"Marriage? You? Impossible, Nabi! You didn't come back from America just to get trapped like this."
Nabilar pulled the phone slightly away from her ear. Her best friend, Cel, was practically shouting. She had just returned to Barcelona the night before, fresh from completing her studies in America.
Now, she was standing in front of a mirror, dressed in a wedding gown. She waved the maid away, asking for a moment alone.
"What's so wrong with getting married? My parents are happy. When my father told me he'd found me a husband, I couldn't say no. He was so excited, Cel."
She placed a hairpin on the table, her tanned skin glowing under the soft lights, her long dark hair cascading down her back.
"Nabilar, darling, you're smart. I thought you'd land a job at some international firm, or even start your own company. You have the talent. But this... this feels like your father using you to extend his influence," Cel snapped.
Maybe she was right. Nabilar sighed, forcing a smile to mask the heaviness in her chest.
"I'm his only daughter. I don't want to disappoint him. I really wish you were here. The wedding is today. Everything happened so fast."
She heard Cel sigh loudly through the phone.
"Fine. No point in arguing. But at least tell me—who is the groom? Don't tell me you don't even know his name."
Nabi hesitated. She had forgotten to ask.
"His last name is Kindz. I… I don't actually know his full name yet."
"Oh God, Nabi! I'm hanging up. Good luck with this disaster. My shoot's starting. Talk later," Cel grumbled and ended the call.
Left alone, Nabilar stared at her reflection.
"You've got this, Nabi."
She whispered.
A knock on the door. Her mother entered, her expression stiff.
"Why did you send the maids out? You're not finished yet. Mr. Kindz isn't a patient man. We can't afford to make a bad impression. This marriage is your father's golden opportunity to close a deal with one of the top real estate investors in the region. I expect to see the perfect, obedient daughter today. You are a Miut—don't forget that."
She placed the veil over Nabi's head, then leaned in and whispered,
"I want all of Barcelona talking about this wedding. Don't let me down, Nabilar."
Nabilar forced a smile, the one she had mastered since childhood. She had never been allowed to make decisions for herself—not about school, friends, love… or even this.
"Yes, Mother. I won't disappoint you."
Soon, the maids returned with dazzling sets of jewelry. Her mother sat down, observing everything with sharp eyes.
"Where's the makeup artist? I don't want to see that pale face. I've told you to take better care of yourself. Studying isn't everything. Beauty matters. Don't listen to your father when he says top grades are enough."
'The Kindz family… I don't even know the man I'm marrying. Not his age. Not his personality. Nothing. I just hope this marriage doesn't turn into a second mistake.'
Her thoughts drifted to her first heartbreak—the one she had confided to her mother about during her freshman year. Her mother had ended it before it even began. Since then, she had shut love out.
Hours later, Nabi sat quietly in the luxurious car, on her way to one of the most elegant wedding halls in Barcelona. Paparazzi swarmed the venue, cameras flashing relentlessly.
This was why she had loved living in America—no one knew her there. No lights. No lenses. No expectations.
But here… she was nothing more than a beautiful prize.
Her reflection in the car window showed a stunning bride. The gown hugged her figure perfectly, and the diamonds sparkled with every movement. She could hear the crowd gasp as she stepped out.
Her heart trembled with every step toward the aisle. Her father stood tall beside her, proud. Her eyes, however, were glued to the man waiting at the end.
Black suit. Hair tied back. Tall, broad-shouldered. Built like an athlete.
And then… his eyes.
Sharp. Cold. Falcon-like.
Their gazes met. Time froze.
He stepped forward, took her hand gently—and kissed her lips.
His lips barely touched hers—just a whisper of skin. Cold. Formal. But to her? It shattered something.
But for Nabilar… it was something else entirely.
'My heart… what just happened?'
When the quick kiss ended, she felt as if he had taken something from her. A piece of her soul. Her breath.
'No, not now, heart. Don't fall already.'
She stood still, heart pounding. Her father looked proud. Her mother gleamed with satisfaction.
Everyone was smiling—except the man beside her.
Her husband.
His face was carved in stone. No warmth. No emotion.
He was focusing on his phone for a while, she felt the words sank in her stomach, she had to say something.
" I am just done with the wedding stuff, prepare the car,"
She heard his voice as his figure moved a few feet towards his men, her heart was heavy.
"We're husband and wife now. I have the right to talk to him… maybe even ask for his full name."
Before she could grabbed her dress and move to his direction, he approached her.
He gazed at her from head to toe then said: "As long as you don't give me a headache, this so-called marriage will continue."
His gazed moved to her father who raised his glass to chill for them, with win _ win smile on his face.
"And for to night don't wait up for me,"
He stated with a smirk in his lips, his tone was sharp.
"Wait what?"
She was left stunned, hugging herself, watching him leave.
The perfume of white lilies choked her. Nabilar Miut stood alone at the edge of the grand ballroom, her wedding gown heavy on her skin like a lie. Guests whispered. Cameras flashed. But the groom—her brand-new husband, Lukinder Kindz—was gone.
He had left right after the ceremony.
For a'meeting'.
A damn meeting.