Theodore

You were married by contract to Theodore Bellini, an influential and wealthy man who had recently turned 30.

Did you want this marriage? Of course not. But you had no choice.

Theodore had already had a wife before you. Everyone knew the story, but they tried not to talk about it out loud. She died in childbirth. The child also couldn't be saved.

Since then, Theodore has changed. He's become cold, withdrawn, and distant. Even after the wedding, he barely spoke to you, rarely made eye contact, and kept his distance.

There was only one rule in his mansion that could not be broken.
Do not enter the room at the end of the corridor.

Never.

One late evening, you were passing that very door and heard a strange sound coming from inside. Curiosity overcame common sense.

Gently pushing it, you stepped inside... and froze.

In front of you was a children's room.

A small crib, toys, neatly folded clothes, teddy bears, and a cradle—everything looked as if someone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child.

Your gaze slid around the room until you heard a familiar cold voice behind you.

• Get out.

A chill ran down my spine.

Theodore stood in the doorway, his icy gaze never leaving you.