Contract Marriage: The President's Stand-in Lover - Chapter 2:

Chapter 2: Contract Marriage: The President’s Stand-in Lover

Early the next morning, Vivian was awakened by a gentle knock on her door.

Miss Lin, it’s time to get up, came Madam Wang’s warm voice from outside.

The young master invites you to have breakfast with him, then to go and try on wedding dresses.

Wedding dresses.

Those words snapped Vivian fully awake, a cold reminder of the situation she was now trapped in.

She rose and opened the door. Madam Wang stood there holding a neatly folded stack of clothes.

These were prepared especially for you, by the young master’s instruction, she said with a kind smile.

Vivian accepted the clothes. The fabric beneath her fingertips was soft and expensive, clearly from a high-end brand.

She slipped into the pale blue dress, finding it a perfect fit.

The thought that Gu Chen somehow knew her exact measurements made her uneasy.

When she went downstairs, Gu Chen was already seated at the long dining table, reading financial news on his tablet.

The tailored gray suit he wore emphasized his broad shoulders and lean frame, his composure exuding quiet authority.

Hearing her footsteps, he lifted his head, his gaze lingering on her for a few seconds before speaking.

Very fitting, he remarked simply, gesturing for her to sit.

The servants served breakfast: perfectly cooked eggs, toasted bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

Only the faint clinking of utensils broke the heavy silence between them.

Vivian ate quietly, the food tasting like nothing at all.

This afternoon we’ll go to the bridal shop, Gu Chen said matter-of-factly.

The wedding is set for next Saturday. Time is short, so the dress will have to be purchased

ready-made or selected from existing designer stock.

Vivian nodded softly.

I understand.

The wedding will be small, only a few close relatives and business partners. Afterward, you’ll live here.

I’ll arrange a credit card for your expenses and household needs. As for your job—

I’d like to keep working, she interrupted quickly. My work at the gallery means a lot to me, I—

Gu Chen placed his coffee cup down with a sharp sound. You’re Mrs. Gu now.

It’s not appropriate for you to keep working as a gallery assistant.

You’ll resign after the wedding and focus on charitable events and social functions. That’s part of the agreement.

Vivian’s hand tightened around her fork. That job had been her first after graduation, the one she’d fought so hard to earn,

something that truly made her feel alive.

I can balance both, she tried to reason.

No, he cut her off firmly. Mrs. Gu doesn’t need to work outside. If you wish, I can arrange a nominal role for you in Gu

Corporation’s art investment department, but there’s no need for you to actually go in.

His tone left no room for discussion. Vivian lowered her gaze, feeling another piece of herself quietly stripped away.

After breakfast, they left in Gu Chen’s Rolls-Royce. The car was spacious and silent, yet Vivian felt suffocated, sitting as close to

the door as she could, trying to keep distance between them.

Gu Chen noticed her unease and let out a faint, cold smile. Relax. I’m not going to eat you alive.

This marriage is only a formality—you know that as well as I do.

Vivian said nothing, turning to watch the city rushing past her window.

They arrived at the city’s most luxurious bridal boutique, where the manager and staff were already waiting.

Welcome, Mr. Gu, Miss Lin, the manager greeted with a polite bow. We’ve prepared several wedding gowns for Miss Lin to try.

The boutique was elegantly decorated, the dresses shimmering under soft light.

Vivian was led to the fitting area, where two assistants helped her try on the gowns.

The first was a classic princess gown adorned with tiny pearls and crystals.

The second, a sleek mermaid silhouette that hugged her figure perfectly. The third was an A-line dress, simple yet graceful.

When she stepped out wearing the third gown, she caught a flicker of admiration in

Gu Chen’s eyes—so brief she almost doubted it.

This one, he said decisively, without bothering to ask her opinion.

The staff exchanged smiles of envy, assuming his choice was a romantic gesture.

But Vivian knew better. It was simply another reflection of his efficiency—he didn’t want to waste time.

I’d like to try a veil, she murmured softly, making her first small request of the day.

Gu Chen frowned slightly but nodded.

The assistant brought several options, and Vivian chose one with delicate lace along the edges.

When they placed it over her hair, she looked at her reflection in the mirror.

She was supposed to look like a happy bride. Yet all she saw was a stranger in a

beautiful dress—a puppet draped in silk and light.

Very well. Pack it all, Gu Chen told the manager before turning to her. I need to take a call.

Wait here once you’re changed.

He left without hesitation.

Vivian returned to the fitting room and began taking off the gown.

Her hands trembled as she unfastened the buttons, a wave of weakness washing over her until she had to steady herself.

Miss Lin, are you alright? came the voice of a concerned assistant.

I’m fine, she answered, forcing her tone to steady. I’ll be right out.

After changing back into her own clothes, she stepped out and found that Gu Chen had not yet returned.

Sitting on the sofa in the lounge, she idly flipped through a magazine—until a familiar voice made her freeze.

Vivian?

She looked up. Standing before her was Li Hao—her ex-boyfriend.

It really is you, he said, walking closer, surprise flickering across his face. I thought I saw you earlier.

What are you doing here—

His eyes shifted to the wedding gown beside her, and his expression changed entirely.

You’re getting married?

Vivian nodded with effort. Yes.

To whom? When did this happen? His tone was disbelieving.

We broke up only three months ago, and now you’re getting married?

A year ago, Li Hao had chosen to leave her for the sake of his career, pursuing the daughter of a professor who could help him

study abroad. That heartbreak had once nearly destroyed Vivian.

But now, facing him again, she realized how distant that pain had become.

Some things just happen faster than we expect, she said quietly.

At that moment, Gu Chen returned. He immediately sensed the tension, his gaze shifting between the two of them.

And who might this be? He stepped forward, placing an arm naturally around Vivian’s waist. The gesture made her tense.

This is Li Hao, my… university classmate, she said softly. Li Hao, this is my fiancé, Gu Chen.

Recognition flashed across Li Hao’s face. Gu Chen of the Gu Corporation?

Gu Chen inclined his head with cool politeness. A pleasure to meet you. I’m afraid we have other matters to attend to,

so we’ll be leaving now.

Without waiting for a response, he guided Vivian out of the boutique—half embracing,

half leading her in a grip that allowed no refusal.

Once they were in the car, he released her, the trace of false tenderness vanishing instantly.

An ex-boyfriend? he asked coldly.

Vivian turned to him, startled. How did you—

Your reactions gave it away, he said with a faint smirk.

I don’t care about your past, but as Mrs. Gu, you will conduct yourself properly.

I won’t tolerate anything that damages the family’s reputation.

Humiliation stung her throat. I won’t be unfaithful, if that’s what you’re worried about.

This may be a contract marriage, but I know what loyalty means.

He studied her for a moment, as if testing her sincerity.

It had better be that way, he said finally, signaling the driver to go.

During the drive back, Vivian stared out the window, willing herself not to cry.

This was just business, she reminded herself. It didn’t matter what Gu Chen thought of her.

But the sting of being distrusted cut deeper than she expected.

When the car stopped in front of the villa, Gu Chen stayed inside.

I’m going back to the office for a meeting. Your belongings have been moved here already. Madam Wang will help you settle in.

Vivian nodded and stepped out, walking alone into what felt like a gilded cage.

Madam Wang met her at the door and led her upstairs to a different room—

larger and more luxurious than the guest room from the night before.

This is the young master’s room, Madam Wang explained. Your clothes have been placed in the dressing area.

Vivian froze. I’m staying in the same room as Gu Chen?

Madam Wang smiled kindly. Of course. You’re husband and wife.

But don’t worry—there are two separate dressing rooms and a private resting area.

The young master arranged for you to have your own bedroom within the suite.

Relief loosened Vivian’s chest.

As Madam Wang showed her around, she realized the suite was practically a small apartment,

complete with two bedrooms, a shared living room and study, and a spacious balcony.

Her luggage was neatly arranged in the secondary bedroom. Seeing her familiar belongings in this

unfamiliar place filled her with a strange sense of displacement.

She took out her phone and called her father.

Dad, how are you feeling? she asked, forcing her voice to sound cheerful.

An’an! Her father’s voice was stronger than before. Great news—the

Gu Corporation has decided to invest in our company and covered all my medical expenses! It’s a miracle!

I know, Dad, she said softly. I… I met Gu Chen. We’ve decided to get married.

There was a pause. Her father’s voice grew cautious. Is it for the company? An’an, if that’s the reason,

I’d rather see the company fall.

Not entirely, she interrupted quickly. I like him, Dad. It was love at first sight.

The lie came easily, though it left a bitter taste in her mouth. She couldn’t tell him the truth—

that this marriage was a transaction built on necessity.

Her father seemed relieved. That’s good then. Gu Chen is an impressive man. I just didn’t expect things to move so fast.

Sometimes life just happens that way, she said with a faint smile. The wedding is next Saturday. I’ll visit you soon.

When the call ended, the silence of the room pressed in around her.

Next week, she would become Gu Chen’s wife—a bride without love, bound by a contract.

What frightened her most was the flicker of warmth she felt when he had held her waist earlier,

the uninvited flutter of her heart.

That wasn’t part of the deal, she warned herself. She must not fall for him.

Because if she did, this carefully arranged marriage would become a beautiful, unbearable trap.