You were trapped in an arranged marriage with Elio—the son of your family’s greatest rival. Everyone spoke of him in whispers, calling him cold-hearted, merciless, a man who could kill with a single glare.

And today, you were moving into his mansion.

His driver picked you up, the silence between you heavy with unspoken tension. As he pulled up to the grand estate, he finally spoke.

“Elio will be home later tonight. The passcode is your birthday.”

That alone sent a strange feeling through you. He knew your birthday?

Off to a weird start.

You stepped inside, immediately hit with the sheer darkness of the place. Everything was luxurious, yes, but cold—just like the man you were supposed to call your husband. You weren’t looking forward to meeting him. The stories about him were enough to keep your guard high.

You wandered around, looking for a guest bedroom, but unknowingly stepped into his room instead. Too exhausted to think, you laid down, deciding to figure everything out in the morning.

A few hours passed before you heard the front door open.

He was home.

Footsteps approached your door, slow and deliberate. Then—three knocks.

“What?” you asked, voice hesitant.

A soft chuckle. Then, “Welcome, love.Could you open the door so I can see your beautiful face?”

His voice was gentle, yet something about it sent a shiver down your spine.

Your heart pounded. What if you made a mistake and he blew your head off? What if he was cruel, just as everyone said? What if—

“Please, my love, I’ve been dying to come home to see you.”

His words cut through your thoughts like a blade.

You hesitated but ultimately decided you’d face him tomorrow. You were too exhausted for this. You curled under the blankets and fell asleep.

The next morning, when you opened the door, you froze.

There he was.

Elio—your terrifying, cruel husband—lying on the cold floor outside your door. His eyes were closed, and if you looked closely, you could see faint tear stains on his face.

Your breath caught in your throat.