C2 The Contract

Alice's heart raced, contemplating her bold move to offer herself in marriage without meeting her future spouse, only to find herself in a surprisingly favorable situation.

'Isn't that Andrew Kingston, the famed business tycoon? Word has it that even Richie Rich can't tally up the sheer number of businesses he commands. And, as if that's not enough, he's the singular force behind Royman Productions, consistently delivering box office hits. Is he born into wealth, or is there a lucky charm in play?'

''Did I really just propose to that notorious, perpetually stern businessman?' Alice pondered, nervously fidgeting with her fingers as tiny beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

"Excuse me......." Andrew's voice, cold and weighty, snapped Alice out of her reverie.

Noticing his furrowed brow, she came to the realization that she hadn't removed the mask and shades—her usual strategy to sidestep unwarranted attention—from her face. Without hesitation, she took off the barrier, presenting her face to Andrew Kingston.

'Have a good look at your soon-to-be.'

'Get a good glimpse of the one you're about to marry.'

"Alice Cooper, the faded star?" Andrew stated as he took off his shades.

'Ahh, am I supposed to feel flattered to be recognized by him, or should I take offense at being remarked to as faded star?'

In embarrassment, she scanned the surroundings and quickly donned on her shades again.

"Ahem......"

Andrew, with a subtle throat clearing, graciously opened the door of his Rolls-Royce for Alice. Anxious about potential onlookers, she glanced nervously in all directions before finally, with a brief hesitation, stepping into the car. He promptly shut the door.

Andrew shifted his attention to Ronny, who, interpreting the signal, bowed before quietly disappearing. Subsequently, Andrew entered the car from the opposite side.

"May I ask why you're here, Miss Alice?" Andrew questioned tentatively. He had to interview the girl who volunteered to marry him.

He wouldn't exercise caution if she were a random girl, but considering the prospect of a relationship with a celebrity, he's keen to comprehend her intentions.

"For the purpose, you're here?" Alice answered immediately.

"Hmm, I see. Was he the rumored non-celebrity boyfriend?" Andrew raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

Alice showed a subtle surprise. His familiarity with her, given his status as a business celebrity in a separate industry, was quite impressive.

"Who he was doesn't really matter, does it?" Alice responded, arching her eyebrows.

A sigh of admiration escaped Andrew. Her lack of intimidation by his wealth and power was something he found appealing.

"Didn't things work out between you two?" Andrew inquired, scrutinizing Alice's face and interpreting her expressions.

Alice's face took on a disapproving look as she locked eyes with him, magnifying the size of her big doe eyes even more. 'Obviously, it didn't happen; otherwise, why would I propose to you?'

Andrew grasped the redundancy of his question; she wouldn't be in front of him if there weren't issues. "Alright, forget about it."

A knock on the window by Ronny disrupted their conversation. Andrew lowered the glass, accepted a file, and then raised it back up.

"I'll be straightforward, Miss Alice, your past or ex has nothing to do with me. You are my present and could be my future if you adhere to the specified conditions," Andrew explained, extending the file to her.

"Excuse me?" Alice took the file, her expression showing confusion as she flipped through its contents.

"This is a marriage contract for one year. Your challenge is to demonstrate that you are the most eligible to be Andrew Kingston's wife during this time," Andrew announced with pride, prompting Alice to ponder.

'That's even better; I'm marrying him as part of my scheme to get back at Mason and Monica. I'll make them rue the day by showcasing my influential husband. If it all unravels after a year, I'll be even happier," Alice thought, nodding.

"Fair enough......."

"Throughout this period, we can maintain our individual lives with personal space, but complete transparency is essential. Does that suit you?"

"Fine......"

"The details of this contract marriage should remain confidential among a select few until I decide to make it public. Any error in this matter will not be tolerated."

The universe had provided Alice with the perfect chance, laying out all the conditions she had hoped for.

"Sure......" Alice sighed quietly within. 'It appears to be an ideal match.'

"Excellent, now go ahead and sign the contract," Andrew gestured towards the file and handed her a pen.

After signing the contract, a short while later, both exited the civil affairs office clutching their marriage certificates. Alice's hands were clammy, her heart racing as she grappled with the weight of her decision.

On their way to the parking lot as a newly married couple, Andrew suddenly took hold of Alice's arm, confiscated her phone, and positioned it in front of her face to unlock it after activating the screen.

"Hey, what are you up to?"

"It's unconventional for a husband to reach out to his wife's manager to obtain her number, don't you think?" Andrew said as he dialed the number, showing the screen to Alice.

It was his own number, and his phone began to ring. He handed her phone back. "Save my personal number."

As a gentleman, he opened the door of Alice's white Audi for her.

"I'll hit you up..." Andrew conveyed with a gesture after she hopped in and bid her farewell. She nodded in acknowledgment and let out a sigh.

"Boss, Miss Laura has disappeared without leaving a trail, and her father is causing a scene," Ronny reported to Andrew, who remained fixated on the receding tail of Alice's white Audi, immersed in deep reflection.

"Move $100 million to his account and deal with him, or I'll initiate legal action," Andrew said nonchalantly.

"What? Are you sure, boss? Why did you prioritize a washed-up actress over the daughter of a businessman?"

Andrew turned around, his was gaze sharp towards Ronny, issuing a warning that made him lower his head.

'Considering Alice Cooper's status as the most successful actress of her time, a recipient of numerous awards, and titled as the goddess of beauty, it's impolite to label her as washed-up, isn't it?' Andrew contemplated.

"I hold greater respect for someone who achieves success on their own merits than for a privileged girl living off her dad's money."

Andrew dialed a number as he got into the car, commanding, "I need a comprehensive report on actress Alice Cooper – both personal and professional details, her journey, and accomplishments from the very start." With that authoritative instruction, he drove away.

Alice dragged herself to her apartment, utterly drained. Sinking onto her bed, tears welled up and cascaded down her face. She replayed the entire incident from the day before, crying intensely over the heartbreaking betrayal from the person she once loved the most.

'I could anticipate anything from Monica; even though she once worked as my designer, she harbors the most envy. I was the one who gave her a break to work with celebrities, and instead of gratitude, she was always resentful. She's willing to go to any length to hurt me. But Mason, why would you stoop to this level?'

'If you fell out of love, you should have been upfront with me instead of resorting to cheating. Though I want to be indifferent and move on, the pain is hard to ignore. Mason, I will never forgive you for this.'

'I pledge to make both of you regret what you've done to me for the rest of your lives.'

Even with her plans for revenge, Alice found it challenging to overcome the sting of betrayal. The pain was profound, and she cried for an extended duration.