The wedding was scheduled in three days.
Three days to process the fact that she was about to marry a man she barely knew.
Three days to become someone's wife.
Three days to trade love for survival.
Alina stood in front of the mirror in the private bridal suite Adrian had arranged. The dress was simple — elegant ivory silk, no excessive lace, no dramatic train.
No fairy tale.
Just a contract.
She stared at her reflection.
This wasn't how she imagined her wedding day.
There were no cousins laughing outside. No father walking her down the aisle. No childhood dreams coming true.
Only silence.
And a signature that had already changed her life.
A soft knock sounded on the door.
"Miss Hart," the stylist said gently. "It's time."
Time.
Her heartbeat quickened.
When she stepped into the private hall, she realized how small the ceremony was.
No crowd.
No media.
Just a handful of legal witnesses and Adrian's attorney.
And him.
Adrian Vale stood at the front, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. He looked calm.
Too calm.
But when their eyes met, something flickered in his gaze.
Not pride.
Not possession.
Something closer to… concern.
As she walked down the aisle alone, her heels echoed softly against the marble floor.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
When she finally stood beside him, she kept her eyes forward.
The officiant began speaking, his voice distant and formal.
"…Do you, Adrian Vale, take Alina Hart to be your lawful wife—"
"I do."
Adrian didn't hesitate.
His voice was steady.
Certain.
Her throat felt dry.
"…Do you, Alina Hart, take Adrian Vale—"
She hesitated.
Just for a second.
In that second, she felt Adrian shift slightly beside her.
Not impatient.
Not pressuring.
Just… waiting.
As if he would accept whatever answer she gave.
That made it worse.
"I do," she said softly.
The words didn't feel romantic.
They felt necessary.
The rings were simple platinum bands.
When Adrian slid the ring onto her finger, his touch was careful.
Warm.
Brief.
But not careless.
Then it was her turn.
Her fingers brushed against his skin as she placed the ring on him.
His hand tightened slightly.
Not in dominance.
In restraint.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
There was no applause.
No cheers.
Just quiet finality.
"You may kiss the bride."
Alina froze.
This was the part she hadn't thought about.
Adrian stepped closer.
Close enough that she could feel his breath against her cheek.
"If you're uncomfortable," he whispered softly, "we can keep it minimal."
Her heart skipped.
He was asking.
Not taking.
She nodded faintly.
His hand lifted gently to her jaw, barely touching her skin. His lips brushed against hers — soft, respectful, lingering only a second longer than necessary.
But that second…
It sent a strange warmth through her chest.
Not passion.
Not yet.
Something quieter.
Something dangerous.
When he pulled back, his forehead almost touched hers.
"Thank you," he murmured so only she could hear.
Thank you?
For marrying him?
For saving her father?
Or for something else entirely?
The ceremony ended within minutes.
Just like that, she was Mrs. Vale.
Outside the building, a black luxury car waited.
As they stepped inside, the city lights blurred past the tinted windows.
Silence filled the space between them.
She stared at the ring on her finger.
"I hope this doesn't change who you are," Adrian said suddenly.
She looked at him.
"You don't even know who I am."
His gaze softened.
"I intend to."
The car slowed in front of an enormous mansion.
Her new home.
Their home.
Her heart pounded.
This wasn't just a marriage without love.
It was the beginning of something neither of them fully understood.
And deep down…
Alina had the terrifying feeling that walking away after one year wouldn't be as easy as he promised.