The next morning, Arielle stood in front of a giant iron gate, holding her small suitcase with both hands.
Behind her was the taxi that brought her here. In front of her was a mansion that looked like it came straight from a movie.
This was now her new home.
She had married a billionaire.
Not out of love. Not for dreams.
Just for money.
₱1,000,000.
That was the price of her soul.
---
Arielle took a deep breath and pressed the button on the gate's intercom.
"This is Arielle Cruz. Mr. Castillo is expecting me."
There was silence for a second, then the gates opened slowly.
She stepped inside, pulling her suitcase along the stone path. The house was huge—white walls, black windows, and a perfect garden.
Everything looked expensive and quiet.
Too quiet.
She reached the front door. Before she could knock, it opened.
Leonard stood there.
He wore a gray suit, his hair neatly styled. He looked perfect. Cold. Untouchable.
"You're late," he said.
"The taxi took longer than I expected," Arielle replied.
He stepped aside.
"Come in."
She walked inside. The floor was shiny marble. The air smelled like flowers and money.
"You'll stay in the guest room. Don't touch anything you don't need," he said.
"Got it."
"We're having dinner with my family tonight. They don't know this is fake, so you'll need to act like a real wife."
Arielle blinked.
"Your... family?"
"My mother. My uncle. My cousins. They're already suspicious. One wrong move and they'll figure it out."
"Okay. I'll do my best."
Leonard gave her a quick look, head to toe.
"You need to dress better. I'll have someone bring clothes."
She lowered her eyes. She didn't belong in this world—and she knew it.
Still, her chest ached a little.
---
Later That Evening
Arielle stood in front of the mirror wearing a white dress that fit her body perfectly. Her hair was curled gently. Her makeup was light but beautiful.
She didn't look like the girl from the diner anymore.
She looked like someone's wife.
Leonard waited downstairs in a black suit. When he saw her, his eyes paused for a second—but his face stayed calm.
"You clean up well," he said.
"Thanks... I think," Arielle replied.
He offered his arm. She hesitated, then took it.
"Remember," he whispered as they walked out. "We're in love. At least for tonight."
---
At the Castillo Mansion
Dinner was big and fancy—long tables, expensive food, and waiters in suits. People smiled fake smiles and asked sharp questions.
"So this is your wife?" Leonard's mother asked, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
"Yes," Leonard said. "Arielle."
Arielle smiled politely.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Castillo."
"And where did you two meet?" one of his cousins asked with a grin.
Arielle's mind went blank. She looked at Leonard.
"We met at a bookstore," he answered smoothly. "She was trying to reach the top shelf."
Everyone laughed.
"And it was love at first sight?" someone teased.
"Something like that," Leonard said, squeezing Arielle's hand under the table.
Arielle's cheeks burned. This was harder than she thought. The lies felt heavy.
But she remembered Bella.
She smiled and played her role.
---
After Dinner – Back at the House
They walked in silence.
When they reached the living room, Leonard took off his jacket.
"You did well," he said.
"I almost forgot my name," she joked softly.
For the first time, he smiled—just a little.
"We'll need to do this again. There's a company event next week. You'll come with me."
"Okay."
She turned to leave.
"Arielle," he said.
She looked back.
"Don't fall in love with me."
Her chest tightened.
She nodded.
"Don't worry. I won't."
She entered the guest room, closed the door, and sat on the bed.
Outside, the mansion was quiet aga
in.
Inside, her heart whispered a truth she didn't want to admit:
He smiled… and I felt it.
---
End of Chapter 2