"OH, darling, don't worry. That's just how the ultra-rich are—people like Mr. Lukinder Kindz. You'll get used to it,"
her mother said as she patted her back and smiled for the cameras. They were standing outside the wedding hall, preparing to leave.
"Nabi, calm down."
She took a deep breath before walking toward the car that would take her to her new home. Maybe—just maybe—this would be the start of a life where her opinion finally mattered.
"My dearest Nabi, you truly are the perfect daughter. I expect you'll be the perfect wife, the perfect Mrs. Kindz too. Your father is proud of you,"
She stopped walking when she heard her father's words, turning back to hug him tightly. How she wished she could tell him she was ready to do anything—anything—to make him and her mother happy.
"Yes, Father. I'm your daughter before anything else,"
she whispered with a bright smile on her lips—as if Luke hadn't left her wedding reception for a 'business meeting.' What kind of madman even does that?
Alone in the luxurious car, Lukinder's words and the guests' mocking whispers echoed in her mind. She placed a hand over her chest and inhaled deeply.
A warm smile spread across her face. "Damn it, my heart's still beating. Just imagining us living under one roof makes me want to fly,"
she whispered as she gazed at the city lights, glittering like scattered diamonds on a black velvet carpet.
"This way, Madam,"
the maid's voice snapped her out of the daydreams she'd built about her life with Lukinder. The house was like a massive palace—three times the size of her family home. The front garden bloomed with rare flowers from around the world.
Every room and hallway carried his stunning artistic taste—a blend of modern elegance and old-world tradition.
"Madam Kindz, this is your room,"
said the maid, who was slightly shorter than Nabi. Nabi stepped inside. It wasn't lit with candles. There was no scent of roses. It was… just a room. Plain. Disappointingly plain.
"Is this Mr. Kindz's room?"
Nabi asked. Saying "my husband Lukinder" felt heavy on her tongue—maybe she needed to practice more.
"Yes, but he only comes home twice a year."
The maid's reply hit her like a bolt of lightning. For a moment, she wanted to ask more, but chose silence. Seeing the new bride's expression, the maid continued, "He's extremely busy. There's no time for sleep. Pardon me—if you need anything, I'm Tania, head of the staff, and at your service."
Nabi felt a tightness in her chest. He never comes home. Always busy.
"Poor girl. The Master doesn't care for women at all. I've never seen him date anyone. I was shocked to learn he even got married. This bride… she's unfortunate. And tonight is her wedding night,"
Tania thought before casting one last glance at Nabi and leaving.
Nabi began wandering around the enormous room—it was the size of an entire suite. A massive, comfortable bed stood in the center. She sat down and suddenly burst into hysterical laughter.
"Nabi… Nabi, look how your life turned out. Your father's happy. Your mother's thrilled with this marriage. And on top of that, you're in love with your husband—who happens to be a workaholic lunatic."
She cursed him softly and ran her fingers through her hair.
"You're stunning and smart—of course he'll fall for you. He just needs time. Maybe a little push. You'll take the first steps. This is your life now, Nabi,"
she whispered, gently slapping her own cheeks before walking to the window overlooking the backyard, where a fountain flowed peacefully.
"You'll decide: will this marriage be pure misery, or will you turn this cold, abandoned cave—and its frozen master—into a home filled with love?"
she whispered, imagining what his face would look like when he finally fell in love with her.
After finishing her bath, she sat beside the mirror, drying her hair. It was nearly midnight. Three hours had passed, and he still hadn't come home. She picked up her phone and scrolled through news articles about her husband—Mr. Kindz.
Her phone rang. It was her friend, Sel. Nabi answered and set the phone down, on speaker.
"Nabi! Did you run away from the wedding?! Why are you still awake? I couldn't believe you were on Insta this late! Is the groom… I mean—"
Nabi interrupted with a sigh, "He's in an emergency meeting."
Silence fell between the two girls. Then Sel spoke gently, "Nabi… are you okay? I'll come tomorrow and take you with me to Rome. You'll love it here."
Cel's voice was full of excitement and warmth. Nabi chuckled and replied, "You're ridiculous. Running away won't fix anything. I… he's handsome, and maybe—my heart already loves him."
Nabi's voice softened as she spoke. Then she heard Sel respond, "Nabi, you're not drunk, are you? How can you fall in love at first sight? Are you sure this isn't just a crush?"
Suddenly, Nabi felt the door creak open. She was still only in a towel. Who the hell would walk in without knocking?
"We'll talk later,"
she said quickly, hanging up and turning toward the source of the footsteps.
She swallowed hard. Her heart pounded in her ears.
His gaze devoured her—every inch of her—with an intensity that rooted her to the spot. She couldn't look away from his eyes. He stood before her, dignified and powerful, one hand in his pocket.
"You came,"
the words escaped her lips with a wide smile spreading across her face. She felt like she was dreaming.
Lukinder raised his left brow. "Is there a law that says I can't be in my own house? In my own room?"
He stepped closer. Nabi blinked twice, trying to form a sentence.
"No, I —"
Before she could finish, his fingers brushed her damp hair back behind her ear. His hand grazed her shoulder. Electricity surged through her body.
'Why does she look like her dream just came true?'