Selena woke to the sound of soft rain tapping on the mansion's windows. She lay in bed, disoriented, the events of the night before crashing in like a storm. She was married. To Adrian Smith. The weight of it pressed down on her chest.
She pushed herself up, taking in her new surroundings. The room was a sprawling suite of cream and gold, with a balcony overlooking the lush gardens. Selena swung her legs off the bed, feeling the plush carpet beneath her feet. This was real. This was her life now.
A knock on the door made her jump. A maid, dressed in crisp black and white, entered with a tray of coffee and breakfast. "Good morning, ma'am. Mr. Adrian requests your presence in his study at 9 AM."
Selena's heart skipped. What did he want? She nodded, the maid smiling politely before leaving. Aisha showered quickly, choosing a simple white dress from the wardrobe Adrian's team had filled with clothes. She felt like a doll dressed in someone else's clothes.
At 9 AM sharp, Selena knocked on the study door. Adrian looked up from behind a massive mahogany desk, his eyes assessing her. "Good morning, Selena. Come in."
Selena entered, feeling small in the huge room. Adrian gestured to a chair. "Sit. We need to discuss terms."
Terms. Selena's stomach tightened. She sat, hands folded in her lap.
Adrian pushed a folder across the desk. "This is our marriage contract. Standard terms for a union like ours. You'll find everything outlined – expectations, allowances, responsibilities."
Selena opened the folder, scanning the dense pages. Money. Properties. Social obligations. A clause about discretion. A clause about loyalty.
Selena's eyes narrowed on one line: "The wife shall not engage in any business or professional activity without prior consent of the husband."
A spark of anger flared. "No career? No studies?"
Adrian leaned back. "Selena, this is a strategic union. My wife will represent my interests. You'll host events, manage charities, look the part. Anything else is... unnecessary."
Unnecessary. The word stung. Selena's dreams of studying, working, being independent – all crushed.
Adrian leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "But you'll want for nothing. You'll have access to everything Adrian Industries offers. Money, influence, power. You'll be a queen."
Selena felt a chill. Was this what she was now? A kept woman?
Adrians's voice softened. "Selena, I know this isn't ideal. But we can make this work. We can find... moments."
Moments. Selena's heart fluttered. Did he mean... romance?
Adrian pushed a pen across the desk. "Sign."
Selena hesitated. Her mind raced – could she fight this? Could she push back?
Adrian's hand brushed hers as he leaned closer. "Selena I'll take care of you. I promise."
The touch sent a spark through her. Selena signed.
Adrian took the contract, his expression unreadable. "Good. You'll find your schedule for the next month on the desk. We'll announce the marriage publicly tomorrow."
Selena nodded, feeling trapped. Adrian stood. "I'll leave you to get adjusted. My staff will brief you on protocols."
As he turned to leave, Selena caught his eye. For a flicker, she saw something like warmth.
The rain outside stopped. Selena stood, the silence of the mansion suffocating her. She needed out. She needed air.
She found the garden doors, slipping outside into the wet morning. The scent of rain-soaked flowers hit her. Freedom. For a moment, she breathed it in.
Adrian appeared beside her, his voice low. "Like the gardens?"
Selena turned. He was close. "They're... beautiful."
Adrian smiled, a rare, real smile. "I'll show you the rest. Tonight."
Selena's heart skipped. Was this a promise? As he walked away, she felt a flutter – was there more to Adrian than she'd thought?
A voice inside whispered: play along. See where this leads.