Chapter 1

• “Claire, you’re married now.”
• The words hit me like a slap across the face. I stared at my mother in disbelief, certain I had misheard. “I’m… what?”
• “You heard me,” Mom said, her voice calm, as though this was a normal conversation.
• “What do you mean I’m married? To whom? When?!” My voice rose with each question.
• “To Nathan Shaw,” my father cut in, his tone firm. “The CEO of CDI Tech. It’s all arranged. He’s a wealthy, successful man, and he’s on his way to pick you up.”
• My legs felt like jelly, and I sank into the nearest chair. “This is insane! You married me off without even telling me? What kind of parents do this to their child?”
• “Watch your tone,” Dad snapped, his eyes narrowing. “We’ve done what’s best for you. Nathan is a good man. You’ll be well taken care of.”
• “I don’t care if he’s a saint!” I shouted, tears stinging my eyes. “This is my life! How could you make this decision without me?”
• “Enough, Claire,” Dad barked, slamming his hand on the table. “Go upstairs, pack your things, and get ready. You’re leaving with him today.”
• “I’m not going anywhere!” I screamed, my voice shaking. “You can’t force me to do this!”
• “You will do as you’re told!” Dad’s voice thundered, making me flinch. “This is not up for debate.”
• I looked at Mom, hoping she’d defend me, but she wouldn’t meet my eyes. Instead, she said softly, “Claire, please. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”
• Harder? I felt like my entire world was crumbling, and they wanted me to calmly pack my bags?
• “No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “No, this isn’t happening.”
• “Go to your room, Claire,” Dad ordered. “Now.”
• Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stumbled upstairs. Every step felt heavy, like I was walking to my own execution.
• I threw open my closet, yanking clothes off their hangers and tossing them onto my bed. My hands trembled as I stuffed them into a suitcase. “This isn’t fair,” I mumbled to myself, my voice breaking. “This isn’t fair.”
• When I was done, I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the packed suitcase. Maybe if I refused to leave, Nathan would change his mind. Maybe he wouldn’t want a wife who didn’t want him.
• But before I could entertain the thought, my mom called from downstairs. “Claire! He’s here. Bring your bags.”
• I froze. “He’s… here?”
• “Yes! Don’t keep him waiting!”
• My heart pounded as I grabbed my suitcase and made my way downstairs. Mom and Dad were standing by the door, looking calm and satisfied, as if they’d just wrapped up a successful business deal.
• At the gate, a sleek black car was parked, its engine humming softly. The driver’s side door opened, and a tall man stepped out.
• I wiped my tears quickly, trying to get a good look at him. He wore a sharp black suit, and his dark hair was neatly styled. His face was sharp and chiseled, but his expression was unreadable.
• He didn’t look at me. His cold, detached gaze stayed focused on the road as he opened the passenger door.
• “Get in,” he said flatly. His voice was deep and icy, sending a chill down my spine.
• I hesitated, clutching my suitcase tightly. “You’re Nathan?” I managed to ask, my voice trembling.
• He didn’t answer. He simply stood there, waiting.
• “Claire, get in the car,” Dad said sharply behind me.
• I bit my lip, my heart hammering in my chest. With no other choice, I walked toward the car and slid into the passenger seat. Nathan shut the door behind me and got into the driver’s seat without a word.
• As we pulled out of the driveway, I glanced back at my parents. They stood at the gate, watching us leave. I wanted to scream at them, beg them to stop this madness, but it was too late.
• The car ride was silent. I kept sneaking glances at Nathan, but he never looked my way. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his gaze fixed straight ahead.
• “So,” I finally said, breaking the silence. “You’re Nathan Shaw?”
• “Don’t talk,” he replied curtly, his tone colder than before.
• I blinked, stunned by his rudeness. “Excuse me?”
• “I don’t want to have this conversation right now,” he said without looking at me. “Just sit there and stay quiet.”
• I clenched my fists, biting back a retort. My tears threatened to spill again, but I refused to let him see me cry.
• After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at a towering penthouse building. Nathan parked the car in the underground garage and got out without a word.
• I hesitated, unsure if I was supposed to follow him. When he glanced back at me impatiently, I scrambled out of the car, dragging my suitcase behind me.
• He led me into the building and up a private elevator. The ride was suffocatingly silent. I could feel his cold presence next to me, but he might as well have been a statue.
• When the elevator doors opened, I followed him into the penthouse. It was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. Everything was sleek and modern, but it felt just as cold as Nathan.
• He stopped abruptly and turned to face me. “That’s your room,” he said, pointing to a door down the hall. “You’ll stay there. And one more thing—don’t invade my privacy. I don’t tolerate it.”
• I stared at him, my mouth slightly open. “Privacy? What does that even mean? We’re married.”
• His eyes narrowed, his gaze cutting through me like a blade. “It means stay out of my way. Don’t ask questions, and don’t touch my things. Understand?”
• I swallowed hard, nodding slowly.
• “Good,” he said, turning his back on me.
• “Dinner is at seven. If you’re late, you’ll go hungry.”
• And with that, he disappeared into another room, leaving me standing there, clutching my suitcase and wondering what kind of nightmare I’d just walked into.