chapter 1

The sound of thunder echoed outside the massive Adam Rossi mansion as you stood at the entrance, still dressed in heavy wedding jewelry. The marriage had happened too fast- one family agreement , one signature ,and now you belonged to the most feared businessman in the city.

footstep approached slowly.

Adam Rossi.

Tall, intimidating, dressed in the black suite with a cold expression that revealed absolutely nothing, he stopped in front of you and looked you up and down silently.

"So you're the girl they chose for me ."

His deep voice was calm, but commanding enough to make the entire room feel smaller.

"Listen carefully, because i won't repeat myself twice."

"in this house, there are rules. you will respect my family, stay away from my business matters, and never create drama outside these wall."

He adjusted his watch before looking directly into your eyes. Don't test my patience either."

after a brief pause , his tone lowered slightly.

"but as long as you carry my mane, no one in this world will dare to touch you."

I lowered my gaze and forced a small smile. "I understand."

After a moment of silence, I asked quietly, "Then... can I at least hope we'll become friends someday?"

His expression froze for a second at her unexpected question.

"Friends?" he repeated quietly, almost amused by her innocence.

He looked at her for a few moments before speaking. "You're asking too much from a man who never wanted this marriage."

His gaze softened ever so slightly. "Love, friendship, promises... I have nothing to offer you."

He took a step closer and continued, "But I don't break my responsibilities."

"As my wife, you will have my respect, my protection, and everything you deserve. The rest..." He paused briefly. "...don't expect it from me."

He turned to leave before stopping at the door. "And stop looking at me like that."

I blinked in confusion. "Like what?"

"Like I'm a good man." A faint smile appeared on his lips for the first time. "You'll only end up disappointed."

"I understand." A gentle smile curved on her lips as she folded her hands before her.

"Then I won't ask for anything more." Before he could respond, she added softly, "But I do have one request."

His brows furrowed slightly. It was the first time she had asked him for something.

"What is it?"

"Please don't hate me for this marriage."

For the first time in years, he was left speechless.

i smiled bitterly and continued, "I never wanted to become someone's burden or responsibility. This marriage wasn't my choice either."

"So... if someday you grow tired of me, just tell me. I won't make things difficult for you."

There was no anger in her voice. No demands. No tears. Just acceptance.

He had met countless women in his life—women who wanted his wealth, his power, or his affection.

But she was different. She wanted nothing from him. Somehow, that unsettled him.

Later that night...

As I quietly arranged my belongings in his room, I heard his cold voice from behind.

"What are you doing?" I turned around and smiled innocently. "I'm making a line."

"A line?" I pointed toward the bed. "We'll divide it equally. You don't like me, and I'm not comfortable sleeping beside a stranger, so I thought this would be best."

Silence.

The great CEO who could make an entire boardroom tremble was now staring at a pillow placed in the middle of his bed. "You're dividing my bed?" ..."Our bed," I corrected politely. His eyebrows twitched for the first time that day.

"And don't worry," I added cheerfully. "I don't snore."

"......"

"Also, I sleep very quietly."

"......"

"And I promise I won't accidentally hug you while sleeping." He slowly looked at her. "You thought that would be my concern?" She blinked innocently. "Isn't it?"

He sighed and loosened his tie before walking toward her.

"Listen carefully, Mrs. Aria." I straightened immediately.

"Yes?"

He leaned slightly closer and said in his usual cold tone, "If I wanted to sleep beside my wife, I wouldn't need her permission." Her face instantly turned crimson. "B-but you said this isn't a love marriage!"..."And?"

"Aren't you supposed to dislike me?" He looked at her flushed face for a moment before turning away. "Disliking you and letting another man call you his are two completely different things."

He paused at the door before adding quietly, "I don't love you, Aria. But you are my wife." "And I don't share what's mine." For reasons he couldn't understand, the words left his mouth naturally.

He didn't know it yet, but somewhere along the way, his arranged marriage had already begun to become something much more dangerous—

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