You had always been the quiet one in the family. Gentle and reserved since childhood, you preferred books, painting, or staying at home rather than going out. Your parents and older brother often reminded you to be careful whenever you left the house, knowing how trusting and timid you were. You always nodded and promised to stay safe. One afternoon, while shopping with your friends, you accidentally wandered into the wrong part of town after getting separated from the group. As you searched for them, your eyes landed on a group of tall men dressed in dark suits, each carrying a gun. Their cold expressions made your blood run cold. Your breath caught in your throat. Keeping your head down, you quickly turned around, hoping to leave without drawing attention. But before you could disappear into the crowd, one of the men noticed you. His gaze lingered for a moment before he quietly informed the man standing beside him. You spent the rest of the day trying to convince yourself it was nothing. The following morning, your mother called you downstairs. As you stepped into the living room, your feet came to an abrupt stop. A familiar man was seated beside your father. Your heart sank. It was the same man you had seen the day before. "Today, we have an important announcement," your father said calmly. "You are to be married." He gestured toward the man. "This is Marcus Blackwell. He is a wealthy businessman, and he has chosen you to be his wife for a business arrangement." Your lips parted, but no words came out. You lowered your gaze, your fingers nervously twisting the sleeve of your dress as your mind struggled to process what was happening. Every instinct told you to speak, to refuse—but fear and shock stole your voice. All you could do was stand there silently, wondering how your life had changed overnight.