Chapter 1

Wang Yibo had always believed that emotions were a weakness. Born into the world were power was everything, he had learned to wield his wealth like a weapon, leaving no room for attachments. So when his father, Qiren Wang, announced that he was to be married to a boy he had never met, his first reaction was ice-cold resistance.

"It's not a request, yibo" his father's voice was firm, his steely gaze unwavering "This marriage will ensure the merger with Xiao Industries, you understand the stakes"

Yibo clenched his jaw. He had built his empire with ruthless efficiency, carving his path without needing anyone's approval. And yet, here he was, shackled by duty, bound to a marriage that was nothing more than a business transaction.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Xiao Zhan stuggled to balance a tray of steeming coffee cups as he rustled through the bustling cafe. His hands ached from the double shifts he had been pulling, but quitting wasn't an option not when his family depended on him.

"Zhan, table three is still waiting! " her manager barked, and he bit back a sharp reply, forcing a smile instead. He had no room for complaints, no time for dreams. He had learned early on that the rich controlled the world, and people like him were nothing more than pawns in their game.

So when he arrived home that evening to find his mother in tears and a man in a tailored suit waiting in a contract in hand.

"You want me to marry him? " zhan's voice shook with disbelief as he read through the contract. "Wang Yibo? The Billionaire? "

"Zhan, please, " her mother pleaded "your father left us  in debt. This is the only way. They'd say they cleared everything, pay for your brother's medical bills".

Zhan's heart pounded. He had spent his entire life resenting the wealthy, blaming them for every hardship his family had endured. And now, he was expected to marry one of them?

He gritted his teeth. "Fine, but don't expect me to fall in love with him".

As the ink dried on the contract, two lives intertwined, bound by obligations neither had chosen. Little did they know fate had other plans.

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The day of the engagement arrived faster than zhan would have liked. Dressed in an elegant baby pink suit, he stood in front of the massive Wang estate, his heart pounding in his chest.

The grand mansion loomed before him, its towering presence is a reminder of the world he was being forced into. He straightened his back, refusing to let them see his intimidation.

The butler led him inside, where yibo waited with an unreadable expression. Clad in a tailored black suit his cold hazel eyes assessed him with detachment, as if he were merely another business transaction.

"So, you're the boy they chose for me" he mused, his tone devoid of warmth.

Zhan crossed his arms. "Trust me, this isn't my dream wedding either, Mr. Wang"

A flicker of amusement passed through yibo's gaze before he masked it. "Good. As long as we're on the same page. This is nothing more than a contract. Don't expect any fairytale romance".

"That makes two of us, " he shot back, lifting his chin defiantly.

Qiren Wang entered then, his presence commanding the room. "The engagement party starts in an hour. I expect both of you to play your rules well. No scandals. No drama".

Yibo barely acknowledged his father's words before turning back to zhan. "You should get ready. We don't want to keep our guest waiting".

Zhan clenched his fist, feeling trapped in a world where he didn't belong. But he made a promise to her mother, to her brother. He wouldn't back down now.

As the first guest arrived, yibo offered his hand to zhan, yibo's touch cold against zhan's skin. "Let's get this over with"

With a deep breath, zhan stepped forward, unknowingly taking the first step into their fate neither of them had expected.

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