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An electrifying thrill coursed through me, reminiscent of previous experiences. Yet, this time it felt even stronger, sinking deep into my bones and leaving me restless and gasping for breath.

What was happening to me?

This wasn’t what I needed. Nikolas was all about business. I lived in reality and had to keep my feet on the ground, not in the clouds.

This marriage would vastly differ from Avra’s, a contrast as stark as night and day.

There was no space for the instant, electrifying attraction that crackled between us like a bolt of lightning splitting the sky. I knew almost nothing about this man, apart from the sparse facts gleaned from reports and whispers of soldiers.

I was unable to comprehend the magnetic attraction I experienced for him, powerful and unmistakable even from afar. Was he aware of it as well?

The desire that burned when our eyes met was as enigmatic and shadowy as his gaze—a profound, unfathomable mystery that captivated me.

Like a storm brewing beneath a tranquil surface, my legs sensed the first tremors ready to unleash.

This was dangerous. I had no choice but to bury these feelings deep within, far beneath the surface of my consciousness.

No matter how these emotions intrigued and tempted me, I had to shield myself, protect my family, and focus on reclaiming everything that had been so heartlessly taken from us.

There was no room for emotions in this marriage. With his dark allure and irresistible intrigue, Nikolas was merely a stepping stone on my life’s journey. Entertaining any other expectations would only lead us both astray.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, determined to face my future.

Two

NIKOLAS

A primal instinct overwhelmed me when Layana exited the car, powerful yet strangely familiar.

Weeks prior, during the tumultuous rescue of my sister Calista, my initial encounter with Layana had left me feeling unsettled. I thought it stemmed from a peculiar reaction to an enchanting woman with witch like green eyes that seemed to hide mysteries.

But now?

The feeling surged back, stronger than before. It was a scorching heat, an inferno raging inside me, wrapping me in its firm, constricting grasp.

This moment wasn’t overshadowed by stress, at least not in the same way as the high-stakes rescue of the youngest Vitalis sister.

Yet, I couldn’t ignore the intense thirst that coursed through me the instant Layana raised her captivating emerald eyes, and our gazes met.

Something primal inside me snapped—hers, mine, inevitable. She was stunning in her white silk sheath, the fabric accentuating every curve and highlighting her radiant emerald eyes. Her chestnut hair was loosely pinned up, showcasing the elegant length of her slender neck, while long tendrils danced lightly around her captivating face. She was breathtaking, a true embodiment of beauty and grace. Very soon, she would be my wife.

From this perspective, I absorbed every detail, realizing that life was on the verge of irreversible change.

Eventually, I’d uncover the truths of her past. However, what I felt now was unlike anything I’d experienced before.

It was both primal and all-consuming, as though the mere fact of Layana’s status as my future bride brought out something in me that I never knew existed.

Fuck. What the hell was happening to me?

It should’ve been a business move. But the way I watched her? That wasn’t strategy—it was hunger. I recall the day I accepted her proposal as if it were yesterday. After just one day of reflection, I took a daring and reassuring step. My friends frequently teased me about my years of being single, but I learned that living solo didn’t fit my vision for the future. I sought to present a picture of stability, with a partner alongside me to face the challenges of the business world.

Some might have scoffed at the idea of arranged marriages in this age, yet in my circles, it was a common occurrence. I felt the weight of my family's expectations; every choice had implications that rippled through our wealth and influence. As I pondered over the union, I understood the unspoken truth: for the men in the syndicates, securing the right wife often meant safeguarding family legacies.

In that moment of clarity, I realized that selecting a partner was not solely about love. It was a calculated decision in agame where reputation and alliances were more significant than romance.

This situation was no exception.

However, there were additional side benefits.