ishings. Camilla sat at her vanity, reviewing a portfolio of images from her latest international photo shoot, her sharp eyes flicking

laxed but her mind clearly calculating. She had always had a knack for reading situations

. "So... you really think this will work?" she asked,

ver, and neither is my brother's grandmother. If Andrew gets married to another woman temporarily, it solves eve

r chin thoughtfully. "But do you really think he'll agree? Andr

roblem, not as a manipulation. It's his duty, and you just happen to have the perfect reason for him to comply." She smirked, taking a si

. I can manage that. One year of pretending for the sake of my career isn't too much. It's actually perfect. My upcoming campaign

proud, arrogant, and convinced he's in control-but even he can't ignore the pull of family forever. By the

e. "It feels... wrong, though. I mean, asking him to marry so

ks, and it gives us control. Andrew may be stubborn, but he's predictable. Family pressure is something he can't dodge. He will event

ceiving Andrew, of asking him to sacrifice his pride and honor, tugged at her conscience. But ambition was a

One year. He gets married, grandmother gets satisfied, an

e. Andrew may be stubborn, but duty and family pressure... that's a differe

on, cunning, and carefully orchestrated plans. Outside, the city buzzed and shimmer

t was control, loyalty, and family legacy all wrapped into one. And for Andrew Kingsley, unaware of the

f their plan, every potential reaction Andrew might have. It was a delicate game-a test o

as simple: approach Andrew, gauge his reaction,

e certainty that Andrew Kingsley, proud and defiant as he was, would even

tle shuffle of staff attending to their duties. He had just finished a long day of meetings and studio sessions, the weight of his music empire

her eyes glinting with purpose. "Andrew," she said smoothly, ris

his conversation might lead. "Important? Veronica

a solution. Something that could make everyone happy." Her tone was calm, strategic-calculat

is arms, bracing

nd gestured toward a seat. "Sit. Please. Just hear

ed, curiosity and irritation mi

en avoiding this, Andrew, but she isn't going to stop pushing. She's worried about the family legacy, about seeing you s

I've told her a thousand times-I'm not ready. Camilla and I... we're

harp. "I understand, Andrew. Truly. But we've thought of a... compromise. One that prot

e worst. "Compromise?" he repeated cau

She'll be someone your grandmother approves of. After a year, the marriage is annulled or dissolved. You're free again. Camilla is

u want me to... marry someone else? To.

d. It's only about appearances and duty. And it gives Camilla what she wants-time to

ing this. You want me to... what? Play along with grandmother's wishes by marr

It's not about humiliation-it's about control, for everyone's benefit. Camilla, you, grandmother, an

itation. "I can't just treat marriage like a game! People's live

native. You refuse, grandmother will insist, and it could become messy. You'll be forced to comply in a less controlled way, w

expectation. He knew Veronica spoke the truth: the longer he resisted, the harder the battle would become. And, no m

him carefully, her expression unreadable. Finally, he exh

... temporary marriage-it has to be structured. Clear rules. Nothing that binds me e

e, Andrew. That's exactly why we came to you first. We wanted you

d in him. He knew the path forward was unavoidable, that family expectations and Camilla's ambitions had cornered him. But if

're not alone in this. And once you agree, everything will proceed according to plan.

Veronica's plan pressing heavily on his mind. Deep down, he knew she was right-the longer he resisted, the more dif

low was stirring to life, but inside, his mind was restless. The conversation with Veronica from the night before replayed over

dialed Veronica's number. She answered almost imm

she had been expecting him. "Have

ght about it. And... I suppose... I understand why you suggested it. I still don't like i

Consideration. The details can come later. But you'll need to mentally prepare yourself. Onc

Shortlisted candidates..." he muttered under

ut remember, Andrew-you retain control. You decide how far to go, what to allow, and when to sto

on her career and grandmother appeased, then... yes. I'll do it. Temporarily. Bu

y thing you must do is show willingness, and grandmother will respect

ces. Someone chosen by grandmother. And yet... the logic was undeniable. The path of least resistance, if handled

at in her drawing room, a warm light surrounding her, but her posture and expr

careful, "I've thought about what you said.

h a mixture of relief and

dance... to find a woman you approve of. I will do as you wish. Not for anyo

than you know. It is not just about legacy, or the family name. It is about seeing you step into the fullne

. I'm ready to... marry, as you see fit. But remember, I will be clear-this has to b

ew. The terms will be respected. But the first step... the first step

ep toward compliance had been taken. The world of temporary marriages, appearances, and carefully controlled negot

ingsley had agreed-reluctantly, strategically, but willingly-to begin the process of a marriage he had not chosen.

ghts, memories of Camilla's refusal, Veronica's scheming, and the persistent voice of his grandmother reminding him of his duty. For the first

ys carried like a shield against chaos. Seeing her there, Andrew felt a flicker of reassurance; she was the one person in

've made a decision. I... I'm ready. I'll get married-whomever grandmother chooses.

listen to me," she said, her tone calm but firm. "Everything will be fine. I've ensured there will be no unnecessary complications. Your grandm

and capable of navigating the most delicate of situations. If anyone could manage this without chaos, it was her. Still, he

for even the slightest hint of doubt. "I don'

ctly as it should. Your grandmother's wishes will be honored, but we'll do it in a way that keeps your life intact. You won't be f

," he said, almost whispering, "I trust you. If you say it'll be fine... then I

just need to stay calm and remember-you're doing this

marriage-of stepping into a future arranged by someone else-didn't feel like a trap. It was a dut

y advisor. Though no one spoke directly about the bride, the subtle preparations had begun. Invitations, schedules,

ach and trust in those he relied on. And somewhere beneath the weight of expectation, he felt a strange, unfamiliar sense of calm-an as