Chapter 3 Who are You

If there's anything that Alyssa knows, it's that all these rich business tycoons were all the same. Greedy people exploiting the weak. The only difference between Ryan and the brothel owners is that he gave her the chance to read the papers. But then, he knew she had no other choice than to pick his contract.

"Marriage Contract." was boldly written on the front page.

Alyssa scanned through it as quickly as she could. She didn't care how bad it would be, she just wanted to be away from Marty and all that.

"Why do you need a fake wife?" Alyssa asked the multi billionaire. He was wealthy as fuck! A business tycoon, young, handsome. He could get a real wife anytime, anywhere. Why did he pay so much money to buy her out of the brothel when he could get a wife for free?

He shrugged, yawning. "Just sign or don't. Your choice."

"No, I need to know," Alyssa pressed. "You're young, handsome, and rich. You could get a real wife anytime."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Look, if you're not going to sign, just give it back and go back to pole dancing. You're good at it." He said, trying to collect the papers from her.

"No!" She said, then signed the papers immediately.

"There! Signed!" She said, handing him the pen and paper. She signed quickly in case he changed his mind.

A faint smile appeared on his face. He also signed the papers.

They entered the car and slowly exited the brothel.

"I don't want any commitments. So, no strings attached." He was staring at his phone while he spoke, it took her a moment to realize he was speaking to her.

"Right. Noted." She answered. Glad that she was out of that hell hole.

"If you need anything at all, kindly come to me. From now on, you are known as Alyssa Cooper. You'll have to attend meetings and events when necessary. I'll get someone to teach you the basics. No one, and I mean no one can know that this marriage is fake. If you tell a soul, then you'll be back to the brothel."

"I understand." Alyssa said.

"Again Alyssa, You cannot catch feelings. Else, the contract would be terminated. I hate mixing pleasure with business."

"I wasn't planning to catch feelings. Trust me." she huffed.

"Don't be too sure Alyssa." He said.

She knew he was talking about his good looks and charms. But Alyssa had no intention of falling for a man like him. Pretty on the outside but a monster within. That's exactly what her step father was. Her mom fell for the looks and looked where it brought them.

Alyssa's gaze drifted to Ryan Cooper, her new "husband." She had never paid much attention to his reputation, but whispers of his ruthlessness and heartlessness had reached her ears. A man who takes pleasure in brothels, watching women being abused was not the type for her.

"I am sure Mr Cooper." She said,

"I'm your husband," Ryan said, his voice low and smooth. "You can call me Ryan."

"Okay, Ryan."

"Ryan's eyes seemed to gleam with satisfaction as he continued, "I didn't choose you randomly, Alyssa. I paid a handsome sum for your...freedom because I need someone tied to me. Someone who understands the value of loyalty and obligation."

Her fingers went numb at his words. Hell, there's no way she would fall for a man like this.

Alyssa appeared calm, but inside, she was furious. She felt trapped, stuck with a man who treated her like an object, not a person.

The rest of the ride was silent until they got home.

Alyssa gasped when the gates opened leading to his mansion.

The mansion's exterior was a masterful blend of elegance and grandeur, with cream-colored stone walls, grand columns, and intricately carved wooden doors. Expansive windows sparkled in the sunlight, while a sweeping driveway flanked by lush greenery and ornate fountains led to the entrance. The slate and copper roof shone majestically, its elegant turrets adding sophistication.

"You live here?" She gasped, most believing her eyes.

The building was so big. So tall. She couldn't wait to check the inside. When they went in, she didn't hold back.

Inside the mansion, elegance surrounded her. The grand foyer featured a sweeping staircase and crystal chandelier. Polished marble floors led to spacious rooms with plush furniture and rich textiles.

The living room had velvet sofas and floor-to-ceiling windows. The dining room sparkled with crystal glassware and fine china. A cozy library beckoned with leather-bound books.

Upstairs, plush carpets led to lavish bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets. Soft hues and plush linens created serene havens.

She froze as she continued to scrutinize the house. She never dreamed of living in such a mansion.

Ryan realized Alyssa had stopped walking, he turned to see what was going on only to see the stupid girl shocked.

"Is everything alright?" He walked to her and asked but there was no answer. Alyssa was still mesmerized.

" Hey, lady," he clapped his hands and he was able to grab her attention.

" Er..m I'm...sorry.." she was embarrassed.

"Follow me," he shook his head.

What a fool.

As Ryan guided her to the sanctuary of her room, Alyssa's fatigue dissipated. The bed's opulent softness enveloped her like a warm embrace, melting her tension. "This is heaven," she breathed, surrendering to its comfort

The once horrific and dramatic long night ended with a good night's sleep. It was bliss. ...... The following morning Alyssa woke up feeling energetic. As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her gaze fell on the elegant clock on the nightstand. It was 7:00 AM.

She walked downstairs and saw Ryan at the table, savoring his breakfast with a calm and measured pace.

Ryan's gaze remained fixed on his breakfast plate as he spoke in a cold, detached tone, "Sit down."

Alyssa obeyed, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

"Listen carefully," he began, his voice firm but emotionless. "There are rules you must follow. You cannot leave this estate without a valid reason and a driver. Avoid public gatherings and petty establishments. And under no circumstances are you to disclose any details of our marriage."

As he spoke, workers bustled upstairs, transforming Alyssa's room into a luxurious sanctuary. Her closet was filled with exquisite dresses, designer shoes, elegant bags, and every accessory she could desire – things she had only dreamed of owning.

His rules left Alyssa feeling confined, despite the lavish surroundings.

She showered and got dressed as Ryan commanded. She was in the dining hall with him, having breakfast when a dramatic voice interrupted the silence between them.

"Ryan! This has to be a joke!" A voice yelled from the entrance.

"Mother, welcome." Ryan greeted me. "Join us," he offered but she didn't look like she was in the mood.

"Do I look like I'm here to eat?" She fired.

Alyssa stared at the drama in silence.

"You got married and told me through a text message? How dare you!" She was losing her temper, but her son didn't seem to take it as a big deal.

"Alyssa and I wanted it low-key." He explained.

"And who is this Alyssa that I have never heard of?" She turned to Alyssa.

"Good morning Mrs Cooper." Alyssa said with a smile. She didn't know what else to say or do.

"I don't approve of this." Mrs Cooper said with a frown. "Who are you? Where are you from?" She asked.

"Uhm, Alyssa Smith. That's my name." Alyssa was nervous all of a sudden.

"Mother, I need to go to the office. Can we discuss this some other time?" Ryan asked, standing up. Mrs Cooper looked between her son and his new wife.

"Okay." She agreed. She stared at the lady once more then turned on her heels and left the house. She was sure she hadn't heard this name before, which family does she belong to? She wondered.

"Alyssa Smith," she repeated the name until she got to her car.

"Alyssa Smith." She said to her P.A who was waiting patiently for her. "Do a background check on Alyssa Smith. there's something fishy about her."

"Yes ma'am." He replied.

"I want to know her parents, where she lives, where she works. what she does and every other necessary detail. I need to get to the bottom of this." She said,

"I'm on it ma'am."