The following days passed in a blur. Viktor's world was one of power, wealth, and shadows, and Liza was plunged headfirst into it. She met his legal team, signed papers she barely understood, and even began appearing with Viktor at high-profile events, where whispers of their sudden engagement began to circulate.At first, Liza felt like a puppet—dressed in designer clothes, paraded in front of Viktor's associates like some prized possession. But Viktor never treated her like one. In public, he held her close, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back. In private, he kept his distance, never pushing her further than she was comfortable.Yet, there was tension between them—a tension that built with every passing day. Viktor was magnetic, and though Liza hated to admit it, she found herself drawn to him in ways that frightened her. Every time his hand brushed against hers, every time their eyes locked across the room, a fire sparked between them. But neither of them acknowledged it.Until the night of the engagement party.The event was held at a luxurious mansion outside the city, the kind of place Liza had only seen in magazines. Viktor had arranged everything, sparing no expense. Guests arrived in designer gowns, sipping champagne and speaking in hushed tones about the powerful couple no one had seen coming.Liza stood by Viktor's side, her arm looped through his as they made their rounds. She could feel the weight of every gaze on them—especially from Viktor's mother, a woman as cold and distant as her son. Madame Ivanov had barely spoken to Liza since their first meeting, but her eyes followed her now, watching her every move."She doesn't like me," Liza whispered as they moved away from the crowd, her voice tight with nerves."She doesn't like anyone," Viktor replied smoothly, his hand slipping to the small of her back. The touch sent a shiver down her spine.As they walked toward a more secluded part of the garden, Viktor stopped suddenly, his grip on her arm tightening. "Liza," he said, his voice lower now, "there's something you should know."She turned to him, her breath catching at the intensity in his gaze."My world is dangerous. Being with me... it will bring enemies, risks you can't imagine. But if you want out—""I don't," she said quickly, surprising herself with how certain she sounded. "I'm not afraid, Viktor."His eyes darkened with something she couldn't quite place—admiration, perhaps, or maybe desire. Without another word, he stepped closer, his hand lifting to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was gentle, a stark contrast to the ruthless man she had seen in action."You should be," he whispered, his lips just inches from hers. "Because I don't play fair."Liza's heart pounded, her pulse racing as Viktor's hand slid from her hair to her cheek, his thumb brushing over her lips. There was a moment of silence between them, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. And then, without warning, he kissed her.The world around her fell away. His lips were firm, commanding, yet there was an unexpected tenderness in the way he held her. Liza felt herself melt into him, her hands fisting in his shirt as the kiss deepened, the fire between them finally unleashed. The kiss wasn't just passion—it was a claim, a promise.When they pulled apart, Viktor's eyes were dark with hunger, but he said nothing. He didn't need to. The bond between them had shifted, solidified in that moment. This wasn't just a contract anymore.This was something far more dangerous.