Loveless Marriage

Hazel took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. But before she could think further, the bedroom door opened without a knock.

Theo stood in the doorway, wearing a white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His face remained expressionless, but his gaze was sharp enough to make Hazel shiver.

"You're not asleep yet?" he asked flatly.

Hazel quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks and stood up. "I... just haven't gotten used to it," she replied softly.

Theo entered without permission, his steps steady toward the balcony. He opened the glass door and let the night breeze into the room. "You need to get used to it," he said without turning. "Starting tomorrow, your life will change."

Hazel bit her lower lip. "I know."

Theo turned, his hands in his pants pockets. "We're getting married tomorrow. That means from then on, you'll be part of my life—in public."

Hazel held her breath.

"But remember," Theo continued in the same cold tone, "our relationship is nothing more than a contract. Don't make it complicated."

Hazel clenched her fists. "I have no intention of making it complicated."

Theo approached, the distance between them now only a few steps. His gray eyes pierced directly into Hazel's. "Good. Make sure it stays that way."

Hazel could only nod, though her heart was in turmoil.

Theo turned toward the door, but before leaving, he glanced back once more. "And one more thing..."

Hazel waited with bated breath.

"Never expect me to change."

Then the door closed with a sound that echoed in the large room, leaving Hazel with a piercing pain.

Behind all the firmness she tried to maintain, Hazel knew that tomorrow would be the beginning of something far heavier than just saving her mother.

---

That morning came quickly. The sun had just risen in the eastern horizon, but Hazel had been awake for a long time. Her swollen eyes clearly showed lack of sleep, but there was no time to think about that. Today was her wedding day—a marriage not born of love, but a cold transaction she had agreed to the night before.

Hazel stood in front of a large mirror reflecting her figure in a simple white dress. The dress was chosen directly by Theo's personal assistant, not her. No excessive lace, just a classic cut with an elegant silhouette.

"You look beautiful," the soft voice of an old maid who was helping to tidy her dress sounded behind her.

Hazel tried to smile, though her face couldn't hide the pain. "Thank you," she whispered.

But inside, there was a turmoil she couldn't suppress. This wasn't the dream wedding she had imagined as a child. No happiness, no love, no sweet promises of a lifetime together. Only the biting cold reality.

The bedroom door was gently knocked before a man entered—Theo Filbert, in a black suit that fit his sturdy body perfectly. His hair was slicked back, revealing a strong jawline that made many women swoon. But for Hazel, this man was the living prison she had just entered.

Theo looked at her briefly, his expression still flat. "We'll leave in five minutes," he said without preamble.

Hazel only nodded slightly. No good morning, no compliments, no smile.

After Theo left the room, Hazel took a deep breath. She had to be strong—for her mother, for her life now tied to this heartless man.

The wedding ceremony took place in the grand hall of a luxurious hotel specially booked by Theo. White and gold decorations filled the room, creating a scene that seemed perfect to anyone who saw it. But for Hazel, it all felt empty.

No family guests, only Theo's business colleagues and some important company associates. Theo stood beside her with a stiff expression, as if this was just a regular business meeting.

"Do you, Theo Filbert, take Hazel Gabriella as your wife, in joy and sorrow, in health and sickness?"

"Yes." Theo's answer was firm but emotionless.

Hazel swallowed hard as the same question was posed to her.

"Do you, Hazel Gabriella, take Theo Filbert as your husband, in joy and sorrow, in health and sickness?"

Doubt briefly seized her, but the image of her mother lying in the hospital made Hazel strengthen her resolve.

"Yes," she answered in a soft but steady voice.

A ring encircled her ring finger a few seconds later. A symbol of a bond not based on love, but an obligation she forced upon herself.

As Theo pulled Hazel to kiss her forehead in front of everyone, Hazel could feel the coldness of his lips conveying nothing but empty formality.

Amid the applause of the guests, Hazel knew that her life had just entered a new chapter she had never imagined before. A chapter full of challenges and perhaps, destruction.

That night, Hazel sat alone in the room now officially hers—or rather, the wedding chamber provided in Theo Filbert's grand mansion. The pristine white walls with luxurious ornaments couldn't hide the emptiness filling the room.

The silence was too oppressive. Hazel hugged her knees at the edge of the large bed that felt cold and foreign. Her eyes gazed at the large window displaying the sparkling city view, but all those lights couldn't dispel the darkness in her heart.

Theo, as Hazel had expected, showed no intention of sharing the room. After the wedding ceremony was over, he only said one brief sentence before leaving her.

"I'll sleep in my study."

No goodnight wishes, no concern, not even respect.

Hazel exhaled deeply, trying to ease the tightness in her chest. She knew this wasn't a real marriage, but still, there was a sting when Theo treated it all like a finished business transaction.

Her phone vibrated on the small table. Hazel quickly grabbed it and saw a message from the hospital. "The surgery went well. The patient's condition is stable. Thank you for your support."

Tears she had been holding back finally streamed down her cheeks. Relief. At least the heavy decision she made today wasn't in vain. Her mother was safe.

But before Hazel could fully savor that relief, the bedroom door suddenly opened. Theo stood there, still in his suit that looked neat despite the late hour.

"There's something I want to discuss," he said without preamble.

Hazel quickly wiped her tears and stood up from the bed. "What?" she asked, her voice still hoarse.

Theo entered the room and closed the door behind him. His gaze remained as cold as ever, but there was something in his eyes that made Hazel feel wary.

"We need to establish schedules and rules," he said, leaning against the wall. "So everything goes according to the agreement."

Hazel clenched her fingers. "Rules?"

Theo nodded. "I don't want drama. No emotional sentiments, no lies in front of the media, and most importantly."

He approached, the distance only a few steps from Hazel.

"You will never interfere in my personal affairs. Understand?"

Hazel held her breath. "I'm not interested in meddling in your life, Theo," she replied flatly, trying to hide the pain starting to creep into her heart.