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.

Hunter's POV

I was busy the entire day with all the paper works that I needed to sign and review. My neck and back ached. Calixto barged in without knocking on my door, which caused me to raise my eyebrow, and I am about to scold him when I looked at his face full of horror, and I could tell something is going on. And I can look at his entire body is shaking.

"Calixto, why are you shivering? What is wrong with you?" I demanded in a controlled manner.

"I am sorry, Sir, that I forgot my manners. I get inside your office without knocking. Your car has been hit by a drunk truck driver, sir." He said, and he is trembling, and I froze on my seat, and I cannot speak for a while.

"What? How's Frank?" I asked, and by the horrified look on his face, I can tell something terrible happened to my chauffeur. I forgot about my headache and asked him all the details, and we go to the hospital together using his car. Of course, it was technically my car, and I provide care for my staff. Calixto has been my assistant from the time I assume my father's company. And Frank has been our family driver since I can remember.

In short, Calixto and Frank are so close to me, but I never told them that, and I will never will because I am a private type of person, and they thought I am haughty. I just don't like to show them I care that it is not me if that happens. My father trained me to be like this, always to look tough. By the time we arrived at the hospital, Frank is on his way to the operating room, but the doctor asked for me, and I wonder why.

"Frank wants to have a word with you, I advise him not a good idea, and he told me he rather dies right now than not talk to you. It must be imperative, Hunter. I guess your driver has something to confess to you." Dr. Silva said he is a family friend, and he knows Frank.

"I will give you a few minutes because we need to operate him now." He spoke, and I get near Frank's fragile frame, and his face looks so pale.

"Frank, this is Hunter, the doctors desire to bring you to the operating room now, and I think it is not a good idea to communicate right now," I said, and he squinted his eyes, and I can say he is aching all over his frame, but he wants to talk to me, I can tell it. He motioned for me to come closer.

"Hunter, I know the operation can't save my life, I know my body, Hunter, I am dying, and no doctor can spare me. Please, there is only one wish I would like to ask from you. I have an estranged daughter, and her name is Madeline Brownwood, help her, Hunter. I perceive you don't wish to marry anyone, but I need you to wed her and take care of her." He said, and I almost laugh. How could he ask me such a request?

"Please promise me, Hunter, I want to die with a radiant face. Make me a lucky man." He added, and I can see the pain on his entire face, and I don't want him to suffer anymore since he needs to go to the operating room, and I am sure Frank will get through. He is a strong man.

"Okay, I promise." I declared, and I grinned at him, and I saw him smiled widely at me. They brought him to the operating suite with a joyous smile on his face, and I couldn't believe he didn't live. Frank died that night, and he drove me wide awake the entire night, thinking about the stupid promise I created.

How can I marry someone I didn't even know? I avoided women since after her, the only woman I adore and love. I don't want to be involved with another woman. No matter how my parents pressure me to get a girlfriend and get married. I don't have any plan yet because I am still mourning. It happened a long time ago, but it is still fresh in my memory. I was young back then and so naive, I was just Hunter that day, and I never thought that I would lose the only girl I love and my capacity to love anyone.

I partied and met girls and tried having another relationship, but I realize I can never be a wonderful boyfriend because her memories still haunt me.

"Madeline Brownwood? Who is she, and what am I going to do with her after I met her?" Calixto asked for the third time.

"Calixto, I don't wish you to show yourself to her, just spy on her, we need her actual identity, and I need to know about this woman," I said.

"But why?" He inquired again, and I lost it.

"Just do what I asked, Cal, I don't need you to ask me any more questions, and don't tell me about her if your information is lacking, research all about her, and when you are ready, that is the time we will have a serious talk about this young woman," I said to him, and he nodded. And Calixto never asks me again about Madeline, and I know he started his investigation since there are times he is not around two months after Frank's death.

"Are you free this afternoon, Mr. Divenson?" Calixto asked one afternoon.

"Asked yourself that question, Cal, you are my assistant, and you are the one who scheduled all my meetings and conferences," I spoke, and he smiled.

"Of course, your last appointment for today is the coffee time at your favorite café." He answered, and I raised my eyebrow.

"With whom?" I inquired, confused.

"With Calixto Morgan, Sir." He said, and I can't stop myself from laughing.

"Wow! I didn't realize you still learn how to laugh, Mr. Divenson." He spoke.

"Who can't laugh at what you have done? You scheduled yourself to have a meeting with me. You are funny, Mr. Morgan." I replied.

"Of course, I have too, since you are a very busy man. I am now ready to talk about Madeline Brownwood." He declared, and the smile on my face faltered since I haven't thought about her for almost one month, and now he made me feel of the promise I carried out to her dead father.

"Well, what time is our schedule? I don't need to prolong my agony." I muttered, and I know I made him confuse with my words.

"At four in the afternoon, Sir." He replied and left my office while I am still bothered about Frank's dying wish. Am I willing to do this? I felt so confused. By the time I arrived at the coffee shop, Cal had handed me my espresso. At first, he didn't speak, and he only gave me an envelope, and when I fished out its contents, I saw a young woman's candid photos. She looks so beautiful that it stopped me midway in drinking my coffee. I put down the cup on the table as I continue scanning her pictures.

Madeline Brownwood is gorgeous. I have only seen her pictures, but it feels like her eyes are talking to me; I can't stop my fingers from trailing the contours of her perfect face from her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth. Her enticing lips made me ache for her. She looks like this in the pictures; how much more in person.

"She is nineteen years old and living with her aunt. And now I know she is Frank's daughter. He left her when she was little with her mom. Maddie's mom got sick when she was thirteen and left her no choice but to beg her aunt to take them." Calixto said, and I looked at him, and I can see the tears that welled up in his eyes; I couldn't believe he was about to cry.

"Doctors diagnosed her mom with lung cancer. She wanted to save her mother at a young age, she needs to look for different part-time jobs to provide medicine for her dying parent. She has no one to turn to, only her aunt. She helped Madeline until she realized they were already full of debts, and her aunt's house is now under foreclosure. Maddie wants to preserve her aunt's house by helping her with all the means she can get. She works and studies, but her income will never be enough to pay off her aunt's arrears. She felt guilty that this happened to her mother's sister." Calixto continues talking, and I realized I felt interested to know her.

Her determination in pursuing her studies amidst the crisis was exemplary. I admire her courage.

"Madeline Brownwood has no kissing experience, so I assume she is still a virgin. No boyfriend since birth, and no time for dating. Currently, she is working three part-time jobs, from the grocery store, restaurant, and convenience store." Calixto said.

"The most shocking news, she has no cell phone, and she is already nineteen years old. Can you believe that? Who doesn't own a phone nowadays? Her aunt lets her borrow her cell phone every time she goes to work." Calixto added.

"I want you to communicate with her aunt, compute the amount they need to pay off all the debts they have, I need you to settle off everything, and give her aunt extra cash, buy Madeline a phone, and bring her to Divenson Mansion this Thursday," I ordered him, and he looks surprised.

"Why do we need her at your residence? You know your family; they don't like strangers unless you are going to make her your maid." He responded.

"No, you are wrong, Calixto; I am going to make Madeline Brownwood my wife; that is why I need you to bring her to the mansion to get acquainted with my family.." I declared, and this is the first moment I made Calixto speechless for a long moment, and I can't help but smile.