Prologue

I never thought my life would take such a turn.

For 25 years, I lived believing I had control over my fate. That I could shape my own path, love on my own terms, and build an empire without anyone dictating my choices. But one moment, one promise, and everything I once believed in shattered.

I never thought I would end up here—with him.

His presence was the last thing I ever wanted in my life. Cold, arrogant, ruthless—Adam Black was a man I had sworn to avoid. Yet, fate had other plans.

I had made a promise.

And that promise changed everything.

Now, I stand as his wife, bound not by love, but by duty. Trapped in a life I never asked for. Every day is a battle—against him, against fate, against my own heart that threatens to betray me.

But what if this forced fate isn't my curse... but my second chance?

What if love was never meant to come easy?

And what if, in the end, this promise was the only thing that could save us both?

She never expected to be his.....

He never wanted her to be a substitute.

A life she never expected.....

The wife he always wanted

" Unspoken love, unbearable pain."

How much pain can two hearts endure just because they never spoke?

They had love,

They had time…

so why did they only have regrets?

Read the story to know more

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Introduction

Samaira Nathan, a twenty-four-year-old woman, was raised in India by her grandmother alongside her elder sister, Aisha. After their grandmother’s passing, the sisters moved to Italy— Samaira only eight, Aisha ten.

Years later, Samaira became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Europe. A billionaire. A woman of sharp intellect and breathtaking beauty. Someone who could achieve anything she set her mind to.

Yet beneath the cold exterior and unshakable power lay a story very few knew.

Adam Black, a twenty-seven-year-old business tycoon, was among the most influential men in the industry. Arrogant, strikingly handsome, and ruthless in business, he was known as Europe’s most eligible bachelor.

But behind the charm and absolute control, there was more to Adam Black than what met the eye.

Chapter One

A tense silence filled the expansive conference room of one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies—The Nature Corporation.

Around twenty executives and department heads sat upright, their attention fixed on the man standing at the front.

Mr. James, head of the production team, adjusted his tie and spoke confidently.

“These changes in the project will significantly—”

A sharp, authoritative voice cut through the air

“Your idea is not convincing, Mr. James.”

Every head turned toward the end of the table.

Seated there was a woman whose mere presence demanded silence. Dressed in an impeccable black pantsuit, her posture was relaxed—yet powerful. Intelligence and authority radiated from her like a warning.

She was Samaira Nathan—the youngest and most successful entrepreneur in Europe.

Her gaze shifted to her secretary.

“Elena, I want all the progress reports on my desk by tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Elena replied instantly.

“The meeting is over.”Samaira rose, picking up her iPhone. Just as she turned to leave,

Mr. James hesitated.“But, Samaira—”

The air tightened.

Samaira stopped but didn’t turn around.

“The meeting is over,” she repeated, her voice calm yet unyielding.

Then she looked at him—slowly, deliberately.

“And it’s President.”

Without another glance, she walked out. Elena followed close behind.

As they moved down the corridor, Samaira pressed her fingers against her temple. The dull ache in her head had become disturbingly frequent.

“Elena, reschedule all my meetings.”

Elena blinked. “Of course, President. Is everything alright?”

“Yes. Just do it,” Samaira replied curtly. “I’m leaving for the day.”

Elena watched her walk away, unease settling in her chest.

Back in the conference room, a collective breath was released.

“haa...Does she ever smile?” someone whispered.

“I’ve been here two years,” another murmured. “I’ve never seen her happy.”

“She has everything… so why does she always look so distant?”

Their gazes shifted to Mr. James.

“You knew her family, didn’t you?” someone asked softly. “was she always like this?”

Mr. James sighed, his eyes clouded with old memories.

“She wasn’t always like this,” he said quietly. “Sometimes… loss changes a person.”

The door creaked open.

Every heart skipped a beat.

Samaira stood there, her piercing gaze sweeping over them.

“I don’t pay you to gossip about me,” she said coldly. “Get back to work.”

She picked up a small pill bottle from the table and left—without another word.

*********

In the parking lot, Elena was waiting near Samaira’s sleek black car. As soon as Samaira approached, she handed her some documents.

“I’ve taken care of everything, President.”

“Good.”

She slipped into the backseat, instructing the driver to leave. As the car rolled forward, she exhaled slowly. The weight pressing down on her chest never seemed to ease —no matter how much time has passed.

She twisted open the pill bottle and swallowed a tablet with a sip of water. Resting her head against the seat, she closed her eyes, allowing exhaustion to take over.

and just like that memories from past came rushing in

“Happy birthday to you…

Happy birthday dear Aisha!”

Laughter echoed around a brightly lit room. Balloons floated against the ceiling, flowers adorned every corner, and at the center stood a cake glowing with candles.

A little girl in a floral dress beamed with excitement.

“Happy birthday, Aish.”

“Thank you, Sam!” Aisha beamed, squeezing her younger sister’s hand.

A playful voice interrupted. “Ahh, you little Joey!”

A boy in a crisp white shirt and trousers stole the last bite from Samaira’s hand, grinning mischievously. The room erupted in laughter.

“Our Aishu is ten years old now,” their mother said warmly.

“Yes, Mamma! I’m a big girl now!” Aisha declared proudly.

Their father stepped forward. “Now, who wants presents?”

“Me, Daddy!” Aisha jumped excitedly.

“Me too, Daddy!” their cousin Joey chimed in, just as eager.

The curtains were drawn back, revealing a mountain of toys. But Aisha’s expression faltered when she looked at Samaira.

“You didn’t bring anything for me?”

Her voice wavered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Samaira lowered her head, feigning disappointment, before slowly bringing her hands forward.

Aisha gasped. “Candies!”

She clutched them to her chest, jumping up and down as if she had received the most precious gift in the world.

Their father chuckled. “Princess, you don’t like our gifts?” he asked in mock sadness.

Aisha giggled. “No, they’re nice… But these candies are my favorite. And Sammy is my favorite too!”

Joey pouted. “And me?”

Aisha sighed dramatically. “Fine, you too… but less than Sammy.”

Laughter filled the room once again.

Samaira smiled in her sleep—until a voice pulled her back to reality.

“Ma’am… Ma’am.”

Her driver’s voice was low and hesitant.

“We’ve arrived.”

Her eyes fluttered open. The warmth of the memory dissolved, replaced by a familiar ache.

It was just a dream. She’s not here. And she never will be again, Sam.

Pushing the pain aside, she stepped out of the car,

her gaze lifting to the imposing white mansion before her.

Pure marble gleamed under the moonlight. Massive columns, sprawling glass windows, intricate carvings—every inch of it spoke of power, success, and perfection. A place admired by many.

But to her, it was a hollow monument to a life she no longer wanted.

A prison of the memories she could never escape.

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