I Woke Up Married to a Politician

The soft ticking of a clock echoed in the room. Gabriella Halim fluttered her eyes open. A spotless white ceiling. Sheer curtains swayed gently in the breeze.

‘Where… am I?’ she murmured under her breath. Her body felt light. This wasn’t the thin mattress in her cramped little room. This was a plush bed with satin sheets, in a spacious room with a chandelier hanging above.

Her hand reached for the other side of the bed. Empty. Slowly, she sat up and glanced around. A massive wardrobe filled with luxurious clothes. A full-length mirror reflected a woman with long black hair cascading down her shoulders, a beautiful bare face without makeup. A silk nightgown hugged her curves.

‘This… isn’t the Halim house.’ Her heart thudded in her chest. No Isabella’s screeching voice barking orders at her like a maid. No Mrs. Emma Halim constant threat that she “owed them” for saving her. No suffocating fear clinging to her skin like a second layer.

All her life, Gabby had known one thing: she was never truly family. Just an adopted child taken in for appearances, not love. The Halim household was nothing more than a golden cage that grand on the outside, but full of claws on the inside.

And now… she was here. Soft bed, silk nightgown, a room the size of a ballroom. It felt like she’d been thrown into another world.

Knock! Knock!

The door swung open. A man walked in—tall, broad-shouldered, sharply dressed, his face carved in ice. His eyes were cold, slicing through her like a blade, as if he despised the very air she breathed.

“You’re awake.” His voice was flat, emotionless.

Gabby stared at him for a long moment, her heart pounding. ‘Who is this guy? A soap commercial model? A TV drama actor?’

“Who are you?” she whispered.

His brows furrowed. “Don’t play games, Gabriella. I don’t have time for your morning theatrics.”

“Gabby,” she corrected instinctively. “Everyone calls me Gabby. And I’m serious, who are you?”

He stepped closer, each stride calm yet heavy, making her heartbeat race. He stopped half a meter in front of her, his face an unreadable mask.

“Adryan Lewis. Your husband.”

Gabby’s jaw dropped. “Husband?!”

Adryan exhaled sharply through his nose. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. I don’t have time for your drama.”

Gabby pressed her fingers to her temples. “I… I’m married? To you?” A nervous laugh slipped out. ‘Married? In a mansion? To a man this handsome? This is insane!’

Since the moment she woke up, something had felt off. Her mind felt like it had rewound to her college years, twenty years old, before life turned into a mess. No memories of marriage, let alone having a husband this ridiculously good-looking.

Adryan narrowed his eyes. “What now? Are you pretending to have amnesia? A new trick, Gabriella?”

‘Amnesia?’ Gabby went silent. Then… an idea sparked. Slowly, she nodded. “Yeah. I guess… that’s what it is.”

He leaned in slightly, his voice like frost. “Listen carefully. I didn’t marry you out of love. So don’t expect me to care.”

Gabby stared at him, her gaze trailing over his sharp jawline and chiseled features. She bit her lip and flashed a teasing smile.

“You’re handsome,” she said casually.

“Guess I have good taste in husbands.”

Adryan blinked, taken aback. His brows knitted. “What?”

“Yeah, you look kinda scary, but that face? Wow.” Gabby winked and reclined against the pillows. “Fine. I can live with this.”

Adryan let out a sharp breath, his face stiff. “I don’t have time for your nonsense.” He turned on his heel.

“We have an event at eleven. Don’t embarrass me. Clothes are in the wardrobe.”

The door slammed shut behind him.

Gabby watched his back disappear and let out a soft sigh. ‘Whoever you are, Adryan Lewis… I think I’m gonna like it here.’

She sat on the edge of the bed, eyes locked on the closed door, a slow grin spreading across her face.

“From the hellhole called the Halim house to the crocodile’s den named Adryan Lewis… but if this crocodile’s den looks like this, I’m in.”

After Adryan left the room, Gabby’s eyes caught something on the bedside table, a sleek leather wallet and a black-and-gold name card. She picked it up, curiosity buzzing in her head.

Adryan Lewis – United States Senator.

Her jaw nearly hit the floor. No way. A politician? My husband is a freaking politician?!

A slow grin tugged at her lips.

“A husband in Politics… a mansion… unlimited credit cards…” She exhaled a long breath.

“God, this isn’t a nightmare. This is a dream come true.”

‘Doesn’t care? Thank God!’ After few years of being the Halims’ punching bag, now she had a rich husband who didn’t give a damn what she did? Jackpot.

Her eyes flicked back to the mirror, lips curving into a grin. “Gabriella Halim, welcome to your new life.”

---

Her stomach growled. Without a second thought, Gabby slid off the bed, slipped her feet into the fluffy house slippers, and walked out of the room. She had no intention of changing clothes.

As soon as the door opened, the sounds of a busy morning hit her—laughter, the clinking of plates, footsteps on polished floors.

Gabby’s own steps echoed softly as she descended the gleaming marble staircase. Her ivory silk nightgown shimmered in the morning light, the thin peignoir fluttering with every step. Her long hair fell loose, slightly tousled from sleep.

The smell of toast and coffee wafted from the dining area. She smiled faintly; she had been hungry for hours.

At the bottom of the stairs, her eyes widened in surprise. A long dining table filled with people. Three men in suits, two women neatly holding folders. Everyone froze and turned toward her at the same time.

All eyes were on her.

House assistants carrying plates and glasses froze mid-step, the driver who had just entered with a newspaper paused, and even Adryan Lewis, seated at the head of the table in a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, flanked by two staff members, looked up—shock clear on their faces.

“Gabriella.” Adryan’s voice was flat, but the edge behind it was unmistakable.

Gabby glanced at him, smiling sweetly. “Hi!” she chirped, as if oblivious to the tense stares threatening to drop plates.

She glided lightly toward the table, silk swaying with her steps. As she pulled out a chair and sat down, her thin peignoir slipped slightly off her shoulder, revealing smooth skin.

“I’m hungry,” she said casually, reaching for the glass of orange juice already set before her and drinking without asking. “Mmm… so refreshing!”

Adryan’s eyes sharpened, jaw tightening.

“Why are you… walking around like that?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, yet heavy with authority.

Gabby blinked innocently. “Why, indeed?” She glanced around at the assistants pretending to be busy while obviously stealing glances. “Oh, are they shocked? Don’t worry, I’m not naked, am I?”

One of the staff quickly lowered their gaze, face bright red. Adryan rubbed his temple, trying to rein in his temper.

“This is a house, not—” He paused, staring at her for a long moment. “At least dress appropriately.”

Gabby let out a small snort, taking a casual bite of the toast in front of her. “Appropriate? This is a nightgown. It’s my own house, so not wrong, right? Besides…” she leaned back in the chair, flashing a teasing smile, “…you’re my husband. Shouldn’t be a problem seeing me like this, huh?”

Adryan studied her longer, eyes darkening. Not just from anger, something else he was holding back. He drew a long breath, then spoke to the staff in a cold tone:

“Everyone, leave.”

The assistants disappeared like the wind, leaving just the two of them in the now intensely quiet dining room.

“Gabriella,” Adryan’s voice was low, sharp, and piercing. “Are you trying to toy with me?”

Gabby tilted her head, looking at him innocently. “Toy with you? No. I’m just… hungry.” She smiled again, sweetly, as if nothing were wrong. “Are you mad? You look so handsome when you’re mad.”

Adryan paused for a few seconds. A vein pulsed at his temple, half wanting to scold this woman, half… something else.

“Change your clothes. Now.” He stood, taking a deep, heavy breath.

Gabby met his eyes, then grinned widely.

‘Wow… he’s strict. But kind of cool. Like a mafia movie character.’

She chewed her toast once more before calling out, “Okaaaay, boss! But after I finish eating, alright?”

Adryan closed his eyes briefly, trying to stay composed. “Gabriella, this isn’t a game. I have an important morning meeting. Everyone—”

“Fine,” Gabby cut in, standing up. “I won’t disturb you. I’ll have breakfast on the balcony. Byee!” She carried her toast and juice casually, walking as if nothing had happened. Her thin peignoir fluttered behind her with every step, making Adryan exhale sharply and pinch the bridge of his nose.

“She’s completely crazy…” he muttered under his breath.

On the balcony, Gabby sat back, enjoying the fresh air while nibbling on her toast. She let out a small laugh. ‘If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up. Life can be this fun if I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else.’