Chapter 1

Her mother never called her during working hours unless something important had happened.

And judging by the coldness in Victoria Sterling's voice, it wasn't good news.

Aurelia stepped out of her car and stared at the massive Sterling mansion. She had grown up inside those walls, but tonight, it felt strangely unfamiliar.

She adjusted her handbag and walked inside.

The moment she entered the living room, she saw her parents sitting together.

Her father, Adrian Sterling, had a folder on the table.

That alone made Aurelia suspicious.

Her father was a businessman who preferred discussing important matters over the phone or in his office. If a folder was sitting in front of him, it usually meant a contract, an acquisition, or a decision that had already been made.

"You're late," Adrian said without looking up.

Aurelia glanced at the clock.

"By seven minutes."

"You were told to come home at six."

"And I came at six-oh-seven."

Her mother sighed.

"This isn't the time for your attitude, Aurelia."

Aurelia slowly sat opposite them.

"Then tell me what this is about."

Her father finally looked at her.

"We've reached an agreement with the Cross family."

Aurelia's expression remained neutral.

"The Cross family?"

"Their company is entering a new phase of expansion," Adrian continued. "Sterling Holdings and Cross International will be working together on a major project."

"That's good."

"It is."

Aurelia waited.

Her father said nothing.

She frowned.

"And?"

Her mother exchanged a look with Adrian before speaking.

"There is one condition."

Aurelia leaned back.

"Of course there is."

Her father opened the folder.

"The partnership will be strengthened through marriage."

Silence.

Aurelia stared at him.

Then she laughed.

Once.

Short and disbelieving.

"I'm sorry. What?"

"You heard me."

"You want me to marry someone?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

Adrian pushed a photograph across the table.

Aurelia looked down.

The smile disappeared from her face.

Damian Cross.

Of all the men in the city, it had to be him.

Tall. Dark-haired. Sharp-featured. Always perfectly dressed. The heir to Cross International.

And the man Aurelia had spent years trying to avoid.

She pushed the photograph back.

"No."

Her father didn't blink.

"This isn't a question."

"Then why did you bother telling me?"

"Because you're my daughter."

"That has never stopped you from making decisions for me before."

Victoria's eyes narrowed.

"Aurelia."

"No, Mother."

She stood.

"You cannot seriously expect me to marry Damian Cross because two companies want to sign a contract."

"It's not simply a contract," Adrian said. "The Cross family is one of the most influential families in the country. This marriage will strengthen both families."

"Then you marry him."

"Aurelia!"

She turned toward her mother.

"What? I'm trying to understand the logic."

Her father closed the folder.

"You have two choices. You can cooperate with your family and secure your future, or you can make things difficult for everyone."

"My future?"

Aurelia let out a bitter laugh.

"You mean your business."

Her father's expression hardened.

"Everything I have built will eventually belong to you."

"I never asked for it."

"And yet you will inherit it."

There it was.

The word that had controlled her entire life.

Inheritance.

Since childhood, Aurelia had been taught that being a Sterling wasn't simply a privilege.

It was an obligation.

She had to dress properly.

Speak properly.

Choose the right friends.

Attend the right events.

And, apparently, marry the right man.

Her mother stood.

"Damian is wealthy, educated, respected, and capable."

"He's arrogant."

"He's successful."

"He's cold."

"He's disciplined."

"He barely tolerates me."

"That can change."

Aurelia stared at her.

"Why would I want to change him?"

Neither parent answered.

Aurelia suddenly remembered why she disliked Damian so much.

Years ago, at a charity event, she had overheard him talking about her.

He had called her spoiled.

Privileged.

A girl who had never earned anything she possessed.

She had confronted him that night.

His response had been simple.

"If the shoe fits."

She had hated him ever since.

And apparently, her parents had decided that hatred was an excellent foundation for marriage.

Aurelia picked up her handbag.

"I'm not doing this."

She turned toward the door.

"Sit down."

Her father's voice stopped her.

She slowly looked back.

Adrian's expression was no longer calm.

"The engagement announcement will be made next week."

Aurelia's eyes widened.

"You already decided?"

"We have."

"You didn't even ask me."

"We knew what your answer would be."

"Then why—"

"Because your answer doesn't change the decision."

Her chest tightened.

For the first time that evening, Aurelia had nothing to say.

Her mother approached her.

"You're going to marry Damian."

Aurelia looked between her parents.

Then at the photograph on the table.

Damian's expression seemed almost mocking.

She picked up the photograph.

"Fine."

Both parents looked surprised.

Aurelia smiled, but there was no warmth in it.

"If you want this marriage so badly, I'll marry him."

Her father relaxed.

"But don't expect me to play the perfect wife."

She placed the photograph back on the table.

"And don't expect me to fall in love with him."

Then she walked away.

What Aurelia didn't know was that across the city, Damian Cross had just received the same news.

And unlike Aurelia...

He wasn't surprised at all.

Because Damian already knew exactly who he was going to marry.

And he knew something Aurelia didn't.

This marriage had never been about business.

Not entirely.