She married a stranger to escape her past-only to uncover that his secrets might destroy her future. Callie Reyes thought marrying Theo Halston would be simple. A contract. A chance at stability. Nothing more. But she didn't expect the cold, calculated executive to start unraveling her guarded heart. Theo needed a wife, one who wouldn't pry. What he didn't count on was wanting her. Needing her. Or how much her presence would shake the foundations of the empire he was trying to protect. As secrets from their pasts begin to surface, ones tied to power, family betrayal, and a dangerous legacy. Callie must choose: trust the man she's learning to love, or run before his truth becomes her ruin. But love has never been safe in the Halston family. And Theo's final secret? Could shatter them both.
Chapter 1 A Deal Signed in Silence
October in Brookedge was no time for a heatwave, but that didn't stop the sun from rising like it had a grudge, turning the pavement into a skillet by noon. Mornings were the only reprieve, quiet and cool brief pockets of calm before the burn.
Callie Reyes was already in the kitchen, flipping eggs while the rest of the apartment slept.
She slid breakfast onto plates, wiped her hands, and grabbed her envelope, the one with her ID and birth certificate, then slipped out the door without a sound.
Last night's words echoed in her head, still sharp:
"Mia, I'm done playing host. Two grand a month is not charity, but it is not covering her half either. She's practically living here rent-free."
That was her brother-in-law, again. Same fight. Louder this time.
Callie didn't belong there anymore. But leaving without a plan would only make her sister worry.
So she made one. A big one. Marriage.
It wasn't romantic. It wasn't even about love. It was about peace. For everyone.
She had once helped a woman in a parking lot, Mrs. Halston after she had almost fell from the slippery ground. They stayed in touch, and Callie came to know all about her grandson, Theo, a corporate shark who avoided relationships like a second job.
Mrs. Halston had brought it up weeks ago: "You need stability, and my Theo needs someone who won't play games. Think about it."
And now, here she was, at City Hall, breathing hard through her nerves.
''Callie!"
She turned. There stood Mrs. Halston, all smiles, waving like they weren't about to do something absurd. Beside her stood Theo, silent, hands in his pockets, watching her like he was trying to figure out what kind of mess she might be.
"That's him," Mrs. Halston said, proudly. "My grandson. Don't let the scowl fool you."
Callie walked over. Theo was tall, sharp, and gave off the vibe of someone who measured people before speaking to them. She expected someone plainer and definitely less... composed.
He didn't offer a smile, just a small nod.
"Callie Reyes," she said, holding out her hand.
He shook it, firm and quick. "Theo."
She glanced at the modest car behind him. Nothing flashy. Clean and responsible. Not what she expected from someone with an executive title at Cordon Dynamics.
"I told you," Mrs. Halston went on, "he's got a good job, stable, clean..." she elbowed Theo, "...and only slightly allergic to human interaction."
"I'm standing right here," Theo muttered.
Callie tried not to laugh. "It's fine. I'm not great with people either."
Mrs. Halston clapped her hands. "Perfect! Go inside. I'll wait out here."
"It's hot," Theo said. "You should sit in the car."
He opened the passenger door for his grandmother with surprising care. That gesture was simple and unspoken, it told Callie everything she needed to know.
This was definitely not about romance, but neither was she signing up for cold indifference either.
He turned to her. "Let's get this over with."
"Wow," she said. "You sure know how to sweep a girl off her feet."
His mouth twitched. Maybe the closest he ever got to a smile.
Inside, as they waited for the clerk to process their documents, Theo looked at her with those unreadable eyes.
"You're still free to walk away, you know. I won't hold it against you. If this feels rushed, say the word."
Callie folded her arms, steady. "Is this you giving me an out, or hoping I'll take it?"
He didn't answer right away. "Maybe both."
She nodded slowly. "Well... I'm here. Let's just take the plunge."
Chapter 1 A Deal Signed in Silence
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Chapter 2 Strangers in a Marriage
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Chapter 3 Rooms With Locked Doors
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Chapter 4 The Art of Pretending
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Chapter 5 Uninvited Company
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Chapter 6 The Secretary and the Secret
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Chapter 7 Rules We Break
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Chapter 8 Too Close for Control
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Chapter 9 The Name I Shouldn't Miss
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Chapter 10 Ghosts of the Night Before
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Chapter 11 His Eyes, Her Storm
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Chapter 12 The Echo of His Touch
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Chapter 13 The Truth Between the Sheets
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Chapter 14 The Girl Who Didn't Know
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Chapter 15 Everything He Never Said
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