Chapter 10: The courthouse
A week later...
Sarah stood in front of her closet, staring at her clothes. What did someone wear to a fake wedding at a courthouse? She had been standing there for ten minutes, unable to decide.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Mason: *Car will pick you up at 9 AM. Courthouse at 10 AM.*
That was it. No "good luck" or "see you soon." Just the facts. Just like everything else about this arrangement.
She pulled out a simple navy blue dress. It was professional but not too fancy. Mason had filled her wardrobe a day after she signed the marriage contract papers. She had more than enough clothes to wear.
She also didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard. This wasn’t a real wedding, after all.
At exactly 9 AM, a black car waited outside the mansion for her. Sarah grabbed her purse and headed downstairs. The driver nodded at her but didn’t say anything. The ride to the courthouse was quiet except for the sound of traffic.
Mason was already waiting when she arrived. He stood near the courthouse steps, checking his phone. He wore a dark suit that probably cost more than her five months income from sold albums. He looked up when she approached, his expression blank as always.
"You’re on time," he said. Not "you look nice" or "ready for this?" Just a statement about punctuality.
"You said 10 AM," Sarah replied. She felt nervous, but she tried not to show it.
Derek appeared beside them, carrying a briefcase. "All the paperwork is ready. This should be quick."