The two were in an arranged marriage. Mikayla's father, Felix, married off his second daughter, Mikayla, for the benefit of the company.
To be precise, Mikayla received a notice that she was to get married. Her father, with some unknown agenda, also found her a job as Cayden's secretary. Surprisingly, Cayden agreed as well, making Mikayla suspect one was crazy and the other was foolish.
Her first impression of Cayden wasn't great. On the day they registered their marriage, they sat at the registration desk filling out the marriage declaration form. Mikayla wore a white chiffon blouse with a bow tied at the collar. She tilted her head and asked him, "Don't you have any prenuptial agreements to sign?"
Cayden looked at her, puzzled. Seeing this, Mikayla quickly added, "Like, maybe in three to five years, we'll get divorced or something."
"Just make sure to give me a few houses and cars when we divorce." Mikayla was already fantasizing about her future life as a happy single woman after the divorce while registering for marriage. She imagined renting out a few houses and enjoying collecting the rent every month. Passersby who heard her thought she might be out of her mind.
"Why would we divorce?" Cayden turned to her and asked seriously. Mikayla almost got lost in his deep, dark eyes. Cayden had sharp, cold features and a distinct face. He also wore a white shirt, but his mature and steady demeanor was more striking.
"Don't you have such plans?" "Alright then." Mikayla silently scrapped her Plan A, but it was fine; she would find other ways to end this marriage.
When they were taking photos at the oath-taking platform, the photographer had a hard time with Cayden. Clearly, they were there to get married, but he looked so cold, it seemed like he was there to cause trouble.
"Sir, could you smile a bit more cheerfully?"
Cayden sat there like an ancient iceberg, tall and with a clear and graceful demeanor, appearing very unapproachable. In contrast, Mikayla beside him smiled brightly. Her features were delicate, and even with a simple high ponytail and light makeup, she looked very striking, clean, and sunny.
Mikayla nudged the stern-faced Cayden with her elbow, "What's the matter? Smile. I don't want to see a grim reaper beside me in the marriage certificate photo."
Though she wanted a divorce, having a good-looking marriage certificate photo was still necessary.
Cayden was amused by her, tugging the corners of his mouth into a stiff smile.
"Yes, yes, just like that," the photographer said, satisfied, as he pressed the shutter.
Holding the freshly issued marriage certificate, Mikayla still felt a bit dizzy. She had just married a man she had known for only a few hours.
As they walked out of the civil affairs bureau, Cayden sighed and said to her, "Sorry, I have an urgent work matter and need to go on a business trip to City B for a few days. Your luggage has been settled at my home."
Mikayla remembered something and cautiously interrupted him, "Okay… Do you mind if I keep a cat?"
"… I don't mind," he replied calmly.
Mikayla finally felt relieved. Cayden continued, "You can start work at the company the day after tomorrow. Someone will show you around."
"Alright."
Cayden went straight to the airport with his assistant. After parting with him, Mikayla drove to her new home.
The moment Mikayla entered, she suspected Cayden might have OCD. His house was overly tidy, spotlessly clean. All her luggage, big and small, was neatly placed in the master bedroom, and her clothes were hung in the walk-in closet, sorted by color and season.
Mikayla placed her daily items on the dressing table beside the bed. The table was very new, likely just installed.
Mikayla's actions unconsciously slowed down. She had originally thought she could just deal with this marriage casually, with both of them living their own lives separately, not needing to stay together. She was even ready to stay in the guest bedroom.
Her gaze swept over the two pillows placed side by side on the bed, giving her an indescribable strange feeling.
After unpacking, she toured her new home. The simple European style revealed the owner's elegant taste. The living room had a huge floor-to-ceiling window, which was incongruously accompanied by a cat climbing frame, adding a bit of cuteness to the otherwise cold home.
Mikayla sat on the lazy sofa by the window, scrolling through her phone, with Orange lazily curled up in her lap.
The soft sunlight of early spring filtered through the light white curtains, surrounding her. Slowly, without realizing it, she closed her eyes. This new home didn't seem so bad after all.
