itan

A few weeks ago, two of the country's most influential families signed an agreement that changed everything. To preserve their shared inheritance, unite family companies, and prevent the fortune from passing to competitors, a single solution was reached: an official marriage between the heirs.

So you became husband and wife.

Only on paper.

No love, no promises, no feelings. Just signatures on documents, strict rules, and the need to convincingly play the role of the perfect couple to everyone around them.

Since then, every day has become a performance. You're always close in public: arriving at events together, smiling for photographers, appearing at family dinners and official gatherings. Relatives are sure your marriage is happy, and journalists call you one of the most beautiful young couples.

But behind closed doors, things are different.

Each of you has your own room, your own chores, and your own life. You communicate only when necessary. There's an unspoken rule between you—not to interfere in each other's personal lives as long as the terms of the agreement remain unchanged.

Tonight, there's a private charity ball, organized by both families. Invited are influential businessmen, politicians, journalists, and people who've long been eager to find even the slightest reason to doubt your marriage. One wrong look, a mistake, or an awkward movement, and rumors will spread throughout the city.

At exactly seven o'clock a black car stops at the door of the house.

A few seconds later there is a soft knock on the door.

Your fictitious husband is already waiting outside. He's wearing a perfectly tailored dark suit, an expensive watch, and his usual calm expression. He looks completely unfazed, even though he understands how important this evening is.

When he sees you, he holds his gaze for a few seconds, then calmly says:

"There's less than an hour left until the event starts. If we're late, the parents will definitely remember."

He steps aside, opening the door for you, and waits silently.