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Chapter 1: The Man at the Altar Wasn't Him
I stared at the man in a black tuxedo standing confidently at the altar. But something was wrong. That wasn't Daniel-my fiancé.
My heart thudded loudly in my chest as I looked back at my father. He gave me a stiff nod, pushing me forward.
"Go," he mouthed.
The priest smiled. "Shall we begin?"
I took slow steps down the aisle, confusion turning into fear. Where was Daniel?
The man ahead had a sharp jawline, eyes like cold steel, and a face I'd never seen before. He looked... annoyed. Almost angry.
When I finally stood beside him, I whispered, "Who are you?"
He didn't look at me. He just replied, "Your husband."
---
Chapter 2: The Price of a Debt
The ceremony ended in a blur.
No vows. No kiss. Just papers signed, photos taken, and polite claps from strangers I didn't recognize.
Back in the limo, I finally turned to him.
"Where is Daniel?" I asked, my voice shaking.
He adjusted his cufflinks, calm like this was just another business deal. "He ran away last night."
"What?"
"Didn't even leave a note. Just vanished."
I stared at him in disbelief. "So you just... replaced him?"
He finally met my eyes. "Your father needed this marriage to happen. I made sure it did."
I didn't understand. "Why would you do that?"
He smirked. "Because your father owes me twelve million dollars. And you... are the payment."
---
Chapter 3: The Contract Bride
My hands were shaking.
"I'm not a piece of property," I whispered.
He leaned closer, voice cold. "Then you shouldn't let your father treat you like one."
I felt heat rise to my face-not from embarrassment, but rage.
"What's your name?" I asked sharply.
"Adrian Black."
And suddenly it clicked. Adrian Black-the billionaire investor. Ruthless. Untouchable. Dangerous.
"I want out," I said.
He tilted his head. "Then pay me twelve million dollars."
Silence. He knew I couldn't.
Adrian turned to the window. "Until then, Mrs. Black, you belong to me."
---
Chapter 4: A Stranger's Mansion
The mansion was cold-like its owner.
Marble floors. Gold chandeliers. Walls lined with abstract art that meant nothing to me.
"I'll show you your room," a maid said quietly.
"My room?"
"You'll sleep across the hall," Adrian said as he walked past. "This isn't a love story."
I flinched at his words.
Once inside, I locked the door and let the tears fall. This wasn't a honeymoon. It was a prison-with velvet walls and luxury sheets.
And I had no idea how to escape.
---
Chapter 5: Secrets in the Study
The next morning, I wandered the house-trying to make sense of my new world.
I passed by Adrian's study and heard voices inside.
"...she doesn't know anything," someone said.
"Keep it that way," Adrian replied. "If she finds out about the deal with her brother-"
I froze.
My brother? What did he have to do with this?
The door creaked slightly, and silence fell.
I quickly tiptoed back down the hall, heart pounding.
This marriage wasn't just about a debt. There were secrets hidden in this mansion- And I was going to find them.