First Morning

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 dress fits perfectly. Did you guess my size?”

“He glanced at her. “The agency sent your measurements with the file. Sit. Eat. We talk rules while we do.”

She sat and picked up the coffee. It was hot and strong. “Rules again? I thought we covered them last night.”

“We review every morning until you remember them all.” Adrian cut into his eggs. “Rule one. You call me Adrian in private. In public you stay close, touch my arm when it looks natural, and smile like you’re happy to be mine. No cold stares.”

Lina took a sip and nodded. “Got it. Smile like I’m happy. Even if I’m not.”

“Especially if you’re not.” He set his fork down. “Rule two. No personal calls or messages without me knowing. Staff might see. Everything stays clean.”

She thought of the deleted texts from Ethan and kept her face steady. “Clean. Right. No problem.”

Adrian watched her over the rim of his cup. “You hesitated last night when I asked about your phone. If something comes up, handle it quietly. I don’t want complications.”

Lina picked up a piece of fruit and bit into it. “No complications. I’m here for the money and my brother’s treatment. That’s all.”

“Good.” He leaned back. “Today is the charity gala. My assistant will bring dresses at noon. Choose one that doesn’t draw too much attention but still looks like a wife. We leave at six. Practice your story on the way. We met through mutual friends. Short courtship. Very happy.”

Lina swallowed. “Mutual friends. Short courtship. Happy. I can remember that.”

The cook, a quiet older woman named Maria, came in with more toast. “Good morning, Mr. Korr. Mrs. Korr. More coffee?”

Adrian nodded once. “Yes. Thank you, Maria.”

Lina smiled at her. “Thank you. Everything looks great.”

Maria gave a small nod and left. Adrian waited until the door closed. “See? Simple. Polite. That’s how it works here.”

Lina buttered a piece of toast. “You talk to the staff like they’re part of the furniture too?”

“They know their place. You learn yours.” He checked his watch. “I have meetings until four. Stay in the penthouse. Read the full contract again. No leaving without permission.”

She set the toast down. “Permission? I’m not a prisoner. I need to call my brother. Check on him.”

“Call him from here. Keep it short.” Adrian stood and buttoned his jacket. “If the hospital needs anything extra, tell my assistant. She handles it.”

Lina pushed her chair back a little. “You really don’t trust anyone, do you?”

“Trust is earned. You haven’t earned it yet.” He started toward the elevator. “Six o’clock sharp. Be ready. And Lina?”

She looked up.

“Keep everything clean while you’re here.”

Lina nodded. “Clean. Got it.”

Adrian stepped into the elevator without another word. The doors closed.

Lina sat alone at the big table. The penthouse felt even quieter now. She pulled out her phone and dialed the hospital.

Her brother answered on the second ring. “Lina? You okay? ”

“I’m fine. How are you feeling today?

“Better. They gave me something stronger for the pain. The doctor said the treatment paperwork is already moving. Is that because of you?”

“Yeah. It is.” She smiled even though he couldn’t see. “Hang in there. I’ll visit as soon as I can. Maybe in a few days.”

“Visit? You sound like you’re on another planet.” His voice dropped. “This husband guy… is he treating you right? Or is it all cold and weird?”

Lina glanced toward the empty hallway. “It’s weird. But he’s keeping his word about the money. That’s what counts. I have to go soon. Call you tonight, okay?”

“Okay. Love you. Be safe.”

“Love you too.”

She hung up and stared at the phone for a moment. Another message waited from that same old number.

Ethan: I’m not giving up. Meet me at the old café tomorrow? Just talk. I can help with your brother too.

Lina deleted it and put the phone away.

At noon the assistant arrived with racks of dresses. A tall woman named Sophia with sharp heels and a tablet. “Mr. Korr wants options that say elegant wife, not spotlight. Try these.”

Lina stood in front of the mirror in the guest room while Sophia zipped her into a deep blue gown. It hugged her waist and fell soft to the floor.

“Too much?” Lina asked, turning.

Sophia shook her head. “Perfect. Conservative neckline. Looks expensive but not flashy. He’ll approve.”

They picked two more backups. Sophia packed them up. “Car will be here at five-thirty. Hair and makeup come with it. Don’t be late.”

Alone again, Lina walked the penthouse. She touched the cold glass walls, looked out at the city. Everything felt too big. Too quiet. Her old life with late diner shifts and hospital chairs seemed a million miles away.

By five she was dressed in the blue gown. Hair swept up, light makeup. She looked in the mirror and barely recognized herself. Rich wife. Not desperate sister.

The elevator dinged at five-forty-five. Adrian stepped out in a black tuxedo, perfect lines. He stopped when he saw her.

“You clean up well,” he said. No smile. Just fact.

Lina smoothed the dress. “Sophia picked it. Said it was wife-appropriate.”

He walked closer and adjusted one strap on her shoulder, fingers quick and impersonal. “It works. Remember the story. Mutual friends. Happy. Short answers only if reporters ask.”

She nodded. “Mutual friends. Happy. Got it.”

They rode down together in the private elevator. The car waited outside. Adrian held the door for her like a real husband would. Cameras flashed the second they stepped out. Reporters called out.

“Mr. Korr! Is this the new Mrs. Korr?”

“First public appearance together?”

Adrian put his hand lightly on her lower back and guided her into the car. “Smile,” he whispered close to her ear. “Now.”

Lina turned and gave the cameras a small, practiced smile. Inside her chest tightened.

As the car pulled away, Adrian sat back. “Not bad for the first try. Keep that up tonight.”

Lina looked out the window at the passing lights. “How long do we have to stay at this gala?”

“Long enough to be seen. Two hours max.” He checked his phone. “And Lina?”

“Yeah?”

“Stay close to me the whole time.”

She nodded, but her mind kept drifting.

The car stopped at the grand hotel. Red carpet. More flashes. Adrian offered his arm. She took it.

They stepped into the bright lights together. People turned to look. Whispers started.

Adrian leaned in again, voice low. “Act like you belong here. Like you chose me.”