The puzzle

Roland’s POV

She’s facing away from me, but even from here, I can tell she’s beautiful — brown skin, messy bun, kind of effortless. But who cares? I’ve seen plenty of beautiful women. If I’m being forced into marriage, the least fate could do is give me someone easy to look at.

“Look, Celine, I don’t have time for this. Just—”

“Hello, Diana.”

I cut her off. No patience for whatever drama they were in the middle of. Diana turns toward me, eyes wide — definitely not expecting me.

“Thanks for bringing her. You can leave now, Celine.”

I don’t even glance at her, but I hear the scoff as the door shuts.

“So,” Diana says, sitting down, facing me now, “you’re the guy I’m supposed to marry in three days.”

“Supposed to. Sounds like you’re still thinking about it.”

“What’s your name?”

Is she serious?

“Roland. Don’t tell me you forgot already.”

“Right. Roland. Your family’s rich and loaded. Why bother marrying someone like me?”

“This isn’t exactly how normal people introduce themselves, Diana.”

She rolls her eyes. “Did you expect a hug?”

She’s annoyed. Cute. She thinks I should be the one begging. I’m here, wasting time, and she dares to be rude? This is going to be fun.

“You’re kind of hostile for someone who just met me.”

“How long did you know?” she asks. Not even acknowledging what I said.

“Know what?”

“That you were getting married in three days. You don’t look freaked out at all.”

So she’s just finding out. That explains her mood.

“You’re telling me you just knew today?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying… Ronald.”

God, the way she says my name. Like she’s trying to spit it out.

“That sounds like a personal problem.”

She stands, starts walking toward me like she’s ready to fight. I almost admire it.

“Let me make something clear. I’m not marrying you.”

I laugh — a short, careless sound. “You can say anything you want. It’s already signed.”

She pauses. “What do you mean it’s signed?”

I sigh, bored already. “Your dad works for my family. Has been for years. He handled money. Got himself in a hole. Took things he couldn’t pay back. Millions. My dad was ready to ruin him. Court. Assets. Gone.”

I look around. It’s a sad little room — cheap desk, rainbow sheets, pink curtains. She’s been living in a bubble.

“But your dad begged. Then one day he brought you to work. My grandma saw you. She’s… soft. She made a deal. You marry me. And your dad keeps his job. No lawsuit. No jail.”

“You call that forgiveness?”

Her voice is sharp. Angry.

“What?”

“Your grandmother didn’t forgive him. She sold me off to save him.”

“In this setup? Yeah, it’s forgiving. Trust me. It could’ve gone way worse.”

“You’re sick,” she snaps. “You’re making me hate this even more.”

“Don’t care.”

I stare right at her. She glares back. She thinks anger will shake me. It won’t.

“So my dad agreed to this?”

“If he didn’t, I’d be on a plane right now.”

“And what about his salary?”

“That’s between him and my father. I’m not his accountant.”

“Who told you everything?”

“My parents. My family doesn’t keep secrets. You might want to try that.”

“And you’re okay with this? Being forced into marriage? Just to pump out some heirs for your rich family?”

I shrug. “I don’t do love. Arranged is fine. My family wants kids. That’s it.”

“Gross,” she mutters, climbing into her bed, yanking the covers over herself.

“I don’t get it. Why did your dad agree? You don’t get anything from marrying us.”

Good question. One I don’t care to answer. All I know is — it’s done. She scoffs 

“Guess there are more secrets than you thought. Close the door on your way out.”

She lies down and closes her eyes.

“See you in three days, fiancé.”

I shake off the doubt she planted in me and step out. I don’t stop—not to inform her parents in the living room that I’m done speaking to their infuriating daughter, and not to ask her sister why she’s stari

ng at me from the doorway. I just walk. I need a long shower to wash off the dust of this old house.