Chapter 6. Ocean’s Embrace

My initial response was to laugh at the absurdity of his request. After all, we were technically married already—on paper. But his intent became clear when he emphasized that he wanted a real marriage, one that extended beyond legal documents. I tried to stifle my laughter, realizing how naive I had been not to see this coming. Silas had orchestrated this situation, and now I found myself entangled in his web.

"Flash news, mister, we're married," I retorted, my frustration and exhaustion evident in my tone.

His response was serious and unyielding. "Not just in papers, Isla. I need you to be my wife in front of my family, too," he clarified, leaving me no room for misunderstanding.

"For how long? I can't stay here in Manila for more than two weeks," I protested, my voice tinged with desperation.

He posed the question I had been avoiding. "What about Pier?"

The mention of Pier's name was like a knife