The rain had been falling for almost three hours when Lena Carter received the phone call that changed her life. She stood beneath the narrow roof of the hospital entrance, staring at the dark sky while water rushed down the steps in silver streams. Her phone trembled against her ear. "Lena?" Her heart tightened at the sound of her mother's voice. "Yes, Mom." There was silence on the other end. Too much silence. Lena closed her eyes. "What happened?" Her mother breathed shakily. "The hospital says we have to pay the remaining balance before your father can have the operation." Lena's fingers tightened around her phone. "How much?" Another pause. "Forty thousand dollars." The number seemed to echo inside her head. Forty thousand. She looked down at herself. Her cheap black shoes were soaked. Her white blouse had become slightly transparent from the rain, and the small handbag hanging from her shoulder contained barely enough money for tomorrow's food. Forty thousand dollars might as well have been four million. "Mom..." Lena whispered. "I know," her mother said quickly. "I know it's a lot." "No. I'll find it." "Lena, don't-" "I'll find it." "But where?" Lena had no answer. She stared at the cars moving through the rain. "I'll figure something out." "You've already borrowed from your friends." "I'll figure it out." "You sold your grandmother's necklace." "I know." "And you haven't paid your rent." Lena swallowed. "I said I'll figure it out." Her mother's voice softened. "You don't have to destroy yourself for us." Lena's eyes burned. "You're my family. I'm not going to stand here and watch Dad die." "He isn't going to die." "He won't," Lena said firmly. "Because I'll get the money." She ended the call before her mother could hear her cry. For several seconds, Lena simply stood there. Then she wiped her tears. She couldn't afford to fall apart. Not tonight. She had spent the last two weeks looking for extra work. She had worked mornings at a small publishing company, evenings at a restaurant, and weekends translating documents for tourists and businesspeople. None of it was enough. Her father's operation was scheduled for Monday. Today was Friday. She had three days. Three days to find forty thousand dollars. Lena stepped into the rain. She didn't care that she was getting wet. She didn't care about the cold. She only cared about finding a way. By midnight, Lena had received twelve rejection messages. Loan denied. Application rejected. Insufficient income. No collateral. She stared at the final message on her phone. Then she laughed. It wasn't a happy laugh. It was the kind of laugh a person made when they had run out of tears. She sat alone at a small café near the city center. Her untouched coffee had gone cold. Across the street, a giant electronic billboard displayed the face of the richest man in the city. CEO of Blackstone International. Billionaire. Business genius. The youngest man ever to take control of the Blackstone empire. Lena had seen his face many times. He was always dressed perfectly. Always surrounded by reporters. Always expressionless. The newspaper articles called him ruthless. The business magazines called him brilliant. Women online called him dangerously handsome. Lena didn't care. To her, he was simply another rich man living in a world where forty thousand dollars meant nothing. She looked away from the billboard. Then her phone rang. Unknown number. She almost ignored it. But something made her answer. "Hello?" "Is this Lena Carter?" "Yes." "My name is Daniel Brooks. I'm Adrian Black's personal assistant." Lena sat up. "Adrian Black?" "Yes." Her heart began beating faster. "How did you get my number?" "I'll explain when we meet." "Meet?" "Yes. Mr. Black would like to speak with you." Lena frowned. "Why?" "He believes you may be interested in a business proposal." "A business proposal?" "Yes." "What kind?" "I can't discuss it over the phone." Lena looked through the window. The billboard showing Adrian Black's face was still visible across the street. She felt uneasy. "I don't know Mr. Black." "He knows enough about you." Her stomach tightened. "What does that mean?" "Come to Blackstone Tower tomorrow morning at ten." "I'm not interested." Daniel was silent for a moment. Then he said quietly, "Mr. Black knows about your father's operation." Lena froze. Her fingers went cold. "What did you say?" "He knows you need forty thousand dollars." Lena stood abruptly. "Who gave him that information?" "Meet him tomorrow." The call ended. Lena stared at her phone. Her heart was pounding. She should have been frightened. Instead, one thought filled her mind. Forty thousand dollars. The next morning, Lena stood outside Blackstone Tower. The building seemed to touch the clouds. Glass walls. Marble entrance. Security guards in dark suits. Luxury cars parked outside. Everything about the place screamed money. Lena looked down at her simple navy dress. For a moment, she considered turning around. Then she remembered her father lying in a hospital bed. She walked inside. A receptionist immediately stood. "Ms. Carter?" "Yes." "Mr. Brooks is waiting for you." Lena followed her through the enormous lobby. People moved quickly around them. Executives spoke quietly into phones. Assistants carried documents. Security guards watched every entrance. Lena felt as if she had walked into another world. The elevator took her to the forty-second floor. When the doors opened, Daniel Brooks was waiting. He was a tall man in his early thirties, wearing a charcoal suit. "Ms. Carter." "Mr. Brooks." "Thank you for coming." "I almost didn't." "I understand." "Why does Mr. Black want to meet me?" Daniel gave her a brief look. "You'll find out soon." He opened a large wooden door. "Go in." Lena stepped inside. The office was enormous. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the entire city. A black leather sofa sat near a fireplace. Bookshelves covered one wall. Everything was elegant but strangely cold. And behind the large desk stood Adrian Black. Lena had seen his photographs. They hadn't prepared her for the real man. He was taller than she expected. His black suit fit perfectly. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his eyes were a striking shade of gray. But it wasn't his appearance that made Lena uncomfortable. It was the way he looked at her. As if he already knew everything about her. "Lena Carter." His voice was deep and calm. "Yes." "Sit." She didn't move. "Why am I here?" Adrian leaned against the edge of his desk. "I'll get straight to the point." "Please do." "I want you to marry me." Lena stared at him. For three full seconds, she didn't understand the words. Then she laughed. "What?" "I want you to marry me." "You don't even know me." "I know enough." "No." Adrian's expression didn't change. "No?" "No." She turned toward the door. "I'm leaving." "Your father's operation is Monday morning." She stopped. Adrian continued. "The hospital requires forty thousand dollars before the procedure." Lena slowly turned around. "How do you know that?" "I have my sources." "Did you investigate me?" "Yes." Her eyes widened. "Why?" "Because I needed to know whether you were suitable." "Suitable for what?" "My wife." Lena stared at him. "This is insane." "Probably." "You think you can investigate my family, find out we're struggling, and then offer me marriage?" "Yes." "You're unbelievable." "I've been called worse." She shook her head. "Find someone else." "I could." "Then do it." "I don't want someone else." Lena's anger faltered. "Why me?" Adrian looked directly into her eyes. "Because I need a wife I can trust." "You don't trust anyone?" "Not anymore." Something dark crossed his face. For the first time, Lena noticed that the billionaire looked tired. Not physically. Something deeper. Something wounded. She quickly pushed the thought away. "Why does a billionaire need a fake wife?" Adrian's eyes hardened. "You assume it's fake." "Isn't it?" "It will be real legally." Lena stared at him. "You're serious." "Very." He walked to the desk and picked up a black folder. He placed it in front of her. "Read it." Lena didn't touch it. "What is this?" "The marriage agreement." "You already prepared one?" "Yes." "How long have you been planning this?" "Long enough." She slowly opened the folder. The first page contained several conditions. One year. Publicly married. Privately controlled. No outside relationships. Absolute confidentiality. No divorce before the agreed period unless both parties consented. Lena turned another page. Then she saw the amount. $40,000,000. Her mouth fell open. She looked up. "What is this?" "Your compensation." "Forty million dollars?" "Yes." "I don't want forty million." "You need forty thousand." Lena's face became hot. "That doesn't mean you can buy me." Adrian's expression changed slightly. "I'm not buying you." "It looks like it." "Then think of it as payment for helping me solve a problem." "What problem?" "My grandfather's will." Lena frowned. "What does your grandfather have to do with this?" Adrian was silent. Then he said, "My grandfather left control of a large portion of the family company to me under one condition." "What condition?" "I must be married before my thirty-first birthday." Lena almost laughed. "And you're thirty?" "Thirty." "So you're getting married because of an inheritance?" "Not exactly." "What else?" Adrian's jaw tightened. "My uncle is challenging the will." "Why?" "Because if I fail to meet the condition, he gets control of the company." Lena understood. "So you need a wife." "Yes." "And you chose me." "Yes." "Why not marry some woman from your social circle?" "I don't want someone who wants my money." Lena gave him a bitter smile. "You offered me forty million." "And you haven't accepted." "Because I don't want your money." "Exactly." She looked at him. He continued. "You need money to save your father. I need a wife to protect my company. We solve each other's problems." Lena closed the folder. "No." Adrian didn't react. "No?" "I won't marry a stranger." "You'll lose your father's operation." The words struck her like a slap. "Don't use my father against me." "I'm not." "You are." "I'm offering you a choice." "What choice?" "Walk away." Lena stared at him. Adrian pointed toward the door. "You can leave now. I won't stop you." Her eyes filled with tears. She hated him. She hated that he had discovered her weakness. She hated that he was right. Her father needed the operation. Her mother had already sold almost everything they owned. There was nowhere else to turn. Lena looked down at the contract again. "What happens after one year?" "You leave." "And you?" "I return to my life." "No feelings?" "No feelings." She looked at him sharply. "That's your rule?" "It's the most important one." Lena studied his face. "And if I fall in love with you?" For the first time, Adrian looked away. When he spoke, his voice was colder. "Don't." The single word made her heart beat strangely. "Why?" "Because you will regret it." Silence filled the room. Lena looked at the contract again. Then she whispered, "If I agree, you pay the hospital immediately?" "Yes." "Before the wedding?" "Yes." "And my father gets the operation?" "Yes." "You guarantee it?" "I don't make promises I can't keep." She swallowed. Her hand trembled. She picked up the pen. Adrian watched her. Lena signed the first page. Then the second. Then the final page. When she placed the pen down, her fingers were shaking. "It's done." Adrian looked at the signature. Then at her. "Good." Lena stood. "When is the wedding?" "Tonight." She froze. "What?" "Tonight." "You said nothing about tonight." "I need to make the marriage official before tomorrow morning." "That's impossible." "Everything has already been arranged." Lena stared at him. "You planned everything." "Yes." "Even the dress?" "Yes." "The ceremony?" "Yes." "The witnesses?" "Yes." She shook her head. "This is a nightmare." Adrian stepped closer. "You can still walk away." Lena looked into his eyes. Then she thought about her father. She thought about the hospital. She thought about her mother's trembling voice. "No." Adrian raised an eyebrow. "I won't walk away." "Then we have a wedding tonight." Lena turned toward the door. But before she could reach it, Adrian spoke. "One more thing." She stopped. "Our marriage must remain secret." She turned. "Secret from whom?" "Everyone." "Your family?" "Yes." "The media?" "Yes." "My friends?" "Yes." "Why?" Adrian's face became unreadable. "Because if they discover who you are, you'll become a target." Lena's heart skipped. "A target?" He didn't answer. "Adrian?" His eyes hardened. "You'll understand soon." She stared at him. "What aren't you telling me?" Adrian walked toward the window. For a moment, he said nothing. Then his phone rang. He answered. "Yes?" His expression changed. Lena watched him closely. "What happened?" Adrian listened. His jaw tightened. "Don't let anyone leave the building." He ended the call. Lena's stomach twisted. "What happened?" Adrian looked at her. "Someone knows about the wedding." Her blood ran cold. "What?" "And they want you dead before you become my wife." Lena couldn't breathe. Adrian crossed the room and grabbed her hand. "From this moment onward, you don't go anywhere without me." She stared at their joined hands. Then she looked into his cold gray eyes. For the first time, she realized something. She had thought she was marrying a billionaire to save her father. But she might have just married herself into danger. And somewhere outside the glass walls of Blackstone Tower, someone was already watching her.

Lena couldn't move. For several seconds, she simply stared at Adrian. Someone wanted her dead. The words kept repeating inside her mind. Someone wanted her dead. A few hours ago, her biggest problem had been finding forty thousand dollars for her father's operation. Now she was standing inside the office of a billionaire who had just told her that her life was in danger. And somehow, she was still expected to marry him that night. Lena slowly pulled her hand away from his. "Who is it?" Adrian didn't answer immediately. "Adrian." He walked toward his desk and picked up his phone. "Daniel." The call connected almost instantly. "Sir?" "Has the building been secured?" "Yes. Security has locked down every entrance." "Good." "And the police?" "Not yet." Lena's eyes widened. "Why not?" Adrian looked at her. "Because we don't know who we are dealing with." "That makes no sense." "It makes perfect sense." "No, it doesn't." Lena stepped closer. "Someone threatened to kill me. Why aren't you calling the police?" "Because if the person who sent the message is connected to my family, the police won't protect you." "You don't know that." "I know my family." His voice became colder. Lena stared at him. "What does your family have to do with someone wanting me dead?" Adrian's expression hardened. "That's what I'm trying to find out." The office door opened. Daniel entered quickly. He held a tablet in one hand. "Mr. Black." Adrian turned. "What did you find?" Daniel looked at Lena. "Can we speak privately?" "No," Adrian said. "She stays." Daniel nodded. He placed the tablet on the desk. "We traced the message." "And?" "It came through three different encrypted servers." Adrian's face remained calm. "Location?" "Unknown." "Anything else?" Daniel hesitated. "Yes." "What?" "The message wasn't only a threat." Lena's stomach tightened. "What else did it say?" Daniel looked at Adrian. Then he pressed the screen. A photograph appeared. Lena stopped breathing. It was a picture of her. She was walking home from work two nights earlier. She remembered that evening. She had stopped at a grocery store. She had bought bread and milk. She had walked through a narrow street toward her apartment. Someone had been watching her. The photograph had been taken from across the road. Her face was clearly visible. Lena's fingers went cold. "When was this taken?" "Two nights ago," Daniel replied. She looked at Adrian. "You knew?" "No." "Then how did they get this?" "We don't know." Lena stepped backward. "This is insane." Adrian walked toward her. "Lena." "Don't." She raised her hand. "You said the marriage would solve our problems." "It will." "You never said I would need security." "I didn't expect this." "You said you knew what you were doing." "I do." She laughed bitterly. "Then tell me why a stranger has photographs of me." Adrian had no immediate answer. That frightened her more than anything else. She turned toward the window. The city stretched beneath them. Cars moved along the streets. People walked on sidewalks. Everything looked normal. But Lena no longer felt safe anywhere. "What if I don't marry you?" Adrian's eyes narrowed. "You can leave." She turned. "Really?" "Yes." "And my father's operation?" "I'll still pay for it." Lena stared at him. That wasn't what she expected. "You will?" "Yes." "Even if I don't marry you?" "Yes." "Why?" Adrian was silent. Then he said, "Because your father's medical condition has nothing to do with our agreement." Something inside Lena softened. For the first time since meeting him, she saw something different beneath his cold exterior. Maybe he wasn't the monster people described. Maybe he was simply a man carrying too many secrets. But she still didn't trust him. "How much has already been paid?" "Nothing yet." Lena's heart sank. "Then you lied." "I said I would pay." "When?" "After the wedding." She stared at him. "You just said you would pay even if I walked away." "I will." "But not before?" Adrian's jaw tightened. "Lena, if you walk away now, I can't guarantee that the people threatening you will stop." "You're threatening me too." His eyes changed. "I would never hurt you." "You don't know what you'll do." "I know exactly what I would do." He stepped closer. "If someone tries to hurt you, they will have to get through me first." Lena's heart skipped. She looked away. She didn't want to notice his voice. She didn't want to notice the intensity in his eyes. She especially didn't want to notice how safe she suddenly felt standing beside him. She had agreed to marry him for money. Nothing else. She needed to remember that. "Where am I supposed to stay tonight?" "My house." Her eyes widened. "No." "You can't return to your apartment." "Why?" "Because whoever took that photograph knows where you live." Lena froze. "My mother." Adrian immediately understood. "Where is she?" "At home." "Daniel." "Yes, sir?" "Send two security teams to her address." Lena looked at him. "Please make sure she's safe." "She will be." Adrian reached for his phone. "I'll have someone bring her here." "No." Lena shook her head. "She can't come here." "Why?" "She'll panic." "Then she'll panic in a secure building rather than an unsecured apartment." Lena knew he was right. But there was another problem. "My father is in the hospital." "We'll move him." Her eyes widened. "You can't just move him." "I can arrange a private medical facility." "My father isn't a package." "I know." "Then stop making decisions for me." Adrian's expression softened slightly. "I'm trying to protect you." "I didn't ask you to." "No." His voice lowered. "But you need it." Lena didn't answer. She hated that he was right. Two hours later, Lena sat in the back of Adrian's black SUV. The city passed outside the tinted windows. She had never ridden in a car this expensive. She barely noticed. Her thoughts were somewhere else. Her mother was being moved to a secure location. Her father was being transferred to a private hospital. And she was being taken to the home of the man she had agreed to marry. Her future husband. The words sounded strange. Lena looked at Adrian. He sat opposite her, reading something on his tablet. He looked completely calm. "How can you sit there like nothing happened?" He didn't look up. "I don't." "You look calm." "Being afraid doesn't make a situation safer." Lena crossed her arms. "Do you always talk like that?" "Like what?" "Like you're giving a business presentation." A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Usually." She stared at him. Was that a smile? It disappeared almost immediately. Lena looked away. She shouldn't have noticed. "You're different from what I expected." Adrian finally looked up. "What did you expect?" "A monster." He raised an eyebrow. "That's disappointing." "Don't joke." "I'm not." Silence returned. After a few minutes, Lena asked, "How many people know about the wedding?" "My lawyer." "Your assistant?" "Yes." "Your security team?" "Some of them." "Your family?" "No." "Why?" "Because they don't need to know yet." Lena frowned. "Is your family really that dangerous?" Adrian looked through the window. "Yes." The answer was so simple that Lena didn't know what to say. "Who is the most dangerous person?" "My uncle." "Why?" "He wants my company." "Does he know about me?" "No." "Are you sure?" Adrian looked directly at her. "I was." Lena's heart sank. "Was?" He didn't answer. The SUV turned onto a private road. A huge black gate opened. Beyond it stood an enormous mansion surrounded by trees. Lena stared. "This is your house?" "Yes." "You live here alone?" "Mostly." The car stopped. A man in a dark suit opened Lena's door. She stepped out. The mansion looked like a palace. Stone walls. Tall windows. A fountain in the center of the driveway. Perfect gardens. Yet there was something cold about it. Beautiful. But lonely. Adrian walked beside her. "Welcome home." Lena looked at him. "Don't call it home." His expression tightened. "Why?" "Because I'm only here for one year." He stared at her. "Right." Inside the mansion, a woman was waiting. She looked to be in her fifties. Her gray hair was neatly tied behind her head. She wore a simple dark dress. "Mr. Black." Adrian nodded. "Mrs. Wilson." His housekeeper looked at Lena. For several seconds, she said nothing. Then her eyes widened. "You're the bride." Lena almost choked. Adrian glanced at her. "Mrs. Wilson." "Yes, sir." "No one outside this house is to know about the marriage." Mrs. Wilson nodded. "Of course." She looked at Lena again. "Will she be staying here?" "Yes." "Which room?" "Mine." Lena's eyes widened. "No." Adrian looked at her. "You'll stay in the guest room." "Thank you." Mrs. Wilson smiled faintly. "It's already prepared." Lena looked suspiciously at Adrian. "You planned this before I arrived." "Yes." "You really plan everything." "Usually." "It's annoying." "I'm aware." Mrs. Wilson tried not to smile. Lena noticed. "What's funny?" "Nothing." The older woman turned away. But Lena could see the smile on her face. For some reason, it made the enormous house feel slightly warmer. That evening, Lena stood in front of a mirror. She barely recognized herself. A stylist had arrived with three assistants. They had brought dresses, shoes, jewelry, makeup and everything required for a wedding. The wedding. Tonight. Her wedding. Lena touched the white dress hanging in front of her. It was simple but beautiful. Long sleeves. Soft fabric. A narrow waist. Nothing excessive. She looked at it for a long time. "It's beautiful." Mrs. Wilson stood behind her. "Yes." "Who chose it?" "Mr. Black." Lena turned. "Adrian?" "Yes." "Why?" Mrs. Wilson smiled. "He didn't explain." Lena looked back at the dress. For a man who claimed not to care about her, he had chosen carefully. She shook the thought away. This was business. Nothing more. She put on the dress. When she stepped out of the dressing room, the room became silent. Adrian stood near the doorway. He was wearing a black suit. His tie was slightly loosened. His eyes moved slowly over her. For several seconds, neither spoke. Then Adrian said quietly, "You look beautiful." Lena's heart skipped. "Thank you." He stepped closer. "Are you ready?" "No." He nodded. "Neither am I." That surprised her. "You aren't?" "No." "Why?" His eyes met hers. "Because once we walk into that room, everything changes." Lena swallowed. "You mean the contract." "Yes." "Only the contract?" His gaze lingered on her. "Yes." The answer should have made her feel relieved. Instead, it disappointed her. She didn't understand why. --- The wedding took place in a private room inside the mansion. There were only five people present. Adrian. Lena. Daniel. Mrs. Wilson. And Adrian's lawyer. No family. No friends. No reporters. No celebration. Just silence. Lena stood beside Adrian. The lawyer read the marriage vows. When it was time to exchange rings, Adrian took hers. His fingers brushed hers. A strange warmth traveled through her hand. She looked up. His eyes were already on her. "Lena Carter," the lawyer said, "do you accept Adrian Black as your lawful husband?" Lena's throat tightened. She thought about her father. Her mother. The hospital. The threats. Then she whispered, "Yes." The lawyer turned to Adrian. "Adrian Black, do you accept Lena Carter as your lawful wife?" Adrian looked at her. For one brief moment, something unreadable passed through his eyes. Then he answered. "Yes." The rings were exchanged. The papers were signed. And just like that- Lena Carter became Mrs. Adrian Black. The billionaire's secret wife. No applause followed. No music played. No guests cheered. Only silence. Then Adrian leaned closer. His lips came near her ear. "From this moment on, you're my wife." Lena's heart raced. "And you're my husband." "Yes." She looked into his eyes. "Don't forget the contract." His expression became serious. "I won't." Neither of them knew that someone outside the mansion was watching. Later that night, Lena stood alone in her new bedroom. She removed the wedding ring and stared at it. It was beautiful. Simple. Expensive. A symbol of a marriage that wasn't supposed to contain love. She placed it on the table. Then her phone rang. Unknown number. Lena froze. She answered. "Hello?" No one spoke. "Hello?" A man's breathing came through the phone. Lena's skin prickled. "Who is this?" Silence. Then a whisper. "You should never have married him." Lena's heart stopped. "Who are you?" The caller laughed softly. "You don't know what you've married into." The line went dead. Lena stared at the phone. Then someone knocked on her door. She jumped. "Lena?" Adrian. She rushed to the door and opened it. He immediately noticed her expression. "What happened?" "Someone called me." "What did they say?" She told him. Adrian's face changed. "Did you recognize the voice?" "No." "Did they give you a name?" "No." He stepped into the room. "Give me your phone." She handed it to him. He checked the call history. "Blocked number." Lena watched him. "Who are they?" "I don't know." "You're lying." Adrian looked up. "What?" "You know something." He said nothing. "Adrian." His jaw tightened. "There are things you don't need to know yet." "I am your wife now." "I know." "So tell me." He stared at her. Then he walked toward the window. "Years ago, my father died in what the police called an accident." Lena's expression changed. "What happened?" "He was driving home after a business meeting." "And?" "His brakes failed." Lena covered her mouth. "Was it really an accident?" "No." "Who did it?" Adrian looked at her. "That is what I've spent years trying to discover." Lena's heart sank. "And you think it's connected to the threats against me?" "I don't know." He paused. "But whoever is behind this knows something about my family." Lena looked down. "Maybe they don't want me dead because of me." Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Then why?" "Because I'm your wife." Silence. Adrian didn't deny it. Lena stepped closer. "Someone is afraid of what happens if you become the owner of Blackstone International." "Yes." "Your uncle?" "Possibly." "Then why don't we expose him?" "Because I don't have proof." She stared at him. "And until you have proof?" "We keep the marriage secret." Lena nodded slowly. Then she remembered something. "The photograph." Adrian looked at her. "What about it?" "The photograph they sent Daniel." "Yes?" "The person who took it was close enough to know where I was." Adrian's expression hardened. "Yes." "So they may have been following me for days." "Possibly." Lena's breathing became shallow. "Then how did they know about the wedding so quickly?" Adrian went completely still. Neither spoke. Then his phone rang. He answered. "Black." Daniel's voice came through. "Sir, we've got a problem." "What?" "The person who sent the message isn't outside the house." Adrian's expression darkened. "Where is he?" Daniel hesitated. "We don't know." "Then why are you calling?" "Because we found something inside the mansion." Adrian's eyes narrowed. "What?" "A camera." Lena's blood ran cold. "Where?" "In Mrs. Wilson's room." Adrian's eyes moved toward the hallway. Then he looked at Lena. "Stay here." "No." "Lena." "I'm coming with you." "This isn't safe." "Neither is staying alone." He stared at her. Finally, he nodded. They left the room together. Neither noticed the tiny red light blinking beneath the painting opposite Lena's bedroom. Someone was still watching. And whoever it was had been listening to every word. Including the moment Lena said- "I'm your wife now." The red light blinked again. Then a message appeared on an unseen phone. THE WEDDING IS COMPLETE. A reply came almost immediately. GOOD. NOW MAKE ADRIAN FALL IN LOVE WITH HER. Another message followed. THEN WE DESTROY THEM BOTH.

Lena stood frozen in the hallway. A camera. Inside the mansion. Someone had been watching them. Her fingers tightened around Adrian's sleeve. "Where is it?" Daniel's voice came through the phone. "Mrs. Wilson's room." Adrian ended the call. "Stay here." Lena shook her head. "No." "Lena." "You said I was your wife now." His eyes narrowed. "That doesn't mean you should put yourself in danger." "And hiding behind you doesn't mean I'm safe." For a moment, Adrian simply stared at her. Then he turned. "Stay close to me." They walked down the hallway together. The mansion was strangely quiet. Only the sound of their footsteps followed them. Lena looked around nervously. Every painting suddenly seemed suspicious. Every shadow seemed to hide someone. When they reached Mrs. Wilson's room, Daniel was already waiting outside. Two security guards stood beside him. "Where is the camera?" Adrian asked. Daniel pointed inside. "Behind the painting." Adrian entered first. Lena followed. Mrs. Wilson stood beside her bed, looking pale. "I swear I didn't know anything about it," she said. Adrian looked at her. "I believe you." Daniel removed the painting from the wall. Behind it was a tiny black device. Lena's stomach twisted. "How long has it been there?" "We don't know," Daniel answered. Adrian looked at the security team. "Check every room." "Yes, sir." "Every camera, every recording device, every entrance." "Yes, sir." The guards immediately left. Lena looked at the tiny camera. "Who installed it?" Daniel examined the device. "It's professionally installed." Adrian's expression darkened. "Can you trace it?" "I'm working on it." "Do it quickly." Lena looked at Adrian. "Why would someone put a camera in Mrs. Wilson's room?" Adrian didn't answer. She knew there was something he wasn't telling her. "You're hiding something again." His eyes moved to hers. "I don't know who installed it." "But you know why." Silence. Lena crossed her arms. "Don't lie to me." "I think they're looking for something." "What?" Adrian's gaze hardened. "I don't know." She stared at him. "You keep saying that." "Because it's the truth." "Then why do I feel like I'm the only person who doesn't understand what's happening?" Adrian stepped closer. "Because you entered this world yesterday." "And you expect me to trust you?" "No." His answer surprised her. "You don't?" "I expect you to be careful." Lena looked away. "That's not the same thing." "No." His voice softened. "But trust takes time." For some reason, those words affected her. She hadn't expected honesty from him. Not after everything that had happened. Before she could respond, Daniel's phone rang. He answered. "Yes?" His expression changed. "Are you sure?" He looked at Adrian. "We found another device." "Where?" "The east hallway." Adrian's jaw tightened. "Anything else?" Daniel nodded. "There are three more." Lena's heart sank. "Three?" Daniel looked at her. "Yes." Someone hadn't been watching one room. They had been watching the entire house. By dawn, the mansion had become a security operation. Every room was searched. Every painting was removed. Every light fixture was inspected. Every security recording was copied. Lena sat in the living room with a cup of tea she hadn't touched. She hadn't slept. Adrian stood near the window, speaking quietly with Daniel. His posture was rigid. His face was unreadable. But Lena could see the exhaustion in his eyes. He hadn't slept either. Finally, Daniel walked away. Adrian came toward her. "You should rest." "I can't." "You need to." "So do you." "I'll sleep later." "When?" "When this is over." Lena looked at him. "What if it never ends?" He didn't answer. She placed the cup on the table. "Adrian." "Yes?" "Why did you choose me?" He went still. She continued. "You could have married anyone." He looked away. "I told you why." "No." She shook her head. "You told me the business reason." "And?" "And I don't believe that's the whole truth." Adrian's eyes returned to hers. "You think there's another reason?" "I know there is." He was silent. Lena stood. "You investigated my life." "Yes." "You knew about my father." "Yes." "You knew I was struggling financially." "Yes." "You knew I wouldn't easily refuse forty million dollars." Adrian's jaw tightened. "Lena-" "And yet you chose me instead of someone who already belonged to your world." She stepped closer. "Why?" Adrian looked at her for a long moment. Then he said quietly, "Because you reminded me of someone." Lena's heart skipped. "Who?" "My mother." She hadn't expected that. "What was she like?" Adrian's expression changed. "She was kind." A faint smile touched his lips. "Too kind." "What happened to her?" "She died when I was young." "I'm sorry." He nodded. "She trusted people too easily." Lena watched his face. "And you don't trust anyone because of her?" "Because of what happened after she died." "What happened?" "My uncle took control of the company." Lena understood. "And your father?" "He was already dead." "So your uncle raised you?" Adrian laughed without humor. "No." The softness disappeared from his face. "He tried to destroy me." Lena's eyes widened. "Why?" "Because I was the heir." Silence settled between them. Adrian looked toward the window. "My uncle believed the company should belong to him." "And now?" "Now he believes it still belongs to him." Lena slowly understood. "This isn't only about the marriage." "No." "It's about power." "Yes." "And if you don't marry before your birthday, he takes the company." "Yes." She looked at him. "When is your birthday?" "Three days from now." Lena's eyes widened. "Three days?" Adrian nodded. "Our wedding had to happen tonight." Suddenly everything made sense. The rushed ceremony. The secret. The contract. The urgency. She whispered, "You really were running out of time." "Yes." "Why didn't you tell me?" "Because I didn't want you to think I was forcing you." Lena gave him a bitter smile. "You already knew I had no real choice." His expression hardened. "I gave you one." "My father's life was the price of saying no." Adrian looked away. For the first time, guilt crossed his face. Lena saw it. And that frightened her more than his anger. Later that morning, Lena's phone rang. She looked at the screen. It was her mother. "Mom?" "My baby!" Lena immediately relaxed. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine." "Where are you?" "I'm safe." "Lena, what happened last night?" "I'll explain." "You disappeared after telling me you were going to meet that billionaire." Lena glanced at Adrian. He was standing across the room. Her heart pounded. "I..." She couldn't tell her mother the truth. Not yet. "I'm staying somewhere safe." "With him?" Lena hesitated. "Yes." Her mother's voice became suspicious. "Lena." "Mom, please trust me." "Do you trust him?" Lena looked at Adrian. He was watching her. She didn't know why, but she answered, "I think I'm beginning to." Adrian's expression changed. Lena quickly looked away. Her mother sighed. "Just be careful." "I will." "And your father?" "He's been transferred to a private hospital." "What?" "Everything is being taken care of." Her mother began crying. "Lena, how did you do this?" Lena looked down at her wedding ring. She whispered, "I'll explain everything soon." The call ended. She stared at the ring. Then Adrian spoke. "You don't have to lie to her forever." "I know." "You can tell her." "Not until I know we're safe." He nodded. "That is wise." She looked up. "Did you just compliment me?" "Don't get used to it." A small smile escaped her. He noticed. For several seconds, they simply looked at each other. Something shifted between them. Something neither wanted to name. Then Adrian's phone rang. He answered. His expression changed almost immediately. "Send it to me." He ended the call. "What happened?" Lena asked. He didn't answer. "Adrian?" He handed her his phone. On the screen was a photograph. Lena stared at it. Her face went pale. It was her. But not the photograph from two nights ago. This one had been taken that morning. Inside the mansion. She looked at Adrian. "Someone is still here." "Yes." Her voice trembled. "Where was this taken?" "Outside your bedroom." Lena's heart began pounding. "But the security team searched the house." "I know." "Then how?" Adrian looked at the photograph. His face became cold. "There is one place they haven't searched." "Where?" "My private office." Lena stared at him. "Why would someone hide there?" Adrian didn't answer. He walked toward the stairs. Lena followed. "Adrian, wait." He stopped. She grabbed his arm. "What if this person is waiting for you?" He looked at her hand. Then at her face. "I'll handle it." "No." She shook her head. "We'll handle it." For a moment, his expression softened. Then he nodded. "Stay behind me." They entered his private office. The room was dark. Adrian turned on the lights. Nothing looked unusual. His desk. His books. His safe. His computer. Lena looked around. "Where would you hide a camera?" Adrian walked toward the bookshelves. "Somewhere no one would think to look." He stopped. One book was slightly out of place. He pulled it. A section of the wall moved. Lena's eyes widened. "There's a secret room?" "Yes." He opened the hidden door. Inside was a small room filled with files. Old photographs. Documents. Boxes. And a large metal safe. Lena stepped inside. "What is all this?" Adrian didn't answer. He walked to the safe. Before he could open it, Lena noticed something on the floor. A small envelope. She picked it up. There was no name on it. Only one sentence. FOR LENA CARTER. Her heart began racing. "Adrian." He turned. "What is it?" "I think this is for me." He took the envelope. His expression became serious. "Don't open it." "Why?" "Because whoever left it wants you to." "That's exactly why I need to know what's inside." Adrian shook his head. "Lena." She reached for the envelope. He caught her wrist. Their eyes met. Neither moved. His fingers remained around her wrist. Her heart raced. His gaze dropped briefly to her lips. Then he released her. "Fine," he whispered. "But I'm opening it with you." Lena slowly opened the envelope. Inside was a photograph. She pulled it out. Then froze. It showed a young woman. A woman she had never seen before. But there was something familiar about her face. Lena looked at Adrian. "Who is she?" He didn't answer. "Adrian?" His face had gone completely pale. Lena looked at the photograph again. Then she noticed the handwritten words at the bottom. SHE WAS YOUR MOTHER. Lena's breath caught. "What?" Adrian stared at the photograph. His voice was barely audible. "That's impossible." Lena's hands began to shake. "What do you mean?" Adrian took the photograph from her. His eyes moved over every detail. "No." "What?" "My mother died twenty-five years ago." Lena looked at him. "Then why does this person look exactly like me?" Adrian stared at her. For the first time since she had met him, the billionaire looked genuinely afraid. Then the lights went out. Lena gasped. A loud metallic sound came from the hallway. Adrian immediately pulled her against him. "Stay behind me." Something moved outside the secret room. A shadow passed beneath the doorway. Lena held her breath. Adrian reached for his phone. No signal. The shadow stopped. Then someone whispered from the darkness. "Adrian..." His body went rigid. Lena looked up at him. The voice came again. "Your wife knows the truth now." A man's laugh echoed through the mansion. Then the secret-room door slammed shut. Lena screamed. Adrian grabbed the handle. Locked. He tried again. Nothing. Lena clutched his arm. "What truth?" Adrian looked at her. He didn't answer. The man's voice came through the door. "The girl you married isn't who you think she is." Silence. Then came the final words. "She is the daughter of the woman you swore to destroy."