The grand villa was suffocatingly silent after Adrian disappeared into his study, leaving Lena alone in a house larger than anything she had ever seen.
The servants bowed politely, but their eyes betrayed curiosity… and judgment. They whispered behind her back, wondering how a nobody like her had become Mrs. Li.
She tried to steady her breathing as she explored the guest room that Adrian's butler had led her to. The room was bigger than her entire apartment—marble floors, golden drapes, and a bed that could swallow her whole. It was beautiful, yet she felt like an uninvited guest trespassing in someone else's world.
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from the hospital. Payment received. Surgery scheduled for tomorrow.
Relief washed over her, and tears blurred her vision. Her mother was safe—for now. She should have felt happy, but the weight of the diamond ring on her finger reminded her of the price she had paid.
The door creaked open.
Lena startled, wiping at her eyes quickly. Adrian stepped in, tall and imposing, his sharp gaze scanning her as though she were one of his business deals.
"You'll stay here until further notice," he said. "This villa has rules. You are free to use the facilities, but do not interfere with my staff, do not speak to the media, and above all—do not forget this marriage is nothing but a contract."
His words stabbed at her chest, but she forced herself to nod. "I understand."
Adrian's lips curved into a cold smirk, as if he was testing her resolve. He took a step closer, his presence filling the room. "You're mine in name, Miss Zhao. Don't forget that."
Heat rushed to her cheeks, part fear, part something else she refused to name. "You don't need to remind me. I know my place."
His eyes flickered with something unreadable before he turned away. "Good."
As he walked to the door, he paused. "Tomorrow evening, we'll attend a banquet. My grandfather wants to see you. Don't embarrass me."
The door shut with a click, leaving Lena trembling in the empty room.
---
The next evening, Lena found herself standing before a mirror as a maid zipped up the elegant gown Adrian had arranged for her. The crimson silk clung to her curves, transforming her from a simple girl into a woman who looked like she belonged on the arm of a CEO.
Her reflection was almost unrecognizable. She barely had time to process it when Adrian entered.
For the first time, Lena saw him in something other than his cold, tailored suits. Tonight, his tuxedo was sharp, his hair slightly tousled, and his dark eyes carried an intensity that made her chest tighten.
He looked at her once, his expression unreadable. "You'll do."
Her jaw clenched. Just three words, and he reduced her to a checklist item. But before she could retort, his hand gripped hers firmly.
The warmth of his palm sent a jolt up her arm.
"Smile," Adrian murmured, leaning close enough that his breath brushed her ear. "From this moment, you are my perfect wife. No mistakes."
Lena forced a smile as flashes from cameras exploded when they stepped into the banquet hall. Dozens of eyes turned toward them—some envious, some mocking, some outright hostile.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Who is she?"
"She doesn't look like she belongs…"
"Did he actually marry that woman?"
Her stomach twisted, but she straightened her spine, clutching Adrian's arm tighter. If she had to play this role, she would play it well.
Across the room, she spotted Li Xinyi, Adrian's cousin, smiling like a predator.
And in that moment, Lena realized the rules of the game had only just begun.