The Substitute Husband

(Aria’s POV)

 

"Daddy, no! I’m way too young for this marriage nonsense!"

 

I slumped onto the velvet sofa in my father’s study, crossing my arms so tightly I could feel my nails digging into my skin. I was a second-year college student, for heaven's sake! My life was supposed to be about exams, late-night coffees with friends, and slowly finding my place in the world—not being auctioned off like a piece of prime real estate to the highest bidder.

 

My father sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of the entire Montefalco empire. He looked at me with those pleading eyes that always made me feel guilty, even when I knew I was right. He looked older today, the shadows under his eyes deeper than they were a week ago.

 

"My Princess, this is for your own good," he said softly, his voice trembling with a desperation he couldn't hide. "We need to plan for your future while there's still time. The world is changing, and our position isn't as secure as it once was."

 

"Dad, I'm nineteen! Who gets married at nineteen?" I fired back, my voice rising as the panic began to set In. "Why can't I just have a boyfriend like a normal person? Why can't I fall in love and make my own mistakes? Besides, you have my older brother and sister. Why am I the one being pushed to the front line?"

 

He walked toward the large mahogany window, his back to me. The city lights outside were blurred by the rain, looking like cold, distant diamonds. "You know your siblings are already in committed relationships, Aria. Their lives are settled. Their paths are chosen. But you..."

 

I let out a harsh, sarcastic laugh. "But me? Since I’ve been single since birth and haven't brought home a boyfriend, I’m the easy sacrifice for the company? Let's be honest, Dad. This Is about the debt, Isn't it? This is about the merger everyone has been whispering about."

 

He paused, his shoulders sagging as If the air had been sucked out of the room. Finally, he turned around with a tired, defeated smile. "Okay, fine. I surrender. Yes, the company Is struggling, and this merger is the only way to stabilize our stocks and protect the thousands of people who work for us. But listen to me, Aria—it’s only a one-year contract. Twelve months of playing the part, of standing by his side, and then you’re free. You'll have your own trust fund, your independence, and the Montefalco name will be safe."

 

I bit my lip, the anger In my chest shifting Into a dull ache. A one-year contract. It sounded less like a life sentence and more like a business deal—a performance. My mind started racing through the possibilities. If I did this, I could save my father. I could save our legacy. But at what cost to my soul?

 

"A one-year contract…" I repeated, testing the words on my tongue. "And what about the groom? Is he some ancient, balding businessman who smells like mothballs and stale cigars?"

 

My father’s expression shifted instantly. A mischievous, almost relieved glint appeared in his eyes. "Actually, your future husband Is quite handsome. You even knew him back In the day. He’s… well, let’s just say he’s very easy on the eyes. A man any girl would be lucky to have on her arm."

 

I tilted my head, my curiosity getting the better of my lingering anger. "Handsome? How handsome? Is he... actually hot?"

 

Dad actually laughed, the heavy tension In the room breaking for a single second. "Yes, my Princess. Hot, tall, with a body that looks like It belongs on a magazine cover. He’s a leader, a man with a massive future ahead of him. Do you think I’d let my only daughter marry someone ugly? F*cking no way!"

 

I covered my mouth, half-shocked and half-amused by my dad’s sudden bluntness. He was dead serious. My heart started to dance with a strange, nervous energy. If I had to be stuck in a fake marriage for a year, at least I’d have some world-class eye candy to look at. I could survive a year with a handsome man, couldn't I? It would be like a movie.

 

"Okay, deal," I said, a small, daring smirk forming on my lips. "As long as he’s a ten out of ten, I’ll sign the papers."

 

"You’re just like your mother," Dad chuckled, shaking his head with immense relief. "Always a sucker for a pretty face."

 

I leaned forward, my heart beating fast against my ribs. "So, don't keep me In suspense anymore, Dad. What’s his name? Who is this mystery man?"

 

My father’s smile didn't fade, but his voice turned solemn, almost respectful. He looked me straight in the eye and dropped the name that made the world around me tilt on Its axis.

 

"It’s Lander Storm, Aria."

 

The air was sucked out of my lungs In an instant. My smirk vanished so fast It felt like a physical sting across my face. Lander Storm. The boy who had called me 'trash' In front of the whole school. The man who had torn my heart out and stepped on it five years ago without a second thought. My father thought he was giving me a dream, but as I sat there, frozen in terror, I realized he had just handed me over to the one person who knew exactly how to destroy me..