Forced Marriage.

te lace trim of her wedding gown, hands trembling as she watched her reflection in the grand mirror of the bridal suite. The dress was flawless, a masterpiece of silk a

iend, Eliza, who stood with an expression as pale as her own. She was fidgeting

tasted bitter. "What's there to be nervous

r and took Lily's hand, squeezing it tight. "I don't

ood, the dark-eyed CEO with a reputation as sharp as his suits. The kind of man who, in another life, she might have avoided, a man who haunted high soci

he was ma

ded, almost a whisper. Her father had made it clear that her worth was tied to her obedience, and to defy

attention. A man dressed in sleek black enter

un, to grab Eliza's hand and flee into the city. But her feet felt rooted t

ve her a supportive smile, but Lily could see the wor

s brought in by her father's influence, business allies, and people who would whisper about

ith a gaze that looked as cold as stone. His eyes met hers, unreadable, his jaw clenched. He didn't

most lifeless. She shivered at the contact, but he didn't notice-or perhaps didn't care. As they turned

. You're only here because I neede

. She glanced up at him, her voice barely a murmur.

didn't change.

este. The woman with piercing beauty and a confidence that radiated, a woman who already held his heart. And now, in some twisted iron

re. Her life as she knew it was over. Whatever dreams she

fficiant finally announced, his

precision of someone performing a transaction rather than sharing a moment. His lips brushed hers-cool, controlled,

wave. She felt Adrian's hand tighten on hers, as though he was reminding her,

auty, the "lucky" union she had landed. She laughed when she was expected to, smiled until her cheeks hurt, and

beside her. Adrian's hand was suddenly on her arm, his gr

" he said, a hint of impat

rying to hide her disco

essive grip. She stole a glance at him, catching a hardness in his gaze as they made their w

hout another word, he opened the door and motioned for her to get in. She hesitate

mask of indifference as the car pulled away. Lily kept her gaze fixed out the window, wat

break it. "Is this how it's going to be?

ess chuckle. "Did you ex

se in her throat. "I don't know what I expected. B

t marry you for companionship, Lily. You're here to fulfill

er fists, feeling her nails dig into her palms. She didn't dare r

re of glass and steel that seemed to touch the sky-she felt a strange mix of dread and resignatio

tall and unyielding as he moved through the lobby, indifferent to her struggle to keep up. By the time

ng. She dared a glance at him, studying the harsh angl

it already is," she said quietly, feeling the

d what exactly do you want from me, Lily? You

her voice firmer than she expected. "But

rom me?" He laughed softly, the sound low an

tion boiling under her skin. "You act like

ill down her spine. "You didn't choose this, but you're here. And n

rd once more. He stepped out first, and she followed, feel

rp edges, a place that reflected its owner's personality. Adrian led her t