LOGINAs Marilyn and Raymond’s car approached the Stewart Crown Resorts tower, Marilyn closed her eyes briefly. Her hands were balled into fists beside her, and no matter how hard she tried to relax, the nervousness refused to leave her. She knew everyone at the company had probably seen the pictures and videos from the engagement party by now. Her name was already everywhere online, and she could only imagine what the employees had been saying since morning. Raymond noticed her uneasiness. Without saying anything at first, he placed his hand gently over one of her fists. The warmth of his touch made her open her eyes and look at him. “You don’t have to be this nervous,” he said calmly. “We’re engaged to be married now.” His voice soothed her heart, and some of the tension slowly left her body. “I don’t know how to face everyone,” Marilyn admitted as she looked directly into his eyes. Raymond smiled faintly. “You have to get used to it now, Marilyn. You’re my woman, and I’m not goi
On Monday morning, Marilyn woke up earlier than usual. She had barely slept properly, but she still forced herself out of bed and prepared for work. By the time she finished dressing, she stood in front of the mirror wearing one of the elegant office dresses Raymond bought for her. The dress fitted her perfectly, and for a moment, Marilyn simply stared at her reflection. So much had changed within such a short time. After everything that happened during the engagement party, she had gone to see her mother yesterday and spent most of her time with her. Elizabeth was so happy, but she was also worried. She advised Marilyn to be very careful, especially now that she was going to marry a powerful businessman like Raymond Stewart. According to her mother, becoming Raymond’s wife would place Marilyn in a world she was not used to. She would become the target of Raymond’s business enemies, people who might try to use her to get to him, and even bitter women who had always imagined t
Throughout the night, Marilyn could not sleep. She turned from one side of the bed to the other, but no matter how hard she tried, her mind refused to rest. Every time she closed her eyes, the events from the engagement party returned clearly. She saw Sarah standing in front of everyone, speaking with so much confidence as if she truly believed Raymond was going to marry her. She remembered the way the guests looked at her, some with pity and others with suspicion, as if she was the one who had entered the wrong place. Then she remembered Raymond walking into the ballroom without looking at Sarah. He didn't even stop to ask questions. He only walked straight toward her, adjusted the necklace around her neck, and asked if she was alright. Marilyn pulled the blanket closer to her body and stared at the ceiling. She still could not believe that the fake engagement was slowly turning into something real.. Even after the party ended, he spoke about the wedding as if it was already se
Back at the Royal Meridian Hotel, the engagement celebration continued long after the misunderstanding had been explained. The tension gradually disappeared as music filled the ballroom and guests returned to their conversations. Marilyn remained beside Raymond for most of the evening, receiving more congratulations than she could count. Claire approached with a sincere smile. “Congratulations, Marilyn.” “Thank you.” Claire hesitated, then added, “I’m glad it’s you.” Marilyn looked surprised by the honesty in her voice. “That means a lot.” Claire glanced briefly toward Tyler, who was still holding the same flute of champagne and looking entirely too pleased with himself. “I only wish certain people had shared the information sooner.” Tyler lifted his glass toward her. Marilyn followed Claire’s gaze and smiled. “You knew?” she asked him. “A few days,” Tyler answered. “And you said nothing?” “It wasn’t my announcement to make.” Claire folded her arms. “That is the same excu
Mrs. Kensington held the phone tightly against her ear, her face slowly losing colour as William Stewart continued speaking. Across from her, Sarah sat frozen in the back seat of the car, staring at her mother with wide, frightened eyes. She could not hear William’s exact words, but she could see the confusion growing on her mother’s face. Richard Kensington turned around from the front passenger seat. “What is he saying?” he demanded. Mrs. Kensington lifted one hand, silently asking him to wait. “Yes, William,” she said carefully. “I understand that part. But you told us Raymond had agreed.” Sarah’s heart pounded. For several seconds, her mother said nothing. She simply listened. Then she closed her eyes. “You never mentioned Sarah’s name to him?” Sarah stopped breathing. Richard’s expression darkened immediately. “What?” Mrs. Kensington looked at him but continued listening to William. “And Raymond believed you were referring to Marilyn Oxford?” The name felt like anoth
Tyler nodded slowly. “On that, we agree.” Claire looked at him again. “You still should have told me. At least give me a better hint.” “I told you I heard enough.” “That was not a hint.” “It was to me.” Claire shook her head and walked away before he could see that she was smiling. Tyler remained where he was, watching the evening unfold with complete satisfaction. Then his eyes moved briefly toward the ballroom doors. He had not forgotten the bet. And he knew that Sarah hadn't forgotten either. Near the centre of the room, William finally approached Raymond. His expression had returned to its usual composure, but confusion still lingered in his eyes. “Raymond,” he said quietly. “A word.” Raymond looked at Marilyn before answering. “I’ll be right here,” Marilyn assured him. He hesitated, then released her waist and moved only a few steps away with William, remaining close enough to see her. William lowered his voice. “You and I need to discuss what just happened.” “I ag
Two years later. Marilyn Oxford woke up to soft sunlight filtering through the curtains of her small apartment. Today was her first official day at Stewart Global Resorts, the company she had dreamed of joining ever since her sophomore year in college. Her heart beat faster as she climbed out of b
Merilyn was just out of the elevator. She looked around the ground floor and regrets filled her eyes. Her carelessness has caught up with her. Her career is gone. What was she going to tell her mother now? She walked forward, thinking. Her mother had wanted this career for her. She had worked ha
Raymond Stewart strode into his private office without a word, the hot coffee still soaking through his white shirt and suit jacket. He did not bother to look down at the damage. The ruined clothes meant nothing. His mind was fixed on one thing only: the woman who had just collided with him in the
The worst day of Marilyn Oxford’s life began on her twenty-first birthday. She had walked into her boyfriend, Simon Hayes’s apartment carrying a small gift bag and wearing black lace lingerie beneath her clothes. She had spent weeks imagining this moment. Tonight, she had planned to give him her vi







