The early morning light seeped through the sheer curtains, painting golden streaks across the high ceiling of Alina's bedroom. She blinked against the brightness, momentarily forgetting where she was. The soft sheets, the subtle scent of cedarwood, the silence that lingered too long—it wasn't her home.
It was his.
It took a moment for the memory to come crashing back.
The wedding.The rain.Leonard Xu's cold eyes.The rules.
She sat up slowly, the silk robe slipping from her shoulder. Her wedding ring caught the sunlight and glinted mockingly, as if reminding her she was no longer free.
The digital clock on the nightstand blinked 6:12 AM.
Too early. And yet, she couldn't go back to sleep.
She slid her feet into the provided slippers and stepped into the hallway. The mansion—or rather, the penthouse—was eerily silent. No staff. No noise. Only the soft hum of the central heating.
She wandered toward the kitchen, drawn by the smell of something... fresh?
To her surprise, Leonard was already there.
Wearing a crisp white shirt and black slacks, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, he stood in front of the kitchen island with a coffee mug in hand. The image didn't fit the man she remembered from yesterday. It was too normal. Too domestic.
He glanced at her once, his gaze unreadable.
"You're up early," he said.
Alina blinked. "I could say the same."
"I have a meeting at eight."
Of course. The almighty CEO, always working.
She stepped cautiously into the kitchen, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Do you usually make your own coffee?"
He didn't smile. "Do I look like someone who needs help making coffee?"
Alina wanted to say yes, but bit her tongue. Instead, she moved toward the counter and spotted a small breakfast tray with toast, eggs, and fruit neatly arranged.
"For me?" she asked, surprised.
"No. For you."
She looked at him again, eyes narrowing. "Why?"
Leonard didn't answer immediately. He took another sip of his coffee, then leaned slightly against the counter.
"This marriage might be fake in nature, Alina, but that doesn't mean I want a corpse walking around the house. Eat. You'll need the energy."
"For what?"
"Learning the rules."
She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "You're serious about that?"
"I don't say things I don't mean."
Alina took the tray and sat down in one of the leather barstools. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she took the first bite. The food wasn't fancy, but it was warm—and strangely comforting.
Leonard placed a printed sheet of paper on the counter. She looked at it warily.
"You made a list?"
"I don't like misunderstandings," he said simply.
Alina read the first few points:
No entering my study without permission.
No media contact about our marriage.
No emotional entanglements.
Public appearances may be required—follow my lead.
Keep up appearances at family events.
Her stomach sank. "This really is a contract marriage."
Leonard nodded. "And you signed it."
She hated that he was right.
"But why the secrecy?" she asked, voice low. "Why not just say we're married for convenience?"
Leonard's gaze hardened. "Because appearances matter. Especially to the board of directors, and to the media. They can't think I married under pressure."
"But you did."
He smirked faintly. "No, Alina. You did."
She looked away, her appetite fading. "Is this how you treat all the women in your life?"
"I don't have women in my life. Just business."
That line sounded rehearsed.
Before she could respond, a phone buzzed. Leonard picked it up, his voice shifting instantly into a sharper, professional tone.
"Yes. I'm on my way."
He turned to her. "We'll have dinner together tonight. Seven o'clock. Be ready."
"Dinner?" she echoed.
"Family dinner. At my grandfather's estate. He wants to meet you."
Alina swallowed. "Do I need to prepare anything?"
He handed her a black box. "Wear this. And smile."
Then he was gone.
The dress inside the box was a designer piece—black satin with off-shoulder sleeves and a subtle shimmer. It was elegant, tasteful, and just sexy enough to turn heads. She stared at it like it might explode.
Why was he making her dress like this for a family dinner?
At 6:45 PM, she stood in front of the mirror, her long hair in loose curls, makeup soft but defined. The necklace she'd chosen herself—her mother's—clung to her collarbone like a memory she couldn't shake.
When she stepped into the foyer, Leonard was waiting. His eyes scanned her once, cool and quick.
"You clean up well."
"Gee, thanks," she muttered.
He offered his arm. She hesitated, then took it.
The Xu Family estate was nothing short of intimidating. Grand, traditional architecture mixed with modern elegance, guarded gates, fountains, and a garden that looked like it belonged in a movie. The moment their car pulled up, a butler opened the door.
"Mr. Xu. Mrs. Xu. Welcome."
Alina flinched at the title. Mrs. Xu. It still didn't feel real.
Inside, several people were already waiting in the grand dining hall. An older man at the head of the table stood as they entered.
Leonard bowed his head. "Grandfather."
The man smiled. He had sharp eyes, silver hair neatly combed back, and a presence that demanded attention.
"So this is the young woman who's stolen your hand," he said, walking over to Alina.
Leonard's jaw tensed. "Her name is Alina."
"Of course." The old man took her hand gently. "Welcome to the family, child. I am Xu Jinhai."
Alina bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Xu."
"Please. Call me Grandfather, like the others."
Others?
She glanced around. A woman in her forties gave her a cold once-over. Beside her, a younger man—early thirties, handsome, eyes calculating—smirked at her.
"Leonard didn't mention his wife was so... ordinary," the woman said with a sharp smile.
"Aunt Lillian," Leonard said smoothly, "play nice."
"Forgive me," she said, clearly not meaning it. "We're just surprised. You never showed interest in women before."
Alina felt the heat rise in her cheeks. Leonard, on the other hand, didn't even flinch.
"She's exactly the kind of woman I need," he said, voice flat. "Quiet. Smart. Loyal."
Ouch.
Alina smiled politely, swallowing the sting.
Dinner was tense. Every question was aimed at her, but sugar-coated with judgment. Where was she educated? What did her family do? Did she plan to work after marriage?
She played along. Smiled when expected. Laughed at the appropriate moments. All the while, she felt like a show pony on display.
But one moment stood out.
Grandfather Xu leaned closer to her and whispered, "Thank you for marrying him. He's not as heartless as he acts, you know."
Alina glanced at Leonard. He was cutting his steak like he was solving a math equation.
"Is that so?" she replied quietly.
The old man smiled. "Time will tell."
As they drove home in silence, Alina couldn't hold it in anymore.
"That was brutal."
Leonard didn't respond.
She turned to him. "Why did you defend me?"
He kept his eyes on the road. "Because you're my wife. For now. That means I protect what's mine."
His words were colder than the winter air.
She looked away, gripping her purse tighter.
This wasn't marriage. This was a performance.And she didn't know how long she could keep pretending.