Chapter 1

"Professor Reed." Aurora Reed was just leaving her class when Timothy Campbell approached her. She nodded in acknowledgment. "Let's discuss things over a meal." Although it sounded very business-like, they would simply be discussing matters over a meal taken at Astrait University's cafeteria. Timothy knew this was how Aurora operated and played along. So, he ate a few bites and waited for her to be done with her meal before taking out the document from his briefcase. "Professor Reed, Mr. Jenson has already signed the papers and agreed to all your conditions. This is the agreement in question. Please review it and sign it if you have no other objections." Timothy had handed her a marriage agreement and a form. Aurora glanced at the documents and saw that it was a standard marriage application form. It bore Owen Jenson's rather striking signature. As for the agreement, it consisted of merely a few main points. Firstly, the marriage would be kept secret. Secondly, both parties were not allowed to interfere with the other's private lives. However, both parties should take care not to negatively impair the other's reputation. Thirdly, each should play their respective roles when needed… On and on it went. The general idea was essentially a non-interference pact between them after their union. They would each be able to live their lives as they see fit without asking for anything else. Aurora skimmed through the document, fished a pen from her bag, and signed her name without a sliver of hesitation. "So, Mrs. Jenson—" Aurora was quick to put a stop to that, interjecting bluntly, "Please continue to address me as Professor Reed." Her tone was bland and detached as she returned the agreement. It was as though she was merely signing off on a delivery package. Yet she had become Owen's wife after signing those papers. She was now the wife of a mysterious magnate who owned a business empire and whom people would die just to curry favor with. In fact, she was now also the esteemed madam of the Jenson family. Although this marriage was orchestrated by Owen's grandmother without his consent, the marriage was still legally binding. Therefore, Aurora was now indeed Mrs. Owen. Aurora was a professor at the prestigious Astrait University despite her young age. She was known as a prodigy, fast-tracking through her education with the speed of a comet by quickly attaining a PhD from a renowned foreign university. She was stunningly gorgeous, cultured, and brilliant. She was the ultimate poster child for the phrase "beauty and brains". Thus, she inadvertently became the ideal daughter-in-law in the eyes of many wealthy families. Owen's grandmother probably set her sights on Aurora precisely because of such qualities. That was probably why she went to great lengths, such as faking an illness, just to pressure Owen into a marriage that he didn't want. Unfortunately, Owen likely harbored some form of resentment toward Aurora due to his plight. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so indifferent as to not appear for the registration of their marriage. He even went ahead and created a marriage agreement for crying out loud! Regardless, Aurora didn't seem as though she cared. There wasn't a hint of joy on her face despite successfully attaining the position many women had vied for. "Mr. Jenson has said that you can move to Cordia. Here's the key card. He'll be depositing 100 thousand per month into your bank account as your allowance. Mr. Jenson has also mentioned that you shouldn't feel pressured as this is part of the agreement." The implication was clear. They were merely bound by a long-term agreement. Aurora understood it loud and clear. It was obvious that Owen wanted her to know her place. Frankly, she wouldn't have chosen someone like him if it weren't for the pressure she was facing. Still, Owen was the most outstanding specimen, in terms of looks and wealth, among the long line of men trying to wed her. She had always been rather pragmatic. She had gone through several blind dates prior to making a decision. Even though her suitors were decently impressive, she found that she wasn't as concerned about their backgrounds after meeting them face-to-face. In the end, she figured she might as well pick the best one out of the lot. Owen was certainly far better than those men who were only after her wealth! Truthfully, she felt nothing for Owen and knew he likely didn't view her in a favorable light. After all, she was aware that he had a beloved girlfriend. She had also heard a few whispers about his love life. Nonetheless, she wasn't the least bit interested in knowing why he chose to marry her. Besides, a purely transactional marriage suited her just fine. "Thanks. I'll move in over the weekend." Aurora took the key card without hesitation. Qorix Corporation's CEO's office was situated on the 88th floor. Owen had just wrapped up his meeting when Timothy returned. "Mr. Jenson," Timothy greeted respectfully. "Did she sign it?" Owen asked nonchalantly, his gaze remaining on the document in his hand. There wasn't a hint of any expression on his handsome face. "Yes." "Did she have any requests?" "Professor Reed made nothing of the sort. In fact, she signed it almost immediately. She also said that she'll move to Cordia over the weekend. Here's the marriage certificate between you and Professor Reed." Owen took it and flipped through it. Then, he gave the spare copy back to Timothy. "This is hers. You'll be in charge of the subsequent arrangements." "Yes, Mr. Jenson." As Timothy left the office, Owen opened a drawer and placed the marriage certificate in it before continuing with his work. Most people might find joy in being newlyweds. Alas, this wasn't the case for this odd couple. They continued to go about their business as Aurora puttered about with her packed schedule while Owen got ready to meet a client for a business deal. They didn't even bother meeting each other after getting hitched.