• •
  The hum of the airplane engines filled the quiet cabin as the city lights disappeared beneath the clouds.

For the first time in years, she was somewhere far away from the place that had taken so much from her.

No shouting. No fear of footsteps approaching. No need to constantly watch her surroundings.

But leaving didn’t mean everything was gone.

The past still followed her in the silence—the memories, the fear, the instinct to stay guarded. She had learned how to hide everything behind a calm expression, how to smile when she needed to, how to convince the world that she was fine.

No one knew.

Not the people who arranged the marriage. Not the guests at the wedding. Not even the man sitting beside her.

To everyone else, she was simply the mysterious bride who had entered a powerful family. Quiet. Graceful. Untouchable.

But underneath the elegant clothes and composed appearance was someone who had survived more than anyone realized.

Across from her, the man sat with his usual intimidating presence. Tall, sharp-featured, and dressed perfectly, he looked like someone who never allowed the world to see him struggle. His expression remained unreadable, his eyes focused on the passing clouds outside the window.

He was known for being cold. Controlled. Impossible to shake.

Even now, during their honeymoon flight, he carried the same commanding presence.

After a long silence, he glanced toward her.