The grand hall was filled with light.
Crystal chandeliers shimmered above.
Guests whispered behind polite smiles.
Alicia Anderson stood at the entrance, her heart pounding.
"This is it," Sophie Carter whispered beside her.
Alicia nodded, even though her chest felt tight.
At the far end of the room stood Michael Alejandro.
Tall. Still. Untouchable.
He didn't smile.
He didn't move.
And somehow... that made him even more intimidating.
"That's him," Sophie said softly.
Alicia swallowed. "I know."
Every step she took toward him felt heavier than the last.
This wasn't just a walk.
It felt like stepping into a life she didn't choose.
When she finally reached him, Michael's dark eyes met hers.
Cold. Observant. Distant.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then-
"You're Alicia Anderson."
His voice was calm, but there was no warmth in it.
"Yes." She lifted her chin slightly. "And you're Michael Alejandro."
A faint pause.
"I see you're aware."
"I like to know who I'm being forced to marry," she replied.
Something flickered in his eyes. Surprise? Amusement?
It disappeared just as quickly.
"Good," he said. "Then you understand this is not personal."
Alicia's fingers curled slightly at her side.
"Clearly."
Silence stretched between them.
Uncomfortable. Sharp.
Michael leaned slightly closer, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
"This marriage is a contract. Nothing more."
Alicia met his gaze, refusing to look away.
"Then we understand each other."
Another pause.
For the first time, Michael really looked at her.
Not just her face.
But the fire in her eyes.
"You don't seem afraid," he said.
"I'm not," Alicia answered. "I just have better things to focus on."
His brow lifted slightly. "Such as?"
For a second, Alicia hesitated.
Then she said it.
"I'm going to be a famous fashion designer."
The words hung in the air.
Michael studied her, unreadable.
"That won't interfere with this arrangement," he said.
"It won't," she replied quickly. "Because this marriage won't control my life."
A quiet tension settled between them.
Michael straightened. "We'll see."
The ceremony began soon after.
Vows were exchanged.
Rings were placed.
Words were spoken... but neither of them felt real.
When Michael slipped the ring onto her finger, his touch was brief. Careful. Distant.
Like she was something he refused to hold.
Alicia did the same.
No emotion.
No hesitation.
Just a promise neither of them truly believed in.
Later that night, Alicia stood alone on the balcony.
The city lights stretched endlessly before her.
She exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of the railing.
"You handled that well."
Michael's voice came from behind her.
She didn't turn. "I didn't have a choice."
"Most people would've shown fear."
"Most people aren't me."
A brief silence followed.
Then Michael stepped beside her.
For a moment, they both just looked at the city.
Strangers... tied together.
"I meant what I said," Michael finally spoke. "This marriage is only for business."
Alicia nodded. "Good. That makes things easier."
"For both of us."
She turned to face him now.
"Just don't expect me to play the perfect wife," she said.
"I don't expect anything from you."
His words should've made things simple.
But instead... they stung.
"Great," she said quietly.
Another silence.
Then Alicia looked away, her voice softer this time.
"One more thing."
Michael waited.
"I'm not giving up my dream," she said. "No matter what."
For a moment, he didn't respond.
Then-
"Do whatever you want," he said coldly. "As long as it doesn't interfere with me."
There it was again.
Distance. Control. Walls.
Alicia felt something tighten in her chest.
"Trust me," she said, her voice steady again. "You won't even notice me."
Michael's gaze lingered on her for a second longer than necessary.
"Good."
But for some reason...
He already had.