Cassy stood up to leave, her posture stiff with pride. She believed she was, and always would be, the perfect and competent daughter. But deep down, she feared being overlooked,feared that Katriel might be chosen instead of her.
The Millers welcomed the Qins warmly. Katriel sat stiffly, anxiety creeping through her chest. She didn't know why she felt so nervous or how to stop.
She wasn't really paying attention. She rarely did. Her mind was once again locked away in its own world.
"ARE YOU OKAY WITH THAT?"
"Huh?"
"The arrangement," Mr. Patrick Qin repeated, his tone sharp.
Kate hurriedly stepped in. "We're fine with it!"
"It's fine," James chimed in quickly.
But Patrick frowned. "I need her opinion. She's the one getting married."
As if sensing that Katriel hadn't heard the question, Ellis Qin leaned forward and spoke more gently.
"We'd like you to stay with Zayn before the wedding. It's scheduled to happen in two weeks."
"I'm not a child,you don't get to make decisions for me without asking," Katriel said, her voice shaking with controlled anger.
"You are our child," Ellis replied, glancing at Zayn with a pleading look.
"We've arranged the marriage, and there's no turning back," Patrick added firmly.
"Dad, you're an educated man, and this is the kind of outdated decision you're making? I'm disappointed."
"Say whatever you want," Patrick said, waving her off. "My decision stands. You'll be staying at Zayn's place before the wedding."
Zayn, who had remained quiet all this time, finally spoke. "I came here for work. Is this how I'm welcomed?"
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
"Get everything you can about her. And inform her that I want to see her tomorrow at 11 a.m.," Zayn told his assistant, Andro.
"Katriel, good morning! Guess what?" Sarah said, bouncing with excitement before Katriel could even respond.
"What?" Katriel asked, tired already.
"The CEO is around! And trust me ,he's hotttt," Sarah squealed.
"His hair is so beautiful," Beatrice added, nearly swooning.
"What?! I've been at work… How did I not know? Not that I care, but…"
"You know you like minding your business," they teased, giggling.
Just then, a man approached their table.
"Miss Katriel, my boss wants to speak with you," Andro said, startling them.
"Who's your boss?" Katriel asked, her brow raised.
"He's the CEO's assistant," Beatrice whispered, eyes wide.
Andro led Katriel to Zayn's office. As she stepped in, Zayn walked toward where she stood and leaned close, placing both hands on the arms of her chair—trapping her in place.
He moved his face close to hers, leaving almost no room to breathe.
"I want you to marry me," he said, his tone flat and unreadable.
Katriel blinked. She hadn't even been breathing.
"Excuse me?" she finally gasped.
"Stop pretending you don't know I'm the one your family arranged for you to marry," he said calmly.
"What?" she whispered, stunned.
"If you're the one they arranged… why are you asking me to marry you?"
"Because I want it to be a contract marriage," he explained. His voice was sharp and emotionless. "I'll give you a promotion, a significant amount of money, and most importantly,I'll pay for everything your brother needs, so he can live with you. In return, we'll pretend to be a loving couple in front of our families."
She wouldn't have accepted
But the thought of her little brother finally living with her… that gave her joy. That changed everything.
"I'll do it," she said quietly.
"But there are rules."
"What are they?" she asked.
"Till then."
Zayn's expression remained unreadable, though a faint flicker of satisfaction passed through his eyes.
"Okay," he said, stepping back. "We'll finalize the details later."
As Katriel left his office, she felt as though she were stepping into a storm,not knowing what lay ahead.
Katriel sat in Zayn's office the next day, staring down at the contract.
The terms were clear: she would marry him for one year in exchange for a promotion, a large sum of money, and full financial support for her brother.
As her eyes scanned the paper, her thoughts spiralled with the weight of the decision.
As she signed the contract with trembling fingers, Zayn's eyes never left her.
"You belong to me now, Katriel. At least for one year."She had no idea the storm that was coming.
Zayn's voice cut through her silence. "Do you have any questions?"
Katriel looked up. Their eyes met.
"Just one, sir… What if someone finds out it's a fake marriage?"
Zayn didn't flinch. "We'll deal with that if it happens. For now, let's focus on the arrangement."
"Pick whatever you think is useful. Andro will come pick you up later today," he said, his voice commanding but calm.
"What do I even know is useful?" Katriel mumbled as she packed. "Everything a lady owns is useful. It's not like I live in a mansion with things I don't need…"
She stuffed what she could into her bag.
"Were you here alone?" she asked Andro when he arrived.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied politely, helping her carry her things.
It was a freaking Lamborghini.
She knew that because her younger brother loved talking about cars. She knew the Qins were wealthy, but this… this was beyond her imagination. His personal home was bigger than her entire estate.
And the fact that he owned the Leblon Group…
He's my boss. Damn, that's cringe, she thought.
The staff were friendly,too friendly. I am clearly surprised that Zayn Qin had brought a woman home.
She was led to her room, walking carefully as if she might stain the sparkling marble floor.
The walls were painted in elegant cream, and the curtains draped like royal tapestries in a colour too unique to name.
It looked like she had walked into one of her story worlds.
Her room… she couldn't even describe it. It was clearly prepared just for her.
She lay back on the plush, king-sized bed, overwhelmed.
"Ma'am, you haven't had dinner yet," a voice called gently from the door.
"Five more minutes…" she mumbled, like a child begging for more sleep.
"How was your stay yesterday?" Zayn asked the next morning. "Sorry I couldn't come see you,I was busy."
He never explained himself to anyone. Why was he explaining to her?
She was taken aback but replied politely, "Yes… thank you."
"Don't forget to give Andro the signed document."
THE BEGINNING OF A FAKE MARRIAGE...AND MAYBE THE END OF EVERYTHING SHE USED TO BE.
BUT FAR AWAY,SOMEONE ELSE SIGNED A CONTRACT TOO.
ONE THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LOVE,ONLY DESTRUCTION.