Chapter 6

Alex decided to focus on his priorities, leaving the mysterious woman to her hiding. He had only two days to find a suitable fake fiancée, and he couldn't afford distractions.

Meanwhile, Nyx emerged from her hiding spot, wondering, "What's he doing here?" Her friend Sienna had informed her about a friend's arrival, and Nyx was headed to meet her.

Upon arriving at the apartment, Nyx found Sienna seated with another woman, whose face was obscured as she sat with her back to the door.

Nyx approached, getting a clear view of the mysterious woman. "What's up, girl?" Nyx greeted Sienna, dropping her bag on the chair.

She turned to the unknown woman, extending her hand with a warm smile. "Hi, I'm Nyx."

Daniella extended her arm, smiling as she reciprocated the greeting. "I'm Daniella."

"Nice to meet you," Nyx said.

"Nice to meet you too," Daniella replied, releasing Nyx's hand.

"Ella will be staying with us," Sienna announced.

Nyx plopped into the chair, making herself comfortable. "Sienna said you were at work, how were you able to leave?" Daniella asked, curiosity sparking in her voice.

Nyx replied briefly, "I took the day off," and settled deeper into the chair. Ella nodded, accepting the concise answer.

Meanwhile, at the office, Alex was engrossed in work when Sasha entered. "Sir, it's past closing time. You're still working," she reminded him.

Alex looked up, startled by the revelation. Sasha noticed his surprised expression and asked, "Is everything all right?"

"I'm fine, thank you. You can head home; I'll wrap things up here," Alex replied.

Sasha nodded and left the office. Alex glanced at the items he had asked Daniel to pick up for Candice. Since Daniel wasn't coming to pick him up, Alex decided to head home.

Upon arriving, he learned Candice was already asleep. He entered her room, placed the gifts on her dressing table, and kissed her forehead before retiring to his own room.

The next day, Alex and Daniel stepped out of the office for a break and bumped into Nyx, the woman from the mall. Nyx looked startled but quickly averted her gaze and walked away.

Alex smiled, amused by her reaction.

Daniel's curiosity got the better of him. "Do you know her?" he asked, eyeing Alex's rare smile.

Alex replied curtly, "We met at the mall. The lady who wasn't impressed by me."

A mocking smirk spread across Daniel's face, and Alex walked away, noticing his assistant's amusement.

Hours later, Daniel entered the office to find Alex looking perplexed. Today was the deadline, and his stepmother had already sent a reminder.

"Boss," Daniel said, trying to get Alex's attention.

"Why don't we arrange a contract marriage?" Daniel suggested.

Alex's brows arched, signaling confusion.

"You can draft a contract stating the terms of the marriage, including the duration," Daniel explained. "If both parties want to continue, you can. Add any other clauses you see fit."

Alex hesitated but agreed when he remembered his stepmother's message.

"Who's the woman, and what about the contract?" he asked.

"I'm working on the contract. You can review and revise it," Daniel said, handing Alex his laptop. "As for the woman, I found the address of the lady from earlier."

Alex looked surprised. "Why her?"

Daniel smirked. "She seems like someone who'll make you happy."

Alex ignored the remark and focused on revising the contract.

Nyx stepped out of her room, curious about the sudden commotion in the living room. She was alone in the apartment and was shocked to find the door and window shattered.

Before she could process the scene, masked men pinned her to the wall.

"Why were you ignoring my texts?" a masked man growled, his voice familiar.

Nyx recognized the voice. "Why were you expecting me to reply? It's over between us, remember?" she retorted.

A stinging slap struck her face, sending a wave of pain through her.

"Mind how you speak to me," the masked man warned sternly.

"Strip her," he commanded.

Nyx's eyes widened in shock. The goons pinned her down on the couch, ripping her clothes off. She struggled to break free, but it was no use. Another slap sent searing pain through her face, and tears began to fall.

Just as all hope seemed lost, punches flew, and Nyx opened her eyes to see Alex, the cocky trillionaire, taking down her attackers. The masked men fled, their faces still hidden.

Alex turned to Nyx, his expression unreadable. "Marry me," he said bluntly, his voice devoid of emotion.

Nyx's eyes remained fixed on Alex, her mind reeling in shock.

Nyx's eyes widened in shock as she struggled to cover her exposed body. "What are you talking about? What do you mean marry you?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Alex's expression remained impassive. "It'll be a contract marriage, lasting one year. I'll compensate you for your time."

Nyx's confusion deepened. "I don't understand."

Alex handed her a contract. "Read it. It's all explained in there."

Nyx scanned the document, her eyes widening as she grasped the proposal. Finally, she dropped the contract on the table. "I won't marry you."

Alex's indifference sent a chill down Nyx's spine. "You have no choice," he stated.

"Unless you'd prefer I let them have their way with you," he added, nodding toward the men waiting outside.

Nyx glanced at them, fear creeping in. With Sienna and Diana away on a business trip, she was truly alone.

"I'll go with you," she resigned herself to her fate.

Alex smirked, seemingly amused by her fear.

As Nyx packed her belongings and changed, Alex made himself comfortable, waiting patiently.

Once she was ready, Nyx informed Sienna and Ella about the sudden turn of events and her decision to leave the apartment.

Alex and Nyx arrived at his apartment, where Diana and Candice awaited their arrival. The surprised expressions on their faces amused Alex.

Diana composed herself first, followed by Candice. "Big bro, welcome," Candice said with a sly smile, approaching Alex.

"Hello," she said, waving warmly at Nyx, who returned the greeting with a smile.

Diana's tone was dry. "I see you brought your fiancée."

"What's her name?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Alex's eyes widened in panic. Shit, he thought, realizing he had forgotten to ask Nyx her name.