The air in italy felt colder than he remembered.
Jet-black hair slicked back, tailored suit hugging his powerful frame, devid maron stepped out of his luxury car like he owned the entire city because soon, he would. His jaw was sharp, eyes cold, and expression unreadable as his polished shoes hit the marble driveway of the maron mansion.
He didn't glance at the maids who bowed nervously. His presence was enough to silence the house.
It had been five years abroad. Five years of relentless business training, endless negotiations, brutal routines and no women. He didn't need distractions, didn't believe in attachments, and certainly didn't trust anyone.
Except his father.
And perhaps... his mother.
But the moment he stepped inside the mansion, something shifted. A presence. Light steps somewhere in the distance. A figure he didn't recognize until she turned around.
AVA (Ava Michel).
She stood quietly near the staircase, holding a tray of tea with both hands. Dressed modestly, her eyes widened for a second as they met his, then quickly lowered. She bowed respectfully, lips sealed in silence.
Devid's jaw clenched.
Why is she still here?
(Devid knows ava from childhood,cuz their fathers are best friends)
He turned to the butler.
"Why is she standing in the hallway like a maid?"
Before anyone could answer, his father's voice echoed from the lounge, "Dev, welcome back, son!"
Devid walked in, greeted his father with a firm but respectful nod. Mr. Maron looked weaker thinner, older but his eyes were still sharp.
"I missed you," the older man said with emotion. "But we have something important to discuss. Come. Sit."
"Devid"the older woman said excitedly because she meets her son after a long time.
"Mom,how are you ..I have missed you" he walks to his mother and hugs her tightly.
After breaking the hug ..
"Dev_" Mr maron's words cut by Mrs maron.. "please mr maron, let my son rest for a while, don't drag him too far, when he came just a min ago" she said while glancing at mr maron.
"And you ,what are you looking at, go and bring something for my son"
Mrs maron said to ava with an angry face..
"Yes aunty " she went from there. To bring him snacks.
Mr maron just left from there.with disappointment face..
After dinner.
Devid sat, but his gaze flickered toward the hallway, where Ava had silently stood beside him. Because his father said so.
His father didn't waste time. "I want to see you married, Devid. And not to just anyone. To ava."
Silence dropped like a bomb.
Devid slowly turned his face toward his father, his voice dark and cold. "You're joking."
"I'm not," his father said with finality. "She's the only one I trust. If you want the company, the legacy of marrying her. Or walk away from it all."
Devid's fists clenched on his knees. His voice dropped into a low growl.
"I don't even like women."
His father leaned in. "Just marry her. That's all I ask."
Ava stood frozen, having heard everything. Her fingers trembled but her lips remained shut.
Because she already knew...She was going to become his wife.A wife he would never love.A wife he would only use.
Mrs maron just listened to their conversation without a single word while gritting her teeth..
Because she can't do anything on this matter. Because Mr. Maron already warned her..
"Mom , what is this" devid said seeking for his mother support.
"Devid its about me and you, and it's my final decision and your mom is not interfering in this matter"mr maron talk with a range.
"Hey ,you come with me"devid said while looking at ava ,who is standing there from the long time.after his father's words, he somehow know.there is no chance to escape from the marriage.
Devid went from there..ava look at mr maron..and he signed her to follow him..she follows devid to his study room.
After she entered inside the room.
The study door slammed shut behind him.
Devid's eyes were sharp as blades when he turned to face her.
Ava stood by the fireplace, her head lowered, hands folded in front of her like a scolded child. She wasn't crying. She didn't even speak. She just stood there, her soft figure swallowed by silence.
"Is this what you wanted?" Devid's voice was quiet too quiet. Dangerous. "Playing the obedient little girl until my father gives you his name... and mine?"
She slowly shook her head, still not daring to meet his eyes.
"Speak."
Her lips parted, trembling. "I didn't know he would ask you to marry me..."
He scoffed, walking toward her like a lion stalking prey. "So it's just a coincidence? That every time I call home, he talks about how perfect you are? How gentle, how loyal you've been in my absence?"
"I didn't ask for this," she whispered.
"But you didn't refuse it either."
He stopped in front of her, so close she could smell the cologne on his chest. His fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to look up. Her eyes wide, soft, full of innocence met his cold gaze. That made him angrier.
"You think being quiet makes you virtuous?" His voice dropped to a hiss. "It makes you pathetic."
She flinched but still didn't fight him. Didn't push him away.
"I don't want a wife," devid muttered. "I don't want your kindness. I don't want your eyes on me. But if marrying you means getting the company, then so be it."
He let go of her chin, shoving her back slightly. Her body swayed, but she kept standing.
"You will not speak unless I allow it. You will not cry in front of me. You will not expect anything from me. You're not a wife, you're a deal, and I'll treat you like one."
Ava nodded weakly, eyes shining but not breaking.
Devid turned his back. "The wedding is in two weeks. Stay out of my sight until then."
And just before he walked out the door, he paused.
"One more thing..." he said without turning.
"You'll smile in front of my father. You'll call me husband. And you'll pretend to love me."