Chapter 1 : The Woman Behind the Contract

Xyena's POV

"Miss Ashworth, we're here."

Dahan-dahan kong iminulat ang mga mata ko.

For a few seconds, nakatitig lang ako sa labas ng tinted car window, trying to convince myself na isa lang itong masamang panaginip.

Pero nang makita ko ang napakalaking black gates sa harapan ko, alam kong real na talaga ito.

The Valcieri Estate.

Napabuntong-hininga ako.

"Okay..."

I looked down at myself.

Simple cream dress.

Small handbag.

Flat shoes.

At ang tanging jewelry na suot ko ay ang maliit na necklace na regalo sa akin ni Grandma Charlotte.

Then I looked at the mansion again.

It was enormous.

Hindi ko alam kung mansion ba talaga ang tamang tawag dito.

It looked more like a palace.

Tall stone walls surrounded the property. Perfectly trimmed gardens stretched across both sides of the driveway, while several expensive cars were parked near the entrance.

May mga guards din sa paligid.

Napailing ako.

"Great."

I laughed softly.

"I look like I'm here to apply for a job."

The driver smiled through the rearview mirror.

"Miss, I'm sure they're expecting you."

"Unfortunately."

Binuksan ko ang p***o at bumaba.

Huminga ako nang malalim.

One year.

Twelve months.

Then everything would be over.

I repeated those words inside my head.

One year, Xyena.

You can do this.

I was about to walk toward the entrance when a man wearing a black suit approached me.

"Miss Ashworth?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Daerion Donovan. Mr. Valcieri's personal secretary."

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

He gestured toward the mansion.

"Mr. Valcieri is waiting for you."

Of course.

The billionaire CEO was waiting for his future wife.

Future wife.

Napailing ako.

Those words still sounded strange.

I followed Daerion inside.

The moment I entered the Valcieri Estate, I immediately felt out of place.

Everything was luxurious.

The marble floor beneath my feet was polished enough to reflect my face.

A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling.

There were expensive paintings on the walls and antique furniture placed perfectly around the enormous hall.

I tried not to stare.

But then I noticed a vase sitting on a pedestal.

It looked familiar.

I remembered seeing something similar in a magazine.

Apparently, it was worth millions.

Napahinto ako.

"Seriously?"

Daerion looked back.

"Is something wrong?"

I shook my head quickly.

"Nothing."

I looked at the vase again.

"I'm just thinking that if I accidentally break that, my family will probably have to work for another twenty years."

Daerion laughed softly.

"Don't worry. You won't."

"I hope so."

We continued walking until we reached a large wooden door.

Daerion stopped.

"Mr. Valcieri is inside."

He opened the door.

"Mr. Valcieri, Miss Ashworth has arrived."

I took one last deep breath.

Then I stepped inside.

And that's when I saw him.

Caelvaris Ethaniel Valcieri.

My future husband.

He stood beside a large desk while reading several documents.

Black suit.

White shirt.

Dark hair.

Sharp jaw.

Cold eyes.

He looked exactly like the photographs I'd seen online.

Except...

pictures didn't capture how intimidating he was in person.

He looked up.

Our eyes met.

And suddenly, I forgot what I was supposed to say.

Okay, Xyena.

Don't stare.

He's just a man.

A very intimidating man.

But still a man.

I cleared my throat.

"Caelvaris Valcieri."

His gaze remained on me.

"Xyenarius Ashworth."

His voice was deep and calm.

"You know who I am."

"Hard not to."

I gave him a small smile.

"Your face is everywhere."

One eyebrow lifted.

"Is that a compliment?"

"Not really."

For a second, I thought I saw amusement in his eyes.

But it disappeared almost immediately.

He pointed toward the chair.

"Sit."

I stared at him.

"Do you always give orders?"

"Usually."

"That's going to be a problem."

His expression remained blank.

But I noticed the slightest movement in his jaw.

Maybe he wasn't used to people talking back to him.

Well...

Too bad.

I sat down.

He sat across from me.

Then he placed a black folder on the desk.

"You know why you're here."

"Yes."

"Then let's make this simple."

He opened the folder.

"This marriage will last one year."

I nodded.

"Twelve months."

"Correct."

"Then divorce."

"Yes."

I stared at him.

He said it so casually.

As if we were discussing a business merger.

"There will be no scandals," he continued.

"Fine."

"No unnecessary questions about my personal life."

I raised an eyebrow.

"You're asking me not to ask questions about my husband?"

His eyes met mine.

"Yes."

I almost laughed.

"That's probably the strangest marriage rule I've ever heard."

"It's necessary."

"For you?"

"For both of us."

I crossed my arms.

"Okay."

He continued.

"You can continue working. You can see your friends. You can go wherever you want."

"Good."

"You'll have your own room."

"Even better."

His eyebrow lifted.

"You sound relieved."

"I am."

For some reason, his lips almost curved into a smile.

Almost.

Then his expression became serious again.

"Your expenses will be covered."

"No."

He stopped.

"No?"

"I don't need your money."

"It's part of the agreement."

"I know."

I looked directly at him.

"But I'm not marrying you because I want your money."

His eyes remained on me.

"Everyone has a reason for marrying."

"Maybe."

I looked down at the contract.

"But mine is simple."

He waited.

"My family."

For the first time, something changed in his expression.

I couldn't tell what it was.

Understanding?

Guilt?

Maybe both.

"You don't have to explain."

"I'm not explaining."

I looked at him.

"I'm reminding you."

"Of what?"

"That I'm a person."

Silence.

His eyes stayed on mine.

"I'm not something you bought."

"I never said you were."

"Good."

I picked up the contract.

"Then we're clear."

I spent the next twenty minutes reading every clause.

Twelve-month marriage.

Separate bedrooms.

Public appearances.

Confidentiality.

No interference in personal affairs.

And finally...

The marriage shall be dissolved after the agreed term.

I stared at that sentence.

It felt strange.

Most women dreamed of walking down the aisle and promising forever.

Ako?

I was signing a contract that already had an expiration date.

I closed the folder.

"This is romantic."

Caelvaris looked at me.

"I wasn't trying to be."

"I noticed."

For the first time, I saw something that looked almost like a smile.

I pointed at him.

"Did you just smile?"

"No."

"You did."

"I didn't."

"You're terrible at lying."

"I don't lie."

"Everyone lies."

He stared at me.

Then quietly said,

"Not everyone."

I didn't know why those words stayed in my mind.

Not everyone.

Cael's POV

I watched Xyena leave my study.

The moment the door closed behind her, I leaned back against my chair.

Interesting.

That was the first word that came to mind.

She wasn't what I expected.

I had expected someone nervous.

Someone intimidated by my family.

Someone desperate for the money.

Instead, she had walked into my study and challenged almost every rule I gave her.

She had even told me that she wasn't something I bought.

Most people didn't talk to me like that.

Especially not women who knew exactly who I was.

I picked up the contract.

Xyenarius Ashworth.

Twenty-four.

Independent.

Educated.

No major scandals.

No suspicious financial history.

Nothing unusual.

At least, according to the information I'd been given.

But there was something about her.

Something I couldn't explain.

And I didn't like things I couldn't explain.

I closed the folder.

This marriage was supposed to be simple.

One year.

No feelings.

No attachment.

Then divorce.

That's all.

I would make sure of it.

Xyena's POV

Two weeks later, I stood in front of a mirror wearing a wedding dress.

I stared at my reflection.

For a moment, I barely recognized myself.

The dress was beautiful.

Too beautiful.

White fabric flowed down to the floor, decorated with delicate embroidery.

My hair was styled perfectly.

The diamond necklace around my neck belonged to the Valcieri family.

Everything looked like a fairytale.

But I didn't feel like a princess.

I felt like someone walking into a contract.

"Are you ready?"

I looked at my mother through the mirror.

"Not really."

She smiled sadly.

"You don't have to be."

Ivy walked toward me and fixed my veil.

"Anak."

"Hmm?"

"Whatever happens, don't lose yourself."

I looked at her.

"I won't."

She held my hands.

"I know you're doing this for us."

I smiled faintly.

"One year lang, Mom."

She nodded.

"One year."

I took a deep breath.

"Then I'll be free."

But somehow, I had a feeling that freedom wouldn't be as simple as I thought.

Cael's POV

I stood at the end of the aisle.

My hands were inside my pockets.

My expression remained calm.

At least, that's what everyone thought.

Inside, I was counting the seconds.

This wasn't supposed to feel strange.

I'd signed the contract.

I'd agreed to the terms.

I knew exactly what I was doing.

Then I saw her.

Xyena.

Walking down the aisle.

For the first time, I saw her wearing something other than a simple dress.

The wedding gown suited her.

She looked...

Beautiful.

I immediately pushed the thought away.

She's your contractual wife.

Nothing more.

She reached me.

I leaned closer.

"You look beautiful."

Her eyes widened.

"Was that another compliment?"

"Don't get used to it."

She smiled.

"Too late."

I almost smiled.

Almost.

Then the ceremony began.

The vows were spoken.

The rings were exchanged.

And finally—

"Do you, Caelvaris Ethaniel Valcieri, take Xyenarius Ashworth as your lawful wife?"

I looked at her.

She was staring back at me.

For some reason, the question suddenly felt heavier than it should.

But I answered.

"I do."

The priest turned toward her.

"And do you, Xyenarius Ashworth, take Caelvaris Ethaniel Valcieri as your lawful husband?"

She swallowed.

Then she looked directly into my eyes.

"I do."

The words were simple.

But somehow, they stayed with me.

Xyena's POV

The moment the ceremony ended, everyone started congratulating us.

People smiled.

Cameras flashed.

Someone called us the perfect couple.

I almost laughed.

If only they knew.

After the reception, we returned to the Valcieri Estate.

I was exhausted.

I walked beside Caelvaris through the hallway.

"Your room is on the second floor."

"Where's yours?"

"Other side."

I stopped.

"Good."

He looked at me.

"Why?"

"Because I think we've had enough pretending for one day."

He nodded.

"Agreed."

I started walking away.

Then I stopped.

"Cael?"

He looked at me.

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For not making this harder than it already is."

He stared at me for a moment.

Then nodded.

"You're welcome."

I smiled.

"Good night, husband."

I walked away before I could see his reaction.

But I swear I heard him let out a quiet laugh.

That night, I couldn't sleep.

I walked around my new bedroom.

Everything was unfamiliar.

The bed was too big.

The room was too quiet.

The walls were decorated with expensive paintings.

Then I noticed something.

A photograph.

I picked it up.

My heart immediately stopped.

A young woman stood beside Cael's father.

I knew her.

Astaroth Valcieri.

The missing woman.

The same woman from my grandmother's old photograph.

"No..."

I stared at the picture.

Then the door opened.

I turned.

Cael stood there.

His eyes immediately went to the photograph in my hand.

"What are you doing?"

I held it up.

"Who is she?"

His expression changed.

"My aunt."

"Astaroth?"

He froze.

"How do you know her name?"

"I've seen her before."

"Where?"

"My grandmother's house."

He stepped closer.

"What do you mean?"

"My grandmother has a photograph of her."

His face became unreadable.

"That's impossible."

"Why?"

"Because Astaroth disappeared twenty-two years ago."

I stared at him.

"Disappeared?"

He nodded.

"My family never found her."

I looked at the photograph again.

"Then why does my grandmother have her picture?"

He didn't answer.

For the first time since I met Caelvaris, I saw fear in his eyes.

Real fear.

He took the photograph from my hands.

"Don't tell anyone about this."

"Why?"

"I don't know what it means."

I crossed my arms.

"But I want to know."

His eyes met mine.

"So do I."

"Then let's find out."

Silence.

Then he nodded.

"Together."

Cael's POV

After Xyena left my room, I stood alone in the hallway.

Something wasn't right.

For twenty-two years, my family had searched for Astaroth.

And now Xyenarius had casually told me that her grandmother had a photograph of her.

That couldn't be a coincidence.

I returned to my study.

I opened an old locked drawer.

Inside was another photograph.

Astaroth.

Standing beside a young man.

An Ashworth.

I stared at it.

For years, I had believed the Ashworth family was responsible for what happened to my aunt.

But now...

I wasn't sure anymore.

My phone suddenly rang.

Unknown number.

I answered.

"Hello?"

Silence.

Then a distorted voice spoke.

"You shouldn't have married her."

My grip tightened around the phone.

"Who are you?"

"You don't know what Xyenarius Ashworth's family did."

"What are you talking about?"

The person laughed softly.

"Ask Davon about the night Astaroth disappeared."

My expression hardened.

"Who are you?"

The call ended.

I stared at the screen.

Then slowly looked toward the hallway.

Xyena.

She was connected to this somehow.

But I didn't know how.

And I didn't know whether she was part of the secret...

or another victim of it.

Xyena's POV

I was lying in bed when I heard a sound outside.

I opened my eyes.

Someone was walking down the hallway.

I sat up.

Then I heard Cael's voice.

Low.

Serious.

"Don't involve her."

I couldn't hear the other person.

But I heard Cael again.

"Stay away from Xyena."

I froze.

Who was he talking to?

I quietly got out of bed and walked toward the door.

But before I could open it, the footsteps disappeared.

I stood there for several seconds.

Something was wrong.

I could feel it.

My marriage to Cael was supposed to be simple.

A contract.

One year.

Then goodbye.

But now...

there was a missing woman.

A family secret.

A mysterious phone call.

And someone who didn't want us to discover the truth.

I touched the wedding ring on my finger.

For the first time, I wondered if signing that contract had been the biggest mistake of my life.

Or...

the beginning of something neither of us could escape

Cael's POV

I stood beside the window of my study, staring at the city.

The wedding ring on my finger felt heavier than it had that morning.

I had promised myself that Xyena would never become more than my contractual wife.

But after tonight, I couldn't stop thinking about her.

About the fear in her eyes.

About the photograph.

About the warning.

Someone wanted her away from me.

And I didn't know why.

One thing was certain.

I would find the answer.

Even if I had to tear apart my family's past to do it.

Because there was something about Xyenarius Ashworth that didn't make sense.

And for the first time in my life...

I wanted to know why.

Outside the Valcieri Estate, a black car sat silently in the darkness.

Someone inside was watching the mansion.

A phone was pressed against their ear.

"He's investigating."

A voice answered.

"Then stop him."

"And the girl?"

There was a long pause.

"She knows too much."

"What should we do?"

The answer was cold.

"Separate them."

"And if they fall in love?"

Silence.

Then—

"Make sure they hate each other first."

The call ended.

The car disappeared into the darkness.

Inside the mansion, two strangers were sleeping under the same roof.

Two people who had entered a marriage without love.

Two people connected by a secret neither of them understood.

And somewhere between the contract, the lies, and the forbidden past...

something dangerous was beginning.

Something neither Cael nor Xyena had planned.

Something called love.