Marriage Without Love

A black carriage halted before the stairs leading into the Helene Mansion. The coach opened the carriage door while Adriana could not leave her eyes off the mansion.

Though it was not her first time seeing the Helene Mansion, she couldn't help but appreciate its beauty.

A neat-looking man bowed his head as Adriana got off the carriage. He welcomed Adriana with a warm smile.

"Thank you for coming all the way here. My name is Felix Sterling, but feel free to call me Felix."

"Thank you for accommodating me," thanked Adriana, who signaled the coachman who brought out a box. "These are apples from the north. I hope you will accept this offering."

"Oh, the lady shouldn't have. But thank you for this gift," thanked Felix while a servant went to hold the box. "Please follow me. Sir Astell awaits your arrival."

The Helene Mansion is as beautiful as they say. At night when all lights are turned off, the mansion's walls would shine. Mixed in the walls of the mansion are small shards of magic crystals. Which are only found in the highest mountains owned by the Skydane family.

"I would also like to tell the lady that please do not touch anything in the hallways. As t—," Felix paused and turned his back to see Adriana staring at a magic circle.

"There are protective spells around that may hurt me," continued Adriana, who glanced at Felix, who nodded his head.

There was nothing to be surprised about not knowing there were spells around the mansion.

But what surprised him was Adriana could see the magic circle. Since only the Skydanes and those who are trusted can see the circle.

"You should hide these better," suggested Adriana, to which Felix agreed.

If Adriana could see it. It meant that those with more potent mana could see it. This was dangerous and had to be fixed as early as now.

"I will inform the master about this."

After a few steps, Adriana arrived in front of the lounging room. Felix opened the door for Adriana and asked her to enter.

When Adriana stepped into the room, there was no one to be seen. But she felt a presence somewhere in the corner of the room.

The curtains fluttered as the wind blew in its direction. The window from the right was open, and across it was a tree. There was Astell with eyes shut, sitting on the trunk while a book lay on his lap.

Adriana walked in front of the window and watched him sleep. Now that his eyes were shut, Adriana realized how long his eyelashes were. She then wondered if this man had not noticed her yet.

"If you keep staring at me. I'll have a hard time leaving this position," spoke Astell, which made Adriana take a step back and look away as he opened his eyes. Astell stepped back into the room and fixed his clothes. "Please take a seat," offered Astell.

"I hope you are doing well these past few days," said Adriana.

"I'm doing very fine. I should be asking how you are since I'm sure your family wouldn't allow this."

"I've talked to them about this, and if they were to oppose, I would still continue with the marriage."

Astell laid a paper on the table and asked Adriana to read it. But does he not know Adriana had more plans.

Adriana pulled a paper from the envelope she carried with her and said, "Read this instead. You can add more if you want, but both of us should benefit from it."

Astell read the paper, and his brow furrowed when he saw the word "contracted marriage." A marriage agreement between both parties. A marriage without love.

"Does that mean you wouldn't mind me bringing a woman while I'm married to you?" asked Astell.

"Yes, and vice versa. However, I don't plan to bring another man as I am not interested."

Astell clenched his fist as he continued to read through the contract. This marriage would last for three years. After that, they are to divorce. Both parties are allowed to bring partners and cannot interfere in their private life.

"I cannot accept the last term," Astell laid the paper on the table. "I will only devote my love to the person whom I marry. I do not wish to bring a mistress, and I hope it goes the same for you."

Adriana chuckled and said, "Then that means I'll remove this part of the contract. However, privacy is a must."

"Yes, I won't disagree with that, but I hope you will rely on me someday."

"Let's see about that," smiled Adriana. "Also, you don't need to invite my family to the wedding."

"May I ask what the reason is?" Inquired Astell since it was weird to not invite her family to their wedding.

"Just because…." avoided Adriana.

"I see. I understand. But if you were to change your decision, please inform me earlier."

Astell called for Felix, while Adriana did not understand why he would accept this or propose the idea to her. It did slip into her mind that they were just using each other. Adriana had to use this opportunity to escape from the Belladonna, especially from Issac.

And speaking of Issac, she had not heard from him at all. But Adriana had a feeling Astell was planning something. She had to remind Astell about this.

"I have a warning for you," Adriana told Astell, who glanced at her. "Be careful of Issac. He's going to come for you."

A sense of fear rushed through Adriana, knowing what kind of person Issac was. If it was possible, she wished to protect Astell away from him. But she did not know how to do it. But Astell is powerful. There shouldn't be anything to be worried about.

This was her only chance. She can't let Astell die.

"I feel fluttered that the lady is worried for me," Astell smiled, not knowing he liked it. "I know Issac would target me. He doesn't like the fact his sister is marrying me."

"You can say that."

Astell walked to Adriana's side and then kneeled on one knee. He looked into her eyes, and at that moment, Adriana's heart started to beat faster.

"Please believe in me. I'm a lot stronger than you think. And I hope that my future wife will learn to be selfish."

"Selfish?" Muttered Adriana, which tasted bitter in her mouth. "Let's hope I learn how to become one."