Rain poured relentlessly as vehicles sped past the empty road. I sat alone at the bus stop with my luggage beside me, waiting for someone to pick me up.

Screech...

A black luxury car came to a stop in front of me. The driver stepped out with an umbrella and bowed politely before opening the rear door.

"Greetings, sir. Please get in."

I quietly got inside the car and settled into my seat. As I stared out the window, everything outside looked peaceful.

Unlike me.

I was an orphan who had somehow caught the attention of one of the most powerful men in the underworld. No... he didn't simply belong to the underworld.

He ruled it.

He was the boss of the most feared mafia organization in the country—the Valerius Syndicate. No one dared to stand against them.

He took me in, raised me with love, and even sent me abroad to continue my studies.

Yesterday, I received the news that my grandfather had passed away.

Before his death, he had left behind a will. According to it, the mansion he owned would become mine, along with half of his property.

His final wish...

...was for me to marry his eldest grandson.

And now, I was on my way to the home my grandfather had left for me.

"Sir, we've arrived."

"Ah... thank you."

The driver stepped out first, holding the umbrella over me as he opened the door.

The moment I looked up, I froze.

A house?

No...

It was a mansion.

"Boss is inside. He is waiting for you in his study."

I nodded and followed him inside.

The entrance hall alone was enormous. My footsteps echoed across the polished marble floor.

If the hall is this big... just how huge is my room going to be?

"Welcome to Noctis Vale Manor, mistress."

A handsome blond man greeted me with a respectful bow.

"Mistress?" I repeated in confusion.

"Yes. We were instructed to address you as mistress since you're our boss's soon-to-be wife." He paused awkwardly before correcting himself. "Sorry... I meant husband."

He smiled politely.

"Please allow me to escort you to the office. Boss is waiting."

"Sure."

I followed the blond man through the mansion.

He looks more like a gentleman than someone working for a mafia organization.

He stopped in front of a large wooden door.

"Please go in. I'll wait outside."

I took a deep breath before entering.

Inside, a man sat behind an elegant desk, completely focused on the paperwork before him.

His jet-black hair fell over his forehead, partially hiding his sharp blue eyes. Even while sitting, he carried an overwhelming presence.

He looked...

Majestic.

Without realizing it, I felt smaller just standing before him.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze.

"Who?"

"H-Hello... I'm Daisy. I was told you were waiting for me."

His deep, calm voice only made me more nervous.

"Please don't feel nervous," he said. "This is your house. We're merely living here. As the owner, you may do as you please. It is we who should ask for your permission."

"N-No, please. Feel free to do anything. Before me, this was your home."

"No. It belonged to Grandfather."

His eyes met mine.

"Now it belongs to you."

"...And you too," I replied without thinking.

He looked at me, silently asking for an explanation.

"I-I mean... we're getting married soon, so... this house belongs to both of us."

"Hm."

He gave a small nod.

"Good. Since you mentioned the marriage, please come here."

I walked over to him.

As he stood, I realized just how tall he was. My head barely reached his chest.

He's... really tall.

He gently took my hand and slipped a ring onto my finger.

Then he handed me another ring.

I understood immediately.

I placed it on his finger.

Afterward, we signed the marriage documents together.

Just like that...

I became someone's husband.

Wait...

Does this mean we're supposed to have a wedding night too?

"Don't worry."

His sudden words startled me.

"I have no intention of sleeping with you, so you can relax. Alex will show you to your room."

Did he just read my mind?

"Oh... are we staying in the same room?"

"There is a family custom. Newly married couples must share the same room for at least three days."

"Oh... I see."

Alex, the blond man who turned out to be my husband's secretary, smiled as he led me upstairs.

"Mistress."

I sighed.

"Could you please stop calling me 'mistress'?"

As a man, it felt strange hearing that title.

"I'm afraid I can't. You're officially our boss's husband."

I could only give up.

After taking a warm bath, I leaned back in the tub and stared at the ceiling.

Everything had happened so quickly.

Would I really be able to survive in this vast place?

---

Leon continued reviewing documents, rubbing his temple as another headache began to form.

"Boss, are you planning to work late tonight?" Alex asked.

"Why do you ask all of a sudden?"

"I was thinking... the mistress might feel lonely."

Alex smiled sheepishly.

"After all, it's his first wedding night."

Leon looked up.

"So you're telling me to sleep with him?"

"N-No! I know you have insomnia." Alex quickly waved his hands. "But... maybe just lie beside him. You don't even have to sleep. Just... keep him company. At least for tonight."

"Very well."

Alex blinked.

"...Wait."

"You agreed?"

"Wasn't that your suggestion?"

"Yes, but... it's unlike you to agree to something like this."

Leon stood, buttoning his suit.

"I'm going to my room."

He paused for a brief moment.

"I'll pretend to sleep until my husband falls asleep."

There was another reason...

One he hadn't told Alex.