Weight of Reality

The rest of the ride was silent.

Joanne's mind raced, trying to process everything. She had known Alexander was wealthy—his last name alone carried influence—but she never imagined he was the Alexander King.

The man who controlled one of the most powerful multinational corporations in the world.

The man whose presence commanded fear and respect.

And now… her husband.

Her fingers curled into her lap as she stole another glance at him. He sat relaxed, one hand resting against his chin, his gaze unreadable.

He didn't look like a crippled man in need of help.

He looked like a ruler.

She swallowed hard. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Alexander didn't even turn to her. "Would it have made a difference?"

Joanne hesitated. Would it?

Before she could respond, the car pulled up to the mansion.

Martha was already waiting at the entrance as the driver opened the door. Joanne stepped out, her thoughts still in disarray.

Alexander's wheelchair was brought to the door, but he made no move to acknowledge it. Instead, he turned to her.

"I assume you now understand, Joanne," he said, his voice calm but firm. "This marriage isn't a simple game of revenge."

Joanne's breath hitched as he continued, his gaze dark and piercing.

"You're my wife now," he said. "That means you're part of my world. And my world… is dangerous."

Her heart pounded.

She had stepped into something far bigger than she had ever imagined.

And there was no turning back.