trom of uncertainty, a storm brewing just beneath the surface of what was supposed to be a simple marriage arrangement

ed with life below them, a stark contrast to the turmoil simmering within. Kaluna had arrived early, her presence both com

through a binder of wedding planning materials. "We n

running a hand through his tousled hair.

going to be a marriage of convenience. We need to agree t

ief wash over him. The last thing he wanted was

family and our friends. They can't suspect that this was anything

mix of annoyance and admiration for he

nd after a whirlwind romance, we decided to get married. We can p

void any interactions that might raise suspicions. No late-night rendezvous, no a

And since we're going to have to sell the idea, we should plan a small, intim

ses. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were both playing with fire. "What a

ge their expectations. We can frame it as a quick ceremony, something smal

, but in a way, it made sense. "Alright, let's do th

w a few venues that could work, and I can start looking into catering options too. This doe

was surprised by how quickly they fell into a rhythm, strategizing their way through the wedding

?" Maxim asked, suddenly concerned. "What

ve we can. If we falter, it will be obvious that we're not in

mapped out their timeline. Maxim found himself appreciating Kaluna's organizational skills;

's mind. "What if this goes beyond just playing a role?" he asked quietly, l

who is still reeling from Clara. I doubt you're going to f

Maybe, but I'm just saying. Sometimes, when you're forced in

d. "I can handle myself, and I won't let this arrangement af

air of strength about her that he found both intimidating and attractive. But he pushed that though

eparations. Maxim felt like he was in a surreal dream, playing a part in a story that was fa

steady hand. His reflection stared back at him, a mask of calmness hiding the turmoil beneath. H

pounded in rhythm with the anticipation swirling around him. He could already hear the s

ng, filled with close friends and family. But among the sea of smiling faces, Maxim's gaze quickly

ed to calm his racing heart. "Ready?" she whispered, her voice b

hroat dry. "As read

of hope and uncertainty. As they stood before the officiant, Maxim couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than jus

vid, and the potential fallout from this union. He felt like he was caught in a ga

lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant as

en. The gasps from the crowd sent a ripple of shock through the room. Maxim turned to see Cl

he met Clara's gaze, and he felt the world around him fade away. E

ce rang out, filled with emotion, shatte

ould happen now? Would he lose Clara forever? The weight of his choices felt heavier

come. Would he be able to justify what he had

ouldn't shake the feeling that this was j