Lina signed the contract with a trembling hand.
The sound of the pen touching paper felt louder than it should have been, as if sealing something far heavier than ink and signatures. When she finally set the pen down, she realized her palm was damp with sweat.
"Good," he said, collecting the documents with practiced ease. "We'll announce the engagement tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Lina looked up sharply. "That fast?"
He stood, straightening his suit. "Speed prevents complications."
She rose as well, her heartbeat uneven. "And where do I fit into your life exactly?"
He paused at the door, turning just enough for her to catch the cold certainty in his eyes.
"You don't," he replied. "Not unless the public is watching."
The door closed behind him, leaving Lina alone with the echo of her choice—and the unsettling realization that there was no turning back.