In Lucius's presence, Catherine sat down and carefully reviewed the contract in front of her. Her hands trembled slightly as she read through the clauses. Despite everything that had happened, this moment felt surreal. The weight of what she was about to do settled in her chest, but there was no turning back now. She picked up the pen, her movements steady but deliberate, and signed her name.

As the ink dried, an indescribable sensation filled the room. Both Lucius and Catherine felt the air shift, the finality of the moment signaling that their lives were about to change forever. Naomi Catherine would no longer be the assistant to a musician but the wife of billionaire Lucius Ravenwood. She would no longer have to hide behind the shadows of her identity or shrink away in the presence of others. With this contract, her world—her identity—was shifting. And Lucius? He was bound by his word to protect her and fulfill all the promises he had made.

“Thank you! With your new position, would Miss Catherine be willing to go shopping with me?” Lucius asked casually, his voice relaxed and easy. There was a certain playfulness in his tone, but it was laced with an underlying warmth that Catherine couldn’t help but notice.

Catherine’s brow furrowed slightly. “Shopping? My clothes are still new, and besides, I don’t have any money…” she started, but quickly realized what she had said. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She covered her mouth and whispered, “Sorry, I really don’t have much money. I also don’t want to depend too much on you.”

Lucius laughed, clearly amused by her awkwardness and honesty. He moved closer, his eyes softening with empathy as if he understood exactly what she had been through. “What? No money?” he teased, his voice light. “I thought I misheard…”

His hand gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Don’t let the unpleasant past with Liam Claude haunt you. Once you’re married to me, I’ll protect you in the best way possible. Even if you don’t do anything, I can still let you live like a queen.”

Catherine felt the warmth of his touch, but at the same time, she took a small step back. She was still unsure, still hesitant. “No, it’s fine. I will try my best to fulfill my role. But Lucius, I am just a ‘front’ to help you deceive your family and secure your inheritance. We don’t need to be so intimate.”

Her words hung in the air, leaving Lucius visibly disappointed. Yet, he knew this was just the beginning of their journey together. He shrugged, his posture relaxed, as he maintained a polite distance. “Alright, don’t worry. Feel free to shop and transform yourself. You’ll meet my family either tonight or tomorrow at the latest.”

Catherine nodded silently, the uncertainty still lingering inside her, but she knew there was no escaping what had been set into motion. Lucius had taken control of everything in her life.

Without needing a driver, Lucius navigated them through the busy streets to a high-end shopping district. Catherine couldn’t help but stare out the window, her mind swirling. She had never imagined that she would ever be in such an upscale place, much less be invited to shop there as Lucius’s wife.

As they entered the luxury boutique, the staff greeted them immediately, their smiles wide and welcoming. “Welcome, Mr. Lucius and Mrs. Catherine. We’ve prepared some outfits as per your request.”

Catherine stepped inside, her breath catching at the opulence of the store. The air smelled of perfume, and the displays were meticulously arranged. Every item looked like a work of art. Lucius led her through the store, her eyes constantly drawn to the intricate details of the garments. She could hardly believe she was standing here, in the middle of this world she had only seen in movies.

“Choose anything you like, and if you're not satisfied, just let them know,” Lucius said with a hint of playfulness, then sat down to read through a magazine, allowing her the freedom to explore.

Catherine walked slowly through the racks of clothing, her fingers lightly grazing the fabrics. Her mind felt dizzy with all the choices. She never thought she would experience this kind of luxury. “You beautiful girl, let me help you,” a stylist said, moving toward her with a warm smile. “We’ll find something perfect for you.”

Catherine hesitated for a moment but realized this was her chance to reinvent herself. She nodded and followed the stylist into a spacious fitting room, where the warm golden light made the space feel inviting and intimate.

The stylists worked quickly, selecting a series of stunning evening gowns. Each piece was more beautiful than the last, but one dress in particular caught Catherine’s eye—a shimmering emerald gown with intricate cuts that accentuated her figure, making her look like she had stepped out of a fairy tale.

As the gown was slipped on, Catherine couldn’t help but admire herself in the mirror. She barely recognized the woman looking back at her—elegant, poised, and confident. The transformation was nothing short of magical.

The stylists weren’t done, though. They moved on to her hair and makeup, knowing that every detail mattered. A hairstylist trimmed and styled her hair into soft, elegant waves that framed her face perfectly. A makeup artist followed, using natural tones to highlight Catherine’s delicate features. She felt like a new person—like someone who could conquer the world if she wanted to.

Lucius had been watching quietly from his seat, his gaze never straying from her. As the final touches were applied, he smiled, pleased with the result. He walked over to Catherine, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. “See? You’ll look even more beautiful. Just trust me,” he said, guiding her to the mirror to see the final result.

Catherine turned to look at herself, her eyes wide with surprise. “I can’t believe this is me,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Lucius chuckled softly, his eyes filled with pride. “You’re beautiful. I knew it from the start.”

He turned to the staff and gave his instructions. “Pack everything up and send it to my address. If there are any new arrivals next month, let my assistant know.”

The staff nodded quickly, eager to fulfill his request. “Yes, Mr. Lucius. We will prepare everything immediately.”

Catherine looked at Lucius, a mixture of awe and confusion in her expression. “You really didn’t have to do this, Lucius.”

“Let’s go,” he said, unfazed by her gratitude. “Your only task now is to remain calm and composed when meeting my family.”

With a final smile, Lucius extended his arm to her, like a prince welcoming his princess.

***