I t 's me !

This wasn’t how the day was supposed to end.

Not with you sitting alone in the secluded corner of a booth, nursing a cocktail despite barely drinking, in a nightclub far too luxurious for your bank account, tears silently streaming down your face.

You were supposed to be in a cozy restaurant, celebrating your boyfriend's birthday over a nice dinner. You had planned everything weeks in advance.

You'd requested the day off work so you'd be free as soon as your classes ended. The moment your last lecture finished, you rushed home to get changed before stopping by a local bakery to collect the cake you'd ordered. Nothing extravagant - just a small cake, enough for a few slices. Your boyfriend had never been much of a fan of sweets anyway. It was more symbolic than anything.

His present had been wrapped neatly in a gift box, complete with a ribbon and birthday card. You'd bought him a tie from one of his favourite luxury designer brands.

A brand far beyond the budget of a broke college student.

You'd spent months saving for it, surviving on instant noodles.

But this was your boyfriend.

He deserved the best.

With cake in hand and the gift tucked safely inside your handbag, you'd made your way to the upscale apartment building where he lived. You greeted the receptionist on your way through the lobby before stepping into the elevator.

Once upstairs, you entered the code and let yourself into the apartment.

You knew he'd still be at work, which was exactly why you'd come early. You wanted to surprise him.

You placed the cake in the refrigerator to keep it chilled. You planned to give him his present later at the restaurant where you'd already reserved a table.

Needing to use the bathroom, you headed upstairs.

Halfway down the hallway, you stopped.

Muffled sounds drifted from the bedroom.

A breathless moan.

The bedroom door stood slightly ajar.

You stepped closer and slowly pushed it open.

Your breath caught in your throat.

Your chest tightened.

There, tangled together on the bed, lay your boyfriend...

...and your stepsister, Elizabeth.

Completely naked.

They both looked up at the same time.

Shock spread across their faces.

You didn't scream.

You didn't cry.

You simply closed the bedroom door and rushed out of the apartment.

…

You wandered the streets of Linkon City aimlessly.

Your vision was blurred by tears.

Your mind numb.

Your body was moving on autopilot.

You never noticed the afternoon fade into evening.

Eventually, a bright neon sign caught your attention.

Without thinking, you walked inside.

…

And that's how you ended up here...

You and your boyfriend hadn't even been together for very long.

Just under two years.

The two of you had met during one of the darkest periods of your life.

Not long after your father passed away.

The doctors had warned him that if he didn't change his lifestyle - if he didn't reduce the stress in his life - he wouldn't survive another heart attack.

Your father had been the only parent you had left.

Your mother had died from cancer when you were so young that you could barely remember her.

For most of your life, it had been just you and your father.

That changed when you were fourteen.

He remarried.

You never truly liked your stepmother, Miranda.

Nor did you get along with her daughter, Elizabeth, who was a few years older than you.

Still, for your father's sake, the three of you maintained the illusion of being one happy family whenever he was around.

The moment he wasn't...

...you simply stayed out of each other's way.

You always knew Elizabeth was spoiled, selfish, and accustomed to getting whatever she wanted.

You just never imagined...

...she'd decide she wanted your boyfriend too.

…

Valko senses something unusual the moment he steps inside the bar.

He makes his way to the counter and settles onto one of the stools.

“Welcome, sir,” the bartender greets, polishing the inside of a glass with a cloth. “The usual?”

Valko gives a distracted nod, his gaze sweeping across the nearly empty club.

“Quiet tonight,” the bartender remarks as he sets a glass in front of him. “To be expected on a weekday.”

Valko hummed absently.

His nostrils flare as he draws a slow breath.

A scent lingers in the air.

Soft.

Sweet.

Floral.

Orchids...perhaps.

A scent that stands out more vividly than anything else.

His pulse quickens.

Picking up his drink, he wanders through the club at an unhurried pace, though his sharp eyes scan every corner like a predator stalking unseen prey.

Then he stops.

His head turns slightly.

In the secluded corner of a booth sits a lone woman.

Her shoulders are slumped.

Her head hangs low.

A half-finished cocktail sits forgotten in front of her.

His feet carry him toward her until he comes to a stop beside the table.

Sensing the shadow that has fallen over you, you slowly lift your head.

Your eyes meet.

A shiver shoots through Valko's entire body, racing from the base of his spine to the tips of his toes.

He's found you.

The one his family has been telling him about since childhood.

The one destiny has chosen for him.

His mate.

You sniffle quietly before wiping at your tear-stained cheeks, only succeeding in smudging the remains of your mascara even further.

Something dark stirrs inside him and his jaw tightens.

Who had made his mate cry?

“Who hurt you, flower?”

The words - and the endearment - leave his lips before he has the chance to stop them.

You simply stare at him too numb to answer.

A storm of emotions rage inside Valko.

He wants to hunt down whoever has reduced you to tears and tear them apart with his bare hands.

He wants to take every ounce of your pain and carry it himself.

More than anything...

...he wants to pull you into his arms, hold you close, and promise you that no one will ever hurt you again.

Instead...

...he does the only sensible thing he can think of.

He takes out his phone.

“You look exhausted,” he says gently. “It's late.”

After a brief exchange, he slips his phone back into his pocket.

“I've arranged a ride home.”

You don't take his outstretched hand.

But you slowly raise to your feet.

Valko steps aside, allowing you to walk ahead while he stays close behind, his hand hovering just behind your back.

Moments later, a sleek black sedan pulls up outside the club.

He opens the rear passenger door for you.

Without a word, you climb inside.

“Where to, miss?” the driver asks politely through the rear-view mirror.

Valko waits patiently until you quietly give your address.

Only then does he close the door.

Leaning down to the open driver's window, he meets the driver's eyes.

“Make sure she gets home safely.”

Valko remains where he stands, watching until the taillights disappear around the corner.

Only then does he retrieve his phone once more.

“There's something I need you to investigate.”

“I want everything there is to know about her.”

——————————————————————

It's been a few days since you caught your boyfriend cheating.

And the bastard hasn't contacted you even once.

No calls.

No texts.

No explanation.

No apology.

No desperate plea for forgiveness.

Nothing.

As you approach the front gates of your college, your stomach sinks.

Of all the people you could have run into...

It had to be her.

You instinctively take a few steps back, hoping to slip away unnoticed.

No such luck.

You decide it's easier to walk straight past her than acknowledge her existence.

“Giving me the silent treatment?” Elizabeth calls after you. “How mature.”

“If you've come to gloat or rub salt in the wound, don't waste your time,” you reply without slowing your pace.

The sharp click of her high heels echoes across the pavement as she falls into step beside you.

“I kept telling him it was only a matter of time before we got caught.” Her voice drips with smug satisfaction. “I mean, he'd been sleeping with me for almost as long as the two of you were dating.”

Your footsteps falter for the briefest moment.

Then you keep walking.

“The only reason he asked you out in the first place was because of your daddy's money.” She lets out a mocking laugh. “But once he realized there wasn't any..." She shrugs dramatically. “He moved on.”

“He just didn't have the heart to dump you.”

You stop so abruptly that Elizabeth nearly walks into you.

You turn to face her.

“Did you really come all the way here just to tell me that?” you ask, your voice flat.

“Oh.” Elizabeth taps a finger against her lips as if she'd only just remembered. “I almost forgot.”

“My mother wants to see you.”

“It seems you've been ignoring all her calls.”

Your brows knit together.

“What could Miranda possibly want with me?”

Elizabeth merely shrugs, inspecting her manicured nails.

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

Then a smirk spreads across her face.

“I can give you a lift to the company.”

Without waiting for an answer, she spins on her heel and saunters away, her hips swaying exaggeratedly with every step.

Miranda would never summon you over something trivial.

And knowing the kind of woman she was...

Refusing wasn't an option.

…

A few days ago, Miranda had welcomed a most unexpected - yet no less welcome - guest into her office.

“Mr. Valko.” She greeted him with a polished smile as she stepped forward to shake his hand. “It's an honor to finally meet you. Please, have a seat.”

She gestured toward one of the armchairs.

Valko sat, though his broad frame was far too large for it to be remotely comfortable. Miranda settled into the chair opposite him, crossing one leg over the other with practiced elegance.

“May I offer you something to drink?”

“That won't be necessary.” His voice was businesslike. “I'd prefer to keep this brief.”

The moment he'd stepped into the office, a sharp scent had assaulted his senses.

Unpleasant.

It lingered so heavily in the air that every instinct urged him to leave as quickly as possible.

“I'll get straight to the point. I understand your company is seeking investment from EonCore Tech,” Valko said.

“I don't know how much you know about this company, Mr. Valko, but we devote our resources to improving the lives of society's less fortunate - the disabled, the unfortunate souls who must rely on others just to get through everyday life.”

Miranda smiled as though expecting praise.

“To continue our research, expand our facilities, and develop new technologies, we require funding.”

She gestured toward the thick proposal folder resting on the coffee table between them.

“I've prepared all the necessary documents.”

“If EonCore Tech is to invest…” Valko said at last, “...I have one condition.”

He raised a single finger.

Miranda smiled confidently.

“I'm sure we can reach an agreement.”

“I intend to marry your daughter.”

Miranda clasped her hands together, delighted.

“How wonderful!” she exclaimed.

“Elizabeth will make an excellent wife.”

Valko frowned.

“Elizabeth?”

A flicker of confusion crossed his face.

“I'm referring to Y/N.”

Miranda's smile vanished instantly.

Her gaze turned considerably colder.

“...Y/N?” she repeated.

“I'm afraid you've been misinformed. She's merely my stepdaughter.”

She gave a dismissive little laugh.

“Mr. Valko, believe me when I say that girl is nothing but a constant disappointment... and, quite frankly, an embarrassment.”

Valko's hands curled into fists.

Oblivious, Miranda continued.

“If you're looking for a wife worthy of your status, Elizabeth would be a far more suitable choice.”

Valko calmly reached for the proposal folder.

He picked it up and rose to his feet.

“My condition is final.”

He held up the file.

“I will marry Y/N before EonCore Tech signs these documents.”

“If that condition isn't met…”

“...there will be no deal.”

…

——————————————————————

“Enter!” Miranda's voice comes, muffled through the thick wooden door.

You push it open and quietly close it behind you.

Miranda glances up from the paperwork spread across her desk, peering at you over the rim of her glasses.

“About time,” she says sharply. “Must I send someone to hunt you down every time I need you?”

“Nice to see you too, Miranda,” you mumble.

She removes her glasses and places them neatly on the desk.

“I'll get straight to the point.” She folds her hands together. “A chairman has finally agreed to invest in the company.”

You blink.

“...Congratulations?”

“What does that have to do with me?”

You had nothing to do with your father's company.

After his death, ownership had passed to Miranda, just as he'd stipulated in his will.

“The chairman has one condition,” Miranda continues.

“And he has made it abundantly clear that he will not negotiate.”

“He wants to marry you.”

You stare at her, convinced you'd misheard.

Judging by the look on Miranda's face...

...you hadn't.

“No.”

The answer leaves your mouth immediately.

“Absolutely not.”

“I refuse to become a pawn in one of your business deals.”

“And why me?”

“If he's a wealthy, successful chairman, surely Elizabeth would be a much more suitable match.”

Miranda's jaw visibly tightens.

“He rejected Elizabeth.”

For the first time since entering the office, you smile.

Elizabeth had spent her entire life believing every man would fall at her feet.

Knowing someone had rejected her...

...was satisfying.

“My answer is still no.”

Miranda lets out a soft laugh.

“How adorable.”

She rises from her chair and slowly walks around the desk until she's standing directly in front of you.

“You seem to think this is a request.”

She leans one hand against the desk.

Her smile is cold.

“You will marry him…”

“...or you can say goodbye to your apartment.”

Your eyes widen.

“You can't do that!”

“My scholarship and my part-time job are barely enough to cover my living expenses. I'm graduating with my bachelor's degree this year.”

Your father had rented an apartment close to campus before your first semester began.

After his death, Miranda had agreed to continue paying for it...

...on the one condition that you stay out of her way.

“What a shame,” she muses.

“It would be unfortunate if the last two years of your education went to waste.”

She already knew she'd won.

Reaching into a drawer, she slid an envelope across the desk.

“Everything has already been arranged.”

You slowly pick it up.

Miranda smiles sweetly.

“Try not to be late for your own wedding.”

——————————————————————

You'd always imagined getting married one day.

At least...

...you'd hoped you would.

Just not at twenty years old.

Not to a man you'd never met.

And certainly not without your father there to walk you down the aisle.

You smooth the front of the off-white dress.

You'd even attempted to style your hair into a bridal updo.

Part of you had hoped you'd wake up before any of this became real.

You didn't.

Step by step, you walk down the aisle toward the man waiting at the front.

Valko.

The only thing you know about him...

...is his name.

The wedding is small.

Held inside the town hall with barely anyone in attendance.

There's the officiant.

Miranda, wearing her usual polished business smile.

Elizabeth, glaring at you with poorly concealed resentment.

An unfamiliar man standing beside Valko, presumably someone close to him.

And Valko himself.

The moment you stop beside him, he turns to look at you.

Then he smiles.

A genuine one.

Overflowing with happiness.

If he were a dog...

...you swear his tail would be wagging.

The officiant begins reading.

You barely hear a word.

Instead, you steal curious glances at the stranger you've agreed to marry.

He's young.

Probably somewhere in his twenties.

Incredibly tall.

Standing beside him, the top of your head barely reaches his chest.

Broad shoulders.

A solid build.

Striking amber eyes unlike any you've ever seen.

Crimson hair with a violet sheen beneath the light, brushed back from his forehead.

“...I do.”

Your voice is scarcely louder than a whisper.

Moments later...

...it's over.

You're married.

——————————————————————

The drive passes in complete silence.

At least on your end.

Valko tries to make conversation, but his words barely register.

You simply stare out the window.

Eventually, the car rolls into the driveway of a mansion.

It reminds you of the house you once called home before your father died.

So, this was your new home.

Valko eagerly offers to show you around.

You barely pay attention.

Finally, he opens a door.

“This will be your bedroom.”

Relief washes over you.

Your own bedroom.

Not a shared one.

Without a word, you step inside.

You slam the door shut in Valko's face.

A second later, you turn the lock.

——————————————————————

Days had passed since the wedding.

And you'd avoided Valko completely.

He could hear you moving around the mansion.

He could smell your scent lingering in the hallways.

Yet you refused to see him let alone speak to him.

So tonight, Valko stands by the front door, arms folded across his chest, his foot tapping impatiently against the marble floor.

He glances down at his watch.

Where are you?

Are you even coming home tonight?

His ears perk up as he hears footsteps crunch across the gravel outside.

A moment later, fingers tap in the security code.

The front door swings open and you step inside, looking exhausted.

The moment you close the door behind you, Valko speaks.

“Where were you? I was worried.”

You nearly jump out of your skin.

“Good grief!” You clutch your chest. “Why are you standing by the front door in the dark like some kind of serial killer?”

“I asked first.”

You sigh.

“I was at work.”

He uncrosses his arms.

“What happened at the company that kept you there this late?”

“...Company?”

You frown.

“I work at the cinema.”

“The cinema?”

His confusion is genuine.

You stare at him.

“For the same reason everyone works.”

“Money.”

Valko reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket.

“Speaking of money…”

“…I've been meaning to give you this.”

He holds out a sleek black bank card.

“The account is in your name,” he explains. “You're free to use it whenever you need. If the balance ever gets low, just let me know. I'll transfer more.”

“Are you serious?”

Your voice echoes through the entrance hall.

You throw the card straight at his chest.

It bounces off him before clattering onto the marble floor.

Oh no.

His mate is angry.

At him.

“It's bad enough I was forced into this marriage because of some business deal,L you snap.

“And now you're treating me like I'm some kind of gold digger?”

You shove past him.

Valko hurries after you and steps in front of the staircase, blocking your path.

“I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention.”

He runs a frustrated hand through his hair.

“…Please.”

His shoulders sag.

“Just... don't shut me out.”

There is something almost puppy-like in the way he looks at you.

“Please... give me a chance.”

“Have dinner with me.”

“We can talk.”

“Get to know each other.”

The desperation in his voice catches you off guard.

Perhaps...

...you’ve been taking your frustration out on the wrong person.

If anyone deserves your resentment...

It is Miranda.

——————————————————————

“Please tell me this isn't the restaurant we're eating at.”

You stare out the window as Valko pulls up to an elegant, high-end restaurant.

In the end...

...you'd agreed to dinner.

“Is something wrong?”

“Places like this have a dress code.”

You glance down at your outfit - a simple oversized sweater, jeans and worn boots.

Valko looks you over before smiling.

“I think you look lovely.”

“Don't blame me when they turn us away at the door.”

You reach for the handle.

“Don't.”

Before you can open the door yourself, Valko is already out of the car.

He hurries around to your side and opens the door for you before offering his hand.

You hesitate before taking it.

His hand is warm.

He helps you out before gently offering you his arm.

Together, you make your way toward the entrance.

To your surprise, the hostess doesn't so much as glance at your outfit.

She greets you and leads the two of you onto an outdoor terrace.

Your table sits beneath strings of fairy lights overlooking the city.

Valko pulls out your chair before sliding it in once you've sat down.

At the very least...

...he's undeniably gentlemanly.

A waiter approaches with two menus.

“What would you like to drink?”

After taking your order, he leaves you to look over the menu.

“...I don't know what half of these dishes even are,” you mutter.

The menu may as well have been written in another language.

Valko chuckles.

“I’ll handle the ordering.”

You lean forward.

“...Everyone's staring at me.”

“I stick out like a sore thumb.”

Valko glances around the terrace.

Then, in a much louder than necessary, he says,

“Excuse me.”

Several nearby guests and servers look over.

“I know my wife is absolutely stunning…”

Your eyes widen.

You hurriedly try to shush him.

“...but could everyone please stop staring at her?”

“You're making her uncomfortable.”

When he finally sits back down, you can't help giggling.

“You're ridiculous.”

Valko's face lights up.

He'd made you laugh.

“I'm glad you agreed to have dinner with me,” he says softly.

“...I'm sorry…For yelling at you yesterday.”

Valko smiles.

“It wasn't all bad.”

“In fact…”

A mischievous glint appears in his amber eyes.

“You being angry with me was strangely attractive.”

He gives you an unapologetic wink.

Before you can respond, the waiter returns carrying several beautifully presented dishes.

As soon as the waiter leaves, Valko speaks again.

“I meant what I said earlier.”

“I'd like to get to know you.”

You look down at your plate.

“I'm not very good at talking about myself.”

You shrug.

“...Why don't you just ask me whatever you want to know?”

“The problem is…”

He smiles sheepishly.

“I want to know everything.”

Seeing your uncertainty, he quickly adds,

“How about you ask me something first.”

“I'm an open book.”

Setting your fork down you meet his eyes.

“Why would someone like you…”

“...handsome…”

“...successful…”

“...wealthy…”

“...choose to marry me?”

A smug grin spreads across his face.

“Soooo…”

“…You think I'm handsome."

“...Of course that's the part you focused on.”

“I would never lie to you.”

The teasing disappears from his expression.

“But the real reason…”

“...is complicated.”

He pauses.

“And…”

“...you're not ready to hear it yet.”

You narrow your eyes suspiciously.

“Let me guess.”

“Your parents left you a trust fund that you can only inherit if you're married by a certain age.”

Valko lets out an amused laugh.

“A classic.”

“But no.”

He shakes his head.

“I promise I'll tell you someday.”

He holds your gaze.

“Until then…”

“...just trust me.”

Strangely...

...you do.

You just aren't sure why.

…

To your surprise, the evening turns out to be far more pleasant than expected. The conversation flows with surprising ease. Valko is cheeky and playful, constantly teasing you, but you find yourself strangely drawn to that side of him.

“I had a really nice time. Thank you,” you say genuinely as he drives.

“In that case, you won’t have any objections to me taking you shopping tomorrow,” Valko says, keeping his eyes on the road.

“I can’t tomorrow. I have work.”

“Not anymore.”

“I don’t remember my shift being cancelled.”

“It wasn’t. I resigned on your behalf.”

You stare at him.

“You did what?”

Before you can properly react, Valko quickly continues.

“Before you get angry, I’m not trying to control you. You’re free to work if that’s what you want.” He glances at you. “But I refuse to sit back and watch my wife spend her days scrubbing toilets and cleaning up popcorn spills when she’s capable of so much more.”

You open your mouth to argue, but he continues.

“You’re studying business. Come work at EonCore Tech if you’re interested.”

You want to be angry at him. You probably should be.

Yet, deep down, you know his intentions aren’t cruel.

“I’ll think about it,” you finally say.

——————————————————————

“Welcome. How may I assist you today?” a saleswoman greets cheerfully the moment you enter the department store.

“My wife needs a new wardrobe,” Valko says confidently. “I’ll leave her in your hands.”

She leads you towards a fitting room that is practically the size of your old apartment.

Valko takes a seat on the couch outside.

You quickly lose count of how many outfits you try on.

And every single time, Valko insists on seeing them.

Every single time, he compliments you.

It becomes less like shopping and more like a personal fashion show where Valko is your most enthusiastic audience member.

“I’ll take everything my wife has tried on,” Valko says, handing his card to the saleswoman.

“Valko, please don’t. What am I supposed to do with this many clothes?”

“Wear them?”

You give him a look.

“Then again...” His lips curl into a mischievous smile. “They might look even better on my bedroom floor.”

Before you can respond, the saleswoman speaks.

“Would you like to see our lingerie collection as well?”

“Please,” Valko agrees before you can even open your mouth.

You stare at him.

“If you think I’m putting on a show in lingerie, you are very much mistaken,” you say deadpan.

“But I’m your husband,” he says, giving you an exaggeratedly innocent look.

“You haven’t earned that privilege.”

Not yet.

But he will. One day, he will.

…

“What a lovely couple. Welcome.”

The jeweler greets you both as you enter.

“What brings you here today? A hunt for wedding rings perhaps?”

“Already taken care of.”

Valko proudly holds up his hand, showing his ring.

“Speaking of wedding rings...” Valko glances at your hand. “Why do I notice you rarely wear yours?”

“I don’t wear it at school or work,” you explain. “I can’t risk people noticing and asking questions.”

“Are you ashamed of me?”

“No.”

You sigh.

“If people notice, they’ll ask questions. What am I supposed to say? That my evil stepmother financially blackmailed me into marrying a chairman who insisted on marrying me as part of a business deal for reasons he refuses to explain?”

Silence.

The jeweler awkwardly clears his throat.

“Perhaps I could show you some of our newest arrivals.”

You both follow him towards the display cases.

“Does anything catch your eye?” Valko asks.

You hum thoughtfully.

You’ve never really been someone who wears jewelry.

Then suddenly, a thought comes to mind.

You take out your phone and scroll through your gallery until you find the picture you’re looking for.

“Is there any chance of getting these earrings? The exact ones?”

The jeweler takes your phone carefully.

He puts on his glasses and studies the image.

“Give me a moment, please.”

He disappears into the back.

“What’s so special about those earrings?” Valko asks.

“My father gave them to me for my sixteenth birthday.”

“I don’t have them anymore.”

“Did you lose them?”

“If only.”

Your voice lowers.

“I was in a difficult situation and had to sell them. Along with a lot of other things that had value.”

Valko’s hands tighten into fists.

Something about this doesn’t sit right with him.

The financial situation.

The small apartment.

The job at the cinema despite your father’s company.

And now this.

None of it makes sense.

“I need to make a call,” he says, stepping outside.

The moment he is out of earshot, he pulls out his phone.

“I need you to investigate my wife’s finances. Her father’s death. The company. Her stepfamily.”

“Everything.”

…

When Valko returns, the jeweler comes back from the room behind the counter.

“I’ve identified the earrings, Madam. Unfortunately, we no longer carry them. They were part of an older collection.”

Your expression falls.

“But don’t lose hope. I’ll make some calls. There may still be a chance of finding another pair. If you leave your contact information, I’ll notify you immediately.”

“Thank you.”

You write down your number.

“For now, I’ll take these.”

You point towards another pair.

“Excellent choice.”

As the jeweler prepares them, you stare at Valko.

He notices.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“The reason I chose these earrings is because they reminded me of your eyes.”

If he wasn’t standing in the middle of a store, he was fairly certain he would howl with happiness.

——————————————————————

“Valko?”

You rise from your seat at the kitchen table, surprised to see him home so early.

His eyes move from you to the unfamiliar woman sitting across from you.

About an hour ago, you invited your best friend Tara over to finally explain everything that had happened.

Up until now, you had been avoiding her.

Tara had gone through every possible emotion upon hearing your story.

“This is my best friend, Tara,” you introduce. “Tara, this is Valko. My husband...the one I told you about.”

You glance at him hesitantly.,

“I hope you don’t mind that I invited her over.”

Tara suddenly stands.

“You mean to tell me this is your husband?”

You barely have time to react before she smacks the back of your head.

“Ow!”

“When you told me you were forced into a marriage of convenience, I pictured some old, frail, ninety-year-old man who was halfway into the grave.”

Her eyes travel over Valko.

“Not a literal godlike hunk.”

She turns back to you, looking genuinely offended.

“You have absolutely no right to complain about being married to this.”

She gestures dramatically towards Valko.

“If you don’t want him, I’ll happily take him off your hands.”

Valko lets out a deep laugh.

“Tara, was it?”

“I like you already.”

Then he looks at you, his expression softening.

“But I’m afraid my flower here is the only one for me.”

——————————————————————

“What do you think?”

Valko had asked you to join him in his home office, presenting you with a page showing a luxury wellness retreat.

You narrow your eyes suspiciously.

“Let me guess. Since I refused to put on lingerie, you’re trying a different approach?”

“Are you trying for what? A bikini? A towel?”

“As much as I would enjoy seeing either of those things...”

He pauses.

“I wouldn't be going with you.”

You raise an eyebrow.

“I thought you and Tara could go together.”

Your suspicion grows.

“Why all of a sudden?”

He leans back.

“I just thought you might enjoy having a girls’ weekend. Or whatever it is you call them.”

Something about this feels suspicious.

Valko is hiding something.

But instead of pushing, you accept the offer.

Besides...

Tara would probably kill you if you turned down a free luxury wellness retreat.

——————————————————————

The weekend wellness retreat with Tara is relaxing and fun.

Yet, despite having a wonderful time, your thoughts keep drifting back to Valko.

The day you left, he had seemed... different.

Almost as if he was forcing himself to keep his distance.

Throughout the entire weekend, he never called. His replies to your messages were brief.

…

“Valko?”

Your voice echoes through the manor as you close the front door behind you.

“I’m home.”

Since he knew what time you were returning, you expected him to be here.

Actually, you expected him to pick you up from the hotel himself.

Instead, his secretary had been waiting.

When you asked about Valko, all you received was a vague response.

“Valko?”

You call again, stepping further inside.

The next thing you know, the world flips.

At impossible speed, you’re lifted off the ground.

A startled yelp escapes you as you’re carried across the room and dropped onto the mattress.

A large figure looms above you.

Amber eyes glow in the dim light.

And on top of his head...

Are those wolf ears?

“You scared me,” you huff.

“Also... what’s with the cosplay?”

You reach up, fingers moving towards one of his ears.

Valko's expression shifts from surprise to pure panic.

“Flower?”

He moves away, retreating to the edge of the bed as if he’s afraid of himself.

You sit up, concern replacing your amusement.

“Are you alright?”

“Why... why are you here?”

His voice is deeper than usual.

“What day is it?”

You frown.

“Monday. The weekend is over.”

Valko covers his face with both hands.

That’s when you notice the sharp claws extending from his fingertips.

The room is nearly dark, the curtains drawn shut, so you reach over and turn on the bedside lamp.

And finally, you see him properly.

The wolf ears.

The claws.

The sharper teeth.

The large, fluffy tail behind him.

“You weren’t supposed to see me like this.”

He slowly lowers his hands.

“I guess... it’s time I tell you the truth.”

…

“So let me get this straight.”

You stare at him.

“You’re telling me you’re a werewolf.”

“And I’m your mate, which basically means I’m your "destined partner".”

“And the reason you look like this is because I triggered your... heat.”

“Which, if I understand correctly, is basically your version of being extremely horny?”

Your eyes briefly flick down before quickly returning to his face.

Valko clears his throat.

“...Pretty much.”

You stare at him.

“I sensed something was wrong with you, but I have to admit... this was not what I expected.”

Your brow furrows.

“You’re uncomfortable, aren’t you?”

“It’s not exactly pleasant.”

“But how can you tell?”

“I don’t know.”

“For the past few days I’ve been feeling things. Emotions that don’t feel like mine.”

Valko’s expression softens.

“That’s the mating bond.”

“The bond lets mates sense each other’s emotions.”

You tilt your head.

“How does that work exactly?”

You pat the top of your head jokingly, as if checking whether a pair of ears have somehow appeared without your knowledge.

Because last time I checked, I wasn’t growing fur.”

“The stronger the connection between mates, the stronger the bond becomes.”

“I think, in your own way, you accepted me before you even knew the truth.”

You’re quiet for a moment.

“What can I do to help?”

“Let me hold you.”

The request is almost vulnerable.

You open your arms.

That’s all the permission he needs.

Valko buries his face against your shoulder and takes a deep breath.

“You smell like orchids.”

“So thattt’s why you call me flower.”

“I’m late to ask this, but... can I mark you?”

“Please tell me that doesn’t mean you want to pee on me.”

“That’s a weird kink.”

“I don’t have any kinks.”

You scratch behind one of his ears.

His tail immediately starts wagging.

You grin.

“Although... I may be developing a thing for werewolves.”

A low growl rumbles from his chest.

“Please don’t tease me.”

“It is taking all my willpower not to jump you right now.”

Most people would probably be terrified in this situation.

Panic

Run.

You’re confused, yes.

You have a thousand questions.

But those can wait.

…

Valko wakes to sunlight slipping through a gap in the curtains.

His wolf-like features are gone.

He feels like himself again.

Slowly, he looks down.

You’re still there.

Sleeping peacefully beside him.

You didn’t run.

You stayed.

He gently pulls you closer, careful not to wake you.

His beautiful mate.