rain-streaked window as the city blurred past her. Everything felt surreal. Just hours ago, she had been nothi

his lap. He hadn't spoken a word since they left the registry office. Even now, he seemed comple

ed into the fabr

tter than being in

towering trees and iron gates that guarded sprawling estates. Seraphina had grown up in a modest home-small

th

nother wor

hind imposing wrought-iron gates. As they slid

ure exuded quiet power. The driveway was lined with pristine hedges, leading up to a grand entrance flanked by marble pilla

o Leandro, her sus

inary businessman, are

flickering in his gray eyes. "What

p. The driver stepped out to open her door, but she h

ust stepping

into a life she d

as the exterior-high ceilings, intricate chandeliers, and polished marble floors that gleamed under the soft glow

as pristine.

ike a home. It f

ro, trying to steady her

t with practiced ease. A butler stepped forward to

owed. "No

that m

lipped, leaving no room

fitted black dress that screamed professionalism. Her dark hair was pulled into a slee

me hom

is Seraphina," he sa

't so much as

r tone sent a chil

"This is Isabella. She

small smile. "It'

ut unreadable. "I'll have a room

blinked.

ined neutral. "Did you as

er neck. She hadn'

wasn't sure w

oment. Then, with a slight tilt

st the marble as they moved through the halls. The house was vast, with

ont of a set of double do

a's brea

he far wall, draped in luxurious sheets. A fireplace flickered softly in the corner, casting warm sha

ur room," Leandr

ed to face him

ed. "Els

way he said it mad

na. Nothing more," he continued, stepping

pounded.

," he murmured, his voice laced with quiet authority

r

felt li

surance-but found none. There was only cold certainty in his eyes, the same

"And how long will t

, as if the question amused him.

an down h

nd walked away, leaving her standing