I stood outside the tall glass skyscraper, holding my bag in my hands.
This was it. My new home.
Damian's penthouse was inside one of the most luxurious buildings in the city, a place so expensive that even breathing near it felt like a crime. I stared up at the sleek architecture, the perfectly polished windows reflecting the cloudy sky.
This wasn't just a home, it was a statement.
And now, it was mine.
Not because I belonged here. Not because I had earned it.
But because I had signed a contract.
A marriage contract.
I took a shaky breath and stepped inside.
The lobby alone was breathtaking, high ceilings, marble floors, and chandeliers that probably cost more than my entire college tuition.
A well-dressed concierge greeted me with a polite smile. "Good evening, Mrs. Blackwood."
I froze.
It was the first time anyone had called me that. Mrs. Blackwood. The name felt foreign, like it belonged to someone else.
The concierge didn't seem to notice my hesitation. "Mr. Blackwood is expecting you. Please, follow me."
I nodded slowly as he took my bag and guided me to a private elevator.
As soon as the doors closed, it hit me. This was really happening. I wasn't just Elena Carter anymore. Now, I was Damian Blackwood's wife.
The elevator ride was calm, and it was so quiet that it was kind of unsettling. My heart, though? It was racing.
When the doors opened, I stepped into a space that didn't feel like an apartment, it felt like a whole different world.
The penthouse was massive. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the living room, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The furniture was sleek and modern, all blacks, grays, and deep blues.
It was cold. Sophisticated.
Just like him.
I barely had time to take it all in before a deep voice broke the silence.
"You're late."
I turned. Damian stood near the bar, pouring himself a drink. He was dressed casually black slacks, a crisp white shirt with the top buttons undone, but there was nothing relaxed about his presence.
His sharp blue eyes studied me, unreadable as always.
I took a deep breath.
He took a slow sip of his drink, then set the glass down. "I assume you've read the rules."
Rules. Right. The ones he had sent earlier.
No bringing guests without permission.
No entering his office without knocking.
No discussing personal matters in public.
No touching his things.
It felt less like a marriage and more like an employment contract.
I nodded. "I understand."
"Good." He glanced at me. "I had a room prepared for you. It's down the hall."
My shoulders relaxed slightly. At least we wouldn't be sharing a room.
But before I could move, he added, "There will be events we need to attend together. You'll receive a schedule from my assistant."
I bit my lip, nodding again.
I had expected this. Public appearances were part of the deal. But the idea of standing next to him, smiling for cameras like a perfect couple, felt surreal.
Damian watched me for a moment, then sighed. "Relax, Elena. You look like you're about to pass out."
I let out a smile I didn't realize I was holding.
He was right. I was tense. Because deep down, I knew no matter how much I tried to pretend this was just a contract, just a business arrangement.
I had just stepped into his world.
And in his world, everything came with a price.
I found my room at the end of a long hallway. When I opened the door, I was stunned.
The room was bigger than my entire apartment. There was a giant bed with a soft gray sheets. It also had a vanity, a walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with marble counters and gold fixtures.
This wasn't just a bedroom. It was a luxury suite.
I dropped my bag and walked over to the window and looked out at the city below. It felt huge and sparkled in the sunlight.
A part of me wanted to pinch myself. This kind of life wasn't meant for people like me. It belonged to the rich, the powerful.
And now, I was living in it.
But at what cost?
I sighed, rubbing the side of my head, One year. That was all.
I could survive this.
Couldn't I?
I had just finished unpacking when there was a knock at my door.
I turned to see a housekeeper standing there, dressed in a crisp uniform.
"Mrs. Blackwood," she said politely. "Dinner is served."
I hesitated. "Dinner?"
"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you in the dining room."
I blinked. I hadn't expected him to eat with me. I figured we'd live separate lives, barely interacting outside of public appearances.
Still, I nodded and followed her to the dining area.
The table was long, too long for just two people. Damian sat at the far end, his posture straight, his expression unreadable.
"Sit," he said, showing me to the chair across from him.
I did.
The meal was already served, seared steak, roasted vegetables, and a glass of deep red wine. It was fancier than anything I'd ever eaten.
We ate in silence for a few moments before Damian finally spoke.
"You adjust quickly."
I glanced up. "Excuse me?"
"You don't seem overwhelmed."
I let out a small laugh. "Would it change anything if I was?"
His lips moved, almost like he wanted to smile. "No."
I took a sip of wine, studying him. "Do you always eat alone?"
He raised a brow at my question but didn't answer immediately. Instead, he set his fork down and leaned back slightly.
"Most people find my company intimidating," he said eventually.
I snorted before I could stop myself. "No kidding."
He gave out a little smile.
"You'll get used to it," he said.
I wasn't so sure.
But for now, I just nodded and took another bite of my steak.
Because whether I liked it or not…
This was my new life
After Dinner, Demian stood up and went to his room. "Good night" he said, just call the housekeeper if you need anything.
I quietly went to my room and laid on my bed. He wasn't really a beast after all, maybe there's some goodness in him. I thought as i closed my eyes to sleep.