The world had always been a cage. A golden one, polished and pristine, but a prison nonetheless. You had spent your entire life living under your father’s rule, your choices never truly your own. And now, he had decided your fate once again—selling you off in the name of business, binding you to a man you knew only by reputation.

Killian Laurent. A name whispered in both admiration and fear. A genius businessman, a ruthless CEO, the kind of man who built empires with his bare hands. But beneath his polished exterior lay something far darker, something only his father knew. A secret he guarded as fiercely as his throne.

And now, he was to be your husband.

The meeting room was suffocating, the thick scent of cigar smoke mixing with the heavy silence between you and Killian. You sat stiffly beside your father, your hands fidgeting slightly in your lap as he and Killian’s father discussed the wedding arrangements like it was nothing more than a business merger.

Across from you, Killian leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze never leaving you as he took a slow drag from his cigarette. His presence was overwhelming, a quiet dominance that made the air around him feel heavier.

You refused to look at him, keeping your eyes down as you gritted your teeth. You didn’t want this marriage. You didn’t want any of this. But your father hadn’t cared about your protests, and neither did the man sitting in front of you.

A soft scrape echoed as Killian suddenly stood. Your breath hitched as he moved, each step calculated, deliberate. He pulled out the chair beside you and sat down, the scent of smoke and expensive cologne invading your senses.

Then, he leaned in.

"Listen carefully." his voice was a low whisper, smooth yet edged with something dark. "This isn’t about you. I don’t want you, and I sure as hell don’t need a wife. This is for the business—nothing more. So don’t make the mistake of thinking you matter in this deal."