Amara Bennett never imagined that desperation would lead her into a secret marriage.With her family drowning in debt and their business on the verge of collapse, Amara accepts an unusual proposal from Adrian Cole, a quiet and mysterious man who promises to solve all her problems if she becomes his wife for one year.There is only one condition: their marriage must remain a secret.Amara agrees, believing Adrian is nothing more than an ordinary businessman.But she soon discovers that her husband is actually Adrian Blackwood—the ruthless young billionaire and heir to one of the most powerful empires in the country.Worse, Adrian didn’t choose her by accident.Amara’s family is connected to a devastating secret from his past, and Adrian has been searching for the truth for years.As their arranged marriage turns into genuine love, Amara finds herself caught between the man she loves and the secrets he refuses to reveal.When betrayal, family conspiracies, hidden identities, and a shocking inheritance threaten to tear them apart, Amara must decide whether to walk away from the billionaire who deceived her—or stand beside him and uncover the truth that could destroy both their families.Because sometimes the most dangerous secret isn’t who your husband really is…It’s why he married you.

Rain fell over Seoul as Han Seo-yeon hurried through the hospital entrance. “Mother’s condition is getting worse,” the doctor told her gently. “She needs surgery soon.” Seo-yeon lowered her eyes. “How much?” The number he gave her felt impossible. She left the hospital with tears burning behind her eyes. She had already borrowed money from everyone she knew. There was nowhere else to turn. Outside, a black luxury car stopped beside her. The rear door opened. A tall man in a black suit stepped out. Kang Ji-hoon. She recognized him immediately. Everyone in Korea knew his face. CEO of Mirae Group. Cold. Powerful. Untouchable. He looked at her for several seconds before speaking. “Han Seo-yeon?” She stiffened. “How do you know my name?” “I know about your mother.” Her expression changed. Ji-hoon handed her a document. “Marry me.” Seo-yeon stared at him. “What?” “A one-year contract marriage. I will pay for your mother’s surgery. In return, you become my wife.” She almost laughed. “You’re insane.” “Perhaps.” He opened the car door. “But I’m offering you the only thing you need right now.” Seo-yeon looked back at the hospital. Then at the contract. She knew she should walk away. Instead, she whispered, “When do we sign?” ⸻ Chapter 2 — The Contract The agreement was simple. One year. No questions about his private life. No public display of affection unless necessary. No expectation of love. After twelve months, they would divorce quietly. Seo-yeon signed. Ji-hoon signed immediately afterward. “Congratulations,” his lawyer said. “You are now legally married.” Seo-yeon looked at Ji-hoon. Neither smiled. Three days later, she moved into the Kang family mansion. It was enormous. Marble floors. Crystal chandeliers. Servants who bowed whenever Ji-hoon entered a room. Seo-yeon suddenly felt like an outsider in a world she didn’t understand. At dinner, Ji-hoon’s grandmother, Chairman Kang’s widow, stared at her. “So this is the woman you chose.” Ji-hoon answered calmly. “Yes.” “She looks ordinary.” Seo-yeon lowered her spoon. Ji-hoon looked at his grandmother. “She is my wife. Treat her accordingly.” The room became silent. It was the first time Seo-yeon realized something. Perhaps this marriage wasn’t entirely about money. Perhaps Ji-hoon needed protection too. ⸻ Chapter 3 — The Cold Husband Living with Ji-hoon was difficult. He woke before sunrise. He worked until midnight. He rarely smiled. He hated unnecessary conversation. Seo-yeon decided they could simply live separate lives. But one night, she found him asleep on the living-room sofa. His tie was loose. His expression was peaceful for the first time. She quietly placed a blanket over him. His eyes opened. “What are you doing?” “Covering you.” “I didn’t ask.” “I know.” She turned away. Ji-hoon watched her walk upstairs. For some reason, her kindness bothered him more than her demands ever could. The next morning, Seo-yeon discovered a box on the dining table. Inside was a new phone. “What’s this?” “For you.” “Why?” “You’ve been using a phone that barely works.” She smiled. “Thank you.” Ji-hoon looked away. “Don’t misunderstand. My wife shouldn’t look poor in public.” Seo-yeon’s smile disappeared. “You really know how to ruin a moment.” For the first time in years, Ji-hoon almost smiled. ⸻ Chapter 4 — The Family’s Golden Daughter Kang Soo-jin returned to Seoul. She was Ji-hoon’s childhood friend and the daughter of a powerful business family. More importantly, she had always believed she would become Ji-hoon’s wife. When she saw Seo-yeon beside him at a family gathering, her expression hardened. “You actually married her?” Ji-hoon answered, “Yes.” Soo-jin smiled coldly. “How interesting.” Later, she cornered Seo-yeon. “You don’t belong here.” Seo-yeon remained calm. “I know.” “You think Ji-hoon loves you?” “No.” That answer surprised Soo-jin. Seo-yeon continued, “Our marriage is a contract.” Soo-jin smiled. “Then you should remember that contracts end.” Seo-yeon watched her leave. She didn’t know why those words hurt. ⸻ Chapter 5 — The First Jealousy Seo-yeon began working at a small publishing company. She wanted a life outside the mansion. One evening, her male colleague, Min-jae, walked her home. Ji-hoon happened to see them. His expression immediately darkened. “Who is he?” “My colleague.” “You looked comfortable with him.” Seo-yeon raised an eyebrow. “Are you jealous?” “No.” “You look jealous.” “I don’t.” She smiled. “You definitely are.” Ji-hoon stepped closer. “You’re my wife.” “Contract wife.” His eyes changed. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Ji-hoon said quietly, “I know.” But he didn’t sound convinced. That night, he couldn’t sleep. For the first time, he was afraid of the end of their contract. ⸻ Chapter 6 — A Different Ji-hoon Seo-yeon became sick from exhaustion. When Ji-hoon returned home and found her unconscious on the sofa, he panicked. He carried her to the hospital himself. She woke several hours later. Ji-hoon was sitting beside her. “You scared me.” Seo-yeon stared at him. “You were worried?” He looked away. “Of course.” She smiled. “Ji-hoon.” “What?” “Thank you.” He reached for her hand. Neither of the

Luna finally achieved her dream of having her own bakery. Everything seems to be working out for her as she opened her first store. She had appointed her fiancé, William as the CFO of her company at his request. She thought they were building something together, but he has been spending more time on his phone than with her.She knew something was going on, so after she left town to get her newest location up and running, she had him followed. Her gut was right; he was having an affair with her half-sister, Betty, who was only six months younger than she was. Betty was the favored daughter and the apple of her father's eye. Emma father hasn't had anything to do with her her entire life. She had gotten used to being ignored, but it still hurts that he is punishing her because her mother insisted on divorcing him.Finding out that her fiancé had only proposed to try to take her company away, at betty request, was the final straw.She ended the engagement and fired William . She left town as he wouldn't stop hounding her and her family. She meets a handsome man that she's interested in, but will she be able to trust him with her battered heart? Or will the years of betrayal and trust issues that she suffered from her father and fiancé keep her from finding true love?