Sara stared at the contract lying on the table.
The paper suddenly felt heavier than stone.
Marry Adrian Volkov.
A stranger.
A mafia king.
Her mind was screaming that this was a terrible idea.
But reality was cruel.
Her father owed two million dollars.
And Adrian Volkov was not a man who forgave debts.
"What happens if I refuse?" Sara asked quietly.
Adrian answered without hesitation.
"Your father will still owe me the money."
Her father's face turned pale.
"And if he cannot pay… consequences will follow."
Sara understood exactly what that meant.
Mafia men didn't go to court.
They handled things differently.
Dangerously.
Her hands trembled slightly.
She hated this situation.
Hated the fact that her life was suddenly a business deal.
"You're forcing me," she said.
Adrian shook his head calmly.
"No."
"You still have a choice."
Sara looked at him with anger.
"Not really."
For a moment, silence filled the room again.
Then Adrian spoke.
"This marriage will be simple."
"No love."
"No expectations."
"Just a contract."
Sara frowned.
"What kind of contract?"
Adrian pointed to the document.
"You will live with me for one year."
"One year?" she repeated.
"Yes."
"And after that?"
"After that you are free."
Sara felt confused.
"Why only one year?"
Adrian didn't answer immediately.
Instead he looked out the window.
"The world I live in requires appearances," he said finally.
"A wife is… useful."
Sara felt anger rising in her chest.
"So I'm just decoration?"
Adrian's lips curved slightly.
"You are much more useful than decoration."
Sara crossed her arms.
"And if I agree?"
"Your father's debt disappears immediately."
Her father suddenly spoke again.
"Sara please…"
His voice broke.
"I made a mistake. But if you help me now, I promise I will fix everything."
Sara closed her eyes for a moment.
Her entire life was about to change.
She had dreams.
Plans.
She wanted a normal life.
A normal marriage.
But life didn't care about dreams.
Slowly… she picked up the pen.
Adrian watched her carefully.
"Think carefully," he said.
"This decision will change everything."
Sara looked straight into his dark eyes.
"I already know that."
Then she signed the contract.
The moment the pen left the paper…
Her fate was sealed.
Adrian picked up the document and looked at it.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Welcome to my world, Mrs. Volkov."
Sara felt a strange chill.
Something told her that marrying Adrian Volkov…
Was only the beginning of her problems.