Chapter – First Meeting
The doors of the Blackwood mansion opened silently.
Elara stepped inside, her heartbeat loud in her ears.
Everything was too big.Too luxurious.Too dangerous.
This wasn't her world.
Crystal chandeliers glowed above her, casting golden light across marble floors. Servants lowered their heads as she walked past, their eyes filled with curiosity—and pity.
So this is where I'm going to live…
Then she saw him.
A tall man stood by the wide window at the end of the hall, his back turned. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, his posture straight and powerful, as if the entire world bent around him.
He turned.
Silver eyes met hers.
Cold. Sharp. Assessing.
"So you are Elara."
His voice was calm, deep, and emotionless.
Elara swallowed."That's me."
Lucien Blackwood walked toward her slowly, every step heavy with authority. He stopped just a few inches away, towering over her.
"You don't look impressive," he said flatly.
Ouch.
Elara lifted her chin. "And you don't look very polite."
For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes.
Annoyance?Interest?
"Bold," he murmured. "Most women tremble when they see me."
"I'm not most women."
Silence stretched between them.
Lucien studied her face, her eyes, the way she refused to look away.
"You do realize," he said quietly, "that you are now my wife. Whether you like it or not."
Elara's heart pounded—but she didn't back down.
"Then we're both trapped," she replied. "Let's just try not to make it a nightmare."
Lucien let out a soft, humorless laugh.
"You already are."
But as he turned away, his hand paused—just for a moment.
For the first time in years…
He felt something he didn't expect.
Curiosity.
Chapter 2 – The Cold Husband
The bedroom was bigger than Elara's entire old apartment.
Soft lights glowed along the walls, and silk curtains swayed gently with the night breeze. It should have felt warm.
It didn't.
Lucien stood by the window, arms crossed, his reflection faint in the glass. He hadn't even looked at her since they entered the room.
"This is your side," he said, pointing to one side of the massive bed. "That is mine."
Elara stared at the bed.
It was huge.Too huge for two strangers who were married by force.
"Don't worry," Lucien added coldly. "I have no intention of touching you."
She felt a strange mix of relief… and irritation.
"Good," she replied. "I wasn't planning to let you."
Silence fell again.
Lucien finally turned to face her. "You should understand something, Elara. This marriage is nothing more than a contract. You will have everything you need—money, protection, status—but don't expect affection."
Elara folded her arms. "And you shouldn't expect obedience."
That made him pause.
Most women bowed.She challenged.
"Interesting," he muttered.
She walked past him to her side of the bed. "We might be married on paper, Lucien Blackwood, but I'm not your possession."
For the first time, he didn't argue.
Instead, his eyes followed her as she sat down, her figure outlined by the soft light.
A strange tightness settled in his chest.
Annoying.Unexpected.
"You are trouble," he said quietly.
Elara looked back at him. "So are you."
That night, they slept only a few feet apart—yet the distance between them felt dangerous, charged with something neither wanted to admit.
Chapter 3 – The First Jealousy
The dining hall was filled with quiet elegance.
Elara sat at the long table, trying not to look uncomfortable as nobles and executives whispered around her. This was her first official appearance as Mrs. Blackwood.
Lucien sat at the head of the table, calm and unreadable.
Then someone approached.
A handsome young executive bowed slightly."Lady Blackwood, may I say you look stunning tonight."
Elara blinked, surprised. "Thank you."
They began talking—just small talk, nothing more.
But Lucien noticed.
He didn't know why his eyes kept drifting toward them. The way Elara smiled politely. The way the man leaned just a bit too close.
His jaw tightened.
"Excuse me," Lucien said suddenly, standing.
The room fell silent.
He walked over and placed one hand on the back of Elara's chair.
"Is my wife bothering you?" he asked coldly.
The man stiffened. "N-no, sir—"
"Good." Lucien's gaze was sharp. "Then leave."
The man quickly bowed and disappeared.
Elara looked up at Lucien, confused."What was that?"
He leaned closer, his voice low. "You are wearing my name now. Be careful who you smile at."
Her heart skipped.
"Are you… jealous?" she asked quietly.
Lucien froze.
Then he straightened. "Don't be ridiculous."
But his hand was still on her chair.
And neither of them moved away.
Chapter 4 – Almost a Kiss
The rain poured heavily outside the mansion.
Thunder echoed through the dark halls as Elara walked quickly toward her room, her thin dress soaked from the sudden storm. Before she could reach the door, she slipped.
Strong arms caught her.
Lucien.
For a moment, everything stopped.
She was pressed against his chest, her hands gripping his coat. His heartbeat was steady… too close… too real.
"You should be more careful," he said quietly.
"I was," she replied softly. "Until you grabbed me."
Their eyes met.
Too close.
The world felt strangely silent despite the storm.
Lucien didn't let go.
"Let me go," Elara whispered, though she didn't move away.
"Do you want me to?" he asked, his voice lower than usual.
Her breath caught.
Their faces slowly moved closer.
One more inch…
Just one more—
Elara suddenly stepped back.
"This is wrong," she said quickly.
Lucien clenched his jaw, forcing himself to pull away. "Yes. It is."
But neither of them could ignore how their hearts were racing.
That night, they both lay awake, staring at the ceiling…thinking about a kiss that never happened.
Chapter 5 – The Dangerous Desire
The mansion was quiet.
Too quiet.
Elara stood by the window of her room, watching the rain slide down the glass. Her heart still hadn't calmed down since that almost-kiss.
A knock broke the silence.
Before she could answer, the door opened.
Lucien stepped inside.
"You left the hall without a word," he said. "I needed to make sure you were safe."
"I'm not made of glass," Elara replied, though her voice was softer than she intended.
Lucien walked closer, stopping just a few steps away.
"You confuse me," he admitted. "You're nothing like the women I know."
"Good," she said. "I don't want to be."
Their eyes locked.
There was something in the air—heavy, dangerous, impossible to ignore.
"You shouldn't look at me like that," Lucien murmured.
"Like what?"
"Like you're not afraid of me."
Elara took a step closer. "Maybe I'm more afraid of how I feel when I'm near you."
That was the truth.
Lucien's hand lifted, hesitating just inches from her face… then he pulled it back.
"This is dangerous," he said quietly. "If we cross this line, there's no going back."
Elara smiled faintly. "Then why does it feel like we already have?"
Lucien turned away—but his heart was no longer under his control.
Chapter 6 – The Night of Temptation
The mansion was wrapped in darkness.
Only the soft glow of moonlight slipped through the tall windows, painting silver shadows across the floor.
Elara couldn't sleep.
Neither could Lucien.
Somehow, they both found themselves in the quiet hallway at the same time.
"You too?" Elara asked softly.
Lucien nodded. "It seems tonight refuses to let us rest."
They walked together without speaking, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. Finally, they stopped at the balcony.
The city of Aurelia shimmered below, beautiful and distant.
"You should hate me," Lucien said suddenly. "I dragged you into a life you never chose."
Elara leaned against the railing. "Maybe. But I don't."
He turned to her. "Why?"
"Because when I look at you, I don't just see a cold CEO. I see someone who's lonely."
The words struck deeper than any blade.
Lucien stepped closer. "You shouldn't see that."
"But I do."
They were standing too close now.
The air between them felt electric.
Lucien lifted a hand, brushing a loose strand of hair from Elara's face. His touch was light—almost trembling.
"If I keep doing this," he whispered, "I won't be able to stop."
Elara's heart pounded. "Then maybe… don't stop."
For a moment, it felt like the world held its breath.
Then Lucien lowered his hand.
"Not yet," he said softly. "If we fall… I want it to be real."
Elara smiled, both disappointed and strangely warmed.
That night, temptation stayed with them long after they returned to their separate rooms.
Chapter 7 – When He Protects Her
The ballroom was bright with crystal lights and soft music.
Elara stood beside Lucien, wearing an elegant silver dress that caught every gaze in the room. Whispers followed her wherever she went.
"Is that really the Blackwood wife?""She doesn't look dangerous…""She won't last long."
Elara tried to ignore them.
Then she felt it.
A sharp push from behind.
She stumbled forward, almost falling.
Before she could hit the floor, strong arms wrapped around her waist.
Lucien.
His grip was firm, protective.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice suddenly filled with concern.
"I… I think so."
Lucien turned slowly, his silver eyes scanning the crowd like a predator.
"Who did that?"
No one answered.
The air grew cold.
"If anyone here dares to touch my wife again," Lucien said quietly, "they will regret it."
The entire room froze.
Elara looked up at him, shocked.
"You didn't have to do that," she whispered.
"Yes, I did," he replied. "You are under my protection."
For the first time, she didn't feel like a contract.
She felt… chosen.
Lucien escorted her away from the crowd, his hand still resting on her back.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked.
"Because," Elara said softly, "for the first time, I feel safe."
Lucien didn't reply.
But he didn't let go of her hand either.
Chapter 8 – His Quiet Confession
The night was calm after the chaos of the ballroom.
Elara stood on the balcony, breathing in the cool air. Her heart was still beating fast from everything that had happened.
Footsteps approached.
Lucien stopped beside her.
"You shouldn't have been pushed," he said. "That was my fault. People think they can hurt you because you're with me."
Elara shook her head. "I'm not afraid anymore."
He turned to her. "You should be."
"Not of you."
Those words made him fall silent.
The city lights reflected in his silver eyes.
"I've never protected anyone before," he admitted quietly. "It's… inconvenient."
She smiled slightly. "You didn't look very inconvenienced when you caught me."
Lucien's lips twitched for the first time.
"Maybe," he said, "because you're not just my wife on paper anymore."
Elara's breath caught. "What am I then?"
He hesitated… then spoke.
"Someone I don't want to lose."
The words were simple—but they hit harder than any confession.
Lucien turned away, clearly uncomfortable. "Don't misunderstand. I'm not good at this."
Elara stepped closer. "You don't have to be. Just be honest."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Lucien said softly, "You're dangerous, Elara."
"Why?"
"Because you're changing me."
And for the first time… he didn't sound angry about it.
Chapter 9 – The Enemy Notices Her
The rumors spread fast.
"Lucien Blackwood is protecting his wife."
That single sentence shook the upper world of Aurelia.
In a dark office high above the city, a man with golden eyes read the report and smiled slowly.
"So… the ice king finally has a weakness."
His name was Darius Vale — Lucien's greatest rival.
Back at the mansion, Elara felt uneasy.
"Why do I feel like someone is watching me?" she murmured.
Lucien looked up sharply. "Stay close to me."
Too late.
A shadow moved.
A blade flashed toward Elara—
Lucien reacted instantly, pulling her into his arms as the weapon barely missed her hair.
"Enough!" he roared.
The assassin fled, disappearing into the darkness.
Elara's heart pounded as she clutched Lucien's coat.
"Did they… try to kill me?"
"Yes," he said grimly. "Because you're mine."
She looked up at him. "That's not comforting."
Lucien held her tighter. "It should be. Anyone who touches you… will answer to me."
From that moment on, Elara was no longer just a wife.
She was a target.
And Lucien would burn the world before letting her be taken.
Chapter 10 – He Sleeps Beside Her
Elara couldn't stop shaking.
The image of the blade flashing toward her still haunted her mind.
Lucien noticed.
"You won't sleep like this," he said quietly. "Come."
"Where?" she asked.
"To my room."
Her eyes widened. "Your—?"
"It's safer."
There was no teasing in his voice. Only concern.
The room was darker, quieter, wrapped in a strange sense of calm.
Lucien gestured to the bed. "Lie down."
She hesitated… then obeyed.
Lucien sat beside her. "I won't touch you. I promise."
"I know."
Silence.
Then Elara whispered, "Why are they trying to kill me?"
Lucien looked away. "Because you matter to me now."
Those words made her chest tighten.
He lay down on the other side of the bed, not too close… but not far either.
For the first time, Elara didn't feel alone.
"Lucien?" she murmured.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for staying."
He closed his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
And that night, under the same roof, under the same sky…
Two lonely hearts finally rested.
Chapter 11 – The First Real Touch
Morning light filtered through the curtains.
Elara slowly opened her eyes… and realized she hadn't had a nightmare.
For the first time since coming to this world, she had slept peacefully.
Then she noticed something.
Lucien was still there.
During the night, he had turned slightly, his hand resting near hers.
So close… yet not touching.
Her heart beat faster.
Carefully, she moved her fingers—just a little.
Their hands brushed.
Lucien stirred.
"Elara?" he murmured, half-asleep.
"Sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to wake you."
He didn't pull away.
Instead, his fingers slowly closed around hers.
It wasn't forceful.
It wasn't possessive.
It was… gentle.
"You're safe," he said quietly.
Elara felt warmth spread through her chest.
"So are you."
They lay there, hand in hand, letting the moment exist without fear.
No contracts.No politics.No enemies.
Just two people, finally finding comfort in each other.
Chapter 12 – The Promise He Makes
The morning was quiet.
Elara and Lucien sat across from each other at the breakfast table, a strange warmth still lingering between them from the night before.
Lucien finally broke the silence.
"There will be more attacks," he said. "My enemies won't stop now that they've seen how much you matter."
Elara looked at him calmly. "Then I'll face them."
His eyes narrowed. "No. You won't face them alone."
He stood up and walked toward her.
Lucien knelt in front of her—something no one had ever seen him do.
"I don't make promises," he said slowly. "But for you… I will."
Elara's breath caught.
"As long as you are by my side," Lucien continued, "no one will hurt you. I swear it on everything I have."
"Lucien…"
He gently took her hands.
"You are not a tool. You are not a contract. You are… someone I choose."
Tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
"I'll stay," she whispered.
Lucien smiled faintly. "Good. Because I don't intend to let you go."
Chapter 13 – When She Starts to Fight Back
The attack from the previous night wasn't forgotten.
Lucien had doubled the guards. The mansion felt like a fortress.
Elara, however, was tired of hiding.
"I won't stay locked inside while everyone bleeds for me," she said firmly.
Lucien crossed his arms. "You will if I say so."
She looked straight into his eyes. "Then you'll have to chain me."
Silence.
Lucien studied her.
"You're serious."
"Yes. I didn't survive death once just to be helpless in my second life."
That night, alone in her room, Elara closed her eyes.
A strange blue light flickered in front of her.
[Legacy System Activated]
Information flooded her mind:
Business.Strategy.Enemy movements.
"So this is my power…"
The next morning, when Lucien walked into the war room, he froze.
Elara was already there… standing over a glowing map.
"I know who ordered the assassination," she said calmly.
Lucien stared at her. "How?"
She smiled.
"Because I'm not just your wife anymore."
She was becoming something far more dangerous.
Chapter 14 – Lucien Realizes How Powerful She Is
The war room was silent.
All eyes were on Elara.
The glowing map before her showed enemy routes, hidden deals, and even assassination plans. Information no one else should have access to.
Lucien slowly walked closer.
"Repeat what you just said."
Elara didn't hesitate. "Darius Vale is behind the attack. He's planning to weaken Blackwood Empire by targeting me."
Lucien's fists clenched.
"That's classified information."
"I know."
"How?"
She met his gaze. "Because I see things others can't."
The room fell into shock.
Lucien dismissed everyone with a wave of his hand.
When they were alone, he stepped closer. "Are you dangerous?"
Elara smiled softly. "Only to your enemies."
For the first time, Lucien felt something new.
Not fear.
Respect.
"You're not someone I need to protect anymore," he said quietly.
"No," Elara replied. "Now… I fight with you."
Lucien looked at her as if he were seeing her for the first time.
And somehow…
That made him fall even harder.