Madeline's POV

I descended the grand staircase slowly, my fingers brushing against the polished handrail as I tried to steady the nerves in my chest. At the bottom, Calixto stood waiting, his posture formal but warm. The moment he noticed me, his eyes lit up and a wide grin tugged at his lips.

"You look lovely, Ms. Brownwood," he said with genuine warmth. "I believe your future in-laws will be thrilled to have you here."

I gave him a small smile. It was easier to smile at him than to admit I felt like I was walking into a lion's den. My nerves simmered beneath the surface, but I buried the fear. It wasn't my choice to be here, and honestly, if they decided to send me away, I'd welcome it. The mansion was stunning, yes-but it wasn't home. And no amount of wealth could distract me from the fact that I was being traded like a pawn.

I followed Calixto outside, and my breath caught at the sight before me. The garden stretched endlessly across the back of the property-perfectly manicured hedges, vibrant flowers in bloom, and a grand fountain at the center that sparkled beneath the afternoon sun. I'd never seen anything so beautiful.

I was so mesmerized I didn't notice Calixto had stopped walking, and I bumped into him with a quiet yelp.

"Ah-sorry," I mumbled, rubbing my forehead.

"Always be aware of your surroundings, Ms. Brownwood," he said gently, though his tone carried a note of concern.

We stepped into the pavilion, and it felt like crossing into another world-one lined with marble columns, pristine white drapery, and a sweeping view of the gardens that looked like they belonged to a palace rather than a private estate.

Hunter's family sat in elegant patio chairs, lounging beneath a crystal chandelier suspended from the open-air ceiling. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves above, casting a soft golden glow over their impeccably dressed figures. They looked like something out of a magazine spread-flawless, composed, and utterly untouchable.

I'd seen their portraits in the grand foyer when I first arrived, but no oil painting could prepare me for the cold weight of their stares in person.

Hunter's mother, Leticia Divenson, sat with her legs crossed and her back painfully straight, her pearl necklace gleaming against her burgundy blouse. Her eyes raked over me from head to toe-judging, sizing, slicing. I could practically feel her disapproval pressing against my skin like a blade.

His father, Mr. Clark Divenson, didn't bother to lift his eyes from the newspaper he held. The paper rustled softly with each page turn as if the sound itself was more interesting than my presence.

Then there was Parker, Hunter's younger brother. His gaze latched onto me and didn't waver. His eyes were too intense, too slow in their inspection-as if he wasn't just curious, but entitled. My stomach turned, and I forced myself to look away, heat creeping up my neck.

Across from him, Charlotte, Hunter's sister, sat like royalty herself. Beautiful. Elegant. Poisonous. Her eyes narrowed with disdain, her lips curled ever so slightly in a smirk that said you'll never belong here. She didn't have to speak-I already felt her loathing in the air between us.

And then, there was Lily.

She was seated at the far end of the table, her feet barely touching the floor. A girl, no older than twelve, with curious eyes and the kind of smile that reminded me of warm summer mornings. When she saw me, she beamed-wide and pure, like I was someone worth looking at. Like I was welcome.

That one smile loosened the knot in my chest.

Calixto stepped forward, voice measured and professional. "Mr. Clark Divenson, Mrs. Leticia Divenson, Ms. Charlotte, Mr. Parker, and Ms. Lily-please allow me to introduce Ms. Madeline Brownwood, the fiancée of Mr. Hunter Divenson."

The silence was palpable. They looked at me as if I were a strange bird that had crash-landed on their manicured lawn.

Mrs. Divenson was the first to speak.

"This is utterly inappropriate," she snapped, her voice laced with venom. "I should reprimand my son for this immediately. Introducing his fiancée through his assistant? We are not his business associates, Calixto, and she is not a product to be delivered."

Her words hit like a slap. I felt the heat rise to my face, but I stood my ground, my hands clenched at my sides.

"Hi, Ms. Madeline!" Lily's cheerful voice rang through the tension like a melody. "Welcome to the Divenson Mansion. I'm so happy you're here-I can't wait to spend time with you!"

I looked at her, grateful. "Hi, Lily. I'm excited to spend time with you too," I replied, and her giggle was the only genuine sound I'd heard since arriving.

I took a deep breath, and despite the warning bells in my head, I spoke to the rest of them.

"Good afternoon. I know my presence here may come as a surprise... but I want you to know, it's just as shocking for me as it is for you."

Calixto stiffened beside me. I could almost hear his soul scream. His eyes widened, and without hesitation, he reached for my elbow.

"If you'll excuse us," he said quickly and ushered me away before anyone else could speak.

We moved through the hedged pathway behind the pavilion, the silence thick between us until we were out of sight.

"What are you doing?" he hissed, his voice low but sharp. "You can't say things like that in front of them! You're supposed to act like you're in love with Hunter-like this relationship is real."

I crossed my arms. "You never told me I had to pretend to be his girlfriend."

He ran a hand over his face, clearly exasperated. "I must've forgotten. But it's critical, Maddie. You're not just a stranger anymore-you're his fiancée. According to the story, you've been dating Hunter for nearly a year. You met at university, fell in love, and now he's bringing you home."

I blinked, stunned. "So I'm supposed to lie to their faces? About everything?"

"If you want to survive here-yes," he said grimly. "They're going to tear into your life like sharks. If you show any cracks, they'll pounce. Trust me, they'll investigate you before you even finish unpacking."

His voice softened. "I won't always be here to help. You'll be assigned an assistant-Cerila. She'll guide you through what's expected until the wedding. After that..." he hesitated. "We'll wait for Hunter's decision."

Decision? The word hung in the air like a sentence. I hated the implication-that even after all this, my future still hinged on a stranger's approval.

I swallowed. "Do I have to go back in there?"

"No. Let them finish their tea. And one more thing-don't mention Hunter's success in front of his father. Mr. Clark doesn't appreciate being reminded that his son took over the company... and made it better."

I nodded slowly, trying to process everything, my mind spinning like a carousel that wouldn't stop.

Calixto looked at me for a long moment. "You'll be okay, Maddie. Just... don't let your guard down."

But as I glanced back toward the pavilion, where icy stares and fake smiles waited for me, I wasn't sure how long I could keep it up.

"Here," he added, handing me a sleek new iPhone. "This will be your phone from now on. My number and Hunter's are already saved."

My mouth fell open slightly as I looked at the screen. "This is the latest model..."

He laughed. "I was shocked to find you didn't even own a phone. Who doesn't have a phone these days?"

"I never needed one," I said, my voice quieter now. "I don't really have friends. Just Gina, my best friend. I used my aunt's phone for work stuff."

I paused, emotions rising to the surface. "My life isn't like most girls my age, Calixto. I've been working part-time jobs for as long as I can remember. I don't buy clothes-I read books. Used ones. Mostly from thrift shops. My money always went to food, bills... survival."

I swallowed hard. "When my mom got sick, I wanted to drop out of school to take care of her. I begged her and told her I'd work full-time. But she wouldn't let me. She didn't want me to suffer. She died because we couldn't afford proper treatment... because in this world if you don't have money, you don't stand a chance."

Calixto's voice was gentle. "I know what you've been through, Maddie."

My eyes widened. "You... you know everything?"

He nodded. "I'm sorry for invading your privacy. But as my boss's right hand, it was my job to make sure you were... suitable. I spent time at your aunt's house and got to know her. I needed to know what kind of person you were."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"You were evaluating me? Like I was some contestant on a game show?"

"Not exactly. But Hunter is one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. We had to make sure you didn't have a boyfriend, weren't involved in anything that could harm his reputation... and, well, you met all the criteria. Outstanding grades. No vices. And yes, a beautiful appearance."

I rolled my eyes. "Great. So I made it into the Miss Universe finals."

He chuckled. "That's not what I meant."

I crossed my arms. "So... is Hunter really that godlike in person?"

Calixto smirked. "You'll see soon enough."

"I don't want to fall in love with him," I muttered.

"Careful," he warned with a smile. "You might eat those words."

"Can I at least talk to him?" I asked, meeting his gaze seriously. "I need to know why my father did this-why I'm here."

"I'll try to arrange it," he said. "But he's got a packed schedule. It may take a few days."

I nodded. I could wait.

"Oh, and one more thing-Hunter has arranged for you to receive a monthly allowance. It will be credited to your bank account. And I signed you up for driving lessons, too."

I blinked. "You did all that already?"

He nodded. "You're not just a guest here anymore, Maddie. Whether you like it or not you are part of this world now."

As I stood there with a brand-new phone in one hand and a whirlwind of confusion in my heart, I knew one thing for sure:

I didn't belong here, but I am a fighter and I would survive.

Madeline's POV

Calixto introduced me to Cerila, the young woman assigned as my personal assistant, and I was quietly relieved to see she was about my age. She wore a neat uniform, her demeanor proper but distant, and though she greeted me politely, I could sense she was keeping a deliberate wall between us. After laying out a fresh dress across my bed and checking a few final details, she offered a slight nod and excused herself, leaving me alone in the room once more.

I frowned at the dress.

"Seriously? I just wore a dress earlier," I muttered, mostly to myself, but loud enough for Calixto-who was still lingering at my door-to hear.

He arched a brow. "Maddie, you're about to meet your future husband. You need to look stunning and presentable. First impressions matter."

He motioned toward the vanity. "Also, you might want to consider wearing one of the perfumes Hunter selected for you. They're high-end, curated specifically with your preferences in mind."

I blinked. Hunter picked these out? I had no idea what my preferences were, let alone how he did.

Still, I nodded, not wanting to argue. "Seven o'clock?" I asked, and Calixto nodded before he checked his watch. "Dinner will be served promptly. Hunter rarely comes home for supper, but tonight he made an exception. For you."

I tilted my head. "So... if you're his right hand, does that mean you're like his assistant?"

He chuckled. "In a way. But more than that, I'm a handler of his affairs-professional, legal, and sometimes personal. I also serve as his escort when needed. Don't let the gray hairs fool you-I can still take down a man twice my size if the situation calls for it."

I narrowed my eyes. "Is he... a troublemaker?"

Calixto laughed, genuinely amused. "No, Ms. Brownwood. But Hunter Divenson is a very powerful man. With power comes scrutiny. And sometimes... danger."

He stepped toward the door. "Be ready before seven. Cerila will escort you to the dining hall. Whatever you do-don't be late. Hunter hates tardiness."

As he opened the door, I quipped, "You don't happen to have a manual, do you?"

He paused. "A manual?"

"For being his fiancée. Or a resident in this oversized palace. There are so many rules-I don't want to break any and get thrown into the dungeon," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He chuckled. "No manuals, I'm afraid. Just instinct. And I believe yours are pretty sharp."

As he stepped out, he added over his shoulder, "I better head out now. If I'm late, my wife might lock me out of the house."

I smiled faintly and walked him to the door.

Before I could close it, Lily appeared in the hallway, her face lighting up the moment she saw me.

"Hello, Maddie! Can I come in?"

"Of course," I said, swinging the door open wide.

"Can I sit on your couch?" she asked sweetly.

"Please do," I said, watching as she made herself comfortable on the cream-colored sofa.

She looked at her hands, suddenly shy. "I'm a little hurt, you know."

My brows furrowed. "Why, Lily?"

She pouted. "Because Hunter didn't tell me he was getting married. And I didn't get to meet you before he proposed. I thought he loved me the most..."

My heart ached a little. She was too precious.

"I'm sure he does love you, Lily. But he's just so busy. He didn't mean to leave you out," I said gently, hoping my lie would comfort her.

"Really?" she asked, brightening just a bit.

"Really," I confirmed, though the lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Then she leaned closer. "Do you love my brother, Maddie?"

I swallowed hard. How do you answer a question like that when you haven't even met the man yet?

"Yes," I said, nodding. Another lie.

"So much?"

I forced a smile. "Very much."

She smiled, satisfied, and hugged me tightly. "Please don't leave him, okay? He needs someone like you."

I hugged her back, feeling the sincerity of her small arms around me. "I'll do my best."

"I wish I could sleep here tonight," she sighed. "But Mom would never allow it."

She stood and brushed down her dress. "Don't mind them, Maddie. They might not act like it, but my brother does love you. And I like you. That's what matters."

I was too stunned by her honesty to respond.

"I'll see you at dinner," she said brightly, then turned and walked off, waving goodbye.

I closed the door behind her and leaned against it, heart racing. My mind was spinning-but not from the family. Not even from the lies. It was the strange, growing dread of meeting him.

By six-thirty, I was ready. I'd chosen a flowing cerulean gown that hugged my figure and shimmered beneath the soft light. I applied minimal makeup-just enough to highlight my features-and spritzed myself with a soft floral perfume. I didn't know who I was trying to impress, but something told me I had to look my best tonight.

The knock came on cue. Cerila stood at my door.

"You look stunning, Ms. Maddie. Please follow me to the feasting hall."

As I walked behind her through the long corridors, my heart began to thump faster with every step. And when I reached the grand dining room and saw the long table with silver place settings and flickering candles-I froze.

Because Hunter Divenson was already there.

And he was staring at me.

The world tilted slightly, as if everything around me had lost its balance. I had seen his portraits-framed in gold and displayed like masterpieces across the mansion-but nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared me for the real man.

He was devastatingly handsome.

Hunter Divenson rose from his seat with an effortless kind of grace, like a man accustomed to commanding attention the moment he entered a room. He was tall-easily over six feet-with broad shoulders that filled out his charcoal suit perfectly. The expensive fabric clung to his sculpted frame like it had been tailored by gods.

And then... his eyes found mine.

Hazel-green. Piercing. Focused.

There was something in them-sharp intelligence, veiled amusement, a cool detachment-but also an undercurrent of heat that unsettled me. That gaze didn't just look at me-it searched me. And I didn't know whether to run... or drown in it.

Then he smiled.

Just a subtle curve of his lips.

Controlled. Dangerous. Devastating.

My breath hitched.

He moved toward me slowly, every footstep echoing in my head like a drumbeat. I felt the air shift around him. It was as though gravity bent slightly in his direction.

When he stopped in front of me, I forgot how to breathe.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here when you arrived, Maddie," he said, his voice smooth as velvet. Deep. Confident. It wrapped around my name like a secret.

"I promise I'll make it up to you."

Before I could respond-before I could even blink-he leaned in and kissed me.

His lips met mine with a shocking gentleness, warm and assertive. My entire body froze-but only for a moment. Because then instinct took over. My lips moved against his, and my knees went weak. I forgot who I was, where I was, and why I was here. All I knew was the taste of him-clean, intoxicating, and maddeningly addictive.

The kiss deepened. It wasn't slow anymore. It was heat and hunger and something unspoken. He kissed me like he already owned me-and I let him.

By the time he pulled away, my lungs screamed for air, my heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts were tangled beyond repair.

He still held me-one strong hand resting possessively on my waist.

Then he leaned in close, his breath teasing my ear.

"So eager to kiss me back, Ms. Brownwood?" he murmured, his voice a low purr. I barely had time to react before he brushed his lips against my earlobe in a playful nip that sent a shock straight through my spine.

My skin flushed. Goosebumps danced across my arms.

He finally let go, and I stood there, breathless, stunned, completely and utterly unprepared for what he'd just done to me. Before I could recover, he reached behind me and pulled out a chair.

"Please," he said, gesturing.

I sat down on legs that barely remembered how to function. He took the seat beside me with an ease that contrasted my unraveling composure.

I glanced up to find his entire family watching us with smiles.

Mrs. Divenson, who had earlier looked like she wanted to rip me apart, now wore a pleasant-almost motherly-expression. Mr. Divenson folded his paper, appearing suddenly interested. Parker and Charlotte exchanged glances that were impossible to read. Even Lily, seated near the end, looked thrilled.

Were they pretending? Or had one kiss from Hunter Divenson really changed everything?

"Shall we begin dinner?" Hunter asked smoothly.

"Of course, dear," his mother said with unexpected sweetness.

I glanced down at my plate, but my appetite was gone. The kiss had left me shaken. I couldn't even remember what food was.

"You should eat, my love," Hunter said casually, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "I don't want you looking too thin on our wedding day. I admire your figure... and I expect you to keep it just the way it is."

I nodded mutely, unable to summon a single word. His words made my face burn, but I couldn't look away. He smiled at me again. And just like that, I realized something terrifying. This wasn't just a role I was forced to play.

This man, this stranger had already stolen my first kiss. He had made my heart skip and my thoughts scatter. And turned my world upside down in less than five minutes.

And as I sat beside him, still breathless from the kiss that started it all, I felt it deep in my bones-I was falling into something I didn't understand, and I realized my heart was already in trouble.

Madeline's POV

The dessert was superb, and I felt so full. I wonder why Hunter's entire family looks so happy to see me now that Hunter is present. Are they trying to pretend they like me because he is sitting beside me? I can't believe these people, they are so good at hiding their authentic emotions, and their facade is perfect. Hunter and his father talked about business, while Lily keeps asking me trivial questions about how I meet her brother.

"Where did you meet?" She asked.

"At my University," I replied.

"So sweet." She giggled.

"Can you tell me where did he bring you on your first date?" Lily asked again, and my throat went dry since I don't have any idea where we should have our supposed first date.

"I invited her to dinner to my favorite restaurant, which I will not tell you, young lady, where is that restaurant, and I will not let Maddie tell you either," Hunter answered for me. My future in-laws laugh while Lily is pouting her lips, but Hunter put his hand on her head, and he stroked the girls' hair, and she is now smiling again. I can see Lily adores her brother.

"So, when will be the wedding, son?" His father asked him.

"After one month, that is why I asked Madeline to live here in Divenson Mansion, to get acquainted with the place, and so that she will meet you guys; I hope you will help my future wife to enjoy her stay, I plan to move out, and reside to our new residence after the wedding." He spoke, and I saw his father's face darkened.

"You can't do that Hunter, you are the Heir, and this estate belongs to you. For generations, they have passed it down to the eldest son. You should build your family here. We can move to another estate if you want this home to be your permanent residence." Clark Divenson said.

"Father, you can't leave this mansion," Hunter replied.

"You are not allowed to leave from this house, Hunter." His dad responded with authority, and I saw Hunter clenched his fists at his side.

We all stand from the dining table and said, good night, Lily hugged me, and she whispered she would come with me to my room, and I nodded. She holds my hand while we walk, going to the stairs, and I can feel Hunter is walking behind us, and we are about to get inside my room before her brother speaks.

"Lily, I know you wish to spend some moment with Madeline, but as you can see, I miss her today, and I need to talk with her about some important matter." He declared to his little sister.

"Of course, I understand, Hunter. Good night Maddie, see you tomorrow." She responded and hugged me one more time and do the same to her brother before she walks away from us. Lily has been gone for a long while, but he keeps silent, so I open my bedroom door, and I am confused if I am going to invite him in, but when I am about to turn around, I collided with his muscular frame, and I didn't know he walked closer to me. He put his hands on my waist to steady me, and I can feel the sparks that travel my entire body. All the things Gina said about the feelings you are going to experience once you find the man you love is happening to me in one night after meeting Hunter Divenson, my future husband.

He smells so desirable, and to be honest, I want to feel his lips on my mouth again, and before I can move away from him, he lifts my chin, and he took my hungry mouth once again, we shared another passionate kiss that brings me to cloud nine. His crimson lips taste so good, and the way he claimed my mouth feels so wonderful, then I felt disappointed when he stopped kissing me.

"Don't think we are kissing because I have feelings for you, Maddie. We are doing this to be familiar with me, and I don't wish my family thinks we are not an actual couple. I will sleep here tonight in your room but don't worry, I assure you, nothing will happen tonight unless we are married. I want them to believe that we are in love and we are already doing it. Now give me your left hand." He ordered, and his words hurt me, I know I am only here because he wants a wife, but I wonder why he chose me when I have nothing to offer him.

He could have hired a bride and have a divorce later, and maybe that is his plan for me. He can file a divorce anytime since I don't belong to their society. I am nothing, and it will not become a scandal. He will not be the talk of his social circles. Why am I feeling this way? Before I meet him, I want to beg him to work at his mansion as a maid, and he doesn't need to marry me. Why I suddenly felt lonely just thinking about what will happen after our marriage?

"Didn't you hear me? Give me your left hand, Madeline." He repeated, and I can tell the irritation in his voice. When I offer him my left palm, he fished out something from his pocket, and my eyes got so big when I realized he inserted the engagement ring on my ring finger. And I wonder why it fits perfectly on me.

"Don't dare to pull it out, Maddie. That ring is a sign that we are in love with each other, and I don't wish them to think this is just an act." He said, and I nodded. I want to ask him so many questions, but I don't understand why my mouth is zip.

"May I know what should I call you?" I asked innocently.

"Just call me Hunter." He replied in a haughty tone, and I wonder why he suddenly sounds like this when we were in the dining hall, he shows so happy and alive, and now he looks like we are attending a wake.

"I will be back later, and don't forget to lock the door." He said as he moves to the exit and gets out without a second glance. How come he becomes so warm and cold at the same time? His family is weird too. They are both the same. When Hunter is around, they seem pleased to see me, same with Hunter, but when I am with his family without him, they looked at me with total hatred, same with him. He is treating me with coldness the moment we are alone. I wonder why Hunter instructed me to close the door. Did he notice the way his brother was looking at me?

I undress my dress, and I pick up some towel from the closet, and I turn inside the bathroom, and I take a warm shower. I feel so fresh when I finished taking a bath. I put on my nightgown and comb my light-brown hair, and I looked at my reflection in the mirror, and my hazel brown eyes are looking back at me. And I can't stop myself from smiling. My handsome future husband has kissed me.

I realized I experienced love at first sight with Hunter Divenson, and I felt glad it was him. I felt this way because I am going to marry him. I am not only marrying for money, at least for me, I felt love, and I don't know what his real deal is. I can say the reason I am here is that he paid off my aunt's debt, and she is now happy that the foreclosure of her house can't be pushed through by the bank.

I can't deny my attraction towards him. I am nineteen years old, but I never experienced loving someone, and I am uncertain if what I felt right now is love. I am touching my lips and reliving the sweet kiss that we have shared. It was glorious. And I can't wait to meet Gina and tell her all about my episode with Hunter.

I am about to go to bed when I heard someone is trying to open my door, and I felt so nervous, and it suddenly opens, and I got so relieved to see him getting inside my room, and I understood he is using a master key. I thought my stomach somersault when I recognized he just finished taking a shower. He looks so young and hot now that he is only wearing sweatpants and a white sleeveless tank top, and I can look at his muscles rippled as he walks towards the bed. He looks so glorious, and I tried my best to remain calm even though I can hear the thundering of my heart.

I need to control myself, or he will know how I feel about him. He looked at me, and I can tell his eyes linger on my legs and body, and I felt so hot all over my torso.

"It is getting late already. I have to work early tomorrow. Please go to bed now, Madeline." He said, and that is the time I move to the bed. I went through so nervous and excited to be on the same bed with him. He was just a stranger to me a while ago, and why now I crave to sleep closer to him. I know I am stupid and irrational. I envy him since the moment his body hits the bed. He fell asleep immediately while I find it so hard to slumber, especially now that Hunter Divenson is sleeping beside me.

He looks so handsome even if he is falling asleep, and I wish to trace the contours of his face, his perfect nose, the ideal shape of his eyebrows, his enticing perfect lips.

"Maddie, go to sleep and stop checking me out." He said, and I felt embarrassed. How does he know I am peering at him when his eyes are closed? Maybe he can't handle it. I am staring at him the entire time. I am hoping I can get closer to him by the time I fall asleep. I close my eyes with a wide grin on my face thinking it felt so nice to be lying on the bed beside Hunter.. I should get scared because he is still a stranger to me, but why it feels like I have known him for a long time ago.