You're Mine Until the Contract Burns

Chapter 7 The Wedding

The car accident involving the Field couple served as a harsh reminder to Carlos that the looming threat was getting closer. He knew he had to secure control of the Harrison family's highest authority—and fast.

With the immense financial power of the Harrison family backing him, a grand, extravagant wedding was organized as planned.

To ensure everything went smoothly, Carlos personally arranged tighter security, with agents assigned specifically to watch over Ella.

Ella sat in front of the vanity, her makeup enhancing her natural beauty. Her luxurious wedding gown and glittering tiara should have made her feel like a princess, but instead, they only emphasized the emptiness inside her.

To the onlookers, it appeared that she had joined one of the wealthiest families in the world, living a life of endless luxury.

But no one cared that she had sacrificed her dignity and sense of self in the process.

Ella longed for true love and the freedom to live life on her own terms.

Throughout the ceremony, she moved like a puppet, playing the perfect bride. Her parents, standing in the crowd, seemed far happier than she, the one actually getting married.

Sophia, still recovering from her illness, even wiped away a tear. Ella felt a brief moment of sympathy. 'Well, it's just a business transaction. What's so hard to endure?'

And then there was Flora, the same shameless woman Ella had always known.

Dressed in an alluring outfit, she threw Carlos flirtatious glances from the crowd.

Flora never could resist taking what Ella had—whether it was a former lover or, now, her husband.

Ella felt a surge of anger. Her sacrifices had paved the way for Flora's wealth and luxury.

Once this was over, she wouldn't owe anyone anything. A divorce, and the world would be her oyster. She'd travel the globe with Sophia, free from all of this.

John's entrance stirred the crowd. Political and business elites were in attendance, but to Ella, he was just an old man with a friendly face.

He smiled warmly, taking Ella's arm and proudly announcing to everyone that she was officially Carlos' wife.

John then declared that, due to his old age, he would gradually hand over full control of Harrison Holdings to his grandson, Carlos. He was ready to retire and enjoy his final years, waiting for a great-grandchild.

His announcement was met with applause and laughter from the guests, with many chiming in with well-wishes.

As the evening continued, Ella and Carlos played the role of a happy couple, mingling with the high society.

Ella, feeling tired, sat down in a quieter corner to rest. Carlos sat beside her, and a few socialites nearby greeted her politely. Ella returned the gestures with a smile.

The women exchanged fake pleasantries, though their eyes were mostly on Carlos.

It didn't take long for one woman to speak up.

"The bride looks so young. I thought Mr. Harrison would prefer someone like her sister Flora, a real seductress."

"Don't underestimate these innocent types," another woman chimed in. "No woman gets into Mr. Harrison's bed without some game. Once the novelty of marrying a rich, handsome heir wears off, she'll be left as a neglected wife. Being a high-society wife isn't all it's cracked up to be."

Ella caught every word but only sneered inwardly.

As if anyone cared about Carlos! She was just trying to avoid paying that eight hundred million!

Carlos, standing nearby, didn't seem inclined to defend her. He merely sipped his wine, letting the conversation unfold without a word.

One woman, dressed in black, glanced Ella up and down, sizing her up. "With our family background, we're clearly more prestigious than the Field family. But still, why on earth would Mr. Harrison pick her?"

"Don't talk about us," another woman interjected. "She's not even as classy as Carlos' first love, the Smith girl. Well, such a shame... I wonder if Sir Harrison—"

Ella shot a quick, disdainful glance at Carlos. Was it really possible? That this weird, pretentious man had admirers?

Curiosity piqued, Ella leaned in closer.

"If Sir Harrison what?" she asked, stepping towards the group.

The women froze, surprised by her sudden approach.

They exchanged uncomfortable glances. No one dared speak ill of John in front of Carlos.

"Nothing. Just some old gossip," one of them muttered, clearly uncomfortable.

They all quickly glanced at Carlos' unreadable face. Seeing that he wasn't angry, they relaxed and continued their conversation.

"Well, it probably shouldn't be mentioned at such a public event, but Mr. Harrison is an extraordinary man. He's every woman's dream. I'm sure it's normal for him to have had a few girlfriends in his past."

The others quickly nodded in agreement. "Of course! Mr. Harrison is handsome, wealthy, and controls Harrison Holdings. It's no surprise that many women would fall for him."

Ella smiled, clearly amused, and slowly walked over to the group. She then spoke, her voice calm but piercing. "Ladies, you're all from well-established families, but you should really watch what you say. My husband is the sole heir to the Harrison family. He's a man of distinction, with a sharp mind for business. Yet, here you are, describing him like some lust-driven dog chasing anything that moves. That kind of talk tarnishes the Harrison family's reputation. His public image is too important to be destroyed by your careless gossip. Now, let me think—how should I punish you for this?"

Ella tapped her fingers lightly on her temple, pretending to be deep in thought.

The women immediately panicked.

"Mr. Harrison, we didn't mean it like that. Please believe us..."

Carlos' eyes flickered with amusement as he looked at Ella.

She was more interesting than he thought.

With a playful smile, Ella linked her arm with his and looked up at him. "Darling, I want you to buy their companies as a gift for me."