Married to the Secret Stanger

Joanne stood in the hallway long after Alexander had left, her mind a storm of emotions.

What had just happened?

Alexander—cold, distant, calculating Alexander—had sat beside her mother, speaking with warmth and care. He had painted a picture of a loving husband who would take care of her.

And worst of all… her mother believed it.

Taking a deep breath, Joanne pushed open the door and walked back inside.

Linda smiled the moment she saw her. "Joanne, sweetheart, why didn't you tell me you married such a wonderful man?"

Joanne forced a smile. "It… happened so fast, But I thought Sophia Baker told you."

Her mother sighed in relief. "Yes but not that he was good looking, I was so worried about you after what happened with Jason. And you Marrying someone out of the blues, But seeing Alexander today, I know you've found someone who truly cares for you."

Joanne bit her lip.

If only her mother knew the truth—that this was all a contract, that she and Alexander were only pretending.

But she couldn't tell her. Not now.

So she simply nodded and sat beside her mother, pretending that her world wasn't slowly spiraling out of her control.

—

Meanwhile, at Baker Enterprises…

Charles Baker sat behind his massive oak desk, his fingers tapping against the surface in deep thought.

He had been trying to push Joanne into returning to the Baker family, yet she remained stubbornly independent.

He had expected her to struggle, to come crawling back for help.

Yet, despite his best efforts, she hadn't.

And now, rumors were spreading—Joanne Baker was no longer alone.

There had been whispers at the gala. Though he hadn't attended, he had heard the gossip. Joanne had arrived in a one-of-a-kind gown, escorted by a mysterious, powerful man.

And now, the hospital reported that Joanne's mother's medical bills had been cleared.

But by whom?

His sources told him Joanne had no such resources.

Unless… someone else was supporting her.

Charles' eyes narrowed. Who had stepped in to protect her?

Who was this man, and why was he helping Joanne?

A slow, calculated smile stretched across his lips.

It was time to find out.

—

Joanne's Growing Confusion

That evening, Joanne arrived home, still lost in thought.

She barely had time to process the day's events before she was greeted with another shock.

The moment she walked into her apartment, she spotted a small gift box resting on the coffee table.

Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't ordered anything.

Cautiously, she picked it up and unwrapped it.

Inside was a delicate silver bracelet, adorned with tiny diamonds. It was elegant, understated… but undeniably expensive.

A small card rested beside it.

"For Mrs. King."

Joanne's fingers trembled as she read the words.

Alexander.

Why was he doing this?

First, he paid off her mother's hospital bills. And he thought she wouldn't find out does he think she has law E.Q

Then, he charmed her mother as if he was the perfect husband.

And now, this?

She wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or furious.

Because with every passing day, her so-called contract marriage was starting to feel dangerously real.