C2 Marriage

Priscilla POV

“Because you are the only woman I know and have stayed close to, apart from my family,” he said evenly, eyes fixed on mine.

“I know a little about you. I’ve investigated your background. I also know you love me. That gives me a high possibility that you might agree. And even if you don’t, I have nothing to lose.”

A pang of ache shot through my chest. Did he mean that if I refused, he had other options? That I existed to him only in the space he allowed, not as a person with feelings of her own? The thought stung, sharp and cold, but I pushed it aside.

“So, Priscilla,” he said, his gaze unwavering, “did you accept my proposal or not?”

I stared at him, my thoughts a whirlwind. His eyes were sharp, honest, yet chilling in their detachment. My mind flashed back to my childhood home, warmth, love, parents devoted to each other, small joys and constant support.

That love had shaped me. I longed for a husband who would see me, respect me, and honor loyalty and trust.

Adrian did not love me. That was clear. But unlike other men who might lie and deceive, he had told me the truth. My parents had always said honesty, even when harsh, is the foundation of any relationship. And I trusted him.

Since he had revealed his intentions so plainly, I reasoned that agreeing wouldn’t harm me. Yet the thought of giving up my career, of confining myself to a life of obedience, gnawed at me.

Could I truly stay at home, invisible to the world, and still be respected? Perhaps, perhaps if I earned his trust first, I could carve out a space for myself later. And even if he never loved me, my love alone could sustain us both.

“I accept, but can I still work?” I asked, my voice softer, tinged with fear, yet laced with hope.

“No,” he said firmly. “That is non-negotiable.”

I bit my lip, swallowing the disappointment. The restriction felt suffocating, but I nodded slowly, convincing myself that patience would allow me to navigate it. Perhaps one day, after I had proven my devotion, I could approach the topic again. For now, I would give him what he wanted.

“I agree, Adrian,” I said, the words trembling on my lips. It was the first time I had spoken his name aloud, and the sound of it felt intimate and terrifying all at once.

“Good. A wise choice,” he said, expression unreadable. “The barrister has drafted a contract. It ensures you never disclose the nature of our arrangement. It also makes divorce impossible. Even if there is a divorce it should be initiated by me. Should you break the contract, you could face jail. No compensation is provided.”

I nodded and took the document, my hands shaking slightly. Signing it felt heavy, like stepping into a life I didn’t yet understand fully, but one I had wanted for so long. My heart soared with a mix of exhilaration and fear. I was marrying the man I had loved silently for years, stepping into the life I had dreamed of.

“Then I will visit your family tomorrow to discuss the marriage arrangements,” he said, his tone clipped and businesslike. “You may go home early to inform them.”

“No problem,” I said, trying to steady my racing pulse. “Goodbye,” I added, and turned toward the door, my stomach fluttering with anticipation and uncertainty.

The ride home was a blur. The streets blurred past, a lot of city lights and honking cars, but my mind was elsewhere, spinning with a thousand what-ifs.

When I arrived at my small apartment, my parents were waiting, eyebrows raised, anticipation and worry etched on their faces. Since I already called them earlier and told them to wait, I would like to discuss something important.

“I’m getting married,” I announced, heart pounding, voice almost shaking. “To my boss.”

They blinked. Surprise, concern, and hesitation crossed their faces. My father’s brow furrowed. My mother’s hands clutched one another nervously.

“I know it seems sudden,” I said quickly, rushing to reassure them. “We have only recently started dating. His family is pressuring him to marry. I know we’re acting quickly, but I… I love him. I wouldn’t regret this.”

They hesitated a moment longer, then nodded cautiously, trusting my judgment even as their protective instincts lingered.

True to his word, Adrian arrived the next day, accompanied by his parents and family. His relatives were polite, formal, and distant.

I saw in their gestures and mannerisms where Adrian had inherited his cold composure, his meticulous, controlled demeanor. Their manners were impeccable, yet warmth was absent, a stark contrast to my own home.

The wedding was planned for two weeks later: a quiet, high-class garden ceremony with only family and close friends. Though private, even the media seemed to sense something significant and managed glimpses of the event.

When the day arrived, the garden was stunning: perfectly trimmed hedges, elegant floral arrangements, and sunlight filtering softly through the trees. I could feel the weight of expectation, the gravity of the life-changing moment.

The vows were exchanged simply, quietly, yet each word carried an immense weight. Adrian spoke with clarity and precision; I spoke with hope, trust, and trembling faith.

After the ceremony, we were driven to his mansion. My luggage had been sent ahead, each piece carefully arranged, as though the house itself awaited my arrival.

The ride was silent except for the hum of the car engine and the occasional clink of glasses in the back. I stared out the window, my mind racing with anticipation, fear, and a strange exhilaration.

The mansion loomed before me, massive, modern, elegant. Marble floors reflected the warm glow of chandeliers. Every surface was sleek, polished, and immaculate.

Adrian had told me that every decision within its walls would be mine, that the staff would obey my command, that the house would be mine to rule.

And yet, despite all this control, I felt small, overwhelmed, and dizzy with the enormity of it. The house was beautiful, but it felt like a gilded cage. I swallowed hard, heart racing as I stepped out of the car.

The foyer was vast. Polished marble stretched before me, tall ceilings made the space feel endless, and the faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air. The doors closed behind us, the sound echoing in the cavernous space. My hands trembled slightly, and I took a deep breath to steady myself.

The real journey, my marriage, my love, my life, was beginning here. And I had no idea what it would truly demand of me.