EPISODE 1

Lily Bennett:

Age: 24

Height: 5'9

Background: A famous actress from a middle-class family who rose to fame after years of struggling. While her on-screen persona is charismatic and approachable, she is deeply private about her personal life.

Education: Studied Performing Arts in a prestigious school but had to quit midway to support her family.

Personality: Passionate, intelligent, emotionally expressive, and highly sensitive, often masking her vulnerabilities with humor and wit.

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Lily Bennett tightened her grip on the stack of documents as she approached the sleek glass door of Kingston Enterprises. The towering building loomed above her, cold and imposing, a perfect reflection of the man she was about to marry. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. This was a step she had to take for her family's survival no matter the personal cost.

"you'll be marrying Evan Kingston," her mother had said that morning, her voice barely more than a whisper. The exhaustion and quiet desperation in her mother's eyes had spoken louder than words.

They had no other choice. Her father's business had collapsed leaving them buried under debt, and her acting career, though promising, wasn't enough to support her family. Evan Kingston, however, came from one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the city.

For her family, an alliance with the Kingston was a lifeline.

"Miss Bennett?" the receptionist's calm, almost mechanical voice pulled Lily from her thoughts.

'Mr. Kingston is waiting for you."

Lily managed a small nod and followed the receptionist to the elevator, her mind a swirl of worry and doubt. She was about to commit two years of her life to a man she barely knew.

She had read enough articles about Evan Kingston to know he was ruthless in business, with a reputation for handling everything with cold efficiency. Even now, she wondered if he saw her as anything more than a convenient solution to a problem.

The elevator doors opened with a soft ding and Lily stepped into an expensive, pristine office. Everything about the space was crisp, modern, and devoid of warmth. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, and behind a large minimalist desk sat Evan Kingston.

He was every bit intimidating in person as he was in photographs. His expression was unreadable, his gaze piercing as he took her in. He didn't stand to greet her, nor did he extend a hand in welcome.

Evan Kingston:

Age: 25

Height: 6'2

Background: The 25-year-old CEO of a multi-billion-dollar tech empire, known for his cold, no-nonsense demeanor. Born to a wealthy family with a prestigious lineage in business, he has always put his career over personal life due to a traumatic experience in love.

Education: Harvard graduate with a degree in Business and Technology.

Personality: Disciplined, focused, emotionally guarded. He struggles to open up, seeing emotions as a distraction.

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"Miss Bennett," he said, his voice low and devoid of emotion. "Sit down."

Lily hesitated for a fraction of a second, feeling his eyes on her as she crossed the room. She sat, willing herself to stay calm to match his icy composure. But it is difficult. She could feel the weight of his presence, the cool distance in his gaze that seemed to strip away her defenses.

Evan slid a thick folder across the desk toward her.

"This is the contract," he said, his tone flat, as though they were discussing nothing more than a business deal.

"Read it carefully. Every clause, every line."

Lily took the folder with a steady hand, though her heart was pounding. She opened it, skimming the pages.

Marriage duration: two years.

Condition: both parties will appear in public together, live under the same roof, and maintain an image fitting for the Kingston.

The details were clear and concise, reducing their marriage to a list of duties and expectations.

"there's a penalty clause," he continued. If either of us breaks the term without a valid cause, there will be consequences. For you, that means no financial support for your family."

Lily's fingers tightened around the edges of the contract. He said it so casually, like it was nothing - like her family's future was a mere bargaining chip.

"What about my career?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Evan's gaze didn't waver. "You may continue your acting as you wish. However, you're expected to avoid any behavior that could damage our image. No scandals, no unnecessary attention. You are, after all, representing the Kingston family now."

Lily swallowed, feeling the walls closed around her. She had worked hard to build her career, to be recognized for her own achievements. And now she would be seen as nothing more than "Mrs. Kingston." any role she took, any performance, would be overshadowed by her title. She'd be giving up her own identity for his convenience.

"And if I refuse?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Evans's expression remained unchanged. "You're free to leave," he said, but his tone made it clear he knew she wouldn't.

"However, I assume the family is in no position to reject an offer like this."

The cold truth in his words struck her like a slap. He knew exactly why she was here, and he didn't care about her reasons or her feelings. She was a tool to him, a means to an end, and nothing more. The realization filled her with a mixture of anger and sadness, but she forced herself to stay composed.

"I'll sign it," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Evan simply nodded, as if her decision had been a foregone conclusion. He handed her a pen, watching her without a hint of warmth. She could feel the weight of his gaze as she hovered over the dotted line.

For a moment, doubt flickered in her mind. But he thought of her family - their worried faces, the relief this deal would bring them - and she knew there was no turning back.

With a heavy heart, she signed her name, binding herself to this man and the cold, calculated world he represented.

Evan took the contract back, his expression as impassive as ever.

"Welcome to our agreement, Miss Bennett," he said, the words polite but devoid of any real meaning.

The formality stung. She just had committed herself to two years of pretending, of living under his cold, unfeeling gaze, all for the sake of a family he clearly couldn't care less about. But she forced herself to nod, meeting his gaze with as much strength as she could muster.

Evan rose from his chair, his movement smooth and controlled.

"We'll make the announcement in a week," he said. "I expect you to be prepared."

Lily managed a small nod, though her stomach twisted at the thought of the public attention that would soon descend on them. The actress and the CEO, she thought, knowing how the media would spin their story.

She would be painted as the lucky girl who landed the city's most eligible bachelor, while Even would be seen as the perfect, charming CEO. Only she would know the truth - that their marriage was nothing more than a carefully orchestrated show, a performance for the world.

Evan extended his hand, signaling the end of their meeting. She shook it, feeling the cold, impersonal touch of his fingers.

"We'll arrange a place for you to move in by next week," he said. "Until then, refrain from discussing this arrangement with anyone outside your family."

Without another word, he released her hand and turned back to his desk, already engrossed in some document as though she had ceased to exist the moment the contract was signed.

She realized then that it was her future - standing beside a man who would barely acknowledge her, who viewed her more than a business decision.

Lily walked out of his office, the finality of her choice sinking in. She had stepped into that building as herself - Lily Bennett, an actress with dreams and ambitions. But now, she left, she was Evan Kingston's fiancée, bound by contract to a man who saw her as a convenience. She felt a part of herself slipping away, lost in the cold machinery of the Kingston empire.

The cab ride home was silent, her mind racing with everything that had just happened. She thought about the life she'd imagined, the future she had worked so hard to build. In a single meeting, that dream had been crushed, replaced by a new reality she would have to embrace for the sake of her family.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from her mother.

"Did you sign?" She took a deep breath and replied, "yes. It's done."

Another message followed, quick and short. "Thank you, lily. You don't know how much this means to us."

EPISODE 2

Lily put her phone down, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past. She was doing this for them, she reminded herself. She had made this choice for her family, to protect them from hardship. She only hoped that, somehow, she could survive this cold arrangement without losing herself entirely.

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[Kingston penthouse]

[weeks later]

Lily adjusted her grip on her suitcase as she stood in the entrance of the Kingston penthouse. She has barely been able to sleep the night before, knowing that today was the day she would begin her life under Evan's roof.

She kept reminding herself that this was temporary, just two years of her life—but as she took in the towering glass walls and spotless floors, "temporary" felt like a distant dream.

It was strange thinking of it as "home." this wasn't her home. Thus was Evan's world, and she was here to play a part in it.

the entrance alone was grand and intimidating, with high ceilings, marble floors, and art that was clearly chosen for its price tag rather than any personal significance.

Lily felt as though she was entering a museum rather than a home. Every detail of this place seemed meticulously curated, down to no hint of warmth or personality, no sign that anyone actually lived here.

The entire space was silent. And Lily felt like her breathing alone might disturb the carefully maintained order.

"Miss Bennett?" A calm voice broke the silence, and Lily turned to see a woman standing just inside the doorway. She looked to be in her early thirties, with a professional air and her hair pinned back with perfect precision. She held a tablet in one hand and looked at Lily with a composed, almost mechanical expression.

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"I'm Monica Chang, just call me 'Monica'." the woman said, inclining her head slightly. "Mr. Kingston's assistant. I've been instructed to help you settle in."

"Oh," Lily stammered, taken aback. "Thank you, Monica. I appreciate that."

Monica's polite smile remained intact, but her professional demeanor didn't change. She gave a curt nod and gesture for Lily to follow her further into the penthouse.

"This way," she said. "Mr. Kingston wanted your suite prepared in advance."

"Prepared in advance?" Lily repeated quietly, the words sounding strange. She could feel a knot forming in her stomach.

The way Monica spoke made her feel as if she were being shown to a guest room in a hotel rather than her own living space. She was starting to realize just how serious Evan had been about maintaining distance.

"Yes." Monica replied as they walked. "He wanted it to be... Suitable for your needs."

Lily's heart sank as she absorbed the coldness of those words. Evan had "prepared" a space for her, but she doubted he'd given any thought to her personal comfort. Her mind flashed to her old apartment, the cozy warmth of her bedroom with pictures of her family and mementos from her travels. Here, everything felt clinical and impersonal, an extension of Evan himself.

They arrive at her suite, a luxurious space with large windows overlooking the city skyline. The furniture was tasteful and modern, upholstered in shades of gray and cream.

Everything was in perfect order, but there wasn't a single thing that felt like her. She glanced around, looking for something to ground her, but there was nothing personal about the room at all.

"Thank you, Monica." Lily said softly, trying to mask her unease.

Monica gave her the same practice nod and turned to leave.

"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me. Mr. Kingston will be back later tonight. He has a very structured schedule, so please keep that in mind."

With that, Monica left, leaving Lily standing alone in her new room. She let out a long, shaky breath, her eyes scanning the space. She knew she should start unpacking, make herself feel a bit more settled, but it felt like a futile effort in a place like this. She could already feel the weight of Evan's coldness pressing down on her.

After a moment, she set her suitcase on the bed and began unpacking her things, trying to inject some warmth into her sterile space. She placed a small photo frame on the bedside table, a picture of her with her family at the beach when she was younger. It was one of her happiest memories, a reminder of who she was outside of this arrangement.

She continued unpacking, finding small ways to make the space feel a bit more like her own. But no matter what she did, the room remained cold and impersonal, just like the man she was now bound to.

...

A few hours later, Lily wandered out of her suite and into the main study, hoping to familiarize herself with the layout of the penthouse. She was almost startled to see a small white envelope with her name written on it, resting on the sleek glass desk.

She picked it up, and as she unfolded the note inside, her heart sank.

Miss Bennett,

Here is a list of our agreed-upon terms. Your adherence to these will ensure a smooth coexistence. I expect you to maintain a professional attitude at all times. I prefer an orderly and quiet environment; disruptions should be kept to a minimum.

–Evan Kingston

Underneath his terse message was a typed list of "guidelines", each one meticulously phrased. She was expected to attend any public events that required her presence, to maintain appearances in line with the Kingston family's standards, and to avoid discussing their arrangement with anyone outside of immediate family. She was to avoid any disruptions, keep noise to a minimum, and be "mindful of the schedule."

Lily stared at the note, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. Every word felt like another reminder that she was nothing more than an accessory in Evan's life.

She was here to fulfill his requirements, not to be his partner. This wasn't a marriage—it was an agreement, cold and transactional.

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Days passed, and each one felt like an eternity. Evan continued to keep his distance, coming home late each night and moving through the penthouse like a ghost. Their interactions were limited to brief, polite exchange that never went beyond the essentials.

Whenever she tried to start a conversation, he would respond in clipped, formal sentences, as if he were speaking to a stranger.

The penthouse was beautiful, but it felt like a prison. Lily found herself wandering through the rooms aimlessly, trying to pass the hours.

She read books, watched televisions, anything to distract herself from the emptiness. But no matter what she did, she couldn't shake the loneliness that crept into every corner of the space.

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One evening, after yet another silent dinner, she decided she couldn't take it anymore. She needed answers—she needed to understand if this arrangement felt as empty to Evan as it did to her.

She waited until he came back from his study, his face illuminated by the soft glow of his phone screen as he typed something.

"Evan?" she called, her voice sounding hesitant even to her own ears.

He looked up, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Yes?"

She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I... Wanted to talk. About this arrangement."

Hus brow furrowed slightly, and he crossed his arms, looking at her with a hint of impatience. "What about it?"

"It doesn't feel real," she said, her words coming out in a rush.

"We're supposed to be living together, yet you barely look at me. I feel like I'm just... An accessory here, like I don't belong."

Evan's face remained expressionless. "Thus is a business arrangement, Lily," he said, his voice as cold as ever. "You agreed to this. You knew what it would entail."

Her heart twisted at his words, but she pushed forward. 'So that's it? I'm just a contract to you?"

He shrugged, the indifference in his eyes stinging more than any words could.

"That's all any of this is. A contract. I didn't ask you to be here for companionship. I have no need for that. You're here to fulfill a role—nothing more."

Lily felt a flash of anger rising within her, stronger than any feeling she'd had since moving in. "So, you feel nothing at all? This doesn't affect you?"

He stared at her, his expression hardening. "Feelings have no place in this arrangement. I agreed to this because it serves a purpose. I don't expect you to understand, but I would appreciate it if you respected my terms."

His words were like ice, each one slicing through her fragile composure. She could see now that there was no breaking through his walls. He had made up his mind to keep her at her arm's length, to treat her as little more than a convenience.

"Fine" she said, her voice laced with quiet resentment.

"If that's what you want."

Evan's gaze didn't soften. He simply nodded, as if that settled everything, and turned away, leaving her standing in the middle of the room with her emotions tangled and raw.

Lily watched him walk down the hall and disappear into his study, the door closing with a quiet finality that seemed to echo through the empty penthouse.

The loneliness she'd felt before was nothing compared to the ache that filled her now. She was trapped here, bound to a man who saw her as a tool, an asset to be used and then discarded.

She sank onto the couch, staring blankly at the surrounding walls. This was her life now, a cold, existence defined by a contract. She had known what she was getting into, but somehow, hearing him say it so plainly made it all feel so much worse.

Her phone buzzed, and she looked down to see a message from her mother. "Are you okay?"

She hesitated for a moment, then typed a quick response. "Yes, Mom. Everything is fine."

But as she stared at the words on her screen, she knew they were a lie. Nothing about this arrangement felt fine, and deep down, she wasn't sure she'd ever feel that again.

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EPISODE 3

Lily woke up the next morning with a sense of heaviness that settles in her chest like a stone. Last night's confrontation with Evan had left her feeling drained, and the memory of his cold words echoed in her mind.

Feelings have no place in this arrangement. It was as if he had taken everything that made this marriage feel even remotely human and stripped it away, leaving her with nothing but an empty shell.

She sighed, forcing herself to get up. She knew she had a long day ahead, with a few scheduled appointments, including a meeting with her manager about an upcoming project.

She tried to remind herself that her career was still hers, even if her life felt like it had been handed over to Evan.

As she stepped into the kitchen, she was surprised to see a cup of coffee waiting for her at the counter.

She blinked, glancing around. Evan was nowhere to be seen, but Monica, his assistant, was busy organizing files at the dining table.

"Good morning," Monica greeted without looking up.

"Mr. Kingston asked me to prepare coffee for you. He's already left for his morning meetings."

"Thank you," she replied, a bit taken aback. It was a small gesture, but after the cold exchange they'd had, it almost felt like an apology—or at least an acknowledgement of her presence.

She took a sip, savoring the warmth, and allowed herself a small moment of calm before her day began.

As she drank her coffee, she couldn't help but wonder how long she would be able to keep up with this facade. Was she strong enough to live in a loveless marriage with a man who barely acknowledged her existence?

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Later that morning, Lily sat in her manager Julia's office, struggling to keep her mind focused.

Julia was a straightforward woman in her mid-thirties, with an eye for projects that suited Lily's style and knack for sensing when something was wrong.

"So, Lily," Julia began, scanning over a few documents.

"This new role in Secrets Unveiled is just what we need to give your career a boost. The character is complex, with plenty of emotional depth, and I think audiences will love seeing you in such a powerful role."

Lily nodded, attempting a smile. "That sounds amazing. I could use something with a bit more substance."

Julia paused, eyeing her carefully. "Are you doing okay, Lily? You seem... distracted."

Lily hesitated. She couldn't tell Julia about her personal life—not only was she contractually obligated to stay quiet, but she also didn't want to open Pandora's box of emotions. But as much as she wanted to put up a strong front, she couldn't deny that her new reality was affecting her.

"I'm fine," she said, but her voice sounded flat, even to her own ears.

"Just adjusting, I guess. Life's been... a little different lately."

Julia gave her a sympathetic look.

"That's understandable. You've been working so hard, and you're going through a big change. Just remember, you don't have to push yourself too hard. If you need to take it easy for a while, let me know."

"Thanks, Julia," Lily said, her gratitude is genuine. "I really appreciate it."

She left the office feeling a bit lighter. At least her career still offered a sense of purpose, a place where she could be herself without the constraint of her arrangement with Evan.

...

By the time she returned, the apartment was quiet as usual. Evan wouldn't be home for hours, and Lily found herself grateful for the solitude.

She wandered into her suite and settled down with the script of her new project, hoping to immerse herself in her character and escape her own life for a while.

As she read, she found herself drowned into the character's world, a woman struggling between personal ambition and emotional vulnerability.

The lines felt eerily relatable, and Lily found herself wondering if she could bring her own pain to the role - use it as a way to channel her frustrations with Evan and her life under his roof.

But before she could get too lost in her thoughts, she heard the front door open. She froze, glancing at the clock. It was early for Evan to be home. Her heart quickened as she heard his footsteps approaching. She steeled herself, preparing for another cold interaction.

Evan stepped into her suite without knocking, his face set in his usual mask of indifference. He looked around, taking in the sight of her with her script in hand, and raised an eyebrow.

"Busy with work, I see?"

"Yes," she replied, keeping her tone as neutral as his.

"I have a new project starting soon."

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "I heard from Julia that you'll be working on Secrets Unveiled. I approved the project this morning."

Lily frowned, caught off guard. "You... approved it?"

Evan's gaze met hers, cold but unwavering.

"Yes. As your husband, I'm technically required to oversee any major decisions that could affect our public image."

She bristled at his words, feeling her anger rise.

"My career has nothing to do with our agreement."

"It has everything to do with it," he replied smoothly. "We're a public couple now. Any role you take reflects on both of us, whether you like it or not."

She clenched her fists, fighting to keep her emotion in check.

"I don't need you controlling my life, Evan. I've managed just fine on my own."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "I'm not controlling your life, Lily. I'm simply ensuring that our arrangement remains beneficial for both parties. If that involves making a few decisions on your behalf, then so be it."

Lily's heart pounded with frustration. This was exactly what she had feared—treated as she was merely an extension of Evan's carefully controlled world. She felt her independence slipping through her fingers, and it terrified her.

"Is that all I am to you?" her voice shaking. "A part of your image?"

Evan's expression didn't soften. "That's what you agreed to, isn't it?"

Lily's breath caught. She had agreed to this, yes, but she hadn't fully understood the extent of what she was signing up for. She hadn't realized how deeply Evan's need for control would invade every aspect of her life.

She forced herself to stay calm, her gaze steady as she looked him in the eyes.

"I may have agreed to this, but I'm not going to let you control every part of my life. I'm still my own person, Evan."

For a brief moment, something flickered in his gaze—something she couldn't quite identify. But just as quickly, his mask returned, and he looked at her with the same detached expression.

"Do whatever you need to do, Lily. Just remember your place."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving her alone once again. The silence that followed was thick, oppressive, as if the walls of the penthouse were closing in on her.

She stared after him, her mind swirling with anger, frustration, and a growing sense of helplessness.

...

That night, Lily couldn't sleep. She lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind replaying their conversation over and over. She was furious at him, at his callous disregard for her autonomy, his refusal to see her as anything more than a piece in his carefully constructed life.

But beneath her anger, there was a sadness she couldn't ignore—a sense of loss for the life she had given up, for the dreams she had once held close to her heart.

In the quiet darkness, she allowed herself to feel the weight of her choices, the sacrifices she had made. She had thought she could handle it, that she could endure two years of this empty arrangement for the sake of her family.

But as the days passed, she was beginning to realize just how much this marriage was taking from her—how much it was eroding her sense of self.

Eventually, she got up and walked over to the window, looking out at the city lights. The view was breathtaking, a glittering sea of lights stretching out into the night.

But even the beauty of the city couldn't soothe the ache in er heart. She was trapped here.

She wrapped her arms around herself, drawing in a shaky breath. She didn't know how long she could keep going like this, feeling more and more like a stranger in her own life.

As she stood there, watching the city below, a sense of quiet determination began to fill her. She would fight to keep her sense of self intact, no matter how cold or distant Evan became. This was her life, too, and she wasn't going to let him control every part of it.