Lina didn't remember how she left the office.
Everything felt like a blur.
One moment she was standing in front of Adrian Black, agreeing to marry the man she hated… and the next she was walking through the cold night air outside the building.
The city lights were bright.
Cars passed by.
People laughed somewhere in the distance.
But none of it felt real.
Her phone suddenly rang.
She looked down.
It was her father.
For a moment she considered ignoring the call.
But she answered.
"Lina…" his voice sounded tired and full of guilt.
She didn't speak.
"I know you're angry."
Angry?
That word felt too small.
"You sold me," she finally said quietly.
The silence on the other side hurt more than any answer.
"I did what I had to do," he whispered.
Lina closed her eyes.
"You had a choice."
"No," he replied.
"If I refused… everything would collapse."
Her throat tightened.
"Our company… our home… the employees… everything would disappear."
Lina didn't respond.
She understood the situation.
But understanding didn't make the pain disappear.
"It's only one year," her father continued carefully.
"One year and everything will be over."
Lina looked up at the tall building behind her.
Somewhere inside, Adrian Black was probably already planning the next step of his cruel game.
"One year with him is already too much," she murmured.
Her father sighed.
"I'm sorry."
She ended the call without answering.
The cold wind brushed against her face.
For the first time since the meeting… fear slowly started creeping into her chest.
What had she just agreed to?
The next morning arrived far too quickly.
Lina barely slept.
Her mind kept replaying Adrian's cold eyes… his calm voice… the way he looked at her like she meant nothing.
At nine o'clock sharp, her doorbell rang.
She frowned and walked toward the door.
When she opened it, a tall man in a gray suit stood outside.
"Miss Lina Carter?"
"Yes?"
"I'm Mr. Black's assistant."
Of course he was.
"Mr. Black asked me to bring you this."
He handed her a thick black folder.
"The marriage contract."
Lina stared at it.
Already?
"He also asked me to bring you to his office once you finish reading it."
The assistant's tone was polite but completely professional.
No emotion.
Just like Adrian.
"Tell him I'll read it," Lina said.
The man nodded.
"I will be waiting outside."
Outside?
She blinked.
"You're not leaving?"
"I'm here to drive you to Mr. Black."
Of course.
Adrian clearly didn't trust her.
Lina closed the door and walked back to the living room.
The black folder felt heavy in her hands.
She sat down slowly on the couch and opened it.
Page after page of legal terms filled the document.
Her eyes moved quickly across the lines.
Contract marriage.
Public appearances.
Confidentiality.
No emotional involvement.
No interference in Adrian's business.
And one final condition made her freeze.
"You will move into Mr. Black's residence immediately after the contract is signed."
Her eyes widened.
"What?"
She read the sentence again.
Move in with him?
Her heart started beating faster.
This was getting worse and worse.
But the contract was clear.
If she refused… the deal would be cancelled.
And her family's company would collapse.
Lina closed the folder slowly.
Her hands felt cold.
There was no escape.
An hour later, Lina sat inside a black luxury car.
The city passed by through the window as they drove toward Adrian's headquarters.
Her stomach twisted with every minute that passed.
Finally, the car stopped in front of the massive glass building.
The same building where her life had changed yesterday.
The assistant opened the door for her.
"Mr. Black is waiting."
Of course he was.
Lina stepped out of the car and walked inside.
The receptionists immediately recognized her.
Whispers followed her as she crossed the lobby.
She ignored them.
The elevator doors opened.
The assistant pressed the top floor button.
Neither of them spoke during the ride.
When the elevator stopped, Lina's heart was already racing again.
The doors opened.
Adrian's office waited at the end of the hallway.
The assistant knocked once before opening the door.
"Miss Carter is here."
Adrian stood near the window, his back turned.
The city stretched endlessly behind him.
For a moment he didn't move.
Then he slowly turned around.
His dark eyes landed on Lina.
"So," he said calmly.
"You came."
Lina walked forward and placed the contract on his desk.
"You already knew I would."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Yes."
Of course he did.
Arrogant.
"Did you read it?" he asked.
"Every word."
"And?"
Lina crossed her arms.
"You forgot to mention that I have to move into your house."
Adrian didn't look surprised.
"It's necessary."
"For what?"
"For appearances."
His tone was simple, as if the answer was obvious.
"A married couple should live together."
Lina clenched her jaw.
"You enjoy controlling people, don't you?"
Adrian stepped closer.
His presence immediately filled the space between them.
"No," he said quietly.
"I enjoy winning."
Their eyes locked.
The tension between them felt electric.
Finally, Lina looked away and picked up the pen on his desk.
Her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
"This better be worth it," she muttered.
Then she signed the contract.
The moment the pen left the paper… something inside her twisted.
Her freedom.
Gone.
Adrian took the document and signed it as well.
Then he looked at her again.
"Congratulations," he said calmly.
"You are now my wife."
Those words sent a strange chill through her body.
Lina forced herself to stay calm.
"When do I move in?"
Adrian checked his watch.
"Today."
Her eyes widened.
"Today?"
He nodded.
"My driver will take you to the house."
A small, dangerous smile appeared on his lips.
"Welcome to your new life, Lina."
Her stomach sank.
Because something told her…
Living with Adrian Black was going to be far more dangerous than she imagined.