[Elena's POV]

"Elena!"

I froze at the entrance as my father's voice came from the living room, unlike anything I had ever heard from him before.

My bag slipped from my shoulder and hit the floor as I stepped closer.

In the middle of the room was my father. Jaw tight. Eyes bloodshot. Phone clenched in his fist.

My gaze shifted to the couch. There was my mother, tears burning her face.

The space suddenly felt too small.

My fingers shook.

"Dad..." I whispered.

He just stared at me quietly. "You slept over at Hardin's place," he muttered, his tone far too calm.

I bit my lip. "Yes." My head lowered, pulse roaring in my ears.

"And then, what happened?" he added.

My eyes widened. Why was he asking? Hardin said he had already spoken to them.

"Huh?"

"What happened there?" he asked again, as if waiting for me to say something else.

My palms turned damp. "Nothing..."

Before I could say more, his hand struck my cheek-the first time in my life. Shock hit me as my vision blurred.

What had I done to make him this angry? Then it hit me. No. It couldn't be what I feared. He couldn't know.

"How could you, Elena?!" he growled under his breath. "What were you thinking? And you still lie to me?"

I swallowed, my chest tightening.

He knew. But how?

"Dad..."

"Don't! Just don't!" he snapped, grabbing my wrist and forcing his phone into my hand.

I looked at the screen. My stomach dropped.

There it was, the reality I feared. The intimate video of me and Hardin. And now it was out everywhere.

The phone slipped from my fingers and crashed onto the floor as tears burned down my cheeks.

How did this get out? Who could do this to us?

My father gripped my shoulders. "Please," he said, his voice breaking. "Just tell me that's not you. Tell me I'm overreacting."

All my moments with Hardin flashed in my mind. Silent sobs followed; I couldn't look him in the eyes.

He shook his head. "You've disappointed me, Elena." He sniffed, trying to hold himself together.

"How could you allow this to happen?" His voice cracked, trembling with anger and disbelief. "He's my best friend-old enough to be your father, like an uncle to you!"

I could barely breathe.

"I didn't..."

His stare burned my words away.

"It was.." I choked, trying to explain, but no word could undo it.

My father ran a hand through his hair.

Then.

Shouting erupted outside. Distance at first, then rapidly growing louder.

My feet went cold.

My parents exchanged tense glances. My mother swallowed; my father's fists clenched.

*Leave our society!*

*Your family is disgusting!*

*We can't live in the same country as them!*

*Send them away!*

*Their daughter will corrupt our girls*

The chants landed against our house like violent waves. Stones slammed into our door. Glass rattled. Heavy kicks followed.

A chill ran through my spine.

"They're going to break the door if we don't open it," my mother whispered, her voice splintering. "Gideon..."

"I've called my lawyer. He's on his way," my father muttered.

"They'll get in before he arrives."

Another rock hit the door. The wood groaned.

"I'll go outside and speak to them."

My father moved toward the entrance.

I rushed to him.

"Father, please. Don't go. It's dangerous."

He didn't spare me a glance.

"You should have thought of us before you acted- if you really cared about this family."

He shoved my hands away.

"Take her to her room," he told my mother. "She shouldn't come out."

He left for the door.

My mother's fingers clamped around my wrist, dragging me down the hallway.

I turned-just as the door closed behind him.

___

We entered my room and I collapsed onto the floor, crushed. My mother knelt in front of me, and when our eyes met, her pain shattered me.

"Elena, my dear."

"Mom..." My voice cracked.

"I swear, I didn't mean to disgrace you or Father," I said, clenching my fists. "Please believe me."

She pulled me into her arms.

"It's going to be okay," she whispered, but her arms tightened around me like she didn't believe it.

I nodded. Even though I wasn't sure it would ever be.

I've loved Hardin for years. I wanted him to look at me. But I never meant for this to happen.

___

Minutes later, I paced my room, biting my nails with my hands shaking.

My mother had gone to see what was happening outside and still hadn't returned.

Were they hurting my father? Why wasn't she back yet?

I couldn't even step outside.

My phone buzzed endlessly on the bed. I grabbed it.

Jordan-my best friend and Hardin's cousin-had already seen the video.

Calls kept coming. I ignored them.

How was I going to explain this to him? He would be disappointed in me, just like my parents.

A text popped in. It read: "Are you okay, Elena? Where are you? Why didn't you pick up? Don't do anything stupid. My brother will handle everything. Don't worry."

Tears blurred my vision.

I had to reach Hardin. I needed him.

I rushed to my closet and grabbed a long black gown, a cap, and a mask.

I slipped into them.

No one would recognize me this way.

I pushed the window open slowly, the hinges creaking faintly as my heart jumped into my throat.

I listened. No footsteps. No voices closer.

Then I slipped outside. The front gate was crowded, so I followed the back way, brushing along the shortcut until I reached the highway.

I flagged down a taxi and got in.

"Where to, young lady?" The taxi driver asked.

"Kings' Empire," I replied in a lowered voice.

He glanced at me. "That company?" he scoffed. "The one where the boss slept with his best friend's daughter? Disgusting."

My stomach twisted. Would this affect Hardin too?

They were going to destroy him, and I couldn't even open my mouth.

When we arrived, I paid him and stepped out-to be met with cameras, flashes, too many eyes.

My pulse roared.

No one would recognize me, I hoped.

I pushed my way inside. A reporter's hand accidentally knocked off my cap. I froze.

Shouting stopped.

I felt the weight of the crowd turn on me as the cameras flashed in my face.

Another reporter pulled off my mask.

*Miss Elena Creed, what do you have to say about the video with your boss?*

*Does he sleep with his female staff before hiring them?*

*Did your father know about this?*

My mind went blank. No one stepped forward.

One word from me could destroy everything-Hardin, my father, even me.

The questions were loud. My breath came in ragged gasps.

"Look here, Miss Creed!"

A microphone nearly hit my mouth.

I couldn't move-back or forward.

My eyes searched for an exit.

Then the lobby doors swung open and the shouting stopped.

Even the cameras seemed to pause.

And there he was. Hardin Kings.

He looked untouchable, while I felt myself falling apart.

His gaze found mine-calm and controlled, as if the chaos around him were just background noise.

All cameras turned to him.

*Tell us what happened!*

*Why did you take advantage of your best friend's daughter?*

*Tell us, Mr. Kings!*

He smiled.

It wasn't the smile he gives investors or my father. This one was different.

My fingers curled tightly. What was he planning?

Then his voice calm-firm, cutting through the silence.

"What do you mean by advantage? Elena Creed is my fiancée."

[Elena's POV]

Heat crept up my neck.

"Fiancée?"

When? How?

A ripple of shock ran through the crowd. Then silence.

Hardin smiled-that calm, controlled smile-and walked to me. Each step landed like a measured beat against my ribs.

He slipped off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders. His arm came around me-firm and unyielding. The scent of him-clean, and sharp-made my breath falter.

"Now that you're aware of our relationship," he said coolly, scanning the crowd, "Move."

He guided me through the parted sea of people as they moved.

When we reached the car, he released me.

The space between us felt sudden overwhelming.

His eyes locked on mine.

"Sir," his secretary Cash said from the driver's seat.

I stepped back.

"Take her home," Hardin said. "Make sure she's safe. No mistakes."

And just like that, he walked away.

I couldn't speak; I didn't know what he was planning. My family was in danger.

"Miss Creed," Cash called, gently.

I slipped into the back seat.

Moments later, the car pulled away.

___

It was noon when I arrived at home. The crowd was gone.

What if my parents had seen Hardin call me his fiancée?

My legs trembled as I stepped inside.

The house was unnaturally silent.

Father wasn't watching the news; Mother wasn't in the kitchen.

Guilt tightened in my chest.

I was about to move when my mother came out.

I froze.

"Where were you, Elena?" she asked, rushing toward me. Worry etched her face.

"I... I..."

She pulled me into a tight embrace before I could explain.

"Why did you go out without informing me? It's dangerous to be alone right now. I was terrified when I couldn't find you in your room."

I felt her tears against my shoulders.

"I'm fine, Mom," I said, pulling back to wipe her cheeks. But the look in her eyes told me she wasn't convinced.

"Elena..."

"I'm fine," I insisted. If I let my voice shake, she would break and I couldn't afford that. "Where's Father?"

She shook her head. "He refuses to do anything."

So they hadn't seen the news yet.

Relief and guilt twisted together in my chest.

What would father say if he knew?

"I'm sorry, Mom," I whispered, embracing her again.

She held me tight.

___

Sleep refused to come.

I kept turning from side to side.

The room felt unbearably hot.

What was Hardin planning now? Had the announcement solved everything or made it worse?

My breath caught as a soft knock tapped against my window.

I slipped out of bed and opened it.

Jordan stood outside.

I bit my lip as our eyes locked.

"Can I come in?" he whispered.

I nodded and helped him climb inside.

"You shouldn't be here," I said quietly. "People might misunderstand."

He pulled me into a hug.

"I know you need this," he murmured. "The video has been taken down. People will forget soon."

Composure broke inside me.

"My father hasn't eaten. He won't speak to me. My mother pretends to be strong for my sake. They're ashamed of me," I whispered, voice trembling. "Will they forgive me?"

Jordan hugged me tighter.

"They will. Just give them some time."

___

The next morning, I found my father in the living room.

No television. No newspaper.

Just silence.

"Good morning, Father," I said softly.

"Good morning," he replied without glancing at me.

I swallowed.

"Father..."

He stood up and began walking away.

The doorbell rang.

He stopped.

"I'll get it," I offered.

He ignored me and opened the door.

My breath stilled.

Hardin stood there.

Calm.

Sharp.

Unreadable.

Why was he here?

My father wouldn't spare him now.

I could clearly see my father's fist clenching.

"We don't accept outsiders in our house, so you're not welcome here anymore, Mr. Kings," he said. The harshness in his tone cut deep into my heart.

Hardin sighed.

"I don't want to be here either..."

"Then why are you here?" my father growled.

"To set things right," he muttered.

Before I could react, my father's hand struck his face-twice.

My throat went dry.

Hardin didn't move. He didn't flinch.

"How dare you break my trust-and our friendship?" my father roared.

I rushed forward and grabbed his arm as he tried to punch him again.

"Father, please..." I whispered.

His muscles were rock hard beneath my fingers. For a moment, I thought he wouldn't stop. Then slowly, his arm dropped.

Hardin seemed completely unbothered, his gaze never shifting toward me. Instead, he stepped inside the house as if he belonged there.

My father pulled away. I quickly shut the door and followed them inside.

"I can't believe this," my father continued angrily.

"You have no shame. After what you did to me and my family, you still have the audacity to come to my house?"

Hardin slid his hands inside his pockets.

"I'm not here as your friend," he said calmly. "I'm here as your son-in-law."

My eyes widened.

What was he up to now? Son-in-law? Has he lost his mind?

My father let out a dry laugh that chilled the room.

"Now I know you've truly lost your mind. You think you can fool me, like you fooled everyone else by your fake fiancée news? I was your friend for years-I know you. No woman can be happy with you. And you expect me to marry my only daughter to someone like you?"

My feet went cold in my slippers. My father was aware of Hardin's announcement? So he had pretended not to know?

"I know I deserve those slaps," Hardin said evenly.

My father froze.

"But we don't have another option."

Silence filled the room.

"I'm not here to defend myself," he continued. "I'm here to protect what is left of our reputation. If Elena marries me, this stops being an affair."

I bit my lip.

Marriage?-This was his solution?

"I won't force her," he added calmly. "But this is the best solution."

My father's jaw tightened.

"I don't need your help," he snapped. "I'll protect my family myself. We don't need outsiders."

Hardin reached into his suit jacket, and placed a slim folder onto the table.

My father raised his eyebrows.

"It's a civil marriage arrangement," he said. "My lawyer prepared it last night."

The room felt smaller.

"If you change your mind," he added quietly. "You know where to find me."

My father snatched the folder from the table and thrust it back toward Hardin. "We don't need this," he said through clenched teeth.

Then he walked to the door and pulled it open.

"Thanks for your concern, Mr. Kings. You may leave." He glared.

Without another word, Hardin walked out, gripping the folder tightly.

I watched him go.

The door slammed, echoing through the house.

My father punched the wall so hard that I gasped, the plaster cracking beneath his fist.

"Father!"

"Brandon!" My mother rushed in.

"I'm fine," he said stiffly before storming inside.

My mother followed him.

I slowly sank onto the couch.

Friendship, business, and reputation were being destroyed because of me.

When will all of this end?

Silence answered me.

___

In the evening, I passed by my parents' bedroom when I heard my father pleading with someone on the phone. I knew it was one of his clients.

I leaned against the door frame.

"Sir, please! Hear me out first. This is a family matter and I'll take care of it. Please don't bring business into this."

Helplessness laced his voice.

"Please, sir..."

The person ended the call.

He clenched the phone, then he smashed it against the wall, shattering it completely.

I gasped, heart hammering.

He turned around, and our eyes met.

As he tried to walk away, I rushed into his arms.

"I'm sorry, Father," I whispered. "I'll make everything right. I promise. Please forgive me."

After a moment of silence, his arms wrapped around me.

"It's fine, dear."

I sniffed, letting the warmth of his embrace wash over me.

Tomorrow morning would mark a new chapter of my life.

___

The next morning, every employee stared at me as I walked down the hallway.

*She's Mr. Kings' fiancée?*

*Why did they hide it?*

*She's so lucky...*

I ignored them.

I wouldn't stand by and watch things collapse. I refused to be weak any longer.

I walked straight into Hardin's office.

He looked up, frowning.

"You should knock," he said coldly. "Ask for permission before entering."

I smiled softly.

Instead of answering, I walked forward and sat on the edge of his desk.

My heel brushed against his thigh.

His jaw tightened.

I leaned closer and lifted his chin, forcing him to look at me.

He breathed heavily.

Meeting his gaze made my heart race, despite the chaos swirling around us.

"I need permission to enter my fiancée's office?" I asked softly. "That's funny."

"Fiancée?" he drawled.

I leaned even closer and pressed a kiss on his cheek.

"No," I whispered. "My husband."

His gaze sharpened.

"I'm here to accept your proposal, Hardin Kings."

I held his stare.

"Let's get married. Today."

The air between us turned dangerously still.

His eyes burned into mine.

[Elena's POV]

His hand shot out, gripping my jaw. It wasn't soft. It wasn't gentle.

Was he trying to scare me?

I didn't give up once I started something.

Just like the night that led to all this.

"Are you sure?" he muttered, his hot breath brushing against my face.

"You're sure you can handle the consequences of becoming my wife?"

"I wouldn't be here if I couldn't," I whispered.

"I want to become your wife, Hardin Kings."

A low smirk curved his lips. "I love that courage of yours."

"I guess you convinced your father, then."

He released me, and a shaky breath left my mouth.

He pulled out his phone and dialed a contact, putting it on speaker.

"Good morning, Mr. Kings," a voice echoed.

"Bring the marriage papers to my office. Now."

"Yes, sir."

Andrew ended the call. Our eyes locked. I smoothed my dress nervously.

He didn't look away. "Are you sure about this?"

"This isn't a marriage, but a loveless cage forever."

My heart skipped. Loveless marriage?

The man I loved wanted a loveless marriage, while I wanted his heart.

I smiled anyway, not letting him sense my racing heartbeat.

Minutes later, the door opened and his lawyer entered, holding a folder, a pen, and two witnesses.

A chill ran through my spine.

"Good morning, sir. I'm here with the witnesses," he said.

Hardin looked at me. "Are you sure?"

"I'm certain," I replied, my lips pressed tight.

"Then we can proceed with the signing," the lawyer said.

Hardin took the folder, flipped it open, and signed without hesitation. Still, I noticed the firm grip he had on the pen.

Then he handed it to me and leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze fixed on me, forcing my breath into uneven gasps.

If I signed this, there would be no turning back.

Slowly, I pressed the pen to the paper.

My hand trembled.

But I signed.

I had made up my mind.

He gathered the papers and handed them back to the lawyer.

"It will be submitted to the court as a pending request. I'll keep you updated, Mr. Kings."

Hardin nodded. "Thank you."

The door closed behind them.

Now, it was just Hardin and me in the office.

Silence filled the space.

Then reality crashed over me.

I was now Mrs. Hardin Kings.

My dream had come true because of...

One reckless night.

One leaked video.

One forced marriage.

But the real question wasn't how this happened.

The real question was simple.

How do I make Hardin fall in love with me?

How do I make him look at me the way a husband should?

How do I make him choose me... willingly?

I didn't just want his name.

I didn't just want this marriage on paper.

I wanted his heart.

Would I get it?

He didn't blink. He just stared at me.

___

I hadn't told my parents at first. I knew they would disapprove.

"Father, please." I knelt in front of him, holding his hands.

"I promise I'm not forcing myself. I truly want to marry him. Please."

"You can't be happy with Hardin," my father insisted. "He's my friend, and I know him well."

My mother sighed and sat beside him.

"Elena loves Hardin," she said softly.

My father's eyes widened. "Is that true?"

My throat tightened. "Yes."

The room fell silent.

"Do you remember when he saved me from the fire?" I continued softly.

"He was the first person I saw when I woke up in the hospital. I think I started loving him at that moment."

Tears slid down my cheeks. "I know he's cold. But he's not a bad man."

My father looked conflicted, lips tight, fingers tapping the armrest. "Hardin can't fall in love with anyone, Elena."

"I don't care. I love him," I whispered.

After a long silence, my father sighed. "If that's what makes you happy, then I won't stop you."

Relief flooded through me, and I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Father."

___

Tonight was different from the others.

The stars in the sky looked brighter than usual, almost like silent witnesses watching over me.

A thrill ran down my spine.

My father had finally given his approval, and Hardin had signed the marriage papers.

My dream was about to become reality.

Once the court finalized everything, I would move into Hardin's mansion, and everything would eventually fall into place.

I closed my eyes, inhaling the fresh night air drifting through my open window. My hands rested slightly on the frame.

Could I really smile after such a terrible journey?

"Hi!"

The sudden voice startled me.

I recognized it immediately.

Chelsea. My second friend. When had she come back? She hadn't been in town for a while now.

I turned around to find her standing there with a wide grin.

She smiled, her arms wide open.

"Chelsea!" I squealed, jumping into her arms.

She laughed and hugged me tightly.

"I missed you, Chin-Chin," she teased, using the nickname she gave me.

"I missed you too, Tomato," I replied, using her nickname too.

We broke apart, still smiling.

"When did you get back?" I asked.

"Just minutes ago. I rushed here first. Are you okay?" she said.

I knew what she meant. She'd heard the news.

"You heard about it too?" I asked as I sat down.

"Of course, Tomato. It was everywhere. I was so worried. I called you, but you didn't answer. I had no choice but to come back home." She sat beside me.

"How did it happen? I know you loved Hardin, but I didn't expect it to happen like this."

"I didn't plan it either," I admitted. "It was my first day at work. I got caught in the rain. He found me and took me to his place until it stopped. And then..."

I paused, avoiding her gaze.

"And then?" she pressed.

"I couldn't deny my feelings any longer," I muttered.

Her eyes widened. "You... started it?"

I lowered my head. "I tried to stop myself, but I failed."

"Gosh!" she gasped.

My cheeks burned red.

"Aww!" Chelsea groaned dramatically and pinched my cheeks teasingly. I scoffed.

"But if it happened inside his mansion, how did it get out?" she asked suddenly, her tone turning serious.

I looked at her. The mood shifted instantly.

"I don't know," I admitted.

"If it wasn't Hardin..." she trailed off.

"Then who else was there that night in the mansion?" she asked quietly.

A chill crept up my spine.

Yes.

Who was the third person in that mansion?

And what did they want?

I swallowed hard.

Then she whispered, "What if Hardin did it?"

I froze.