Phoenix Mode, Activated: Burn Me Once, Watch Me Rise

"All set. I already forwarded your photo to my cousin, and he confirmed he's available tomorrow. Make sure you bring all the necessary documents and be at the city hall by exactly 9 AM. He doesn't waste time." The message from Tessa was brief and confident.

Chelsey lifted one brow. So he valued efficiency. That worked just fine. Right now, she had no patience for delays or complications.

When morning came the next day, Chelsey waited outside the city hall while holding her prepared documents.

She had chosen a white dress and layered it with a beige knitted cardigan. Her long hair was loosely tied, which left her neck exposed.

According to Tessa, her cousin moved quickly and without fuss, and that claim proved accurate.

The moment the clock hit 9 AM, a tall silhouette walked toward her from the bright entrance.

He stood close to 1.9 meters in height.

He was dressed in a plain black T-shirt paired with cargo pants. His broad shoulders contrasted with his narrow waist, and his long legs were hard to miss.

Once he stepped closer, Chelsey was finally able to get a clear look at his face.

It was him! The firefighter who had pulled her from the heavy smoke just nights ago.

Without the bulky firefighting gear in sight, his appearance stood out even more clearly.

A defined jaw gave him a severe edge, while his lips stayed firmly set and his eyes carried a depth that was hard to ignore.

Everything about him projected an untamed, masculine presence.

For a brief moment, Chelsey felt her heartbeat falter.

Stopping in front of her, he stood almost a full head taller, and his height caused his shadow to fall over her.

"Chelsey Holden?" he asked.

Beyond his striking appearance, his voice demanded attention. It was low and compelling, roughened by a faint rasp.

Pulling herself together, Chelsey nodded once. "Yes, that's me. You must be Tessa's cousin."

With a subtle nod in return, his eyes stayed on her face briefly before he looked away, and he introduced himself in a calm, controlled tone. "Julian Walsh."

Even then, disbelief lingered with Chelsey. Tessa truly had an extraordinary cousin.

She met his gaze and said with genuine gratitude, "I want to thank you for saving me that night."

Without his intervention, she likely would have died in that blaze, never given the chance to rebuild her life.

"I was only doing what I'm paid to do," he answered plainly.

For a moment, Chelsey did not know how to respond. This perfectly fit Tessa's comment about him being distant and easily irritated.

"Do you have all the documents with you?" Julian asked next.

"Yes, I have them," Chelsey said as she handed the papers over without thinking.

After taking them, Julian turned toward the building. "We're heading inside."

"Wait," Chelsey called after him. "Don't you think this feels a little too fast? Wouldn't it make sense for us to learn more about each other first?"

Her questions seemed pointless to Julian. "Tessa already filled me in on everything. Spending time getting acquainted would only slow things down."

Once again, Chelsey found herself speechless.

Judging by his response, Tessa's talkative nature had clearly left nothing unsaid about her.

Even with that in mind, Chelsey stood her ground. "Before we obtain the certificate, there are several matters I believe we must address first."

In response, Julian lifted a brow, silently urging her to go on.

"To begin with, this marriage is a practical arrangement meant to serve both our needs," Chelsey explained. "I will stay out of your private affairs, and in return, I expect the same respect from you."

Without hesitation, Julian gave a brief nod. "I agree."

"Next, our finances will stay completely separate after we're married. I have no interest in your assets, and I expect you to feel the same about mine."

After casting a short look in her direction, Julian answered evenly, "That's acceptable."

"Last, and most important, I cannot tolerate dishonesty. If I discover any form of deception, this marriage will end immediately. Can you accept that condition?"

For Chelsey, dishonesty crossed a line she would never tolerate.

Julian's eyes sharpened, and the casual air around him faded into something more restrained.

Several seconds passed as he continued to look at her.

Without flinching, Chelsey held his stare.

After the silence stretched long enough, Julian finally spoke a single word. "Alright."

"My terms are clear," Chelsey said. "Mr. Walsh, what conditions do you have?"

"I only have one requirement." Julian slightly lifted his chin. "Women do not interest me. This marriage exists solely to satisfy my family. Because of that, keep your emotions under control and do not form feelings that cross a line."