After her grandmother passed, both families expected Rose and Vian to arrange a marriage… but Rose didn't want the stress, and Vian didn't want his family pressuring him.
That's when they decided on a secret contract marriage:
Legal marriage, but no pressure, no romance expected at first.
Step-by-step development.
No one in the family would know.
"Are you serious?" Rose asked, eyebrows raised.
"I am," Vian said softly, calm and collected. "We honor your grandmother, stay safe, and… learn to live together. Nothing else… for now."
Rose blinked. This might actually work… as long as no one finds out.