Contract Marriage: Let's Make It Real, Mrs. Sterling! - Chapter 43 - 1: First Stage Performance

In a future, alternate timeline, the Gods have been reawakened with a fury, and with that fury, they take control of the world and reshape it to their collective liking, and reignite the power of magic, changing the way the world functioned as we knew it.With the concept of magic now introduced to humanity, they went wild with it in this new world, creating new things and people that eventually restructured the system of the Gods themselves, changing everything once again.Time has passed since then, and in a remote city in the largest desert two beings encounter one another and create an unlikely spawn, the mother dies shortly after giving birth due to a curse inflicted upon her by mysterious forces. The was then father left to take care of his child on his own and does his best, but is forced to return to his home realm in hell, due to the same reasons he was allowed in the mortal plane in the first place.Left alone with only her friend, the two young serpentines venture off on many adventures together, developing a strong bond for one another that quickly grows into something more.Then on one of these adventures, they find themselves trapped inside a hidden and desolate place. They searched for a way out, but in the end, only one escapedNow alone the little serpent girl has to survive this world without anyone by her side, struggling to cope with all of the losses she's suffered over her life.Will she be able to survive? Or will she fall into an endless spiral of despair and loneliness?

A 19-year-old young lady came to the Jiang family, a prominent family in Sea City. Rumors had it that she rescued the Jiang family’s madame many years ago in the countryside. After she enrolled at Sea City University, the madame took her to the Jiang family’s residence before school started, claiming to familiarize the lady with Sea City’s environment.

It was said that that the young lady was an orphan who grew up in the countryside. However, she carried herself in a manner that befitted a rich young lady from a prestigious family, more so than the real rich young ladies.

It was said that the young lady had not seen the world and was not presentable. However, she maintained her composure in front of the bigshots from all walks of life. She maintained a proper smile that made people look askance.

It was said that the young lady was brought home by Old Madame Jiang to be Young Master Jiang’s wife.

It was said that the young lady came from too humble a background and was not fit to marry into the Jiang family.

It was said that the young lady fell in love with the young master of the Jiang family at first sight, but the young master of the Jiang family did not care about her at all.

…

First meeting.

She sat by the lotus pond in the Jiang family mansion as she read a book.

Even though she was in a simple outfit of a white T-shirt matched with black pants, he saw the charm of a beautiful lady.

She exuded the aura of a young lady.

First meeting.

Her book fell. He called after her.

She turned around after hearing him.

At that moment, she suddenly understood what “a man as beautiful as jade” meant.

He was a bright gentleman who was as gentle and beautiful as jade; she was an elegant young lady, reserved and upright.

If someone asked her what her greatest gain in coming to Sea City was, she would answer without hesitation, “Meeting him.”

If someone asked him what his greatest gain in staying in Sea City was, he would answer without hesitation, “Meeting her.”

Ace bodyguard Ziyu encountered the worst time travel in history——

In the beginning, the father was unjustly killed, the mother was angered to death, the family property was taken over by the nobles of the Hou family, and a two-year-old brother was left behind to be fed.

?Fortunately, her own space is still there, but unfortunately only ten acres of dry fish ponds, two multi-functional agricultural machines, two villas, and an 800-square-meter steel basement are left.

No matter how powerful your palace is, I will move all your property into the space.

Cloth, embroidery, furs, ready-made clothes, shoes, all collected;

Medicinal materials, grains, cakes, chickens, ducks and fish are all collected;

Groceries, porcelain, jade, curios, calligraphy and paintings, all collected.

Like locusts passing by, leaving nothing behind.

Empty tens of millions of taels of gold and silver from the enemy’s treasury, and by the way expose his true face of rebellion, and then escape.

When natural disasters strike, including floods, snowstorms, and wolf smoke, Ziyu is able to dominate and ensure safety…

- Description from novelbuddy

Look, I’m Riven Kael.Twenty-eight, data analyst, zero ambition beyond paying rent and avoiding small talk. My life was spreadsheets, instant ramen, and the occasional ghost I pretended not to see.Then one mandatory company gala, because of course it was mandatory, turned into the universe’s worst prank.I touched a cursed amulet.I just touched it.Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a penthouse that costs more than my entire bloodline, sporting a glowing marriage sigil on my wrist, legally and magically hitched to Azryth Valek.Yes, that Azryth Valek.The CEO of half the planet, a walking sin in a three-piece suit, an ancient demon lord who was literally sealed inside said amulet until I accidentally set him free.He says we’re bound. Separation means both of us die slowly and painfully.Soul-consumption optional but very much on the table if I’m stupid enough to fall for him. Which, newsflash, I am not. I’m not.Shut up.So now I’m living with an unfortunately hot CEO from hell, dodging assassination attempts disguised as corporate mergers, banishing spirits that show up at my desk like unpaid interns, and pretending we’re a power couple for the cameras while he smirks like he knows exactly how much I want to strangle him. Or kiss him. Or both.Brain, we are not doing this.I didn’t sign up for boardroom battles, multiversal rifts, or the terrifying realization that the arrogant demon who ruined my life might be the only one who truly sees me.But here I am. Still complaining, still fighting, still falling, against every shred of common sense, hopelessly, stupidly, irrevocably in love.Because when the universe marries you to the devil, it doesn’t ask for consent.It just hands you the ring.And damn it, I’m keeping it.