The morning sun peeked gently through the curtains, painting the room with soft gold. Aria stirred awake, blinking sleepily as the memories of the night before flooded her mind — Adrian's teasing smile, his deep voice calling her "darling," and that heart-fluttering kiss that had stolen her breath.
She shook her head quickly, trying to push away the warmth that crept up her cheeks. Aria, don't think about it. He's dangerous… you can't fall again.
She stood from the bed, brushed her long dark hair back, and went straight to the bathroom. The cool water against her skin cleared her thoughts a little, but not completely. Even the mirror seemed to reflect her confusion — a young woman about to sign her life away to the cold, mysterious man who made her heart race.
After dressing in a simple cream dress, she sat for breakfast. She barely touched the toast on her plate before the doorbell rang.
Who could that be this early? she wondered, walking toward the door.
When she opened it, her breath caught.
Adrian stood there, dressed in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, one hand lazily shoved into his pocket, the other resting against the doorframe. His dark eyes looked like midnight itself, yet they glimmered with amusement.
"Open the door for me, darling," he said lazily, his deep voice carrying that familiar teasing edge.
Aria stepped aside quickly, and as he entered, the scent of his cologne filled the air — a cool, addictive mix of musk and cedar that made her heartbeat stumble.
He looked down at her with a smirk. "Didn't you sleep well, darling? Why do I see dark circles under your eyes? Or…" he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper, "were you thinking about me all night?"
Aria's eyes widened. "I–I was not!" she stammered, pouting as her face turned crimson. She quickly covered her face with both hands, muttering under her breath, You're the one who made me sleepless, you shameless man!
Adrian chuckled softly. "Don't hide from me," he murmured, gently prying her hands away from her face. His fingers brushed her skin — warm, firm, and commanding — and she froze, trapped in the intensity of his gaze.
"Come on," he said softly. "Let's go get our marriage certificate."
For a moment, Aria's brain went blank. Marriage certificate? Today?
Before she could protest, he laced his fingers through hers and led her out of the apartment.
---
At the marriage bureau, whispers filled the hall the moment they walked in. Every head turned — some in awe, others in envy.
"Look at her! She's so beautiful," a woman whispered.
"No, the man is even more handsome… he looks like he stepped out of a fantasy!" another murmured dreamily.
"I'd sell my soul to be his wife."
"I just want him to glance at me once."
A few others muttered, "She looks like a goddess. But he… he's terrifyingly charming."
The soft hum of gossip filled the hall until Adrian's cold gaze swept across the crowd. Just that single look was enough to silence the room. The air turned heavy, and several people shivered as if someone had poured ice water down their backs.
Aria blinked in surprise, looking up at him. "Uncle," she whispered, tugging his sleeve, "let's just go and get the certificate, please."
Her sweet voice made the corner of his lips lift. Without saying a word, he suddenly bent down and carried her bridal-style.
"U–Uncle!" she gasped. "Put me down! We're in public!"
"If you want, I can pluck out every pair of eyes staring at you," Adrian said calmly, his expression completely serious.
Those still watching immediately looked away in fear. Some silently prayed, Please, Miss, just say no. We like our eyes.
Aria's face turned bright red. "No! No, please, just forget it! Let's just go inside!"
He smirked in satisfaction and continued walking.
Inside the hall, the process went smoothly. Within minutes, the registrar handed them their marriage certificate — a simple paper, yet it felt heavier than gold in Aria's hands.
She stared at it, dazed. So this is it… I'm really married to him.
When she looked up, Adrian was watching her with a soft smile.
"You look beautiful when you're shy," he said quietly.
Aria's lips curved. "Uncle, you look handsome when you smile."
His gaze deepened. "My smile is only for you, darling."
Her cheeks burned again. She turned her face away, giggling nervously. Why does he always make my heart race like this?
Adrian's chest rumbled with a low laugh as he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
---
Their perfect moment shattered when his phone rang sharply. His smile vanished, replaced by a deadly calm.
He answered, his voice cold and clipped. "What is it?"
On the other end, Eric's tone trembled slightly. "Boss, Z-Group has declared war against us. Should we move now or wait for your orders?"
The entire atmosphere around Adrian shifted instantly. The warmth disappeared. His aura turned icy — powerful, dangerous, and ruthless.
"Wait," he said simply, then ended the call.
Aria stared at him, sensing the sudden chill. "Uncle…?"
He softened slightly and brushed her hair. "Wait for me at home. I'll handle this at the company."
She nodded quietly, not wanting to interfere.
He drove her home, opened the door for her, and kissed her forehead before leaving. "Be good," he said softly, and then he was gone.
---
The house felt too silent without him. Aria sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone when her WeChat notifications exploded. She sighed, opening the serious ones first.
Sam: Boss! You're finally online!
Sam: Someone wants you to teach her daughter piano. She's offering a huge amount.
Aria typed quickly: Who?
Sam: Mrs. Brook — your stepmother, right? And also… Cathy said someone wants you to treat him. His name is Adrian Deluca.
Aria blinked. Adrian Deluca?
Sam: Yes. But he said it's confidential. He only wants to speak to the "Miracle Healer."
Aria hesitated for a second before replying: Agree to his request. Also, meet Mrs. Brook and see if she qualifies. If not, you know what to do.
Sam: Okay, boss.
She sighed and opened her messages again.
Cathy: Aria! You're finally online! Did Sam tell you anything?
Yes, Aria replied. Did he say what kind of illness Adrian has?
Cathy: No. He said he'll only tell the Miracle Doctor directly.
Hmm… fine. How's Grandma? Cathy typed.
Aria: She's stable. But… did your father pay for the treatment? Cathy asked.
Yes, Aria replied. But in exchange… I had to marry Mr. K.
There was a long pause before Cathy's reply came.
Cathy: What?! Are you serious? You agreed to that?
I didn't have a choice, Aria typed. I didn't want to risk Grandma's life. I don't even know if they're still tracking me. If they find out I have someone I love in the hospital, they might hurt her.
She bit her lip, tears pooling in her eyes.
Cathy: Aria… are you happy marrying him?
Aria stared at the message for a long moment before replying softly: Yes. He cares for me.
Cathy: Then let's destroy those monsters who hurt you once and for all.
No, Aria typed, a cold smile forming on her lips. Now isn't the time. Let's see how far they dare to go.
Her eyes turned icy — the warmth replaced by something sharper.
Behind her innocent smile, the real Aria stirred — the one who wasn't just a sweet girl… but the hidden Miracle Healer the world whispered about.