Arranged To Be|18+✔️

'3

After wandering through the house and brushing past opulence at every turn, I eventually found what I assumed was my room. The door creaked open to reveal a bedroom the size of my parents' entire downstairs. The bed alone could sleep a small army.

But I didn't care. I wasn't impressed.

I collapsed onto the mattress and let the weight of the day hit me full force. My body trembled, and tears rolled down my cheeks. My father didn't even try to fight for me. He handed me over like I was nothing more than a bargaining chip.

My heart twisted so hard it hurt.

I grabbed a pillow and screamed into it, muffling the sobs that poured out. I thrashed, hitting the bed with my fists, kicking until my muscles gave out. Only then did sleep take over—but even in my dreams, I was trapped.

~*~

A loud knock startled me awake.

I groaned, dragging myself to the door and cracking it open. Czar pushed it open without invitation.

He was shirtless.

My eyes dipped before I could stop them—sculpted abs, sharp V-line, gray sweatpants hanging low. I snapped my gaze up fast, hoping he hadn't noticed.

He had.

"My family will be here in fifteen minutes," he said coolly. "Get dressed. Wear something presentable."

Then he was gone.

I cursed under my breath and stormed into the bathroom for a quick shower. After brushing my teeth, I moved into the massive walk-in closet lined with clothes I didn't recognize. I ran my fingers across luxury labels and price tags I didn't want to think about.

Eventually, I picked a yellow, fitted V-neck dress that hugged my curves and stopped just above the knees. I paired it with white pumps and diamond earrings that sparkled too much for comfort.

With my hair styled and face lightly done, I gave myself one last look in the mirror. I didn't recognize the girl staring back.

Downstairs, the smell of bacon and eggs made my stomach growl. As I neared the dining room, voices echoed ahead—but before I could enter, a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.

Czar.

Now fully dressed in a crisp navy suit, he loomed above me.

"What is it now?" I snapped, yanking my arm back.

"Do not stare," he said, voice low. "No matter what you see."

My brows knit together. "Why would I stare—"

He didn't answer. Instead, he wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me into the dining room.

"Hello, everyone," he said smoothly.

Four pairs of eyes turned toward us, and suddenly, I felt like I was under a microscope.

An elegant woman with a scar running from her brow to her chin stood up and approached with surprising warmth.

"Oh my! Czar, she is a beauty!"

This must be what he meant.

Despite the scar, she was striking—creamy skin, long curls that cascaded to her waist, and the same ocean-blue eyes as her son.

She pulled me into a hug. I stiffened but returned it.

"Mother, let her breathe," Czar muttered.

"Where are my manners? I'm Irina. Czar's mother."

Her thick Russian accent mirrored his perfectly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Irina," I said politely.

Before I could catch my breath, a tall, modelesque woman with platinum blonde hair bounded over.

"My turn! I'm Lada, his older sister. I've been dying for Czar to bring someone home. We were starting to think he'd die alone."

Czar rolled his eyes, and I smirked.

Another woman rose more slowly. Her resemblance to Czar was uncanny—same eyes, same mouth, but softer features.

"I'm Annika. We're twins, though he pretends he's an only child."

"Explains the identical glares," I said. She chuckled.

Last was a man with jet-black hair and long lashes that framed dark brown eyes.

"Don't forget about me," he said. "I'm Anderi. Czar's cousin and right-hand."

Before I could respond, Czar cut through the mood.

"Enough introductions. We have business to discuss."

The room shifted instantly.

Everyone took their seats. I sat beside Czar, acutely aware of the tension now humming in the air. My leg bounced under the table.

Czar turned to me first.

"Before you join this family, there are things you must understand."

I swallowed.

And waited for the terms of my new life.

~*~

Finally got around to updating this book. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and another update will be coming soon. Don't forget to comment, vote, and share. Until next time my lovelies.