Chapter 3

I said, "Nothing in this world is a given.

"Ivan, listen up.

"From today on, you won't get another penny from me."

With that, I turned and headed straight for my room.

The door slammed shut behind me.

Through the door, I could hear my mom screaming her head off.

She shouted, "You're out of line! Completely out of control.

"Edith! Get out here and explain yourself."

Then came Ivan's sobs and the sound of my father smashing things.

I pressed myself against the door, listening to the chaos outside, feeling utterly calm inside.

Let them have their tantrums.

Scream all you want.

This was the last shot you'd ever get.

Because tomorrow, I was finally breaking free from this suffocating prison.

I was about to step into my own new life.

At seven the next morning, I took my suitcase, packed well in advance, and slipped out the door quietly.

The living room was a total mess.

My parents and Ivan had probably spent half the night arguing and causing chaos, and now they were all still out cold.

I didn't feel a single pang of regret as I gently closed the door behind me.

At 8:50 sharp, I showed up right at the entrance of city hall.

At exactly nine, a sleek black Maybach pulled up in front of me.

Francis stepped out of the car.

He wasn't in his usual uniform today; instead, he wore a casual black outfit that made him stand tall, his presence even more powerful than usual.

He glanced at me, then at the suitcase at my feet, but didn't say a word.

"Did you bring your ID?" he asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Let's go," he said.

Everything happened so fast; it felt like a dream.

We took our photos, filled out the paperwork, and said the words.

In less than half an hour, two marriage licenses were placed into our hands.

Legally, we were now husband and wife.

As we stepped out of city hall, the sunlight was almost blinding.

I looked down at the license in my hand, at the photo of Francis and me. We both looked so serious, like we were signing a business deal instead of getting married.

But inside, I felt a sense of solidity I had never known before.

This wasn't just a marriage license.

This was my declaration of independence, my ticket to a new life.

"Here," Francis said.

His voice cut through my thoughts.

He handed me a black card and a key.

He said, "This is the access card and key for the apartment. I'll send you the address on WhatsApp.

"No PIN needed. Just swipe it whenever."

I took them and said, "Thanks."

He continued, "The apartment's got everything you need. If there's anything missing, feel free to pick it up yourself.

"I got a long-haul flight to Elarion this afternoon. I'll be back in about two weeks.

"If you need anything, just message me on WhatsApp. Don't call. I might be flying."

He spoke in a businesslike tone, just like a boss about to head out on a trip.

I nodded. "Okay."

Francis said, "Alright, I'm off then."

He turned and headed for the car.

"Wait," I called out.

He turned back, a questioning look in his eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, but then I spoke up.

"Um... should we sign a prenuptial agreement?" I asked.

Even though I wanted his money, I didn't want to take advantage of him.

After all, our marriage was just a business deal.

Francis looked at me, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

He was silent for a few seconds before finally saying, "No need.

"If I'm handing you the card, I'm not worried about how much you spend.

"Edith, remember our agreement.

"Just fulfill your duties as Mrs. Russell. Don't bring me trouble.

"The rest is up to you."

With that, he opened the car door and got in.

The Maybach pulled away, leaving behind nothing but his cool, effortless presence.

I stood there, clutching the card and key in my hand, feeling like I was in a dream.

Did I just get married?

Was I seriously rich now?

I pulled out my phone. Francis had already sent over the address.

It read: [Belleview Gardens, Building A, Penthouse 3201.]

I sucked in a sharp breath.

Belleview Gardens was the most exclusive luxury neighborhood in the city.

Word was apartments there cost a staggering 70 thousand dollars per square foot.

A penthouse...

I couldn't bring myself to think any further.

I hailed a cab and headed straight for Belleview Gardens.

Standing at the door of 3201, I took a deep breath, swiped the card, and opened the door.

Massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the river, and the decor was minimalist yet opulent.

The two-story penthouse was so spacious, it could easily host a party.

The walk-in closet was packed with the latest seasonal styles.

The fridge was stocked with fresh ingredients.

Was this what being rich felt like?

I dropped my suitcase by the door, so excited I just flopped onto the massive sofa and rolled around.

I was free.

I was finally free!

Lying on the sofa, I gazed up at the sparkling crystal chandelier, making plans for my wonderful future.

I was going to travel, to see the world.