Contract Marriage: The President's Stand-in Lover - Chapter 3:

Time seemed to have pressed the fast-forward button.

In the blink of an eye, the wedding day arrived.

Vivienne sat before the vanity, letting the makeup artist and hairstylist sculpt her face and hair with

meticulous care. The girl in the mirror had skin pale as snow and eyes that shimmered like glass. Her long hair was swept into an elegant Hepburn-style bun, adorned

with tiny pearls that matched the delicate earrings sent by Gu Chen himself.

The artist stepped back, admiration bright in her eyes.

Vivienne, she said softly, you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.

Vivienne stared at her own reflection — familiar yet foreign.

The flawless makeup masked the exhaustion that had settled deep into her bones.

It was perfect, perhaps too perfect, like a mask that separated her from her true self.

She forced her lips into the practiced smile she had rehearsed countless times,

one that looked serene but felt hollow.

Beautiful? she thought bitterly.

No — just a well-packaged commodity waiting to be displayed and judged.

The door opened softly. Her father entered, supported by two nurses.

His suit was neatly pressed, and though illness had left its mark,

he looked better than he had in days.

When his eyes fell on his daughter in white, they glistened with emotion.

My little An’an… His voice trembled as he took her hands, his touch fragile yet warm.

If only your mother could see you now… she would be so proud.

Vivienne rose and embraced him, swallowing the ache that burned behind her eyes.

No crying, she reminded herself. No tears. The plan must stay flawless.

Don’t cry, Papa, she said softly, patting his back. It’s a happy day.

Mama is watching from heaven. She’d want us both to smile.

She wasn’t sure if she was comforting him or lying to herself.

Her father smiled faintly, wiping the corners of his eyes.

Then his tone grew serious, his gaze searching hers.

An’an, look at me. Tell me honestly — marrying Gu Chen… is that what you truly want?

Not for me, not for the company. For you.

Vivienne’s heart tightened, as if an invisible hand had clenched it.

If you have even the smallest doubt, he continued,

if you’re not one hundred percent sure, we’ll leave now.

I’ll take you away. Forget the company, forget the money.

I just want you to be happy.

Leave?

Where could they go?

Gu Chen had already paid off the hospital bills and invested heavily in their failing business.

To walk away now would mean ruin. Her father’s health was fragile

could he survive another blow?

But this is your last chance, another voice whispered inside her.

You could still escape this golden cage, before it closes for good.

Her mind battled itself, two voices pulling her apart.

She looked into her father’s loving, anxious eyes full of selfless

devotion and felt her resolve collapse.

How could she make him bear the guilt of destroying her so-called happiness?

She took a deep breath, forcing a radiant smile to her lips,

even letting a touch of longing light her eyes. Papa, what are you saying?

I love Gu Chen. Truly. Marrying him is the happiest moment of my life.

Don’t worry about me.

The lie came out smooth smoother than before and heavier.

Every time she said it, the real Lin Wei’an drifted further away.

Her father studied her eyes as if searching for cracks in her words.

Her smile didn’t falter, though her heart pounded painfully in her chest.

Finally, he exhaled in relief, a gentle smile breaking through.

Alright.

As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.

Vivienne looped her arm through his, and together they walked out

toward the Gu family’s private chapel, a small yet breathtaking place filled with white roses

and baby’s breath flown in that very morning. It was pure, romantic, immaculate.

When the heavy carved doors opened and the first notes of the wedding march

echoed through the air, Vivienne forgot to breathe.

Every gaze turned toward her — curious, envious, admiring, appraising.

She walked down the long white aisle, her father beside her, each step light yet trembling,

as if she were walking not on petals but on blades.

At the altar stood Gu Chen.

He was dressed in a tailored black tuxedo that traced the elegant lines of his frame broad shoulders,

narrow waist, impeccable posture. The sunlight through the stained glass framed him in soft gold,

making him seem divine… and distant.

His eyes met hers, calm and unreadable. There was no tenderness, no nervous joy.

Only the composure of a man fulfilling a contract.

Her father placed her trembling hand in his. Gu Chen’s grip was warm, steady, unyielding.

Take care of her, her father murmured. She’s my most precious girl.

Gu Chen nodded, his voice low and polite.

The performance begins, Vivienne told herself.

Through the ceremony, she felt as if her soul had floated out of her body.

Her voice, detached and mechanical, echoed the priest’s solemn vows.

I, Lin Wei’an, take you, Gu Chen, to be my husband.

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness

and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

Lies, every word of it. Each vow carved another wound into her heart

a chain she clasped around herself with her own hands.

When it came time to exchange rings, Gu Chen lifted her left hand and slid the diamond band onto

her finger. The metal was icy against her skin, the chill sinking all the way to her heart.

Then the priest declared, You may now kiss the bride.

Gu Chen lifted her veil, his face coming closer. His eyes, so near now, remained calm,

distant, unreadable. His lips brushed hers light, brief, perfunctory.

Not a kiss, just a seal.

Yet that single touch struck her like lightning, stealing her breath. His scent cedar,

faint and cold lingered in her senses.

It’s just a formality, she reminded herself. Don’t feel anything.

But her cheeks betrayed her, warming despite her will.

The ceremony ended to thunderous applause. Rose petals rained down, drifting through the golden

light. They looked like the perfect couple in a perfect moment and only she knew it was all a lie.

The reception glittered under white tents spread across the Gu estate’s lawn.

Guests in jewels and silk mingled, champagne flowed, laughter sparkled. Gu Chen was flawless

attentive, charming, the perfect husband. He whispered in her ear, served her drinks, and looked at

her with eyes so convincingly tender that even she began to believe the illusion.

Mrs. Gu is truly radiant, someone said. You and Mr. Gu are a match made in heaven.

Gu Chen smiled, his hand tightening gently around her waist.

Thank you, he replied smoothly. Marrying her is the greatest fortune of my life.

Vivienne lowered her eyes with the perfect blush of a shy bride. Fortune, indeed.

A fortune to have found such a compliant, convenient substitute.

Halfway through the dinner, the weight of the charade began to suffocate her.

She slipped away to a balcony hidden behind rose bushes, breathing in the cool night air.

A voice came from behind her — smooth, deep, slightly amused.

Hiding here so soon after the ceremony?

Aren’t you afraid the press will think our perfect marriage is already falling apart?

She turned. Gu Chen stood by the doorway, holding two glasses of champagne, the moonlight

and golden glow wrapping around him like mist.

I just needed some air, she murmured, taking the glass, he offered.

Their fingers brushed, a spark of something unspoken jolting through her.

Thank you. For the perfect wedding.

He raised an eyebrow, faint surprise flickering in his gaze.

Thank me?

It’s just business.

My job is to make it look flawless.

She sipped the cool drink, the bubbles stinging her throat.

I know. But still… thank you. My father was happy today.

He believes I’m really happy too.

For a moment, silence stretched between them — fragile, almost peaceful.

Then he glanced at his watch, his voice returning to its usual composed tone.

We leave for Paris tonight.

She blinked. Tonight?

The plane’s ready. There’s a project I need to finalize in Europe.

And our contract requires a two-week honeymoon, remember?

It keeps the story consistent.

Of course she remembered. It was written clearly a grand honeymoon for the sake of appearances.

I just didn’t expect it so soon, she said quietly, a strange ache curling in her chest.

You have thirty minutes to change and say goodbye to your father.

The luggage is already on its way to the airport. Then he turned and walked away,

disappearing into the sea of guests.

Vivienne finished her champagne in one swallow. The bitterness lingered long after.

Later that night, she smiled through her farewell with her father, assuring him she was thrilled

about the honeymoon. Then she stepped into the black Rolls-Royce beside Gu Chen,

leaving behind the glittering lights of the Gu estate.

No tender wedding night awaited her. Only a flight across the world another act in their play.

The private jet was opulent beyond measure, but Vivienne barely noticed.

Gu Chen had already opened his laptop, diving into emails and documents,

the cold glow of the screen reflecting off his expressionless face.

Vivienne turned to the window. Below, the city lights shrank into a field of stars.

Hours ago, she had been a bride; now, she was simply Mrs. Gu a name, a title, a role.

Exhaustion crept in, soft and heavy. She drifted into sleep.

When she stirred again, a blanket had been draped over her shoulder’s cashmere, warm and

weightless. Across from her, Gu Chen was still working, unchanged, like a statue carved in focus.

Without looking up, he said quietly, We’re almost there.

She nodded, folding the blanket neatly.

A faint, unspoken warmth stirred in her chest fleeting and unwanted.

Dawn spilled gold through the cabin as Paris came into view below.

Gu Chen finally shut his laptop, rubbing his temples, his expression calm yet faintly weary.

During our stay, we’ll be at the Ritz presidential suite.

Tomorrow night there’s a business gala.

You’ll attend with me.

Vivienne nodded. What should I prepare?

Everything’s arranged dress, jewelry, stylists. Just behave as you did tonight.

He paused, his voice cool and precise. If anyone asks how we met, say we were introduced by

mutual friends. That it was love at first sight.

Love at first sight.

Her heart gave a small, invisible twist. The same lie she had told her father

now rehearsed for the world.

I understand, she said softly, turning back to the window.

The plane descended slowly through the golden clouds. Paris gleamed beneath them

the city of love, romance, and endless stories. But for Vivienne, this was not a honeymoon.

It was another stage, another script, another role to play.

And her husband her director was both her only audience and her most ruthless critic.

This play had just begun. And she didn’t know when, or how, it would ever end.