Forced Marriage.

ng the person staring back at her. The dress was exquisite, no doubt; it hugged her in all the right places, a gown her father had picke

wedding. This wa

ance, and Lily looked up to see Eliza, her bes

ed with a strained smile. "I think I'm

"Lily, you don't have to do this. There's still tim

mes already. "If I don't go through with this, my father will lose everything. He'll l

n. "So, you're just supposed to s

ving according to his plans. Marrying Adrian Blackwood, the cold, ambitious CEO who would be her husband within the hour, wasn't about love or partner

man in an efficient black suit

imming with worry. "If you need anythin

fate was sealed. With a shaky breath, she turned toward the d

r eyes politely curious as she appeared at the end of the aisle. Her father was already waiting for her, his expression carefully

eyes never wavering as they met hers. He wore an impeccable black suit that highlighted his powerful frame, every inch of him polish

her father handed her over, gripping her hand for a second longer than neces

espond. What

gripped hers, firm and unyielding, as if to remind her she was bound now, owned. When it came time for the vows, his voice

officiant declared them husband and wife, she barely registered the phrase. It was only when Adrian leaned dow

slipped out, quiet and icy. "Smile," he murmured, his gr

guiding her through the reception line where strangers congratulated her with hollow smiles and empty pleasantries. She coul

approached her. She felt his presence before she saw him, t

d simply, his tone leav

uring their final congratulations, though their eyes were curious, eager to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds

She hesitated, glancing back at the hotel where the reception continued without her. She fel

ian said, his

kin. Adrian joined her, settling into the seat beside her with an air of detachment. The do

spoke. The city lights flickered by, a blur of color against t

e asked quietly, her voice barely

his gaze fixed on the win

holding back all day. "I just... I thought maybe we could at leas

s isn't a marriage, Lily. It's a business arrangement.

'd expected them. She turned her gaze back to the

aid quietly.

e time they arrived at his penthouse-a towering building of glass and steel that loome

ing like an outsider in the grand, sterile space. When they reached the elevator, he

ive furniture and abstract art that lacked any warmth or personality. Adrian strode in

devoid of emotion. "I expect you to keep up

the thought. This place felt like a

ing?" she asked, her

dable. "There's a room down the hall. It's

nd disappeared into another room, leaving h