barely noticed the cold when the car door slammed shut behind her. The mansion loomed ahead, its stone faça

umed with something she couldn't fully understand. And now, here she was, on the doorstep of a life she didn'

magined-a man whose presence filled the room before his words ever did. His piercing gray eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, Aria felt a wave of unease ripple th

eted, his voice smooth

e, unsure of what

ing, and the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers filled the air. But despite the opulence, there was something stark and unsettli

tion grew heavier. This wasn't just about her father's failing business-it was about something far more complicated. She was walking into a marriage, a contract, that

voice oddly neutral, as though he had rehearsed these words countless

nodded, even though her mind screamed in protest. "Caretake

king view of the sprawling estate beyond. But Aria barely registered the view. Her a

i

hitched in her throat as she stepped closer, her heart pounding with a mixture of shock and disbelief. The ma

re than a corpse

full of fire, were now lifeless, staring blankly at the ceiling. His dark hair fell across his forehead, but it didn't hide the hollow look in hi

This was not the man she had been told about-the arrogant, reckless playboy who had made a name for himself i

's difficult to understand, but you must accept it. Liam is not the man yo

is what I'm marrying?" Her voice trembled, despite her best eff

onvenience. It's not about love or passion. It's about duty. About ensuring my son's care and

marriage of necessity, yes. But this? This was not what she had imagined. It w

daughter for the sake of his business. Aria had felt the sting of betrayal in her bones when she had learned the

ould that leave her? What would happen to her father's business? Would he survive without this deal?

oughts. "I suggest you get to k

ld change what had happened. Her chest tightened, a mix of sorrow and resentment building within her. How could

to breathe through the overwhelming emotions. She was being suffocated by t

ng her every move. This man wasn't offering her a c

e was

de her. Could she leave? Could she

saw it. Hugh's gaze locked onto hers,

what she

imple: escape w

ia understood the cons