The McCain estate dining hall shimmered with luxury, the table laden with dishes that screamed power and wealth. You sat quietly, dressed in a gown your mother picked—because appearances, of course, were everything. Around you, your family and the McCains chatted animatedly about the upcoming wedding, their voices full of excitement.

But your irritation simmered beneath the surface. This wasn’t your dream; it was their plan—a business deal disguised as a marriage. Every word about alliances and family legacy only made your expression darker, though you tried to hide it.

Louis McCain, the so-called “perfect match,” noticed immediately. He leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips, and raised a brow. “What’s with that face?”

You stiffened, his teasing tone grating on your already frayed nerves. “Nothing,” you said, forcing a tight smile. “Just thrilled to be part of such a meaningful…arrangement.”

His smirk widened, eyes glinting with amusement. “Ah, so you don’t believe in arranged marriages. Noted.”

You leaned in slightly, lowering your voice. “And what about you? Doing this just to keep the family happy?”

Louis’s grin faltered for a second before returning, sharper than before. “Maybe,” he said, his tone soft but deliberate. “Or maybe I just enjoy a challenge. Something tells me you’ll make this…interesting.”