Hidden Marriage with secret love

Today was Claire Royce's twentieth birthday.

She went home earlier than usual and put on the tailored dress that the butler prepared for her. She looked like a delicate doll as she quietly sat in the dining room. Her eyes focused on the luxurious chandelier hung on the ceiling, captivated by the shimmering lights.

Time passed by slowly.

The butler walked in with silent footsteps and stood next to her respectfully. "Miss, please wait a little longer. Mr. Kens is rushing over."

Claire nodded and replied, "I understand."

The butler could probably tell how nervous she was. "Miss, don't worry. Mr. Kens likes you a lot."

Claire nodded and smiled sweetly. "I know."

The butler retreated quietly, and Claire was once again left alone in the huge empty room.

Claire gave out a sigh of relief and relaxed her back. She leaned against the couch and she silently thought to herself, 'Mr. Kens is rushing over? Mr. Kens likes me a lot? He's probably burying his head at work right now and threw me to the back of his head. Does he like me…?'

Asher Kens had never once talked to or seen her, so how could he possibly like her?

When Claire was eight, she was adopted by Asher. Even after twelve years, she had never met him in person. She only knew of Asher's existence through the butler, newspapers, financial news, and occasionally in the entertainment headlines.

However, Claire would always remember the day Asher adopted her.

She was exactly eight years old that day.

Life in the orphanage was dull, and time passed slowly with agony. It was a random day when the dean told her with envy and disbelief in his eyes, "Claire, you've been chosen by Mr kens."

'Mr. Kens? Who's he?'

Even though Claire did not know him, she could tell from the dean's tone of voice that he must be someone prominent.

She was only eight years old, but she seemed exceptionally mature and sensible among peers of her age. At that age when other kids would still be spoiled and difficult, she was already good at reading people.

Right after the dean broke the news to her, someone walked in and held her hand. They took her to change her clothes, washed her face, cleaned her hands, tidied her chipped nails, and also pulled her disheveled hair into a ponytail.

When Claire stood in front of the mirror and looked into her polished self, a small voice from the bottom of her heart spoke to her. She would probably be leaving this place forever, and she would be in a world she dreamed and longed for.

Mr. Kens would be the one to lead her to this world.

Claire felt a little dumbfounded, also a little excited. When she stepped out of the orphanage, she saw an expensive car parked by the door. It was loud and eye-catching.

The first thing that caught Claire's attention was the sight of a tall figure.

He had his back against her. Even though he was just standing, his silhouette was screaming with a sense of arrogance and authority, and it made everyone approach him with respect.

They respectfully called him, "Mr. Kens."

"Mr. Kens." Claire heard the dean's voice. "Claire Royce is here."

The man moved and was about to turn around.

Claire was suddenly nervous and she did not know where to put her hands.

His demeanor was just too overwhelming.

His innate sense of dignity was so powerful–people would look up to him even when he just remained where he was without saying a word. 

Claire even forgot how to breathe and was just silently staring at the silhouette who gradually turned around.

However–