Kaelara stood outside, expression blank, as the sleek black sedan pulled up. The Marcell chauffeur, old Jenkins, stepped out, adjusting his gloves.

"Mrs. Marcell requests your presence," he said, polite but firm.

Kaelara's gaze drifted back to the Manorfield house. In the dimly lit living room, her stepmother Elaine Manorfield, a social climber with a penchant for manipulation, perched on the edge of the sofa, a saccharine smile plastered on her face. Her father, Edward Manorfield, sat beside her, doting on Aria – the illegitimate daughter he'd had with his mistress, while still married to Kaelara's mother. Aria beamed back at him, her eyes shining with triumph. Kaelara's mother had passed away not long after, and Edward had brought the mistress and Aria into the family fold – much to Elaine's dismay, though she'd played the dutiful wife well.

Aria was the favored one, the golden child everyone faked smiles for. And now, she'd managed to weasel her way out of marrying Lucien, pushing Kaelara into the role instead.

"They're here," Kaelara said, voice flat.

Elaine's smile grew wider, her eyes glining with an almost feral excitement. "Go on, dear. You're expected."

Aria leaned in, her voice low and venomous. "Don't screw this up, Kaelara. For all our sakes."

Kaelara didn't react. She turned on her heel and walked out, Jenkins waiting by the door. She slid into the car, where Adeline Marcell, Lucien's aunt and a ruthless businesswoman in her own right, assessed her.

"You'll do," Adeline said.

Kaelara raised an eyebrow. "Do for what?"

The older woman smiled. "To save the family, dear. Lucien needs a bride."

Kaelara leaned back, eyes cold. Game on.

The car wound through the streets of Johannesburg, the city blurring past in a haze of steel and glass. Kaelara tuned out the scenery, her mind ticking over the situation. Lucien Marcell was a name whispered in fear and respect in equal measure. A deal had been made, it seemed, and she was the sacrifice.

"Tell me about Lucien," Kaelara said, breaking the silence.

Adeline's eyes narrowed, a calculating glare. "He's a Marcell. He does what it takes to protect this family. He's been groomed for this role his entire life."

"And the bride?"

"A means to an end. A strategic alliance, nothing more."

Kaelara's lips twisted. "And if I refuse?"

Adeline's smile grew wider, colder. "You won't. You have too much to lose."

The car pulled up to a set of imposing iron gates, the Marcell estate looming beyond. Kaelara felt a spark of curiosity. What was Lucien Marcell really like? And what had Aria gotten herself out of?

The gates swung open, and the car glided up the drive. Kaelara stepped out, taking in the imposing facade of the Marcell mansion. She could play this game. She had to.

Adeline led her inside, through marble halls and past staff in crisp uniforms. They stopped outside a set of double doors, Adeline's hand on the handle.

"Lucien will make his own decisions, Kaelara. Don't presume to understand him. Just... be useful."

The doors swung open, revealing a man standing by the window, his back to them. Broad shoulders, dark hair, the set of his jaw sharp and unyielding.

"Lucien," Adeline said, "meet Kaelara Manorfield."

He turned, eyes locking onto hers. Kaelara felt a jolt, her breath catching. Stormy grey eyes, a face chiseled from stone. This was Lucien Marcell.

"Kaelara," he said, voice low and rough. "Welcome."

The door closed behind her, leaving them alone. Kaelara raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"You know why you're here," Lucien said, moving closer.

Kaelara nodded. "To save the family."

His gaze narrowed. "And are you willing?"

Kaelara smiled, cold and calculated. "Depends on what's in it for me."

Lucien's lips curved, a hint of approval in his eyes. "We'll discuss terms. But first... dinner."

He offered his arm, Kaelara took it, and they walked out, the deal far from sealed. As they entered the dining room, Lucien leaned in, his voice a low whisper.

"There's just one problem, Kaelara."

Her heart skipped a beat. "What's that?"

Lucien's eyes locked onto hers, a spark of challenge burning within. "I'm not sure I can trust you."

And with that, he pulled out her chair, leaving Kaelara to wonder if she'd just walked into a trap.