The night before my wedding, I arrived at my fiancé’s home full of joy and hope. I raised my hand to ring the bell—then I heard his voice from behind the door.

“And when do you plan to tell him?” his father asked.

Thomas laughed softly.

“There’s no need. Once the paperwork is signed, the business is protected. After that, if he grows bored… there are ways out.”

My hands started shaking.

They weren’t speaking about love. They were discussing assets, leverage, security. I wasn’t a bride in their eyes—I was a safeguard. A transaction.

“And honestly,” his mother continued, “her surname, her background—it all works in our favor. She’s trusting. Thankful. Exactly what we need.”

My skin went cold.