The Ariston family residence stood like a silent monument to wealth and authority.
It occupied an entire stretch of land in Ikoyi, hidden behind tall, wrought-iron gates and layers of manicured hedges. Beyond the gates lay a long, winding driveway lined with palm trees and perfectly trimmed flowers, leading to a massive mansion built with white stone and dark accents. The house carried the weight of old money—grand, commanding, and impossible to ignore.
Selena stepped out of the car calmly, though her heart beat a little faster as her eyes took in the sight.
So this is where Jace grew up, she thought.
Jace walked beside her, his expression unreadable. "Everything will be fine," he said in a low voice.
Selena nodded slightly. "Okay."
Inside, the house was even more overwhelming. Marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers, and the walls were adorned with large paintings—ancestors, old victories, frames of authority and legacy. The air itself felt heavy, like expectations had settled into the furniture.
A maid led them to the dining hall.
The dining room was enormous. A long mahogany table sat at its center, capable of seating more than twenty people, though only three places were set. At the head of the table sat Grandpa Arinston, posture straight despite his age, eyes sharp and assessing.
Grandpa," Jace greeted, stepping forward.
The old man smiled slightly. "You're late."
"We had traffic," Jace replied smoothly.
Grandpa Arinston's gaze then shifted to Selena.
"So you're here," he said, voice calm but probing.
"Yes, sir," Selena replied respectfully, meeting his eyes briefly.
For a brief moment, something unreadable crossed the old man's face—recognition.
"You're the young woman from Jace's office," he said.
Selena nodded once. "Yes, sir."
"Hm." He gestured toward the seat beside Jace. "Sit."
They took their seats in the dining room.
It was then Jace spoke again, his voice steady.
"Grandpa," he said, "this is Selena. My wife."
Grandpa Arinston looked from Jace to Selena again, surprise flickering only briefly before it was replaced by something closer to satisfaction.
"So it's official," he said with a nod. "Good. Very good."
Selena dipped her head respectfully. "It's nice to see you again, sir."
"You're quite polite," Grandpa remarked. "No wonder my grandson keeps you close."
So he noticed it too—the desk in the corner of Jace's office, the exception Jace had made without realizing it. Grandpa Arinston wasn't fooled easily. He had sensed something then, even if he couldn't name it.
"Let's eat," Grandpa said.
Melissa Anderson stepped through the gates of the Ariston family residence with practiced ease.
The guards recognized her immediately. No questions. No delay. The Anderson name carried weight', and Melissa had been in this house more times than she could count growing up. That familiarity was exactly why she came tonight.
She already knew.
She knew Jace would be here.
She knew Selena would be here.
She knew this wasn't just dinner—it was an introduction.
And that was why she couldn't stay away.
Inside the house, the atmosphere was warm but heavy with significance.
Not long after they started eating,when footsteps sounded again from the main hall.
Melissa"Grandpa"
Her voice was soft, respectful, sweet.
All eyes turned toward her.
Grandpa's face broke into a smile. "Melissa? What brings you here?"
She stepped forward, hands folded neatly. "I was passing nearby and thought I'd greet you. It's been a while."
The old man chuckled. "You still remember this old man."
"Of course I do," Melissa said warmly. "I grew up coming here."
She glanced at the table, feigning mild surprise. "Oh—I didn't realize you were having dinner."
"It's fine," Grandpa said. "Join us."
Jace said nothing.
His gaze shifted briefly to Melissa—cold, sharp, warning.
Melissa noticed.
She ignored it.
Taking the seat offered, she smiled politely across the table, her eyes finally landing on Selena as if seeing her for the first time.
Oh," she said softly. "Hello."
Selena looked up, calm and composed. "Hello."
Melissa's smile widened just slightly. "I'm Melissa."
"I know," Selena replied easily.
That response earned a careful note in Melissa's head.
"So," Melissa continued casually, turning back to Grandpa, "you have company tonight. That's lovely."
Grandpa nodded. "Jace finally brought his wife home."
Melissa's brows lifted, just a touch. "Wife?"
She turned her gaze back to Selena, surprise perfectly measured.
"That's wonderful," she said. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Selena replied, unfazed.
Melissa studied her quietly as dinner continued.
Selena didn't cling to Jace.
She didn't act intimidated.
She didn't overplay her role.
She simply existed—calm, steady, present.
And Jace?
Melissa watched him closely.
He was reserved, but not distant. Protective, but not overt. Every time Selena spoke, his attention shifted subtly toward her. Every time Melissa spoke, his eyes hardened.
That was all the confirmation Melissa needed.
So the contract marriage isn't as clean as I thought, she mused.
This wasn't just obligation anymore.
As she smiled and ate, Melissa planned her next move carefully. Exposing the truth this early would be foolish. This wasn't about rushing—it was about timing.
If she waited long enough…
One crack would be enough.