The faint hum of a ceiling fan could be heard as soft sunlight streamed through the floral curtains. Heira woke up, squinting at the brightness in the room, her head throbbing from the wine she had consumed the previous night. It took her a moment to remember where she was.

This wasn't her room.

She sat up slowly, trying to remember what had happened. The last thing she remembered was Bethy supporting her balance as they walked out of the bar.

The smell of fresh espresso lingered in the room, and her stomach gave a weak growl. She got out of the bedroom, still in the dress she wore last night, which smelled of wine.

She found Bethy in the kitchen, pouring two cups of coffee. Bethy looked like she had been up for a while. Her white blouse tucked into soft jeans, her hair brushed back neatly into a ponytail, and her cologne smelled fresh with a warm hint of vanilla.

"You're awake," Bethy said gently, sliding a steaming mug across the counter. "You look like you wrestled in your sleep."

Heira gave a weak laugh, wrapping her hands around the mug for warmth. "Feels like I lost, too."

Bethy had brought Heira to her apartment after she passed out in the cab the previous night. She couldn't risk taking her home where her father might see her drunk and heartbroken. Charles Arven would not have been understanding, and the last thing Heira needed was more conflict.

Before Bethy could respond, Heira's phone buzzed on the table. She stared at the screen and froze at the dozens of missed calls and messages she had received from her father.

Where are you?

Heira, this isn't the time for games.

If you've run off to avoid this marriage, you'll regret it.

Her throat tightened. She had forgotten about the registry office, but Charles, on the other hand, thought she'd eloped. She lifted her gaze to the clock on the wall. It was 9:12 a.m. already.

Bethy leaned over, skimming the notifications. "He thinks you ran."

Heira's chest heaved with a bitter laugh. "Maybe I should have." She sipped the coffee, its bitter taste doing little to settle her racing mind.

"But I didn't. And if I don't show up, I'm scared of what my father might do."

Bethy reached out and squeezed her hand. "Then show up on your terms. Not his."

Heira remembered the decision she made in her drunken state and planned to follow up on it. She didn't need any more time to deliberate.

The registry wasn't far, but time was slipping away, so she quickly got dressed and left.

She clutched the steering wheels as the registry office emerged. The moment she entered, she saw a man standing near the entrance. He looked smartly dressed in a tailored navy suit that fit like it had been made for him alone. He was tall and composed, giving off an aura of brilliance.

His gaze lifted as she walked closer, locking with hers. His eyes flickered from her face to the nervous way she clutched her bag.

"Heira Arven?"

"Yes." she nodded.

For a while, he simply studied her, and the silence stretched until her nerves felt like they might snap. Then, eventually, he let out a small grin.

"I was told you might not show," he said evenly. "Your father seemed... worried."

Despite her chest trembling, she straightened her shoulders. "Well, I'm here now."

Heira was aware that a few young women who were coming out of the registry room newly wedded, were casting glances at him.

It was normal to find a man attractive, but he wasn't an exception in any way. His cool features made him look more elegant and stunning. He's broad-shouldered, and with eyes of the colour of a warm amber.

The weight of the moment pressed down on her as the registry doors opened. And with that, Dante stretched out his hand, gesturing to the open doors. "Shall we?"

The registrar shuffled the stack of documents, adjusting his glasses as they both took their seat. "You'll each read and sign here... and here," he said in a steady voice, pushing the papers forward.

Heira's hand trembled slightly as she picked up the pen to sign.

Dante leaned toward her as he observed, his words came out low so only she could hear. "You don't want to be here."

"You don't either," she mumbled, refusing to look at him directly.

She noticed the tiniest smirk formed on his lips. "True, but at least one of us has something to gain."

Her eyes lifted up quickly startled by his bluntness. "And what do you gain from marrying a stranger forced into this?"

His gaze lingered on her for a while before he answered softly, "Not everything is about love, Heira. Sometimes, it's about power and keeping it, and that is what your father has been trying to make you understand."

The registrar cleared his throat, oblivious to the undertone between them. "Please, Miss Arven, sign here."

Heira swallowed hard as she signed the paper, and Dante didn't hesitate to do the same.

The registrar gathered the documents and stamped them with a loud thud.

Five minutes later, the certificates were issued. "Congratulations. The marriage is now official."

Without hesitation, Dante turned and faced her. "Here's my card key. You can move into the house when you're ready. I have something to attend to, so I will be leaving now," he placed it in her hands and left without waiting for her response.

Heira took a taxi directly to the Arven family's house. At that time, Charles Arven had already gone to work.

She went into her room to pack her belongings. Not long enough did she hear a knock on the door.

"Come in," she called out.

Eliana, their housekeeper, slightly opened the room door, poking her head in, "I figured you might need some help".

"Yes, please," she answered affirmingly.

Eliana has been a mother figure to Heira. She has raised her since she was little. Her loyalty has helped her build trust with the family, and they have given her the responsibility to take charge of the house.

They packed up her suitcases and dropped them in the car.

Just when she was about to leave. Eliana held her hands, lifted her gaze to her, and smiled, "I pray your new home will be good to you," she said, fighting back tears.

Her voice carried grief, gratitude, and love all at once. This is the farthest Heira would ever be from home, except when she traveled for studies, and she was surely going to miss her.

***

Heira took a deep breath as she arrived at the Moretti villa. She used the card key Dante gave her earlier that day to gain access into the building.

A woman dressed in a blue uniform with an apron welcomed her as she made her way inside. The woman looked like she was in her mid-forties, her expression softened when her eyes landed on Heira.

"You must be Mrs. Moretti," she said warmly. "Welcome. I'm Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper."

The title felt new to her. And the realisation that she had just gotten married became crystal clear.

She was greeted respectfully by two other household staff that came behind Mrs. Collins.

Heira gave a small nod, replying as politely as she could. "It's nice to meet you all."

Mrs. Collins's smile grew kind. "Mr. Moretti made mention of your arrival. Please come with me so I can show you to your room."

The sound of that didn't settle well with Heira, she had expected to share a room with Dante, just as most couples do.

"Our room, you mean," she corrected softly. Mrs. Collins smiled, avoiding the answer to the question as she reached for Heira's suitcase.

Heira's eyes wandered through the huge house as they walked through the hallways.

The spacious living room was decorated in shades of gray and dark wood, with soft sofas and a fireplace that seemed more for style than for warmth. The whole space looks extremely beautiful, but it definitely needed the warmth of a feminine touch to make it a home.

Mrs. Collins noticed Heira casting glances around the house. "That's Mr. Moretti. He likes everything in order." Then, lowering her voice, she added, "But don't worry, dear. A home should feel lived in. Give it time."

Her kindness took some of the edge off Heira's chest.

When they arrived at the bedroom, Heira paused at the entrance, and was drawn to the large, immaculately made bed. She was clearly exhausted after a hard day.

Mrs. Collins set her suitcase down gently. "You must be tired after today. I'll have something light prepared for you in the kitchen. Would you like tea?"

"Yes, please," Heira replied softly.

Mrs. Collins nodded affirmingly and left her to settle in. Heira then realized that she hadn't responded to any of Bethy's messages. A few minutes before, she had contacted her to know how the registration went.

She picked up her phone and dialed her best friend's number.

"Hi bestie, how did it go?" Bethy's voice sounded from the other end of the line.

Heira informed her about everything that went on, including the registry's office, and that she had already moved into Dante's house.

"Wow, so just like that, you are married to Dante. Who would have thought! You, my friend, are indeed lucky."

Just then, Mrs. Collins came into the room holding a cup of tea and some muffins. She placed it on her bedside table and left the room quietly.

"I can't believe you snitched on me after we both promised to get married at the same time," she said lowly.

"Come on, my dear friend, we both know that wouldn't be possible with the kind of guys you keep dating." Heira chuckled.

"So now you're throwing shades at me."

"No dear, just stating the obvious truth," she said, defending herself.

Don't worry, I have decided to take relationships seriously now. I just met someone on Date n' Love, he is such a handsome guy with the hottest body. I look forward to our date together, and I know he is the man for me."

A round of laughter followed a short silence that was formed after Bethy spoke. The two girls laughed so hard as they struggled to catch their breath.

Bethy had always claimed that for every relationship she's been in, but they never seemed to last due to her lack of tolerance.

Her last relationship ended after the guy kept forgetting little details about her, such as her birthdays and their anniversaries.

Nonetheless, Bethy never seems bothered as she believes in living life to the fullest. Her standards are set high, and she wouldn't budge for anyone.

"Yes, I know I say that for every man I've dated, but you have to trust me on this one." Bethy managed to speak through broken laughter.

"Okay, my friend, I believe you," Heira gave a sarcastic response.

After the phone call ended, Heira munched on her meal to satisfy her growling stomach. Not long did, she became drowsy and lay on the bed to take a nap.

By the time she woke up from her sleep, Dante had gotten back from work. She overheard some staff talking about his arrival.

Her legs weakened for a while as she stepped outside her room. Then, she began to wander around the house so she could get familiar with it.

She took a trip along the hallways. Captivated by the paintings lined on the wall, she made a stop as her eyes lingered on the Brushstrokes, noticing how each line seemed alive, as though the painter had left behind pieces of their heartbeat on the canvas.

The mesmerizing art made her wonder if Dante had chosen it himself or if some interior designer had filled these walls without his say.

As she moved further, she noticed one of the rooms was left open. Heira curiously stepped in as she made her discovery.

Inside was a king-sized bed with neatly spread sheets that stood in the center. There were a few framed photographs that hinted that it was Dante's room.

But he was nowhere to be found. As she began to look through the room, her eyes spotted a novel sitted on a shelf. Intrigued by it, she started to flip through the pages.

"Why are you here?" a baritone voice came from behind her.

Dante had just stepped out of the shower, undressed. However, he had a towel loosely knotted around his waist, droplets from his damp hair slid down his sharply defined chin, all the way down to his chest, tracing the lines across his torso.

Dazed by the sight, her gaze slowly moved downward, following the motion of the droplets.

It was anticipated that he had a nice build, but she did not expect such an amazing physique.

His chest was broad, firm, the kind of chest that looked like it could shield her from all troubles in the world. The ridges of his stomach were so clearly defined, with each catching the light as water slid over them.

"And why are you staring?" his voice suddenly rang in her ears.

She gathered herself as she glanced at the man, who looked rather pissed, waiting for the answers to his questions.

"Huh... I stumbled here. I didn't know this was your room."

"You didn't know or didn't care?" he asked with a brow arched.

Heira was perplexed at his reaction, does he always throw questions at people?

"Well, I care enough to know we should be sharing a room since we are married," Heira replied, a little defensively.

Even though she didn't choose to be with him, she believed she had the right to be by his side always, now that she's his other half.

Dante took slow steps towards her, his eyes locked with hers, his perfectly built body still on display as he didn't bother to reach for a shirt. The walk felt appealing to her rather than intimidating.

Heira could feel her heart thudding with each step he took. He stopped right in front of her, close enough that she could smell the musk scent of his soap, and the warmth of his body brushed against her skin.

Feeling her heart race with nervousness. A light flutter stirred in her belly; there was no denying the effect he had on her.

His voice came low and steady. "You really want to share a room with me, Heira?" His eyes didn't leave hers.

She managed to blink while holding his gaze. "Isn't that what married couples do?"

For a while longer, they both looked into each other's eyes like they were searching for the answers to their questions.

He placed his hand on her face, his fingers slowly moving unto her lips as he moved closer to her so much that they could both smell each others breath.

Her heart began to flutter as every inch of her leaned closer without her realizing. "That is what loving couples do, not us." He said pulling away from her.

"Do not feel entitled to anything here. You are only here to pay the price your family owes me. Get that into your head and leave!" He said, pointing to the door.

Heira flared up at his arrogance. What sort of a cruel man is he? She couldn't stand the thought of being talked down to, let alone being owned by a man.

Slam! She slammed the door shut behind her with annoyance.

"What a spoilt brat!" Dante snapped.

Heira's mind pondered all through the night. Her father hadn't informed her about the price Dante mentioned.

"Will I become one of his staff?" She thought to herself

Despite his rudeness, Dante was still a decent gentleman. His charismatic appearance swayed her, and she knew there was more to him than the cold front he showed. She could feel it in the way his eyes lingered on her when he thought she wouldn't notice.

So she made up her mind to warm her way into his heart even if it wouldn't come easy.

Nevertheless, her mind did not seem capable of recovering from how he spoke to her.

***

As the morning revealed itself. Dante was about to leave for work when Heira quickly appeared from her room with her bag.

"Dante, can you give me a lift? I'm heading to work as well," she said as she tried to catch up with him.

"You can take another car in the driveway," He replied, paying very little attention to her.

"Please hubby, if it's too much trouble, you can just drop me off at the subway station instead." She hooked her arm with his, wanting every opportunity to get closer to him.

Dante refused her, but she wouldn't let go of his arm. However, he eventually nodded upon considering how adamant she is. Also, time was slipping away, and he didn't want to get to work late.

The ride seemed longer than usual because of the loud silence between them. Dante's face was fierce as he avoided any form of conversation. Heira attempted to break the silence, but every word she rehearsed in her head sounded clumsy. So she just sat there, stealing quick looks at him.

She continued to enjoy the peaceful ride until the car came to a halt at the subway station. Dante had told the driver to stop while she was lost in her thoughts.

"Off you go," he said, facing her.

She became speechless, not expecting him to take her word for it, the barest minimum he could've done was drop her off at the office.

"Thanks hubby," she said, forcing a smile on her face. She knew Dante didn't like to be called that, he had frowned at her moments back for calling him hubby, but she didn't plan to stop.

The second she stepped out, the car sped away before she could say something else.

While suppressing her disappointment, she was happy to have succeeded at getting a ride from him.

"It only gets better," she murmured.

Fifteen minutes later, she arrived at the company. Since returning from her studies abroad, she had been working as an executive director in the Arven company.

However, she had barely settled into her office when Sebastian, the senior human relations officer, came in with a folder in his hand, and an expression that instantly made her feel tense.

"I thought you should hear this from me before the official memo goes out," he placed the folder on her desk as he continued.

"The board has decided to reassign your position in the company to someone else."

Heira's throat clenched at what she just heard.

"Why?" she questioned unbelievably.

"I'm sorry, I don't know their reason for doing this."

"Did my father agree to this?"

"He gave the order," Sebastian said, giving a sympathetic nod.

Heira felt punched in the chest. The intense pain of her father taking what she worked so hard for began to suffocate her.

She had given her all, from client negotiations to hosting high-profile events and securing partnerships with other corporations. Due to her dedication, the company had experienced massive growth in the past year.

"What more does he want? I already did what he wanted. I don't deserve any of this," Heira cried out.

"I'm sorry you are going through this," Sebastian said softly, sympathizing with her.

Sebastian has been the nicest friend to Heira in the office. He has offered a helping hand to her at times when she felt dragged by the weight of being the boss's daughter.

"I won't accept this. I'm going to Dad."

Heira drove straight to Charles Arven's office.

"Dad, why is my position getting reassigned to someone else? You know how much effort I've put into this."

Charles, who was in the middle of work, seemed rather displeased at her for barging in. "You need to focus on your home, now that you're married. Just see it as a way of me taking huge responsibilities off you, so you wouldn't get overwhelmed".

"Overwhelmed?" she asked carefully.

"I've been handling my role just fine. You said so yourself only a month ago."

Charles Arven leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "It's not about competence. Marriage is a big change, it demands a lot of attention. I don't want work to consume you."

Charles stood up from his chair as he approached his fuming daughter.

Placing his two hands on her shoulders, he uttered. "My darling, you should know Daddy will always have your best interest at heart. There is no denying that this company will not thrive without your excellent skills. That's why you'll be assisting with client relations from now on."

The words pierced Heira's soul more than the relief her father thought it would give her. It seemed like her own father was robbing her of every good thing she had.

"It's worse that I'm being demoted and not fired," she whined.

"Stop being childish! You need to start thinking rationally. I'm only doing this for your good," he cuts sharply into her words.

With tears in her eyes, Heira shook her head in disbelief while taking steps away from him. "I don't know you anymore. All I see is a man blinded by greed, not a father who once cared for me."

She stomped out of the office, her heels striking with each step.

People who seemed to have heard about the situation murmured as she walked past.

Bethy rang when she was about to enter her office. "Babe, I just saw Dante with a woman at the restaurant," She said, almost screaming.

Heira wasn't sure why she needed that information. "Okay, so... why are you telling me this?"

For all she knows, he might have been there for a business meeting since he is a busy man.

"Didn't you hear what I said?" Bethy asked, shocked by Heira's response.

"Bethy, it isn't the right time, I'm not in a good place right now," She snapped.

"Heira, whatever you are going through can't be worse than what I'm seeing right now. Trust me, you need to come check it out."

Bethy's date stood her up after waiting for over an hour. While waiting, she noticed Dante sitting across from another woman at a designated table.

The way they leaned into each other sent suspicion curling through her, so she decided to inform Heira.

Heira was leaving the office anyway, and the thought of staying there for a second more made her blood boil. The last thing she needed now was another heartbreaking news. She left the office and headed straight to the restaurant her friend mentioned.

Crystal restaurant was the go-to restaurant for famous people in Chicago. All kinds of luxurious cars were seen parked outside the restaurant.

Heira saw her friend waiting patiently at the entrance. They both went inside, and Bethy gestured at a couple seated at the corner table by the window.

She caught sight of the woman's elegant face glowing with laughter while the man sat with his back to her, his broad shoulders shielding his expressions. Together, they looked blissful. Too much like a couple.

The thought of walking into that scene, of possibly being wrong or right, was unbearable. So she waited alongside Bethy as they sat at the table that was reserved for Bethy's date.

His back looked familiar, but something in her had hoped he wouldn't be her husband.

Minutes dragged like hours. Then, at last, they stood up. Heira held her breath with anticipation as the man turned, and her chest hollowed out when Dante's face came into view.

She watched as they both held hands on their way out while covering her face with her purse to avoid being seen.

Bethy sat there expecting the move she would make, but Heira decided to let it be. She wasn't going to make any assumptions until she was sure.

The woman in question might be his sister, as she hasn't even met any of Dante's family.

Her mind raced. She began stressing on the probability that it might be exactly what she hoped it wasn't.

Could Dante be cheating on her?

Why did he marry her if he had someone else?

These thoughts just don't make sense to her. She already had a bad day at work so she decided to be positive about the situation as she couldn't handle any more stress.

"She had better be a family member," she concluded.

Bethy could see the frustration on her face, so she tried to calm her down as best as she could.

Five minutes later, a man stopped by their table.

His suit jacket looked two times bigger than his size, with his wrinkled shirt being supported by a short tie. "Hi sunshine," he said, facing Bethy.

"Sorry, do I know you?"