ログインLina walked into the living room the next morning, her hair still damp from the shower.Adrian was standing by the windows, phone to his ear. He ended the call the moment he saw her.“You’re up early,” he said. “Good. We have a problem.”Lina stopped halfway across the room. “A problem? What happened?”Adrian slipped his phone into his pocket. “The lawyers just called. They want proof of domestic stability. Photos of us having breakfast together, looking relaxed. Sophia is coming in thirty minutes to set it up.”Lina crossed her arms. “Photos of us having breakfast? Like we’re playing happy family for the camera?”“Exactly.” Adrian walked toward the dining table. “Sit down. We’ll practice looking natural before she arrives.”Lina sat across from him, tension tight in her shoulders. “Natural. Right. Because nothing about this feels natural.”Adrian poured coffee for both of them. “You need to relax your face. You look like you’re about to argue with me.”“I might argue,” she muttered,
Lina adjusted the cream blouse one last time in front of the mirror and stepped out of her room.Adrian was waiting near the elevator, checking his watch. “ The car is downstairs.”She walked over, smoothing her hands down the black pants. “Do I look okay? I feel like I’m going to a job interview instead of lunch.”Adrian gave her a quick once-over. “You look acceptable. Remember the rules. Stay close. Smile when people look at us. Answer questions with short, positive replies. Nothing more.”Lina nodded and followed him into the elevator. “Short and positive. I’ve been practicing that in my head all morning.”The ride down was quiet. As they stepped into the car, Adrian spoke again.“Today’s lunch is with potential business partners. They need to see a stable couple. Touch my arm naturally if someone takes a photo. Don’t pull away.”Lina stared out the window. “Touch your arm. Act happy. Got it. This feels like a performance every single time we leave the penthouse.”“It is a perform
Lina walked into the dining room the next morning carrying her empty coffee mug from the night before.Adrian was already seated, reviewing papers. “Seven-thirty. You’re getting better at the timing.”She sat down across from him. “Morning. Did you sleep at all? You were still working when I went to bed.”“I don’t need much sleep.” He pushed a folder toward her. “This is the schedule for the next two weeks. Study it. Memorize the events and what you’re expected to wear.”Lina opened the folder and scanned the list. “Three galas, one charity lunch, and a business dinner? That’s a lot for the first month.”“It’s necessary.” Adrian poured more coffee for himself. “The lawyers are watching closely. Every public appearance needs to look natural and stable. You’ll attend all of them with me.”She flipped the page. “And the clothing requirements? I see ‘formal navy’ and ‘elegant black’ listed. Sophia is bringing those today?”“Yes. She’ll fit you properly this morning.” He took a sip. “Rule
Lina stepped out of the guest room the next morning still rubbing sleep from her eyes. She found Adrian already at the dining table, coffee in hand.“Seven-thirty exactly,” he said without looking up from his tablet. “Good. Sit.”She pulled out her chair and sat down. “Morning. The gala photos are already online?”Adrian slid his tablet toward her. “Yes. They look acceptable. People are commenting that I finally settled down. That helps the image.”Lina scrolled through the pictures. She looked stiff in most of them. “I look nervous in this one. Like I don’t belong.”“You’ll improve.” He took the tablet back. “Today we go over the rest of the rules. No more mistakes like almost answering your phone in front of me last night.”Lina poured herself some coffee. “I didn’t answer it. I put it away.”“That’s not the point.” Adrian cut into his eggs. “I saw you check it twice. From now on, if your phone makes any sound while we’re together, you show me the screen. No hiding.”She stirred sug
The gala ballroom buzzed with voices and clinking glasses. Lina kept her arm linked with Adrian’s as they moved through the crowd. The deep blue gown felt heavier with every step.“Smile more,” Adrian said quietly, his voice low enough for only her to hear. “People are watching.”Lina forced her lips upward. “I am smiling. This is my smiling face.”A tall man in a gray suit approached them with a drink in hand. “Adrian! Good to see you out with someone new. Who is this lovely lady?”Adrian’s hand stayed steady on her lower back. “This is my wife, Lina. Lina, this is Richard Harlan. He sits on the board of the charity tonight.”Lina extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Richard. The event looks beautiful. Thank you for putting it together.”Richard shook her hand and raised an eyebrow. “Wife? That was fast. I didn’t even know you were dating anyone.”Adrian gave a small nod. “We met through mutual friends. Short courtship. We’re very happy.”Lina kept the smile glued on. “Very happy,”
Lina woke to the sound of curtains sliding open. Bright morning light hit her face. She blinked and sat up fast in the huge guest bed, heart jumping.Adrian stood by the window in a crisp white shirt, sleeves already rolled once. “Seven-thirty. Breakfast is ready. Don’t make me wait.”She rubbed her eyes and swung her legs out. “I didn’t set an alarm. How did you—”“I have the schedule. You follow it.” He turned toward the door. “Wear the gray dress in the closet. It’s appropriate for today. Be at the table in ten minutes.”The door clicked shut behind him. Lina stared at the closet. Sure enough, a simple gray dress hung there, tags still on. She touched the soft fabric. Expensive. Perfect. Nothing like her own clothes.She dressed quickly, brushed her hair back, and walked to the dining area. The table was set with fresh fruit, coffee, and eggs. Adrian sat at the head, scrolling on his tablet. He didn’t look up right away.Lina pulled out the chair across from him. “Morning. This dre







