Chapter Six

Cora POV

The moment he asked what my condition was, I froze. Part of me wanted to hesitate — to hold back. Was this even right? But what choice did I have? This was my second life, and I had promised myself I’d take every chance that came my way.

He needed me. I needed him. Without him, I had nothing. My own mother had already said she didn’t need me, so I wouldn’t need her either. But Mr. Presley… him, I needed.

I drew in a shaky breath, cleared my throat, and spoke.

"I’m an aspiring doctor. I couldn’t finish my residency because I got married. I wanted to continue, but my ex-husband swore he’d take care of me — said I didn’t need to work."

The words dragged bitter memories to the surface. His empty promises. My blind faith. The way I killed my dream for love, only to be left broken.

"I gave it all up for him," I whispered, steadying myself. "But not this time. I want to finish my residency. I want to become a proper cardiac surgeon."

Silence stretched for a beat. Then he leaned back, studying me.

"Just that?" he asked, as if my lifelong dream was a trifle.

I blinked, stunned. "Yes… that’s the only thing I need."

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Consider it done. We’ll have the contract signed. Tomorrow, we go to court to make it official. From there, you’ll come with me to meet my grandfather. Just remember — cooperate."

My chest tightened, a strange mix of relief and dread swirling inside me. I bowed my head slightly, forcing my voice steady. "I understand."

"You should also move to the next room beside mine," he said firmly. "The designer will be here soon to take your measurements. From now until the contract ends, you’re going to be my wife — and my friend — so you should look presentable."

I nodded quickly. "Okay… thank you, Mr. Presley," I said softly before turning to leave.

The moment I stepped out of his study, my control snapped. I jumped, my hands flying to my mouth, a squeal escaping before I could stop it. Finally. This was the first real victory since my rebirth.

First, I had managed to divorce that fool and cut him out of my life. Second, I was about to become a “fake wife” — and still get the chance to finish my residency and become a surgeon. Thank you, Lord, I whispered, then realized I had said it out loud.

My heart thumped as I walked back to the maids’ quarters. A few of them stared, whispering behind their hands, wondering what had happened. I didn’t say a word — but my face betrayed me. I couldn’t hide the glow.

This time, things would be different. I would finally be treated the way I deserved. These other maids resented me because Mr. Presley himself had brought me in, not through an agency like them. Even though he was rarely home, I’d always been his favorite, and they hated me for it.

But that old version of me — the weak, quiet girl from my first life — was gone. This was a new era. I wouldn’t bow my head anymore who looked down on me.

The Next Day

"Miss, why do you like staring at yourself so much?" the designer teased after helping me into my dress. The makeup artist hadn’t even let me lift a finger — every detail was handled for me.

I stood in front of the mirror, frozen. The reflection staring back… I didn’t even recognize her. Was this really me? Was this really Cora?

My throat tightened. I hadn’t looked this radiant in years. The last time I felt close to this was before my marriage. Back then, I lost myself — lost my life. But now… this? This was the woman I had always wanted to be.

"You’re stunning, Miss," the designer said softly. "Mr. Presley will be very pleased to see you like this."

I smiled faintly, still caught between disbelief and joy. "I love it. You have such good taste," I told her.

When I stepped into the living room, silence fell. A few maids turned, their eyes burning with jealousy, though they quickly masked it in Mr. Presley’s presence.

Then my gaze shifted to him. For a second, his mouth fell open before he snapped it shut, as if trying to hide his reaction.

My heart skipped. I didn’t want him to react that way — this was just a contract marriage. Still, I couldn’t blame him. If I were in his place, I’d be mesmerized too.

I was born with this face, this beauty. That was why Sloane had always envied me. Now, Mr. Presley had me standing beside him — whether fake or not, he should be proud to present me as his bride.

Mr. Presley cleared his throat, his voice slicing through the room like a blade.

"From now on, the same respect you give me will be given to Cora," he said, his eyes sweeping over the maids. "She is becoming my bride. Once we return, she comes back as Mrs. Presley. If you disrespect her, you disrespect me. Is that clear?"

A heavy silence fell. The maids nodded quickly, their faces stiff as they tried to hide their shock. I knew what they were thinking. Mr. Presley was a man of few words, but every word carried command — cold, sharp, undeniable.

"You may return to your posts," he dismissed them, then turned to me.

"Let’s go," he said simply.

When he extended his hand, I hesitated only a second before slipping mine into his. The moment his fingers closed around mine, something stirred in me. I felt like a queen, walking beside him. It didn’t matter if this was fake — at that moment, it felt real enough. Real enough that I wanted this illusion forever.

At the court, we signed the marriage certificate eventhough it was all a contract. Which is only between me and him.

"You're now both pronounced husband and wife under the constitution of the country" The lawyers confirmed this.

As we walked out of the court he leaned close, his breath warm against my ear, he whispered, "From this moment until further notice, you’re Mrs. Presley. Until the day I sign the divorce papers."

There was something in his voice — low, firm, almost possessive. It sent a shiver down my spine. And the worst part? I didn’t hate it. I think I liked it. Maybe I liked everything wrong about this.