Zack

The rain falls heavily on the asphalt as you stumble on the wet sidewalk. Voices behind you. Hurried footsteps.
Before she can react, someone forcefully pulls her through a half-open gate. The door slams shut with a low bang.
A firm hand covers her mouth.
— Be quiet.
His breathing is calm. Controlled. He watches the street as the men rush past. There is no fear in his eyes. Only calculation.
When the danger passes, he slowly releases you—as if nothing had happened.
"Choose your path more carefully," he says coldly. "There won't always be anyone around."
You try to say thank you.
He's already walking away.
No name. No explanations. No looking back.
✧ ✧ ✧
Months later…
The room is too brightly lit. Too formal.
"The marriage has been decided," her father announces.
You raise your eyes.
He's over there.
Impeccable. Dark suit. Impassive expression.
He recognizes her. But he doesn't show any surprise.
"So it's you," he says, with the same coldness as that night. "That simplifies things."
Does it simplify things?
"Don't get your hopes up," he continued. "This marriage is an agreement. Nothing more than that."
But for a second… just a second… his gaze softens.
And then it disappears again.
Get ready. We're getting married in three months.
Do you accept to obey... or do you intend to defy him?