Roman led Evelyn into the marriage bureau, his hand steady on the small of her back. The process was surprisingly swift—within an hour, they had signed all the necessary documents. A small red marriage certificate was placed in her hands.

She stared at it, unable to believe she was now legally Mrs. Roman Sinclair.

After completing the paperwork, Roman stepped outside and returned with several elegant red envelopes. He handed them to each government worker with a respectful nod. Inside each envelope was a substantial amount of cash—more than these employees probably made in a month.

The workers' faces lit up with genuine delight. They recognized wealth and power when...