"If I ever become poor in my next life, please remind me to marry a billionaire." Maya said this while lying upside down on her bed, scrolling through pictures of expensive houses on her phone. Zoe, who was sitting beside her with a packet of biscuits, looked at her like she had just announced something ridiculous. "Your next life? What makes you think you'll survive this one with the way you spend money?" Maya lifted her head. "Excuse me. I'm not a poor spender. I'm a woman with expensive taste and limited financial resources." "That's another way of saying you're broke." "Zoe, friendship is supposed to involve support." "I'm supporting you by telling you the truth." Maya threw a pillow at her. Zoe caught it and laughed. It was a normal evening for the two best friends. They had been sharing an apartment for almost two years, and somehow, despite their different personalities, they had managed to remain friends. Maya was dramatic, stubborn and always dreaming about a luxurious life. Zoe was more practical, although her mouth could be just as dangerous. Both had one thing in common. They wanted money. Not the kind that could only buy lunch and transport fare. They wanted the kind that came with beautiful houses, expensive cars, shopping without checking price tags and vacations where nobody asked them to share hotel rooms. "Imagine marrying a billionaire," Maya said dreamily. Zoe shook her head. "I would rather marry a man who knows how to cook." "That's because you lack ambition." "I have ambition. I just don't want to spend my life arguing with a man who thinks he owns the world." Maya sat up. "Then marry his younger brother. Problem solved." Zoe threw a biscuit at her. "You're impossible." Maya laughed before reaching for her laptop. "Anyway, I found something interesting." "Please tell me it's not another way to make money online." "It's a novel." Zoe groaned. "Of course." "Listen! It's called The Billionaire Brothers' Brides. Two rich brothers, arranged marriages, two women, family drama and enough money to make us forget our problems." "Sounds like your dream life." "Exactly." Maya turned the laptop towards her. The cover showed two handsome men in expensive suits standing in front of a magnificent mansion. Zoe leaned closer. "Okay, they're not bad-looking." "Not bad-looking? Girl, one of them looks like he was personally designed by the universe." "Which one?" "The one on the left." Zoe studied the cover. "He's probably arrogant." "How do you know?" "Look at his face. He looks like he would charge someone for breathing his air." Maya burst into laughter. "You're just jealous." "Read the story before you start planning your wedding." Maya clicked on the novel. They had barely reached the first chapter when Zoe noticed something. "Wait. What does that mean?" "What?" "Read that part." Maya scrolled back. The opening paragraph introduced Adrian and Ethan Blackwood, two billionaire brothers whose grandfather had arranged marriages for them. Adrian was the older brother. Cold, controlling and completely uninterested in marriage. Ethan was the younger one. Charming, careless and famous for turning every serious situation into a joke. Their grandfather had given them an ultimatum. They would either accept the brides he had chosen or lose their inheritance and their positions in the family company. Maya whistled. "Now that's a serious grandfather." Zoe continued reading. "Wait. The brides are called Amelia and Sophia." "Yes." "And they're supposed to marry the brothers?" "Apparently." Zoe leaned back. "I already feel sorry for those women." Maya laughed. "Why? They're marrying billionaires." "Because money doesn't make a difficult husband easy to live with." Maya ignored her and continued reading. They read for almost an hour. The story was entertaining, although Maya kept complaining about Adrian's attitude while Zoe found Ethan's jokes irritatingly funny. Eventually, Maya yawned. "I'm tired." "Then close the laptop." "Just one more chapter." "You said that four chapters ago." "Do you want to know what happens or not?" Zoe grabbed another biscuit. "Fine. Continue." Maya clicked the next chapter. But instead of opening, the screen suddenly went black. "Seriously?" Maya complained. "Not now!" Zoe leaned forward. "Did your laptop die?" "No. It's fully charged." The screen flickered. A line of white words appeared. WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE THE STORY? Both women stared. Zoe slowly lowered her biscuit. "Please tell me that's an advertisement." Maya blinked. "Maybe it's some new reading feature." Another message appeared. TWO NEW CHARACTERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED. Zoe stood up. "Nope." Maya looked at her. "What?" "I'm not interested. Close it." "I didn't even click anything!" The screen flickered again. WELCOME TO YOUR NEW STORY. A bright flash filled the room. Maya screamed. Zoe screamed louder. And then everything went dark. --- The first thing Maya noticed was the smell. Expensive perfume. The second thing was the bed. It was enormous. The third thing was the ceiling. There was a beautiful chandelier hanging above her. Maya slowly opened her eyes. "Zoe?" No answer. She sat up. The room looked nothing like their apartment. There were enormous windows, cream-coloured curtains, a dressing table and a wardrobe that looked bigger than their entire living room. Maya stared. "Okay..." She looked down at herself. She was wearing a silky nightdress. That was strange. Very strange. "Zoe!" A groan came from somewhere nearby. "Why are you shouting? My head is already doing enough shouting." Zoe sat up from the other side of the bed. Her eyes widened. She looked around the room. Then she looked at Maya. Then back at the room. "Where are we?" Maya swallowed. "I don't know." Zoe climbed out of bed and rushed towards the mirror. She stopped. Her mouth fell open. "Why do I look like someone who has a personal makeup artist?" Maya joined her. They stared at their reflections. Their faces were the same, but their clothes, hair and surroundings were completely different. Zoe turned around. "Did we get kidnapped by rich people?" Maya looked around the room again. "If this is kidnapping, I think we should remain calm." "Maya!" "What? At least the kidnappers have good taste." Before Zoe could reply, the bedroom door opened. A middle-aged woman entered, carrying two elegant dresses. "Good morning, ladies. The Blackwood family is expecting you downstairs." Maya froze. Zoe slowly turned towards her. "Did she just say Blackwood?" The woman frowned. "Yes, Miss Maya. Is something wrong?" Maya's heart began beating faster. She looked at Zoe. Zoe looked at her. Neither said anything. Then Maya asked the question she was afraid to ask. "What is today's date?" The woman gave her a confused look. "It's June 14th, Miss." Maya shook her head. "No, I mean the year." "2026, of course." Maya grabbed Zoe's arm. "Zoe..." "What?" "We're in the novel." Zoe stared at her. Then she slowly sat down on the edge of the bed. "No." Maya nodded. "Yes." "No, Maya. Absolutely not." "I think-" "Don't think! Find a way to wake us up!" The woman looked between them. "Are you both feeling unwell?" Maya forced a smile. "No, we're perfectly fine." Zoe turned to her. "Speak for yourself. I think my brain has resigned." The woman placed the dresses on the bed. "Please hurry. Mr. Adrian and Mr. Ethan are waiting. Your engagement announcement will be made this morning." Silence. Maya blinked. Zoe blinked. Then both women spoke at the same time. "ENGAGEMENT?" The woman nodded. "Yes. Your marriages to the Blackwood brothers will be announced today." Maya slowly turned towards Zoe. Zoe looked like she was about to faint. For several seconds, neither spoke. Then Zoe whispered, "Please tell me we're not the brides." Maya swallowed. "I think we are." Zoe closed her eyes. "Of all the novels in the world, why did we have to enter the one with arranged marriages?" Maya looked at the expensive dresses. Then at the enormous room. Then at the beautiful jewellery sitting on the dressing table. Her expression slowly changed. "Wait a minute." Zoe opened one eye. "What?" Maya picked up a diamond necklace. "We're in a billionaire novel." Zoe stared at her. "And?" Maya smiled. "Have you seen the size of this necklace?" Zoe grabbed her hand. "Don't you dare get distracted by jewellery! We need to find a way home!" Before Maya could answer, the woman spoke again. "One more thing, ladies." Both turned. "Mr. Adrian has specifically requested that his future wife understands one rule before the wedding." Maya raised an eyebrow. "What rule?" The woman hesitated. "Mr. Adrian does not intend to share his personal space, and he expects his marriage to remain strictly formal." Maya stared. Then she laughed. "Perfect. I don't intend to share mine either." Zoe shook her head. "You're already negotiating with a fictional man." But their laughter stopped when the woman added one final sentence. "Also, Mr. Ethan would like to know whether his future wife is always this loud." Zoe's mouth dropped open. "Excuse me?" The woman smiled politely. "He's downstairs." Maya slowly turned towards her best friend. "Congratulations, Mrs. Blackwood." Zoe picked up a pillow and threw it at her. "I HATE YOU!" And somewhere downstairs, two billionaire brothers were about to meet the two women who would turn their carefully controlled lives upside down. Neither brother knew what was coming. Neither did the girls. But one thing was certain. The original story was about to have a very serious problem.

"Fix your face." Maya turned towards Zoe. "What's wrong with my face?" "You look like you're about to attend a funeral." "Maybe I am. The funeral of my freedom." Zoe rolled her eyes as she adjusted the dress the housekeeper had brought them. They were standing in front of a full-length mirror, preparing to meet the two men they had only known through the pages of a novel. Maya wore a beautiful champagne-coloured dress that fitted perfectly. Zoe had been given a soft blue dress with matching heels. They looked expensive. Unfortunately, neither felt comfortable. "I still can't believe this is happening," Zoe muttered. Maya adjusted her necklace. "I can't believe we haven't asked how much this necklace costs." "Can you please stop thinking about money for five minutes?" "Impossible." Zoe pointed at her. "Listen carefully. We need to behave normally." "Define normally." "Don't insult anyone. Don't ask unnecessary questions. Don't tell them we're from another world." Maya nodded seriously. "Agreed." "And please, for once, control your mouth." "Of course." A moment passed. Maya raised her hand. "One question." "What?" "Do you think Adrian is handsome in person?" Zoe closed her eyes. "Lord, give me patience." A knock interrupted them. The housekeeper entered. "The gentlemen are waiting." Maya took a deep breath. "Let's go meet our financial problems." Zoe followed her out. --- The Blackwood mansion was even more impressive than the bedroom. The staircase was decorated with beautiful paintings, the floors shone like glass, and the enormous living room looked like something from a luxury magazine. Maya tried not to stare too much. She failed. "Zoe," she whispered. "What?" "If I die here, bury me in this mansion." "Keep walking." They reached the living room. Two men were seated on opposite sofas. Maya immediately recognized them. Adrian Blackwood sat with one leg crossed over the other, reading something on his phone. He wore a black suit, and his expression suggested that he had never enjoyed a single day in his life. Beside him was Ethan. Unlike his brother, Ethan looked relaxed. He wore a white shirt with the sleeves folded to his elbows. He noticed the girls first. "Well, well. The brides have arrived." Adrian didn't look up. "You're late." Maya checked the time. They were exactly three minutes early. She looked at Zoe. Zoe gave her a warning expression. Maya smiled politely. "Good morning." Adrian finally lifted his eyes. His gaze moved briefly over her before returning to his phone. "Sit." Maya blinked. Zoe gently pulled her towards the sofa. They sat opposite the brothers. Ethan smiled. "I'm Ethan. And this is my brother Adrian, although I'm sure you've already heard about his wonderful personality." Adrian gave him a cold look. "Can you be quiet for five minutes?" Ethan grinned. "I've tried. It doesn't work." Maya almost laughed. She liked this one already. Adrian placed his phone on the table. "Let's get straight to the point. I don't believe in love, and I have no interest in pretending otherwise." Maya nodded. "That's fine." He looked at her. "Fine?" "Yes. I wasn't planning to fall in love with you either." Silence. Ethan slowly turned towards his brother. Then he burst out laughing. Adrian's expression hardened. "Excuse me?" Maya smiled sweetly. "I mean, we're both being honest. Isn't that what you want?" Ethan leaned back, thoroughly entertained. "I think I'm going to enjoy this." Adrian ignored him. "This marriage is an arrangement between our families. I expect respect, privacy and cooperation." "Wonderful," Maya replied. "I expect the same things, plus good food." Zoe covered her face. She had known Maya for years. Why did she always have to speak? Ethan looked at Zoe. "And what about you? Do you have any special expectations?" Zoe smiled politely. "Peace and quiet." Ethan placed a hand on his chest. "Then I'm afraid you've married the wrong family." "We're not married yet," Zoe corrected. "Good point. There's still time to escape." Zoe almost smiled. Almost. Adrian stood up. "The wedding arrangements have already been made. The ceremony will take place in two weeks." Maya's head snapped up. "Two weeks?" "Yes." "That's very fast." "It's necessary." Maya looked at Zoe. Zoe looked at Maya. Two weeks? They hadn't even figured out how to return to their world, and now they had wedding dates. Adrian picked up his phone. "Your rooms have been prepared. You will both have separate bedrooms from your husbands." Maya relaxed slightly. "Good." Adrian looked at her. "Good?" "Yes. I enjoy sleeping peacefully." Ethan laughed again. "Brother, I think she's already making herself comfortable." Adrian ignored him. "One more thing. I don't want unnecessary interference in my personal life." Maya nodded. "Don't worry. I have my own life to worry about." "Then we understand each other." "Perfect." For the first time, Maya and Adrian seemed to agree on something. Unfortunately, their agreement didn't last long. --- After the meeting, a housekeeper escorted the girls towards the dining room. Zoe leaned closer to Maya. "Can you explain what just happened?" "What?" "You challenged Adrian Blackwood three times in less than ten minutes." Maya shrugged. "He started it." "He told you to sit." "And I sat." "You argued about the wedding." "I asked a question." "You requested good food!" Maya stopped walking. "What's wrong with wanting good food?" Zoe stared at her. "Nothing. Just don't turn this marriage into a comedy show." Maya smiled. "Too late." They entered the dining room. A large breakfast had already been prepared. Maya's eyes widened. There were eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, toast, pastries and several dishes she couldn't identify. She sat down immediately. "Now this is what I'm talking about." Zoe shook her head. "At least pretend you have manners." Maya picked up a pancake. "I have manners. I'm just hungry." They had barely started eating when Ethan entered. "Good morning again." Zoe looked up. "Didn't we already say good morning?" "Yes, but I thought I'd give you another chance to appreciate it." Maya nearly choked on her juice. Ethan took a seat opposite them. "By the way, Adrian wants to know if Maya has always been this talkative." Maya slowly lowered her fork. "Tell Adrian that if he wants to know something about me, he can ask me himself." Ethan smiled. "I'll pass the message." A few minutes later, Adrian entered. He looked at the table, then at Maya. "You're still eating?" Maya glanced at her plate. "Obviously." "You've been here for twenty minutes." "And the food is still here. What's your point?" Ethan lowered his head, trying not to laugh. Adrian pulled out a chair. "My point is that we have a schedule." Maya took another bite. "Then you should follow it. I never agreed to starve." Zoe quietly moved her glass away from Maya. She didn't want to be involved when the argument exploded. But surprisingly, Adrian said nothing. He simply opened his tablet and began reading. Ethan watched his brother for a moment before smiling at Maya. "Congratulations." Maya frowned. "For what?" "You're the first person I've seen make Adrian lose an argument before breakfast." Maya smiled proudly. "Thank you. I have many talents." Zoe whispered, "Eating is definitely one of them." --- Later that afternoon, Maya and Zoe returned to their bedroom. Zoe closed the door and immediately turned around. "We need a plan." Maya was lying on the bed, examining the diamond bracelet she had found on the dressing table. "What kind of plan?" "A way out of this situation." Maya sat up. "Do you mean going home?" "Obviously!" Maya looked around the luxurious bedroom. Then she looked at Zoe. "Can we discuss that after lunch?" Zoe threw a cushion at her. "You're impossible!" Maya laughed before becoming serious. "Okay. But there's something we need to figure out first." "What?" Maya picked up the novel that was lying on the bedside table. It was the same book they had been reading before everything happened. She opened it to the first chapter. Then she flipped through the pages. Zoe sat beside her. "What are you looking for?" "The original story." "And?" Maya stopped at a particular page. Her expression changed. "What is it?" Zoe asked. Maya slowly turned the book towards her. There was a paragraph about the two original brides. But something was wrong. The names had changed. Amelia and Sophia were no longer written there. Instead, the page now read: MAYA AND ZOE BLACKWOOD. Zoe stared at the page. "Why are our names in the book?" Maya swallowed. "I don't know." Zoe took the novel from her. Then she noticed something written at the bottom of the page. A sentence neither of them remembered reading before. THE STORY WILL NOT END UNTIL THE TWO BRIDES GET THEIR HAPPY ENDING. Zoe slowly looked up. "Maya..." "I see it." "Does that mean we can't leave?" Maya didn't answer. For the first time since arriving in the novel, she had no joke ready. Then the bedroom door suddenly opened. The housekeeper stood outside. "Miss Maya, Mr. Adrian would like to see you in his office." Maya closed the book. "Now?" "Yes. Immediately." Zoe grabbed her arm. "Good luck." Maya sighed. "Thank you. If I don't return, remember me as a woman who came for money, not love." Zoe shook her head. "Just go before he changes his mind and comes here himself." Maya walked out. She had no idea that Adrian was about to give her a condition that could change everything. And this time, making jokes might not be enough.

Maya stood outside Adrian Blackwood's office, staring at the closed door. She had been waiting for almost five minutes. Five whole minutes. And she was beginning to lose patience. "Does this man think I have nothing else to do?" she muttered. The housekeeper standing beside her smiled politely. "Mr. Blackwood is a very busy man." "Clearly. Maybe he should marry his office instead." The housekeeper pretended not to hear her. Just then, the door opened. Adrian stood there, looking as serious as ever. "Come in." Maya walked inside. His office was enormous, with dark furniture, glass windows and a large desk. Everything looked expensive and unnecessarily intimidating. Adrian returned to his chair. "Sit down." Maya sat. He placed a document on the desk and pushed it towards her. "Read it." She picked it up. Her eyes moved across the first few lines. Then she stopped. "Contract marriage?" "Yes." Maya looked up. "You're serious?" "Do I look like someone who jokes about marriage?" She considered his expression. "No. You look like someone who doesn't joke about anything." Adrian ignored the comment. "The agreement is straightforward. We will remain married for the period stated in the contract. In return, you will receive financial security and certain benefits." Maya looked down again. There were several conditions. Separate bedrooms. No interference in personal affairs. No expectations of romantic involvement. Public appearances when required. Confidentiality concerning the agreement. And most importantly, neither party could demand affection from the other. Maya slowly raised her head. "So basically, I'm getting married to a man who doesn't want a wife." Adrian leaned back. "You're beginning to understand." "Wonderful. At least we're both suffering equally." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Do you always talk this much?" "Only when someone gives me a reason." Adrian tapped the document. "Read the remaining conditions." Maya continued reading. Then she reached the final page. Her eyebrows rose. "There's a monthly allowance?" "Yes." She looked at him again. "How much?" Adrian mentioned the amount. Maya stared at him. For several seconds, she said nothing. Then she quietly placed the document on the desk. "Where do I sign?" Adrian looked at her. "That quickly?" Maya nodded. "I've always respected business opportunities." He almost looked amused, but his expression returned to normal immediately. "Don't misunderstand the arrangement. Money doesn't give you control over my life." "Don't worry. I don't want control. I want peace, good food and financial stability." "Then we understand each other." Maya picked up the pen. But before signing, she looked at him again. "One question." "What?" "If we are married, do I have to ask permission before ordering food?" Adrian stared at her. "What?" "Food. Can I order whatever I want?" He rubbed his forehead. "Just sign the contract, Maya." She smiled. "That sounds like a yes." --- Meanwhile, Ethan's office was experiencing a completely different kind of problem. Zoe sat opposite him, reading the contract carefully. Ethan watched her. "You've been reading that document for fifteen minutes." "And I'll read it for another fifteen if necessary." He smiled. "You're very serious." "Someone has to be." Ethan picked up his coffee. "Look, it's simple. My family wants me married. Your name is already on the agreement. We sign it, everybody gets what they want, and we continue living our lives." Zoe looked up. "Everybody?" "Yes." "I don't think you understand. I didn't wake up this morning expecting to become somebody's wife." "Neither did I." "Then perhaps we should both complain to your family." Ethan laughed. "Trust me. I've tried." Zoe returned her attention to the document. She stopped at one particular clause. "Separate bedrooms?" "Definitely." She nodded. "Good." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That was quick." "I enjoy sleeping without someone disturbing me." "That's fair." She continued reading. "Public appearances?" "Occasionally." "Family dinners?" "Unfortunately." Zoe sighed. "Your family sounds exhausting." Ethan smiled. "You haven't met my grandmother yet." Zoe slowly put down the paper. "There's a grandmother too?" "Very much alive. Very much involved." Zoe stared at him. "Can I still withdraw?" Ethan laughed. "Not sure. But I admire your optimism." She picked up the pen. "Let's get this over with." --- By evening, both women had signed their agreements. Maya entered the bedroom and found Zoe sitting on the bed with the contract in her hands. "Done?" Maya asked. Zoe nodded. "Unfortunately." Maya dropped onto the mattress. "Congratulations. We're officially future billionaires' wives." "Please don't remind me." Maya smiled. "How much is your monthly allowance?" Zoe told her. Maya's eyes widened. "WHAT?" "Lower your voice!" "That amount?" "Yes." Maya grabbed a pillow. "I knew entering this novel was a good decision!" Zoe shook her head. "You're forgetting something." "What?" "We're still trapped here." Maya's smile faded slightly. She looked at the novel on the bedside table. "I know." For a moment, neither spoke. Then Maya picked up the book. "We need to understand what happens in the original story." Zoe moved closer. "Maybe if we follow the original plot, we'll find a way out." Maya opened the first few chapters. But the pages were different from what they remembered. Some scenes had changed. Some paragraphs were missing. And their names appeared in places where Amelia and Sophia had originally been. Zoe frowned. "This is getting strange." Maya closed the book. "Let's not panic. We'll figure it out." --- The following morning, Maya discovered her first problem as a future Blackwood wife. She couldn't find the kitchen. After walking through three hallways, she finally spotted a housekeeper. "Excuse me. Where is the kitchen?" The woman looked surprised. "The kitchen, Miss?" "Yes. Unless this mansion has decided to stop serving breakfast." The woman smiled. "Follow me." Maya followed her. When they arrived, she found Ethan already seated at the breakfast table. He looked up. "Good morning, future sister-in-law." Maya pulled out a chair. "Good morning, professional troublemaker." Ethan laughed. "You're getting comfortable." "I'm getting hungry." He watched as she helped herself to breakfast. "Where's Adrian?" Maya shrugged. "Probably arguing with his reflection." Ethan nearly spilled his coffee. At that exact moment, Adrian entered. He stopped when he heard the last sentence. "Who is arguing with his reflection?" Maya slowly looked up. Nobody spoke. Ethan suddenly became very interested in his breakfast. Maya smiled. "I was discussing how beautiful the mirrors are in this house." Adrian stared at her. "Eat your breakfast." "That's exactly what I'm doing." He took his seat. A few moments later, he spoke again. "Tomorrow, you'll accompany me to a family dinner." Maya stopped chewing. "Me?" "No. The other Maya." She swallowed. "Very funny." "I'm not joking." Maya sighed. "Do I have to?" "Yes. My grandmother wants to meet you properly." Maya looked at Ethan. He gave her a sympathetic smile. "Good luck. She asks a lot of questions." Maya slowly put down her fork. "What kind of questions?" Ethan smiled. "The kind you can't escape." Adrian returned to his breakfast. "And Maya?" She looked at him. "Please try to behave." Maya placed a hand on her chest. "Mr. Blackwood, I'm deeply offended. I'm a very respectful woman." Ethan coughed into his napkin. Adrian gave her a long look. "We'll see." Maya picked up her juice. She had survived entering a fictional world, meeting two billionaires and signing a marriage contract. Surely, meeting one grandmother couldn't be that difficult. She was about to discover how wrong she was.