The sound of heavy rain echoed against the large glass windows of the luxury hotel suite.
Ariana Khan stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection in disbelief.
A white wedding dress.
A diamond ring.
And a marriage she never agreed to.
"This is just for one year," her father had said last night, his voice trembling. "After that, you'll be free."
Free?
There was nothing free about marrying a stranger.
Especially not a man like Adrian Blackwood.
The youngest billionaire CEO in the country. Cold. Ruthless. Untouchable.
A man who built his empire before turning twenty-eight.
A man who didn't believe in love.
The door suddenly opened without warning.
Ariana turned around sharply.
He walked in like he owned the world.
Tall. Perfectly tailored black suit. Sharp jawline. Dark eyes that held no warmth.
Adrian Blackwood.
His gaze scanned her from head to toe, emotionless.
"You're five minutes late," he said calmly.
"I wasn't aware this was a business meeting," Ariana replied, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
"For me, it is."
Silence filled the room.
He stepped closer, stopping just inches away from her.
"This marriage is a contract," Adrian continued. "One year. You will attend events with me, act like a proper wife, and stay out of my personal affairs."
Ariana lifted her chin. "And after one year?"
"You walk away with ten million dollars."
Ten million.
Enough to save her father's failing company.
Enough to protect her family.
But at what cost?
"And what about you?" she asked quietly. "What do you gain from this?"
Adrian's lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile.
"Stability. A wife with no emotional expectations. And someone who knows her place."
Her eyes flashed.
"I am not someone who 'knows her place,' Mr. Blackwood."
For the first time, something flickered in his cold eyes.
Interest.
"Good," he murmured. "I don't like boring women."
Before she could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
"It's time," a voice announced from outside.
Adrian extended his hand.
"Shall we, Mrs. Blackwood?"
Ariana stared at his hand for three long seconds.
Then, slowly—
She placed her hand in his.
This was just a contract.
Just one year.
No love.
No feelings.
No mistakes.
But as the wedding doors opened and the bright lights surrounded them—
Neither of them realized…
This contract would be the biggest mistake of their lives.