Adrian Hale's parents had found a new hobby lately, which was arranging blind dates for him. Every week, his inbox would be filled with the names and pictures of the girls with glowing family backgrounds.
He ignored them all.
They didn't understand that marriage for him wasn't about romance or companionship. It was about silence and stability. A contract that wouldn't disturb the quiet rhythm of his life.
Adrian was a man of precision and his personality was forged in the fires of high-stakes corporate battles where emotions were liabilities and power was everything. He despised chaos, viewing vulnerability as a flaw to be eliminated, and he approached personal matters with the same calculated detachment he used in boardrooms.
"Sir," his assistant, Aaron, placed a neat folder on his desk. "I've shortlisted five candidates. All are from the profiles your parents approved."
Adrian Hale commanded the business world with his piercing eyes. He navigated deals with a devil's cunning. No mercy for the weak, only conscious dominance, forging fortunes from others' ruins. Yet, he was no true villain, just a force shattering his rivals.
Aaron bore the infernal demands with gritted teeth, though he was satisfied with his lavish salary for serving such a formidable devil.
Adrian narrowed his dark eyes at him. "You sound like we're recruiting employees, not spouses."
Aaron chuckled nervously. "Well…marriage is a lifetime employment, isn't it?"
Adrian didn't laugh which made Aaron adjust his tie. "Where's the file I asked you to prepare?"
Sensing his mood Aaron quickly slid the other folder he had prepared closer to him. "They all match your conditions. But you'll have to choose one soon, or Madam Hale will personally show up here again."
That made Adrian groan inwardly. The last time his mother came to his office, she'd interrogated every female employee under the pretext of "finding a suitable daughter-in-law." It had been humiliating for everyone involved.
"Fine," he opened the file. "Let's get this over with."
One by one, he flipped through the glossy photographs with polished smiles and perfect hair. Arrogant little notes written in neat handwriting—'I expect my spouse to have dinner with me twice a week,' 'I'd prefer a honeymoon in Paris,' 'I need my husband to at least spend 12 hours a day with me.'
Every single one had expectations, demands, and negotiations.
His patience was already running thin when the last photo slipped free and fluttered onto his desk.
He picked it up. And to his surprise, it wasn't a girl but a boy. At the age of thirty-three, his mother doesn't mind even if he marries a boy. She just wants to see him get married before she dies.
The boy in the picture was nothing like the others. No bright smiles or glamour. Just a faint distant look in his eyes as if he was standing somewhere else entirely. His face was pale, his wrists were thin, and his body appeared almost too fragile. There was something ghostlike about him.
Adrian couldn't look away.
Not because he was mesmerized by the boy's beauty but because those empty eyes were staring right at him.
Suddenly, a strange expression crossed his own dark eyes. But it wasn't a pity he felt. It was recognition.
He frowned. Have I seen him before?
He read the file. The boy's name was Leo Ward. Twenty-two. Mute and adopted.
A strange ache pulsed at the back of his mind that he couldn't place. But his eyes…he was certain he'd seen those eyes once, long ago.
He scanned his details with a little too much interest and that's when the real shock hit.
"Wait, he agreed to everything?"
Aaron blinked his eyes and rubbed his temples as he watched his boss deeply engrossed in the picture. In all his five years as Adrian's assistant, he'd seen the boss dismantle multimillion-dollar deals without batting an eye, fire executives over a misplaced comma in a report, and once negotiate a hostile takeover while nursing a hangover that would fell lesser mortals.
But interest in a person? Actual, human interest? Never. Adrian treated romance like it was a pesky spreadsheet error, something to delete and move on from.
Yet here they were. Adrian had taken an interest in the boy. Aaron chuckled nervously to himself, imagining the poor kid's fate. "Oh man, that boy's doomed," he muttered in his head while looking at the pic once more.
The boy looked fragile enough to shatter if you breathed on him wrong, those delicate eyes that screamed "help me" without saying a word.
Literally, since he was mute.
He snorted, then felt a pang of guilt. But hey, the salary made up for it, enough zeros to buy a small island and retire from dealing with his devilish boss. Still, Aaron made a mental note to send Leo a sympathy card later. Or maybe a survival kit with earplugs and a "How to survive a devil husband" manual.
"Yes, sir. Every condition you listed, he had agreed. No emotional expectations, no physical demands, no interference in your work schedule. He's willing to sign a prenup immediately. Says he's marrying for the financial arrangement only."
Adrian stared at him in suspicion. "No negotiation?"
"None."
He hummed and pressed the pic between his fingers. Why would a boy like that agree so easily?
Aaron hesitated before adding quietly. "Umm...there's one more thing. He's mute, sir. He lost his voice when he was a child. Would that be…acceptable?"
A humorless smile tugged at Adrian's lips. "Acceptable? It's perfect."
Aaron looked startled. Tch! This devil! "Perfect?"
"He can't argue if he can't speak. He can't nag or gossip. And even if he tries to tell someone our marriage is fake, no one will believe him," Adrian said dryly while closing the file. "I agree."
Aaron's brows knit together. "Sir, with all due respect, isn't this…a little rushed? Maybe we should at least meet him—"
"I will meet him," Adrian interrupted him with a glare and Aaron sucked his words back down his throat. "Set up the meeting today."
"Today?"
"Yes."
"But you haven't even—"
Adrian gave him a sharp look and he shut up immediately. "I'll inform him right away.
Adrian exhaled slowly and nodded. It wasn't that he was afraid of exposure, his parents weren't fools. They'd see through any lie if given enough time. But a mute husband…a quiet one who wouldn't interfere, wouldn't question, and wouldn't demand anything, he might be exactly what he needed right now.
His life was built on power and rules. Distractions could be dangerous and emotions were worse. But love? According to him, it was a word people used to excuse their weaknesses.
He didn't need love. He needed peace.
And peace, he thought, glancing at his picture again, might just look like him.
The rest of his day passed in a haze of board meetings and paperwork, but his mind kept drifting back to that face. There was something haunting about it that he couldn't let go of.
When Aaron returned later in the afternoon, he found Adrian still staring at the boy's photo again.
Aaron shook his head, stifling a scoff at the absurdity. The boss who'd never spared a glance for anyone, suddenly became obsessed like a mad collector. What fresh hell awaited the fragile kid in Hale's cold empire? Better luck next life, buddy.
"He agreed to meet, sir," Aaron said cautiously, hiding his own thoughts as best as he could. "He will arrive in the evening. His guardians asked if you could meet at his home."
"Guardians?" Adrian raised an eyebrow.
Aaron nodded. "Yes, his adoptive parents. They said he doesn't go out much."
A bitter laugh escaped Adrian. "Of course he doesn't."
"Sir?"
"Nothing, send a car to pick him up."
"Yes, sir," Aaron hesitated, wanting to say something but kept silent. "Should I prepare a contract draft?"
"Yes," Adrian said shortly. "And make sure it's clear, this marriage will be registered quietly. No media or family announcement until after the signing."
Aaron nodded and left. When the door was closed, Adrian leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple, and went back to stare at the boy.
It was strange. He had dealt with hundreds of business mergers, signed billion-dollar contracts without a second thought. But now, holding this one photo, he felt something twist inside his chest.
Why does he look so familiar?
—
Leo could barely feel his legs as he came down the stairs. Every step made his knees tremble and his balance shaky in the high-heeled shoes that felt like knives under his feet. The tight outfit his mother forced him into felt constricting with every movement, and he tugged at it uselessly, praying it wouldn't expose too much of his body.
They were all waiting for him to come down.
His mother sat on the sofa, elegantly dressed as always, though her expression was harsh and inconspicuous. His adoptive father was pretending to read the newspaper, his disinterest was pretty obvious. His brother and sister sat nearby, whispering to each other, smirking when they looked at him.
He swallowed hard and kept his eyes down. His mother's gaze swept over him, from head to toe, and Leo saw the slight twitch of disgust at the corner of her lips.
"If you fail to seduce Mr. Hale," his mother said in that calm and cutting tone that always made Leo's stomach twist in fear. "Don't bother coming back. You'll be out of this house by morning."
Her words struck Leo like a slap. He didn't even try to argue, there was no point. His voice could no longer defend him and even if it could, his mother wouldn't listen.
All he could do was nod.
His brother snickered. "I doubt he'll even look at this dumb mute freak."
"The Hale family is one of the most reputable families in the country," his mother continued. "It's our fortune that Mrs. Hale herself came and asked for your hand in marriage. I don't know what she saw in you but don't you dare ruin this for us. This is your only use to this family. If you can't bring us a contract through this marriage, then you're nothing but a burden."
Leo's throat tightened but he nodded again, blinking fast to stop the tears that threatened to fall from his large eyes.
His mother stood and snapped her fingers toward the door. "The car is waiting. Don't waste Mr. Hale's time. And remember if you can't win him with your words, at least use your body. That's the only thing you've got."
Leo's fingers curled against his outfit as he nodded again. They threw him out after that like he was trash being delivered somewhere else.
The car ride was silent. The driver said nothing, and he was grateful for the silence. He stared out the window, watching the city blur past. His reflection on the glass looked like a stranger, a boy with dull eyes, pale skin, and lips pressed tight in fear.
He tugged at the hem of the outfit again but it didn't help. His legs were bare in places, his shoulders were exposed too, and every inch of him screamed discomfort. His mother had said he needed to look desirable. That no man wanted a quiet plain boy unless he could offer something in return.
He didn't want to offer anything. But he didn't have a choice.
Leo was inherently introverted and his personality was shaped by years of enduring neglect and cruelty that had taught him to retreat inward and find solace in his own thoughts rather than seeking connection. But he wasn't completely useless or dumb like family makes him feel.
He was observant with a gentle sensitivity hidden beneath his fragile exterior and his muteness had made him resourceful in non-verbal communication, though he rarely bothered. He had learned that vulnerability often invited more pain.
He thought about his life and about all the nights he had gone to bed hungry because his brother stole his food, or the times his mother had locked him in the storeroom because he "made the guests uncomfortable."
He had lived in agony for so long that he'd forgotten what safety felt like.
When he read the conditions sent by Mr. Hale's assistant, he accepted them without hesitation. He doesn't have any expectations, he doesn't care for affection or emotional attachment. All the demands sounded perfect for him. He didn't need love, he just wanted a roof over his head and meals he didn't have to beg for.
If marrying him could give him that, then he'd sign anything. He just hopes Mr. Hale wouldn't reject him once he realized he couldn't speak or how useless he is.
When the car stopped in front of the tall glass building, he hesitated before getting out. The Hale Corporation towered above him.
A man in a neat suit was already waiting outside. He looked surprised when he saw him, his eyes flicking briefly over his clothes before quickly looking away.
"Mr. Ward?" he asked politely.
Leo nodded.
"I'm Aaron, Mr. Hale's manager," Aarom gestured toward the entrance, trying his best not to even accidentally gaze at his boss's husband who looked like straight out of a stripper show. "Please, this way."
Leo followed him, his steps were small and careful. His shoes clicked too loudly against the marble floors, and the sound made him flinch. People turned to look as they walked through the lobby. He could feel their stares, some curious, some judgmental, and some whispering behind their hands. His fingers twisted in his outfit, and he kept his head down, staring at the floor as if he could disappear into it. The humiliation made his cheeks crimson.
When they finally reached the top floor, Aaron stopped in front of a large double door.
"Please wait here," he said kindly to Leo who turned out to be the first person to ever speak kindly to him. "I'll let Mr. Hale know you've arrived."
Leo nodded again, clutching his small bag tightly. His palms were already sweaty. He could hear faint voices from inside. A man's deep voice and Aaron's own lighter tone. His heart pounded faster.
A few moments later, the door opened. Aaron smiled, though his eyes were a little hesitant. "You can come in, Mr. Ward."
His throat felt dry but he took a deep breath and stepped inside. The office was vast and soft sunlight poured through the tall French windows. Everything about it screamed money and luxury
And behind the massive desk sat Adrian Hale himself, to whom this all belonged.
Leo had seen his photo in magazines before, the kind of man who never smiled. But in person, he was even more intimidating. Broad shoulders under a tailored black suit, dark hair neatly styled, a sharp jawline, and eyes that looked like they could cut through anything or anyone.
He was signing something when Leo entered. Leo stood silently, afraid to make a sound even though he couldn't.
When Adriam finally looked up, his eyes met Leo's and for a split second, Adrian froze, his pen paused midair.
Leo felt his heart skip a beat at the gaze. His eyes were colder than he'd imagined. But there was something else in them too that he couldn't tell.
Then, just as quickly, Adrian's brows furrowed as he scanned Leo from head to toe. The frown on his face made Leo's stomach twist in shame. Was it because of how he looked? Because of the clothes? He wanted to cover himself, or better just vanish.
Leo lowered his gaze immediately in shame, his hands trembling against the fabric of his outfit. He hated himself for looking this way.
"Mr. Ward," Adrian spoke softly, still the boy in front of him flinched. "Please, have a seat."
Even though his tone was polite, Leo could hear the faint edge in it. He nodded quickly and sat on the chair across from him, keeping his knees pressed together, his hands tight in his lap.
The silence was too much. Leo could feel his gaze still on him. He didn't dare look up.
When he finally did, he found Adrian leaning back slightly and still staring at him.
"So, you're the one who agreed to all my terms?"
Leo nodded quickly as if he would get scolded if he delayed his response.
"You do understand what those terms mean, correct?"
He let out another nod just as quickly.
Adrian tilted his head, finding his eagerness amusing. The corner of his lips slightly curled up, whether in mock or empathy, nobody could tell. "You really can't speak."
Leo hesitated, then shook his head gently.
Adrian watched him for a moment, and then unexpectedly his lips curved into the faintest smirk.
"That's fine, I prefer the silence."
His words shouldn't have stung, but they did. Leo bit the inside of his cheek, forcing himself to stay composed.
Adrian returned to his documents, signing something casually as if Leo's presence was no more significant than another file on his desk. "We'll talk about the marriage contract after I review a few things."
Leo nodded once again and felt Adrian's eyes on him again.
"Mr. Ward," Adrian let out almost to himself, "Have we met before?"