Arielle woke up in a soft, king-sized bed with white sheets that smelled like fresh lavender.
For a second, she forgot where she was.
Then she looked around and remembered:
The mansion.
The contract.
The fake marriage.
She sat up and looked out the tall window. The morning sun lit the room gently.
Everything looked perfect—but she felt like she didn't belong.
This isn't my life. This is his.
---
Downstairs – Kitchen
The kitchen was quiet when she entered. A maid looked up and gave her a short nod.
"Good morning, Ma'am. Breakfast is ready."
Ma'am.
Arielle was still getting used to that.
She sat down at the table, unsure of what to do. The plates were full—eggs, fruit, toast, juice.
She'd never seen this much food just for one person.
As she picked up her fork, Leonard entered.
He wore a dark button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His hair was still a little damp.
He looked sharp and effortless.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"Yes. Thank you," she said quietly.
"Eat more. You'll need energy today."
"For what?"
"You're going shopping. With a personal stylist. You need clothes that fit this life."
"Right," Arielle said, staring at her toast.
There was a pause.
"You don't have to be scared," Leonard said suddenly.
She looked up. His voice was lower, softer.
"I'm not scared," she said. "Just… lost."
He nodded once. Then picked up his phone and left the room.
---
Later – Shopping Trip
Arielle stood in front of a full-length mirror in a private boutique.
The stylist helped her try on dress after dress, shoes she couldn't pronounce, and jewelry that cost more than her whole apartment.
She felt like a doll. A fake version of herself.
"Mr. Castillo said you'll be attending several formal events," the stylist said.
"You'll need a new wardrobe."
Arielle nodded politely.
But inside, she felt tired.
All of this was just part of the deal.
---
That Evening – Surprise Moment
When she returned to the mansion, Leonard wasn't in his office.
The maid said he was in the garden.
Arielle walked out, not expecting much.
But when she got there… she froze.
Leonard was sitting on a bench.
And in his lap was… a cat?
A white cat with big eyes and a pink ribbon.
He was petting it gently.
"You have a cat?" she asked, surprised.
He looked up, a little embarrassed.
"It belonged to my sister. She passed away."
Arielle stepped closer. Her heart softened.
"I didn't know you had a sister."
"She was younger. Smart. Always smiling. Cancer took her two years ago."
Arielle sat down beside him, slowly.
"My sister's name is Bella. She's sixteen. Sweet. A little stubborn."
They sat in silence for a moment, both thinking about their sisters.
"I hope she makes it," Leonard said quietly.
Arielle turned to him, shocked.
It was the first time he showed something real. Something human.
"Thank you," she said.
Their eyes met. For a second, the world around them faded.
Then Leonard stood up quickly.
"We should head inside. It's cold."
He walked off, and the cat jumped from the bench and followed him.
Arielle sat there, her heart beating too fast.
He's not as cold as he pretends to be.
And maybe… I'm starting to feel something I shouldn't.
---
End of Chapter 3