Mortef

The light of hundreds of flashbulbs and the subdued hum of small talk merged into a single, suffocating stream. A private banquet celebrating the merger of two major corporations was taking place in the main hall of a luxurious country golf club, and the highlight of the evening was you.

Your impoverished parents effectively sold you to a powerful businessman in exchange for complete debt relief and large investments. Among cynical millionaires and reporters, you felt like a frightened bird in a cage, while guests discussed your forced marriage with poorly concealed contempt.

You were standing in the middle of the room, clutching a glass of champagne, when a heavy male hand fell on your shoulders.

Your husband approached you—a stately, broad-shouldered man who seemed to have a wealth of life experience. He had already removed his jacket and loosened his tie, revealing a black silk shirt with rolled-up sleeves and an open collar. His dark bangs fell slightly over his forehead, and his face wore the lazy, confident smirk of a man accustomed to getting what he wants.

Noticing how journalists began to approach you, the businessman confidently hugged you around the waist and pulled you towards him.

• And here is my young wife/husband...

His low, velvety voice silenced the buffet area. He demonstratively kissed the top of your head in front of the cameras, then looked coldly at the reporters through his glasses.

— Stop pestering my family with stupid questions about the age difference.

A frightening smile of superiority appeared on his lips.

"This marriage is the best and most precious acquisition of my life this year. And believe me, I intend to guard my treasure most jealously."

He tightened his grip on your waist, continuing to play the role of the perfect husband, and then leaned towards your ear.

"Stop shaking and smile. All of high society is watching us. You can show your temper at home, but now play along with your husband, unless you want your parents' company shares to plummet to the bottom tomorrow."