My replacement groom is billionaire

With the marriage certificate clutched tightly in her hand, Scarlett Knight stepped out of the city hall.

"Thank you, Mr. Dixon!" she said to the man next to her.

Waving his hand, Ethan Dixon said, "I have to get to a client quickly. Which way are you going? If our destinations coincide, I'll drop you there."

Scarlett was surprised. Was he offering her a ride? She assumed he must be repulsed by her.

Three months ago, she had accidentally saved him and taken him to the hospital. And now, she forced him into a marriage with her because of that twist of fate.

Despite having told her that he would return the favor, he must be appalled by her for forcing him to marry a stranger.

"Thanks, but I biked here. You go ahead with your work."

Most likely, he said it out of civility and a sense of gentlemanly education. She wouldn't be so smart if she got into his car.

It was merely a contractual marriage. She was grateful he agreed to it, but she didn't expect him to act like a typical husband.

Checking his watch, Ethan acknowledged her response. "Alright, I'm off. Apologies for not being able to spend our first married day together."

"I'm good," Scarlett assured him, impressed by Ethan's gentlemanly demeanor.

Ethan nodded, then hurried off to his car parked nearby. As he opened the door, a thought struck him, and he glanced back to see Scarlett riding her electric scooter in the opposite direction with her down jacket on.

Her departure left him momentarily stunned.

He had assumed she wanted him to fulfill his promise and marry her for some ulterior motive.

Yet, here she was, leaving without asking for anything in return.

Was that her playing hard to get?

Ethan pursed his lips in thought. If she was being sensible, he would leave her be.

But since he had made a promise to marry her, he intended to fulfill his duty, while keeping his true identity hidden.

Shifting his focus, Ethan got into his cheap car and drove away.

At the next intersection, Ethan stopped his car and stepped out, approaching a black Maybach parked nearby.

When he opened the door, the driver informed him, "Sir, your grandmother seems to be aware of what happened between you and Ms. Knight."

"What happened?"

"Trey noticed your absence from the company this morning and looked into it; that's why he found out. Then, he informed your grandmother."

Ethan sneered. His half-brother, Trey Dixon, couldn't wait to let their grandmother know he had married a woman from a humble background.

"Ensure all traces related to her are erased before Grandma intervenes. I don't want anyone else to know about our marriage," he instructed.

"Understood, sir."

Ethan tapped his fingers on the car window, pondering for a moment before adding, "Keep him occupied. I don't want him getting too idle."

"Of course, sir." The driver acknowledged before suggesting, "Should we arrange for some protection for Ms. Knight?"

Ethan's demeanor turned cold as he contemplated the suggestion. "Yes, do it discreetly. Ensure she remains unaware of my identity to prevent any misguided intentions."

Meanwhile, Scarlett, unaware of the complexities, arrived at the hospital on her electric scooter.

The winter in Pradset started earlier than in other places.

The cold wind, laced with sea spray, slapped her cheeks, seeping into her bones and numbing her heart.