Ziri Inkの小説

Sleep never came.It wasn’t for lack of trying, I had spent hours lying still, eyes closed, willing my body to shut down, but my mind refused to cooperate. Every time I drifted close to sleep, something pulled me back.His voice.The way he spoke as if everything had already been decided long before I was even aware of it. By the time the first hint of sunlight slipped through the curtains, I was still awake, staring at a ceiling that didn’t belong to me in a room that felt too perfect to be real.There was something strange about waking up in a place that had been prepared for you without your consent. It wasn’t just the luxury or the silence but the intention behind it. Everything in that room had been chosen, arranged, and placed with a purpose, and none of those decisions had been mine. That realization sat heavy in my chest as I pushed the covers off and stepped out of bed, my bare feet meeting the cold floor.I found myself walking back to the wardrobe room without thinking, as

LeonI know I’m rigid on the outside, I know how calculated I am but that doesn't mean I lack blood running through my veins and emotions. Nights were terror to me, my thoughts deprived me of sleep and my heart beat never rested. I really don't care about my ex-girlfriend and her stunts, I know I owe her nothing. But gradually her pretence and lies have borne fruit. Linking me to drugs to trap me in her world and destroy my reputation is something I won't allow to slide easily. But I'm not totally angry, in her zeal to drag me down she brought my peace closer to me. For years I hid my secret and suppressed my emotions towards Kate. I know she hates being close to me, and that hurts me so much, but I have no other way to bring her closer. Her presence alone makes my heart swell with joy, but I sincerely hate coming off as weak. My restless nights were calmed with thoughts of her. And now I'm finally living in my dreams. I call her Katie, not because it was random but because I enj

KATE “What kind of bride ditches her wedding reception before the toast?”I sighed in frustration. “An unhappy bride.”To save face I returned my attention to the wardrobe, desperate to put something on, but not before I saw his mouth twitch at my statement.Where were my clothes? They were here before I went down to the reception.“You think this marriage is a joke, don't you?”I paused.“Do you even realize what is at stake here?”His voice was calm, even, unreadable as always. Although I thought he must be angry, who wouldn't be? Then again I didn't care. Damn him.I spun around “Of course I know what's at stake, your bloody reputation everyone seems to give a damn about.”The suite was quiet for a moment. Until Leon took a step forward, then another and another, leaning in till he was a breath away from my face.“My bloody reputation is now your bloody reputation Katie.”My chest was heaving slightly. The air was suddenly clouded with his scent and I couldn't breathe well enough.

KATEThe cathedral bells bellowed ceremoniously.The wedding was finally over. Then came the marriage. The actual marriage.Mrs Romano's smile was ice as she held up my bulk wedding dress, just for the cameras of course, so I could slide into the white limousine. I let out a deep breath I didn't know I was holding immediately the door slammed shut and I was safely in the car. The noise outside was muffled.The past week hadn't been particularly fun for me, from being chosen by an heir for marriage to being forced by my father to accept. And then there was the attention.Now the world knew my name.Suddenly everyone wanted to know who Kate Adams was. Both my name's and Leon's were boldly written across every major headline. My house had been invaded multiple times by paparazzi, wanting to take a sneak peak into the life of Kate Adams before the fame.The only positive outcome was that the so called PR move was working. It was like everyone suddenly forgot the drug scandal incident

KATEMrs Romano’s eyes met mine.And just like that, I knew I wasn’t welcome.The verdict didn’t need words.It was in the way her gaze lingered a second too long. In the slight tightening of her lips. In the silence that followed.I lowered my eyes and took my seat.The dining table was too long. Too polished. Too perfect.Everything about this place reminded me of what I wasn’t.Dinner was served. No one spoke.The silence wasn’t empty, It was heavy.Mrs Romano sat at the head of the table, composed and elegant.Mr Romano looked… tired. Like he didn’t want to be here at all.My father, on the other hand, was thriving.Laughing too loudly, talking too much, trying too hard to belong.Mum sat at a far end, quiet and awkward. She hadn’t looked at me since I arrived. Not like I wasn't used to that.I swallowed and forced myself to eat even though every bite felt like sand in my mouth.Leon hadn’t said a word. But I could feel him.Every now and then, his gaze brushed against me.Not sof

KATE“With cooperation comes reward.”The man’s voice was calm, very calm.My father leaned forward like he was being offered the world.“And everything we discussed… still stands?”The man gave a small nod.“Of course.”My stomach turned. Everything we discussed?I stepped into the room.“What is going on?”Both of them turned. Dad’s face changed instantly. First in surprise, then irritation.“Kate,” he said sharply. “You’re home.”“I asked you a question.”The man stood up, smooth, professional. Like this was just another job.“Miss Adams,” he said politely. “Perfect timing.”I didn’t respond. My eyes stayed on my father.“What is he talking about?”Dad exhaled like I was the problem.“Sit down.”“No.”A pause.The man reached for his briefcase.“I believe it’s best we proceed.”Proceed? With what? My pulse quickened.“I am Mr Wakefield, family lawyer to the Romanos.” He introduced himself with an outstretched hand.I didn't take it.The lawyer didn't seem to mind.He opened the ca