Chapter 6 A Temporary Agreement

• Elara
• “Honestly, this wasn’t the solution I had in mind,” I said, crossing my arms. “But since you’re the one who brought it up, I’ll agree.”
• His expression turned icy, a flicker of something sharp passing through his eyes. He straightened, finally putting some distance between us.
• “You agreed that quickly?” he scoffed. “No wonder you don't need my money. You're trying to worm your way into my life.”
• “Whatever you think. All I want is for you to agree to one condition.”
• He arched a brow.
• “If we pretend to be married,” I began, “I must have visitation rights to the children. You can never block my access to them. Ever.”
• He studied me for a long moment, considering. Finally, he gave a curt nod. “Agreed.”
• “Then we have a deal.
• “Indeed,” he replied neutrally. “For the sake of the children.”
• Together, we left his office and headed straight to the marriage registration office. The process was surprisingly swift, and before I knew it, we were officially married—on paper, at least. There was no ceremony, nothing more than the officiant asking us to say “I do”, and there was certainly no kiss.
• I didn’t care. I’d already been married once, and look how that turned out. This was for my daughters and no one else.
• The plan was simple: use our so-called ‘relationship’ to secure custody at the court hearing tomorrow, then divorce immediately after.
• As we exited the building, I glanced at the marriage certificate in my hands. I was now Mrs. Alaric Donovan, albeit temporarily.
• “Don’t overthink it,” Alaric said, noticing my expression. “It’s just a piece of paper.”
• I shot him a withering glare. “I wasn’t overthinking it.”
• Once we returned to his estate, I decided to return to my apartment to gather some things. Zoe must have seen me getting back into the car to leave, because she burst out of the house and ran toward me, her eyes filled with tears.
• “Mommy!” she cried, throwing her arms around my waist. “Please don’t leave me!”
• I knelt down, hugging her tightly. “I would never leave you, sweetheart. I’m just running back to the apartment to get some things. I’ll be staying here with you.”
• She pulled back slightly, her lower lip trembling. “Promise?”
• “Promise,” I assured her, brushing a tear from her cheek.
• Just then, a housekeeper appeared in the doorway. I recognized her, having seen her before. She wore a gray dress with a crisp white apron, her gray hair pulled back into a neat bun, and glared at me down her sharp nose.
• “You’re staying?” she spat out, as if the very notion disgusted her. “You can’t stay here. This is no place for a lowly Omega such as yourself.”
• I stood up, my jaw tightening.
• “If you have time to stand here judging others,” Alaric’s voice suddenly echoed from the hallway, “I clearly haven’t given you enough work. If I hear one more unnecessary word from you, you won’t have a position here anymore.”
• The housekeeper’s face paled. “Yes, sir,” she stammered before quickly slinking away.
• I glanced at Alaric, surprised by his intervention. But he cast me nothing more than a glance before he headed back inside.
• Later that night, I took Zoe up to her room, which was surprisingly cozy and already prepared for her. A plush bed sat in the middle of the room, piled high with pillows and blankets, and there were more stuffed animals, toys, books, and clothes than any child could ever want.
• But of course, she reached for her ragged dolphin plushie I’d bought for her years ago the moment I pulled it out of her bag, and ignored all the others.
• That’s my girl, I thought with a tiny smile.
• I stayed with her until she drifted off to sleep, her tiny hand clutching mine. Eventually, I fell asleep beside her. I held her close all night, savoring her warmth.
• The next morning arrived all too soon. As we arrived at the courthouse, Alaric walked beside me, silent. Neither of us was trying very hard to actually appear married, but I doubted anyone would notice.
• Inside, we took our seats. Alaric went to handle something, leaving me waiting. It wasn’t long before Mason strutted in, a smug grin plastered on his face. He had a rather nasty black eye after that punch Alaric had landed, and the sight was rather satisfying to me.
• “Well, well,” he sneered as he approached me. “So, you’ve come crawling back to beg for my forgiveness, huh?”
• “Forgiveness?” I laughed. “I’m not here for your ‘forgiveness’. I’m here to keep you from getting custody.”
• Mason’s eyes flashed. “Working with the Alpha, huh? Did he pay you?”
• Olivia sidled up next to him, her eyes flashing with malice. “Of course he didn’t pay her, darling. She’ll do anything for free.”
• Mason chuckled, wrapping an arm around Olivia’s slender waist. I felt my face heat, my mouth opening of its own accord to bite out a retort. But before I could, Olivia’s eyes widened, and she slipped behind Mason.
• I turned to see Alaric standing behind me.
• “You speak as if you know the truth without a doubt,” Alaric said calmly, but there was a dangerous edge to his tone. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
• Mason’s smirk faltered ever so slightly. “Perhaps you’re the one who shouldn’t be so sure,” he retorted, before pulling Olivia away. Alaric took his seat beside me, his broad shoulder pressing against me on the bench.
• The court session began soon after that, and the elders took their places. Alaric stood first to present our case.
• “I have been raising the child for six years,” he stated. “For these six years, I have provided her with the best environment possible. She is healthy, happy, cared for, and loved. Furthermore, she views me as her father. She rightfully belongs with me.”
• “But I’m the child’s biological father,” Mason cut in. “My child was stolen from me, and when I went to confront these two about it, Alaric Donovan assaulted me without provocation.” He gestured to his black eye. “I only want to be a part of my daughter’s life, and they’re conspiring against me!”
• I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
• Alaric remained unfazed. “Mason Brown broke into Elara’s home and tried to harm both her and Zoe,” he countered. “My actions were only in defense of a woman and a child. He’s twisting the truth to serve his own agenda.”
• He then gestured toward me. “But I am not the only one who should be speaking on this. Elara, as the child’s mother and my wife, is equally important in this decision.”
• Gasps echoed throughout the courtroom. Mason’s eyes widened in disbelief, but Alaric just walked up to the panel and handed our marriage certificate to the elders.
• “Here is the proof of our marriage,” he explained, returning to me. “And besides, it’s only fair for Ella to live in a home with two loving parents.”
• The room was bristling with anticipation as the elders conferred quietly. I could feel Mason’s and Olivia’s eyes on me, judging me, but I ignored them. Alaric and I remained silent, waiting.
• After a brief discussion, the elders announced their decision. “Very well. Alpha Alaric Donovan and Elara Donovan will retain custody of the child.”
• I let out a breath of relief.
• We had done it.
• But then I noticed Mason, oddly quiet, his gaze distant as if receiving a mindlink. Just as the elder was about to strike the gavel, Mason stood up abruptly.
• “Wait!” he shouted. “This is a fake marriage! They’ve only been married for one day. And look at how formal and distant they are with each other—it’s obvious they rushed into this just to win the case. Their marriage is invalid!”
• The courtroom erupted into murmurs again. The elders exchanged concerned glances, checking over the marriage certificate once more.
• I thought I might be sick. Under the table, I felt Alaric’s leg tense against mine.
• “It seems Mr. Brown is right. Due to the short duration of Alaric and Elara’s marriage, it indeed lacks credibility,” the elder announced. “As such, the court will impose a six-month observation period. During this time, if evidence of a sham marriage is found, the marriage will be declared void, and the custody case will be reopened.”
• “And l will sue them for fraud！” Mason yelled.
• Shit.