Eldon's expression turned grave. "I don't need your gratitude, Kael. I need you to survive. And to live. You may not see it now, but this is my way of giving you a chance at both."
Kael said nothing, turning toward the door. As he walked away, Eldon's voice followed him, quieter now but resolute. "You'll thank me someday, even if it's not in words."
Kael didn't look back
He retreated to his private study, the weight of the day pressing down on him.
Sinking into the leather chair behind his desk, he opened his laptop to review the guest list and wedding arrangements. His grandfather had already sent a comprehensive document outlining expectations for the event.
As he scrolled through the file, a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," Kael said, his tone clipped.
The door opened to reveal his mother, Lady Evelyn Velyne, her elegant form framed by the warm glow of the hallway.
"I heard about the arrangements," she said, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "You handled it well."
Kael looked up, his expression neutral. "I handled it because I had to."
Evelyn approached, her eyes softening. "Kael, I know this isn't what you wanted. But the Delyths are important allies, and this marriage... it's for the good of the family and... you."
"I'm aware," he replied, his voice steady. "I'll do what's required."
She studied him for a moment before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You've always been undependable. But don't let this arrangement turn into a burden. Seren seems... spirited. Perhaps that's what you need."
Kael didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the screen. Evelyn sighed softly, giving his shoulder a brief squeeze before leaving him to his thoughts.
As the door clicked shut, Kael leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. Spirited wasn't the word he'd use for Seren. She was unpredictable, fiery, and had a knack for challenging him in ways no one else dared.
And now, she would be a permanent fixture in his life.
*****************
Seren stood in her modest but cozy kitchen, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone when a message from Kael popped up.
Kael: Be ready by 10 AM. I'll pick you up to finalize the contract.
She snorted softly, typing back.
Seren: Yes, sir. Should I wear formal attire to sign my soul away?
His reply was instant.
Kael: Just be on time.
Rolling her eyes, Seren set her phone down and finished her coffee. If this was her new life, she might as well get used to his incessant punctuality.
The next morning, Kael's car arrived at Seren's residence precisely at 10 AM. She stepped out, dressed casually but with a defiant air, her green eyes alight with curiosity.
"Morning, Young Master Velyne," she said, sliding into the passenger seat.
Kael didn't respond, his cold gaze fixed on the road ahead.
"Not a morning person, huh?" she teased.
"Be quiet," he said flatly. "We have matters to discuss."
The car ride to the attorney's office was silent, Kael's icy demeanor impenetrable despite Seren's occasional attempts at small talk.
The office was as cold and pristine as Seren expected, with sleek furniture and walls lined with thick tomes of legal texts. A tall man in a tailored suit greeted them, his demeanor professional and efficient.
"Mr. Velyne, Miss Delyth," the attorney said, gesturing for them to sit. "Let's review the terms of the agreement."
As he outlined the clauses—everything from financial arrangements to public appearances—Seren's head began to spin.
Seren leaned back in her chair as the details were read aloud:
Living Arrangements: The couple would share a bedroom at the Velyne estate to present the image of a united household.
Personal Freedom: Both Kael and Seren retained full autonomy over their daily lives, with no obligation to interfere in or influence each other's decisions.
Public Conduct: They were required to portray a loving, devoted marriage in all public appearances, including events, interviews, and family gatherings.
Duration: The arrangement would remain in effect for a period of one year..
Discretion: All matters of the contract were to remain confidential, known only to the families and their closest advisors.
Kael listened intently, his icy expression unchanging, while Seren fidgeted slightly, her fiery energy at odds with the cold, clinical atmosphere.
When it came time to sign, Kael scrawled his name with mechanical precision and handed the pen to Seren without a word.
He handed the pen to Seren, who twirled it between her fingers, a small smile playing on her lips. "You know, this is the most romantic proposal I've ever had."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware this was a proposal."
"Touché," she said, signing her name with a flourish.
As the attorney collected the papers, Kael stood, buttoning his jacket. "It's done," he said simply.
Seren stood as well, brushing her hair back. "I guess this makes us official. What now?"
"Three weeks," he replied curtly.
"The marriage is in three weeks"
She raised an eyebrow. "That soon? Planning must be one of your superpowers."
Kael's voice was cold, devoid of humor. "It's efficiency."
Seren chuckled, shaking her head. "Of course it is."
As they returned to the car, the weight of their arrangement settled heavily between them. Neither spoke during the ride back, the silence thick with unspoken tension.
Both knew their lives were about to change irrevocably, but while Seren seemed ready to face the storm with fiery defiance, Kael's icy resolve remained unshaken.
Two weeks had passed. The wedding was only a week away, and the preparations were nearly complete. Seren had barely had a moment to breathe between fittings, venue inspections, and the endless obligations forced upon her. Just when she thought she might finally have a quiet evening, chaos arrived in the form of Dante Delyth.
The front door of her residence swung open dramatically, and in strode a man who carried himself like he was walking onto a red carpet.
"Seren!" Dante called, spreading his arms as if expecting applause. "Did you miss me?"
Seren groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I hoped the universe had finally rid me of you."
Dante gasped, feigning heartbreak. "After all I've done for you? You wound me, cousin." He strutted inside with effortless grace, flashing the dazzling smile that had melted hearts on every screen in the world. As one of the most famous actors of the decade, Dante Delyth was an international icon. And unfortunately, he was also her family.
"What do you want?" Seren asked, arms crossed.
Dante dropped onto her couch with a dramatic sigh. "I heard about the scandalous marriage. Naturally, I had to come and investigate." His eyes gleamed with mischief. "Tell me, darling, is it true? Are you actually marrying the infamous Kael Velyne? Ice Prince of the North?"
Seren rolled her eyes. "It's a political marriage, Dante. Nothing scandalous about it."
"Oh, please." He waved a hand dismissively. "A woman like you, forced to share a home with him? That's a tragedy." He leaned forward, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "Tell me the truth. Do you like him?"
Seren hesitated before scoffing. "I barely tolerate him."
Dante grinned. "Good. That means I still have time to save you."
Seren sighed. "Save me from what?"
"From a cold and loveless existence, of course!" He stood, grabbing her hand dramatically. "Come, we must have a night out. A farewell party for your freedom!"
"I am not—"
But it was too late. Dante had already made the call.
Two hours later, Seren found herself in one of the most exclusive clubs in the city, thanks to Dante's connections. The music pulsed through the air, neon lights casting a hazy glow over the packed dance floor.
Dante, ever the center of attention, had already drawn a crowd, effortlessly entertaining with his charm and larger-than-life stories. Seren, on the other hand, sat at the bar, sipping her drink as she watched him bask in the attention.
"Enjoying yourself?" Dante slid into the seat beside her, a teasing smile on his lips.
Seren sighed. "You just wanted an excuse to party, didn't you?"
"Naturally." He smirked. "But you needed this."
Before Seren could argue, an eerie shift in the atmosphere sent a chill down her spine. A familiar presence. Cold. Unyielding.
She turned—and there he was.
Kael Velyne.
Dressed in a tailored black suit, standing near the entrance, exuding an aura so chilling that even the lively atmosphere of the club seemed to dim. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, unreadable but intense.
Seren stiffened. "Oh, hell."
Dante followed her gaze and let out a low whistle. "Well, well. Look who decided to crash the party."
Kael strode forward, the crowd instinctively parting around him, sensing the sheer power he carried.
When he reached them, his voice was calm—but beneath it lay something sharp. "We need to talk."
Seren raised an eyebrow. "Is this about the wedding? Because I—"