Lina stared out of the car window as the city slowly disappeared behind them.
Tall buildings turned into quiet streets.
Busy roads became long private avenues surrounded by trees.
Her stomach felt tight the entire ride.
She still couldn't believe what had happened.
Yesterday she was living a normal life.
Today… she was Adrian Black's wife.
The driver finally turned into a large iron gate.
The gate opened automatically.
Lina's eyes widened slightly.
Behind the gate stood a massive modern mansion surrounded by a huge garden.
The house looked more like a luxury hotel than a private home.
"This is his house?" she whispered.
The driver simply nodded.
A few seconds later the car stopped in front of the entrance.
Two staff members were already waiting outside.
Lina stepped out slowly.
The mansion felt cold and intimidating.
Just like its owner.
One of the staff members bowed politely.
"Welcome, Mrs. Black."
The words made Lina freeze.
Mrs. Black.
Hearing that felt strange… and uncomfortable.
"I'm not used to that name yet," she said quietly.
The staff member smiled politely.
"You will be, ma'am."
Lina wasn't so sure about that.
She followed them inside.
The interior of the mansion was even more impressive.
High ceilings.
Huge crystal chandelier.
Marble floors.
Everything looked expensive and perfectly organized.
But something about it felt empty.
Like no one truly lived there.
"Your room is ready," the maid said.
"My room?" Lina asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
The maid hesitated for a second.
"Mr. Black thought it would be more comfortable if you had your own room."
Lina raised an eyebrow.
At least that was one small relief.
The maid led her upstairs to a large bedroom.
When the door opened, Lina stopped in the doorway.
The room was beautiful.
Huge bed.
Large windows overlooking the garden.
A luxurious bathroom connected to the room.
And a walk-in closet bigger than her entire bedroom at home.
"You can rest here," the maid said.
"If you need anything, just call."
"Thank you."
Once the door closed, Lina slowly walked inside.
She placed her bag on the bed and looked around.
This place didn't feel like home.
It felt like a golden cage.
She sighed and sat down.
Her life had completely changed in less than 24 hours.
And she had no idea what would happen next.
That evening, Lina decided to explore the house.
The mansion was so large she almost got lost twice.
Finally, she reached the main living room.
Soft lights illuminated the space.
And someone was already there.
Adrian.
He sat on the couch, reading something on his tablet.
He looked completely relaxed.
Like he owned the world.
Which… he almost did.
Lina stopped a few steps away.
"I see you made yourself comfortable."
Adrian looked up.
His dark eyes met hers instantly.
"You live here now," he replied calmly.
"You should get used to it."
Lina crossed her arms.
"This house is ridiculously big."
"It serves its purpose."
"And what purpose is that?"
Adrian stood up slowly.
He walked toward the bar table and poured himself a drink.
"Privacy."
Lina watched him silently.
Everything about him felt controlled.
Precise.
Dangerous.
He turned slightly and looked at her again.
"Have you eaten?"
The question surprised her.
"No."
Adrian nodded toward the dining room.
"Dinner is ready."
Lina followed him.
The dining table was huge.
Big enough for at least ten people.
Yet only the two of them sat there.
The silence between them felt heavy.
Finally Lina spoke.
"So this is how it's going to be?"
Adrian looked up from his plate.
"What do you mean?"
"We live together for one year pretending to be a happy couple."
"More or less."
"And after that we just… divorce?"
"Yes."
His answer was simple.
Cold.
Like the entire situation meant nothing to him.
Lina studied his face.
"You really hate my family that much?"
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
Instead he drank from his glass.
Then he looked at her again.
"You ask too many questions."
"Maybe because I'm the one trapped in this situation."
Something flashed briefly in his eyes.
But it disappeared quickly.
"You agreed to the contract."
"I didn't have a choice."
"You always have a choice."
Lina laughed quietly.
"Easy for you to say."
Adrian didn't respond.
The silence returned.
But this time it felt heavier.
More tense.
Finally Lina pushed her plate away.
"I'm tired."
She stood up.
But as she turned to leave, Adrian spoke again.
"Lina."
She stopped.
"What?"
His gaze was serious now.
"Tomorrow there will be a press conference."
Her heart skipped.
"A what?"
"To announce our marriage."
Her eyes widened.
"So soon?"
Adrian nodded calmly.
"The world needs to believe this marriage is real."
Lina felt a wave of anxiety rise in her chest.
Reporters.
Cameras.
Questions.
Her new life was about to become public.
And she wasn't ready for it.
Adrian watched her carefully.
"You'll need to act like my wife."
His voice was calm… but firm.
Lina looked at him for a long moment.
Then she sighed.
"I already am."
But deep inside…
She couldn't stop wondering if this fake marriage would slowly turn into something far more complicated.