hed on her mind. She took a deep breath, set the box on the table, and carefully opened it. Inside, she found a beaut

ng you in this at the ma

lity of being intertwined with a powerful figure like Alessandro was still surreal. She sat do

essandro. She picked up her phone, took a deep breath,

alled," he said, his v

r gift. It's beautiful," she repli

ny more thought to our arrangement?" he

ct," she said, feeling a mix

vening. We'll finalize everything at the mansion," Al

hat would bring challenges and rewards. She spent the rest of the day mentally and physically preparing for

n in his early forties, greeted her with a polite nod and helped her with her bags. The ride to the

place. The mansion was an architectural marvel, with its grand columns, manicured gardens, and a drivew

y dressed, his presence commanding yet welcoming. He smiled as s

," he said, ext

taking his hand and feel

t as magnificent, with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and exquisite artwork ado

t," he said, gestur

and conditions. Everything was as they had discussed no intimacy required, just a facade to present to t

ned the contract. Alessandro followed suit, and

made a wise decision," h

ied, still feeling th

bar in the corner of the study. He poured two

gs," he said, ra

she echoed, clinking

talked for a while, discussing the details of their arrangement and what would be expected of

can drop by anytime. Just be careful," he said

member in the pi

, n

she re

sk me if I h

uch." He gave a sigh of relief

om was luxurious, with a large canopy bed, a sitting area, and a private

sandro said. "If you need any

more than I could have imagined,

p but feel a sense of anticipation. She was stepping into a world vastly different from

sional. She familiarized herself with the sprawling estate, finding solace in the beautiful gardens and the quiet corners o

hey sat in the grand dining hall, a long table adorned with fin

agreeing to this arrangement," Aless

his opportunity has given me

ories of his upbringing, the challenges he faced as the Lord of the North, and his vision for th

espite the differences in their backgrounds, they both sought some

things together," Alessandro said, his

replied, feeling a newfo

ir respective rooms, Elena felt a deeper connection with Alessandro. She realized tha

na found herself involved in various aspects. She attended meetings, met with influential figures, and learned more ab

ro's dedication and leadership, while he appreciated her intelligence and

ed through the gardens, A

more than a formality, but I find myself genuinely

s has become more than just a contrac

casting a soft glow on the water. Alessand

ld like to explore the possibility of something r

ious, wary of getting hurt again, but Alessandro

" she said, her voi

ing in the air. The mansion, the council, and the great houses all seemed to f

only a new beginning but also a partner who understood and valued her. The journey ahead was unce

that had unexpectedly blossomed between them. The mansion, once a symbol of opulence and