The mansion gates closed behind Arisha with a heavy metallic sound.
It felt like a final goodbye to her old life.
The car stopped in front of a massive white mansion, glowing under golden lights. Everything looked unreal — like a place built for people who never worried about money, pain, or consequences.
"This is your home now," Adrian said coldly as he stepped out.
Arisha followed him silently.
Inside, the house was silent. Too silent.
A woman in her forties approached them and bowed slightly.
"Welcome home, sir."
"This is Mrs. Knight," Adrian said without emotion. "Make sure she understands the rules."
Rules.
The word echoed in Arisha's head.
The woman smiled politely. "Yes, sir."
Adrian turned to Arisha. "Dinner is at eight. Don't be late."
Before she could reply, he walked away.
Just like that.
No warmth. No concern. No husband.
The woman led Arisha upstairs.
"Your room is next to Mr. Knight's," she said gently.
"Next…?" Arisha stopped. "We're sharing a room?"
The woman shook her head quickly. "No, madam. Separate rooms. Sir's orders."
Arisha didn't know whether to feel relieved or insulted.
Inside her room, everything was elegant — king-sized bed, white curtains, a balcony overlooking the city. It was beautiful… but it didn't feel like hers.
She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gripping the fabric.
One year, she reminded herself.
Just survive one year.
Dinner was silent.
Adrian ate calmly, scrolling through his phone. Arisha barely touched her food.
"Don't starve yourself," he said suddenly.
She looked up, surprised.
"I didn't say I cared," he added coldly. "But appearances matter. You need to look healthy."
Her heart clenched.
"Understood," she replied softly.
He finally looked at her then — really looked at her.
For a moment, something unreadable passed through his eyes.
"You'll attend a business gala with me tomorrow," he said. "Smile. Hold my arm. Say nothing unnecessary."
She nodded.
"And Arisha," he added, standing up.
"Yes?"
"This marriage exists only on paper," he said calmly. "Don't expect anything else."
He walked away.
Arisha sat there, staring at the untouched food.
Tears burned her eyes — but she refused to let them fall.
Because deep inside, she felt it.
This cold man…
This emotionless marriage…
Was going to hurt her far more than she imagined.