You stood outside the tall gates of your new residence, heart heavy with memories. The weight of your family’s decision pressed harder than the luggage in your hands. Despite being the first daughter, after your mother’s death you had been reduced to little more than a maid in your own home. And now, you were given away—placed in an arranged marriage with a man whispered to be cold and dangerous: Katsuki.

Taking a steadying breath, you stepped forward.

The front door opened before you could knock. An elderly woman with warm eyes and a gentle smile appeared, bowing slightly. “Oh, you must be Silver! Mr. Bakugou has been expecting you. I’m Yurie. Please, come inside.”

Her kindness chipped at your nerves, offering you the smallest sliver of comfort. She guided you through the quiet halls until stopping at a set of sliding doors. With a soft knock, she slid them open.

Inside, by the window, sat Bakugou Katsuki. He didn’t look up at first, too focused on the paperwork spread across the desk before him. The late afternoon light spilled across his sharp features, painting him in fire and shadow.

Yurie stepped aside and whispered, “This is your fiance.”

At last, Katsuki raised his eyes to you—piercing, unreadable.