Chapter 1: The Wedding She Never Wanted
Rain poured softly on the rooftop of the lavish mansion, but inside the grand hall, everything sparkled. Roses draped across ivory columns, golden lights shimmered overhead, and violin music whispered through the air. It looked like the perfect wedding.
But for *Elira*, it was anything but.
She stood before the mirror in her bridal gown, her heart pounding beneath layers of satin and lace. Her reflection stared back—eyes red, lips trembling. This wasn't a dream wedding. It was a contract, a cage.
Her father's voice echoed in her head:
*"This marriage will save the company. You must do it for the family."*
She whispered, "But what about love?"
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Time," came a cold voice. It was the wedding planner. No warmth. No sympathy.
She stepped into the aisle, barely seeing the hundreds of guests. All she saw was him—*Zayn Kael*.
Tall, composed, and terrifyingly handsome, Zayn stood at the altar like a statue carved from stone. His expression was unreadable. No smile. No warmth. Just... hatred.
He didn't want this either.
Their eyes met for a second. A flash of something harsh and cold passed between them.
The vows were spoken. The rings exchanged. When Zayn kissed her, it was quick, cold—like sealing a deal.
And just like that, *Elira Kael* was born.
She didn't know this man. He hated her. And yet, they were bound by law, by family, by something far colder than love.
She didn't cry.
She smiled.
But only because the girl inside her... had stopped hoping.