Lucas Hale stood in front of the mirror, staring at a stranger.
The person reflected back at him looked nothing like the poor boy who used to live in a small, broken house at the edge of the city. The boy in the mirror was dressed in a white wedding suit, perfectly fitted to his slim body. His brown hair was neatly combed, and his pale face looked even softer under the bright lights of the luxurious dressing room.
He looked like someone who belonged in this world.
But Lucas knew the truth.
He didn't belong here.
Not in this grand mansion.
Not in this expensive suit.
And definitely not in this marriage.
His fingers trembled slightly as he touched the fabric of his sleeve. The cloth felt smooth and expensive, something he had never worn in his entire life. Even the shoes on his feet probably cost more than the small house he once lived in with his grandfather.
His chest tightened.
"Grandpa…" he whispered softly.
The word felt heavy in his throat.
If his grandfather were still alive, would things have turned out this way?
Lucas slowly lowered his gaze, his fingers gripping the edge of the table in front of him.
Everything started two weeks ago.
Two weeks ago, his peaceful life ended.
---
Lucas was sitting beside his grandfather's hospital bed, holding the old man's weak hand.
The room smelled like medicine and sadness.
Machines beeped quietly as Samuel Hale lay on the bed, his breathing slow and weak. His once strong body had become fragile, and his warm eyes looked tired, as if they were preparing to say goodbye to the world.
Lucas tried his best not to cry.
"Grandpa… you will be fine," Lucas said, forcing a small smile. "The doctor said you just need rest."
Samuel smiled gently.
"You are still trying to comfort me, Lucas," the old man said softly.
Lucas shook his head.
"You will get better," he insisted, though his voice trembled slightly.
Samuel slowly lifted his weak hand and placed it on Lucas's cheek.
"My child… there is something I need to tell you."
Lucas felt his heart tighten.
"What is it, Grandpa?"
Samuel took a slow breath.
"After I die… you must go to the Kingsley family."
Lucas frowned slightly.
"The Kingsley family?"
He had never heard that name before.
Samuel nodded slowly.
"Many years ago… I made a promise with my old friend, Edward Kingsley."
Lucas listened quietly.
"He saved my life," Samuel continued weakly. "And in return, I promised that our grandchildren would marry in the future."
Lucas froze.
"W-what?"
Samuel looked at him with apologetic eyes.
"I am sorry, Lucas."
Lucas shook his head slowly, disbelief filling his eyes.
"No… Grandpa, this must be a mistake."
Samuel held his hand tightly.
"It is not."
Lucas's heart began to race.
"Grandpa… I don't even know this person. How can I marry someone I have never met?"
Samuel's eyes softened with pain.
"I know it is unfair," he said. "But Edward is a good man. He promised me that his family would take care of you."
Lucas's voice became shaky.
"I don't want wealth or power. I just want to stay with you."
Samuel's eyes turned red.
"But I won't always be here, Lucas."
The words broke Lucas's heart.
Tears slowly rolled down his cheeks.
"I am scared," Lucas whispered.
Samuel gently wiped his tears.
"You are strong," he said softly. "And you deserve a good life."
Lucas lowered his head, crying quietly.
"Please… promise me you will go to the Kingsley family after I die."
Lucas didn't want to agree.
He didn't want to leave.
He didn't want this strange marriage.
But looking at his grandfather's weak and tired face, Lucas knew he couldn't refuse.
Slowly, painfully, he nodded.
"I promise."
Samuel smiled softly.
"Good boy."
That night, Samuel Hale passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Lucas lost the only family he had left in the world.
---
And now…
Two weeks later…
Lucas was standing in a luxurious dressing room, preparing to marry a stranger.
His hands clenched tightly.
Everything had happened too fast.
After his grandfather's funeral, a group of people in black suits came to meet him. They introduced themselves as members of the Kingsley family and took him to this huge mansion.
They explained everything.
Edward Kingsley had also passed away a few months ago, and in his will, he clearly stated one condition.
If his grandson, Adrian Kingsley, did not marry Lucas Hale, he would not inherit any of the Kingsley family wealth.
The entire inheritance depended on this marriage.
Lucas felt like his world collapsed at that moment.
He tried to refuse.
He really tried.
But Adrian's parents insisted.
They promised to take care of him.
They said it was his grandfather's wish.
And most importantly…
They made it clear that Adrian had no choice.
Lucas didn't want to ruin anyone's life.
But he also didn't know where to go.
He had no family.
No home.
No support.
So he agreed.
And today…
Was the wedding day.
---
A soft knock came from the door.
Lucas turned around slightly.
"Come in," he said quietly.
The door opened, and a middle-aged woman walked in. She was one of the mansion's servants.
"Young Master Lucas, it is time," she said politely.
Lucas's heart skipped a beat.
Time.
It was time.
His fingers trembled again.
"Is… is he ready?" Lucas asked nervously.
The woman nodded.
"Yes. Young Master Adrian is already waiting."
Lucas swallowed slowly.
Waiting.
The man he was about to marry was already waiting.
Lucas had only seen him once.
Just once.
And that memory was still clear in his mind.
Adrian Kingsley was tall, handsome, and cold.
His sharp eyes held no warmth, only indifference and annoyance.
When they first met, Adrian looked at Lucas as if he were nothing more than a burden.
Lucas still remembered his words.
"I don't want this marriage."
"But I have no choice."
"Don't expect anything from me."
Those words hurt deeply.
But Lucas understood.
Anyone in Adrian's position would feel the same.
Lucas nodded slowly.
"I am coming."
The woman gave a respectful bow and left the room.
Lucas was alone again.
He looked at himself in the mirror one last time.
"Everything will be fine," he whispered softly, trying to calm himself.
But deep inside, he knew nothing would be fine.
This marriage was not built on love.
It was built on a promise.
A forced promise.
Lucas took a deep breath and walked toward the door.
His heart was beating fast with every step.
The hallway was long and quiet, decorated with expensive paintings and golden lights.
Every step felt heavy.
As he reached the end of the hallway, the large doors of the wedding hall came into view.
They slowly opened.
Lucas stepped inside.
The hall was beautiful.
White flowers decorated the entire place. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, shining brightly. Rows of rich and powerful guests filled the seats, whispering among themselves.
Everyone turned to look at him.
Lucas felt nervous under their gazes.
Some people looked surprised.
Some looked curious.
Some looked judgmental.
He lowered his gaze and continued walking.
At the end of the hall, Adrian Kingsley stood near the altar.
Tall.
Handsome.
Cold.
Dressed in a black suit that made him look powerful and untouchable.
His expression was emotionless as he watched Lucas walk toward him.
Lucas's heart tightened.
That man…
Was going to be his husband.
He slowly walked forward until he stood in front of Adrian.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Lucas felt his breath stop.
Adrian's eyes were cold.
No warmth.
No happiness.
No love.
Only obligation.
Lucas lowered his gaze slightly.
The priest began the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Adrian Kingsley and Lucas Hale…"
Lucas tried to focus on the words, but his mind was blank.
Everything felt unreal.
The vows began.
"Adrian Kingsley, do you take Lucas Hale as your lawful husband?"
A moment of silence filled the hall.
Adrian's jaw tightened slightly.
Lucas felt his heart sink.
For a second, he thought Adrian might refuse.
But then—
"I do."
The words were cold and emotionless.
Still…
Lucas felt relieved.
Then the priest turned to him.
"Lucas Hale, do you take Adrian Kingsley as your lawful husband?"
Lucas looked up at Adrian.
For a moment, he saw nothing but distance in Adrian's eyes.
But he still spoke softly.
"I do."
The rings were exchanged.
The final words were spoken.
"I now pronounce you husband and husband."
The hall became quiet.
"You may kiss your husband."
Lucas froze.
Kiss?
His heart started beating fast.
Adrian stepped closer.
Lucas could feel his presence, strong and overwhelming.
Adrian leaned slightly and kissed him.
It was cold.
Short.
Emotionless.
Like a duty.
When Adrian pulled away, he whispered in Lucas's ear in a low voice.
"Remember this, Lucas."
Lucas's fingers tightened slightly.
"This marriage means nothing."
Lucas felt his heart break silently.
But he forced a small smile.
Because from today onward…
He belonged to Adrian Kingsley.
Whether Adrian wanted him or not.
And Lucas didn't know that one day…
The same man who said this marriage meant nothing would become the one who feared losing him the most.