I never meant to fall in love. In fact, the whole thing started as a way to get back at my parents.
You see, my family is rich. The kind of rich where everything is about appearances, business deals, and social status. And I was their biggest disappointment. While my parents expected me to be a polished, responsible heir to my father’s company, I spent my twenties enjoying life. Parties, expensive vacations, fast cars—I had it all and lived like nothing else mattered. Because, to me, nothing did.
But then, they called me in for “the talk.”
“Alex, it’s time to settle down,” my father said, his voice firm like he was negotiating a business deal. He leaned forward, his sharp eyes watching me closely.
“Settle down?” I scoffed, leaning back in my chair with a smirk. “You mean get married?”
“Precisely,” he replied without hesitation. “You’re almost 30. If you want to inherit the company, we need to see some commitment. A wife, a family. You can’t run a business like this alone.”
My mother shook her head, a disappointed sigh escaping her lips. “Your father built this company from nothing, Alex. We can’t just hand it over to someone who treats life like a never-ending party.”
I clenched my jaw. It wasn’t about marriage. It was about control. They wanted to dictate my life.
Fine. I’d marry. But on my terms. If they wanted me to settle down, I’d find the most unexpected bride—someone who would make them question their own demands.
And that’s when I met Mary.
Mary was nothing like the women in my usual circles. No designer clothes, no over-the-top makeup, no forced charm. I found her volunteering at a charity event—quiet, focused, and completely unimpressed by me. Her simple dress and neatly tied-back hair made her stand out among the crowd, not for extravagance, but for how real she seemed.
When I introduced myself, she barely reacted.
“Nice to meet you, Alex,” she said simply, nodding.
She didn’t care about my money. Didn’t bat her lashes or hang on to my every word. It was perfect.
“So, Mary,” I said, getting straight to the point. “How do you feel about marriage?”
She blinked, clearly taken aback. “Excuse me?”
“I know it sounds crazy, but I need a wife. For reasons I’ll explain later. But you have to pass a few ‘tests’ first.”
Mary tilted her head, studying me. Then, to my surprise, she laughed.
“Well, isn’t that funny,” she said, her eyes gleaming. “Because I was just thinking I could use a little ‘marriage’ myself.”
“Really?” I asked, intrigued. “So, is it a deal?”
She shrugged. “Alright, Alex. But on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“No questions about my past. Just a girl from a small town, that’s all anyone needs to know.”
I grinned. “Perfect.”
Introducing Mary to my parents was glorious.
My mother’s forced smile faltered as she took in Mary’s plain dress. My father’s frown deepened as she greeted them politely but without the usual desperation to impress.
“Oh… Mary, is it?” my mother said, her voice tight.
Dad adjusted his tie. “Alex, this isn’t exactly what we had in mind.”
“Well, you wanted me to settle down,” I said, barely hiding my amusement. “And Mary’s perfect for me. She doesn’t care about money or social status. Isn’t that refreshing?”
Mary played her part perfectly, responding politely but keeping just enough distance to make my parents squirm. It was working. I was winning.
But then, I started noticing something odd. Every so often, Mary had this glint in her eye—like she was enjoying the game more than I expected.
One night, after dinner with my parents, she looked at me and asked, “Are you sure this is what you want, Alex?”
“More than ever,” I said, laughing. “They’re horrified, Mary. It’s perfect.”
She smiled, but it was too soft, too knowing. “Glad I could help.”
I should have paid more attention to that.
The final test came at a grand charity ball. My parents had pulled out all the stops—chandeliers, silk tablecloths, and a guest list filled with the most powerful people in the city.
Mary walked beside me, her simple elegance making her stand out among the glitter and diamonds. Just as planned.
“Remember,” I whispered. “Tonight’s the final test.”
She looked up at me, unreadable. “I know the drill.”
Then, something unexpected happened.
“Mary!” a booming voice called. We turned to see the mayor himself approaching, his face lighting up. “What a wonderful surprise!”
My parents stiffened. I frowned.
The mayor knew Mary?
She forced a polite smile. “Good to see you too, Mayor.”
“Your family’s contributions to the children’s hospital are still making a difference,” he said warmly. “We can’t thank you enough.”
My mother paled. My father’s grip on his glass tightened. I felt my stomach drop.
Jack, an old family friend, walked over, looking stunned. “Mary? Mary the Charity Princess?” He turned to me with an incredulous laugh. “Alex, you’re marrying one of the most influential philanthropists in the state!”
I stared at Mary. The quiet, modest girl from a small town?
“So… Charity Princess?” I asked later, pulling her aside.
She sighed. “Yes. My family owns the largest charity fund in the state. I grew up in this world, but I’ve been avoiding it for years.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Same reason you didn’t tell me this was a fake marriage to spite your parents,” she said, eyes sharp. “We both had something to escape from.”
Realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
She hadn’t been my pawn. I had been hers too.
“So let me get this straight,” I said slowly. “You agreed to this because you wanted to escape your family’s expectations?”
She nodded. “Guess we have that in common.”
And suddenly, everything changed.
I had gone into this with a childish plan to annoy my parents. But Mary—she had done something bigger. She had quietly walked away from a life of wealth and expectations, choosing to stand on her own. I respected her more than I could put into words.
One night, as we planned for yet another charity event, I found myself watching her. She caught my gaze. “What?”
“I just… I didn’t realize how strong you were,” I admitted. “You put up with all this and never complained. You’re doing more than I ever would have.”
Mary smiled, softer this time. “I’m not doing it for them,” she said. “I’m doing it for me.”
And in that moment, I knew. This wasn’t just a game anymore.
“Mary,” I said, voice steady, “maybe it’s time we told them the truth.”
She nodded. “Yeah. I think so too.”
We weren’t pretending anymore. Whatever this was between us—it was real. And I wasn’t about to let it slip away.
