s no escaping it now. She had said yes. She had agreed to marry Alexander Blackwood, a man she barely knew, and now her future was entangled with his. The thought bo

idst. Lena had never felt so small, so insignificant. It was as if the entire world was moving in one direction, while she was forced to follow it, whet

ackwood estate. She had seen pictures of it, but nothing prepared her for its sheer size and opulence. It was a mansion in every sense of the word, standing as a testament t

before stepping out. The air seemed heavier here, the atmosphere charged with an unspoken authority that she couldn't esc

. He seemed untouchable-perfectly at ease in his world, yet still distant, like a figure carved from stone. There was something about him that made Lena bo

always. But there was no warmth in his greeting. It was detache

ght words, and yet there was no room for hesitation now. Her decision

t ethereal glow over everything. Fine art adorned the walls-paintings, sculptures, and pieces that seemed to tell stories of wealth and power. The Blackwood

methodical, with no room for small talk. "The contract will be ready tomorrow. It

furrowing. "What exactly does that

t isn't just a piece of paper. It's a binding agreement. You'll be entering i

more real. Her pulse quickened, and she couldn't suppress the questions that bubbled to the surface. What kind of expectations? What

ons?" Lena asked, her voice steady de

e said. "But understand this-our marriage isn't about love. It's about something far more important. I don't

in her chest. "Is that what this is all about? A

her spine. "Feelings complicate things, Lena. You don't need to worry about that. What I need is someone who ca

he harsh reality of his words stung more than she had anticipated. But she couldn't back out now. Not after everything.

an before, betraying a small tremor of uncerta

al flickering in his eyes. "Good. I'm glad you're not backing out.

she prepared to live in this world? To become a part of his empire? The qu

in control. She was beginning to realize that the world she had entered was one of absolute power, where every move was deliberate, every word careful

and turned to face her once more. "There's one more th

at him, her c

bargain, you'll have everything you've ever wanted. The power, the money, t

stop the question from rising in her chest, but she couldn't bring herself to ask. There wa

ze hardening, sending a cold shiver down her spine. "Once the contract

ng to harden. She had already made her

darker journey. She had agreed to enter his world, but at what cost? Would the power and security h