In a twist of fate, a wealthy heir believed he was bound to wed an unattractive stranger in an arranged marriage, only to be stunned when she unveiled her face…

David raised an eyebrow. Why? Are you hiding something? David, his mother hissed, her tone sharp with disapproval. It’s fine, Anna said, her voice never wavering.

She turned to David, her gaze unwavering. I’m not hiding anything that matters. What’s under the veil isn’t relevant to our arrangement.

David leaned back in his chair, his arms crossing over his chest. Arrangement, that’s an interesting word for marriage. Anna tilted her head slightly, her tone unflinching.

Isn’t that what this is? An arrangement? Your parents need an alliance, and my family needs the same. There’s no need to complicate it with unnecessary emotions or expectations. Her words landed like a slap, leaving David momentarily stunned.

So that’s how you see it, he said, his voice edged with sarcasm. No love, no compassion, just a business deal. Anna’s gaze didn’t falter.

Do you believe otherwise? David opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, he felt a wave of frustration and confusion. She was so calm, so composed, as if this entire situation didn’t bother her at all.

I want to know who I’m marrying, he said finally, his voice quieter, but no less firm. Not just your name or your family. I want to know you.

Anna regarded him for a moment before speaking. You will in time. But for now, all you need to know is that I understand my role in this union.

I hope you’ll understand yours. Her words struck a nerve. David felt his cheeks flush with anger, but before he could respond, Anna’s father cleared his throat, breaking the tension.

Perhaps we should move on to dessert, he suggested, his tone light but firm. The rest of the evening passed in awkward formality, with David’s parents trying to smooth over the tension while Anna remained as poised and mysterious as ever. When the evening finally ended, David walked Anna and her father to the door.

As Anna turned to leave, David couldn’t help himself. Why do you act like this doesn’t matter, he asked, his voice low. Anna paused her hand on the doorframe.

She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. It matters. But not in the way you think.

And with that, she stepped out into the night, leaving David standing there, his frustration mingling with a flicker of curiosity he couldn’t quite shake. The day of the wedding arrived with all the grandeur and opulence one would expect from a union between two wealthy families. The venue was a sprawling estate adorned with fresh flowers and sparkling chandeliers.

Guests in designer suits and gowns milled about, exchanging pleasantries and speculations. David stood at the end of the aisle, his posture rigid, his expression betraying his frustration. The ceremony, though extravagant, felt hollow to him, a stage set for a performance he had no interest in giving.

When Anna entered, draped in an ornate white gown with a veil that covered her entirely, the room fell silent. Her movements were graceful, her presence commanding, but the veil remained firmly in place, concealing her face. David’s jaw tightened as she approached.

He could feel the weight of every pair of eyes in the room, the hushed murmurs barely hidden behind polite smiles. She still won’t take it off, someone whispered behind him. Maybe there’s a reason, another voice murmured.

The ceremony proceeded with a strange formality. Vows were exchanged, rings slipped onto fingers, and the officiant pronounced them husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, the officiant said, his tone warm…