The hospital smelled of disinfectant and fear. Elara hurried down the corridor, her heart racing as though she could outrun the illness clinging to her mother's frail body. She burst into the ward to find her mother resting, the sharp beeps of machines filling the silence. Relief flooded her when she saw her chest rising steadily.
"Mom…" Elara whispered, gripping her hand. "I'll make sure you're okay. Just hold on for me."
Her mother stirred, eyes flickering open briefly, offering her daughter a tired smile before drifting back into sleep.
Elara brushed away her tears. I did the right thing… I had to.
---
The next day, she found herself in Adrian's penthouse office. His sharp suit and cold demeanor contrasted with the gentle warmth of sunlight spilling through the glass walls.
"Now that you've signed the contract," Adrian said, voice calm but firm, "we need to discuss our cohabitation."
Elara shifted uncomfortably. "Cohabitation?"
He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "You're my wife now, Elara. You'll live with me, and you'll fulfill your wifely duties."
Her breath caught. "Wifely duties?"
His gaze didn't waver. "Sex. Intimacy. Don't look so shocked — this isn't just paper. My parents and the world believe I've finally settled down. If you're to play the role, you'll play it completely."
Her face flushed crimson. "You can't just expect me to—"
"I don't expect," he cut in. "I demand and its stated in the contact "
Her fists clenched beneath the table. "You're cruel and heartless."
For a heartbeat, something flickered in his eyes — regret, longing — then it vanished. "Cruelty is survival."
Before she could retort, he stood. "We'll be seeing my family tonight. And before that…" His gaze swept over her plain dress, and his lips curved faintly. "You'll need a makeover."
---
Adrian's chauffeur drove them to an upscale boutique in the heart of the city. Inside, racks of elegant dresses shimmered under the soft lighting.
Elara hesitated, clutching her bag. "This isn't necessary—"
"It is," Adrian said firmly. "My mother has high standards. You'll meet them."
Stylists bustled around her, pulling dresses, draping fabrics, painting her lips with soft hues. Hours later, when Elara stepped out in a flowing midnight-blue gown that hugged her curves, Adrian froze.
His usual mask slipped for just a second. His stormy eyes softened, lips parting as though words had deserted him.
"You… look…" He cleared his throat, straightening his tie. "Acceptable."
Elara tilted her head, catching the faint flush at the edge of his ears. A small smile tugged at her lips. "For a man who demands so much, you're not very good at compliments."
His jaw tightened. "Don't push your luck." But his eyes betrayed him — he was captivated.
---
The Cole mansion exuded wealth and warmth. As soon as the doors opened, Adrian's elder sister, Helena, waddled forward, her hand resting on her heavily pregnant belly. Her face lit up.
"So you're Elara!" Helena exclaimed, hugging her despite the bump. "Lucas told me you were stunning, but he didn't do you justice. Welcome to the family!"
Lucas, standing nearby, chuckled. "See? Even my wife approves. You're already doing better than Adrian's past disasters."
Adrian shot him a glare. "Lucas."
"What?" Lucas said innocently. "I'm just saying she's an upgrade." He winked at Elara, who couldn't help but laugh softly, easing some of her nerves.
Mrs. Cole rushed forward, her eyes misty. "So this is the woman who captured my son's heart!" She hugged Elara tightly. "You're glowing, dear. Adrian, how could you hide her from us?"
Elara stiffened, but Adrian slid his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Mother, I wanted to be certain. Elara isn't like the others. She's… different."
She glanced up at him, startled by the tenderness in his voice. It sounded almost real.
Mr. Cole boomed with laughter, shaking her hand. "Welcome, my dear. It's about time my son settled down."
---
The long dining table glittered with silverware and crystal glasses. Elara sat beside Adrian, nerves threatening to undo her, but his hand slipped over hers under the table, firm and reassuring.
"So, Elara," Mrs. Cole said warmly, "how did you two meet?"
Elara froze. "I—"
"She was working late one night," Adrian said smoothly, rescuing her. "I couldn't look away. She's honest. Pure. I knew if I let her go, I'd regret it for the rest of my life."
Gasps of delight circled the table. Elara's heart skipped — not at his words, but at the conviction in his tone.
Mrs. Cole dabbed her eyes. "Adrian, I've never heard you speak this way."
Helena leaned forward with a grin. "Look at him — my cold brother finally thawed."
Adrian smirked faintly, then to Elara's surprise, he lifted her hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. The family melted at the display.
Elara whispered, cheeks burning, "You're overdoing it."
He bent closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Convincing, isn't it?"
Yet she couldn't deny — when his lips touched her skin, a shiver ran down her spine.
---
After dinner, Helena pulled Elara aside, handing her a cup of warm tea. "I like you," she said simply. "You're gentle, but there's fire in you. My brother needs that. Don't let him push you around."
Elara blinked, taken aback. "I… I'll try."
Helena squeezed her hand. "Good girl. And don't worry — this family already loves you. You're one of us now."
Across the room, Adrian watched the exchange, something unreadable in his gaze. For the first time in years, his family wasn't interrogating him, nagging him, or forcing him into blind dates. They were… happy. And it was all because of her.
When it was time to leave, Mrs. Cole hugged Elara again. "We expect you two at the family brunch next week. Don't be late."
Adrian held Elara close as they walked out, whispering just loud enough for her to hear:
"You did well tonight."
She glanced up at him. "So did you."
His lips curved in a rare, genuine smile.