“You’ll wear this.” Aiden held out a dress like it was part of a uniform. “What if I don’t want to?” He didn’t flinch. Didn’t blink. Just said, “Then I’ll assume you don’t want the money either.” I took the fabric with numb fingers, swallowing my pride with the silence he demanded. In that moment, I realized this marriage wouldn’t be built on vows. It would be built on power. And Aiden Thorne never handed that over willingly.

“This ring doesn’t feel real,” I whispered, turning my hand beneath the low chandelier light. Aiden barely glanced at me. “It’s not supposed to. It’s supposed to look real.” That was our agreement in a single sentence—appearance over truth. But sitting across from him in that silent dining room, with the echo of our signed contract still heavy in the air, I couldn’t ignore the cold coil tightening in my stomach. I had just sold a piece of myself. And the buyer didn’t believe in refunds.

Desperate to save her ailing mother, struggling waitress Liana Grey signs a cold, heartless marriage contract with ruthless billionaire Aiden Thorne. He needs a bride for reasons he refuses to share. She needs the money. The terms are strict: no love, no intimacy, and absolutely no secrets. But one night of weakness changes everything. When Liana discovers she's pregnant, she hides the truth, fearing it would void the contract-and her chance at saving her family. What she doesn't realize is that Aiden has secrets too. Dark ones. And he may not be as cold as he seems. But how long can lies live in luxury before they crack?