

She glanced at Thomas, who had already removed his suit and was loosening his tie. He didn't look at her as he walked toward the bar and poured himself a drink.

"Your room is down the hall to the left," he said, nodding toward the corridor. "Mine is upstairs."

Ah. So separate rooms.

"Right," she said, trying to keep her voice neutral. She had expected it, but hearing it made the reality of their situation settle in.

Before she could say anything else, a small voice called out from the hallway.

"Daddy!"

Mary turned, her eyes landing on a little boy standing at the top of the staircase.

Nathan.

He was around four years old, dressed in blue pajamas with spaceships on them, his black hair slightly tousled. But what stunned Mary was the way his eyes locked onto her.

She barely had time to react before Nathan suddenly ran down the stairs and threw his arms around her waist.

"Mommy?"

Mary froze.

Her heart lurched as she looked down at the little boy clinging to her like he had been waiting for her to come home.

Thomas set his glass down sharply. "Nathan." His voice carried a warning, but the boy didn't let go.

Mary swallowed hard, her hands hovering uncertainty over Nathan's small back. "Um... I-"

Nathan pulled away just slightly, his little face beaming up at her. "I knew you'd come back."

Mary's throat tightened.

Oh, God. He thought she was someone else.

She glanced at Thomas, but his face was unreadable. He ran a hand through his hair before stepping closer, his jaw tight.

"Nathan, she's not-"

"I know...but I like her," Nathan interrupted, hugging her again.

Something inside Mary cracked.

Slowly, she knelt to his level, her voice soft. "I'm Mary."

Nathan tilted his head, then grinned. "Mary," he repeated like he was testing the name.

He seemed to accept it because, without hesitation, he grabbed her hand. "Are you staying?"

Mary hesitated.

For the first time since this nightmare began, someone was looking at her like she wasn't a burden or a problem to be solved.

"Yes," she found herself whispering. "I'm staying."

Nathan beamed and, to her surprise, kissed her cheek before running back up the stairs.

Mary exhaled shakily, pressing a hand against her chest.

When she looked at Thomas, his expression was unreadable-but his eyes lingered on her a little longer than before.

"He's attached easily," Thomas said after a moment.

Mary nodded. "I noticed."

Thomas sighed, rubbing his temple. "Just... be gentle and take care of him."

There was something almost vulnerable in his voice, but before she could question it, he turned and walked upstairs without another word.

Mary had just finished unpacking the clothes Thomas had bought for her on their way home when the doorbell rang.

She barely had time to react before a sharp, feminine voice filled the house.

"Thomas!"

Mary stepped out of her room just in time to see a striking blonde woman striding into the living room like she owned the place.

Florence.

Even without knowing her, Mary could tell she was trouble. She wore an expensive red dress, designer heels, and an expression that screamed superiority.

Her sharp black eyes landed on Mary, and her lips curled into a sneer.

"Oh," Florence said mockingly. "What are you doing in this house?"

Mary hesitated before deciding to tell her the truth. "I'm Thomas' wife."

Florence chuckled. "So, he really did get himself a replacement."

Mary stiffened.

Thomas appeared a moment later, his jaw tightening. "Florence, what are you doing here?"

Florence crossed her arms. "I came to see my son, but I guess I walked into your latest business deal instead."

Mary flinched, but she held her ground.

Florence's gaze swept over her, judgment clear. "Let me guess. Young, naive, and desperate for money?" She chuckled. "I'll give it a month before you run off with a nice little divorce settlement."

Mary felt her fists clench.

Thomas, to her surprise, said nothing.

He just stood there, letting Florence tear into her like it didn't matter.

Something inside Mary snapped.

She lifted her chin. "Actually, I plan to stay." Her voice was steady and calm. "And Nathan already likes me. So, I guess you'll just have to get used to it."

Florence's eyes flashed, but before she could retort, Nathan suddenly ran into the room.

"Mommy?"

Florence's face darkened instantly. "What did you just call her?"

Nathan recoiled from her harsh tone. He looked between them before holding Mary's hand. "She's nice. I like her better."

Silence.

Mary felt Thomas watching her closely.

Florence, however, was seething.

She forced a smile, though it looked strained. "We'll see how long that lasts."

And with that, she turned on her heel and stormed out.

The moment the door shut, Mary let out a slow breath. She had a feeling this was only the beginning.