The bride's family just watched in silence, anticipating the marriage that would bring them the benefits of being sponsored by the Pratt companies.

"You are very ill-mannered, young man. This is the education we have given you," shouted the old man in response to his grandson's arrogant attitude.

"Good morning, everyone. Grandfather, I have a tight schedule. Judge, let's get this over with quickly," he said, sitting in the chair next to the girl.

The wedding was swift. Lindsey's heart raced; she felt a cold sweat running down her back. Not because of her husband, but because she had once dreamed of marrying the love of her life in a church, and now that dream had gone off a cliff.

Kyle signed the document, glancing at the girl who evoked no feelings in him. He was neutral. He stood up, adjusting his suit.

With a malicious smile, Kathen whispered in her daughter's ear.

"I told you, this man is going to ruin her."

Courtney only looked at the handsome man flirtatiously.

"Well, gentlemen, I bid farewell. I have things to attend to," he looked at his mom and continued, "Mother, would you be so kind as to take the young lady home? I'm expected for a business meeting."

Resignedly sighing, Sussan replied, "Of course, son. I'll settle her in at your house."

Kyle left the judge's office without looking at anyone.

Minutes later, everyone left the registry. The bride's family bid her farewell with hypocrisy.

The grandfather's chauffeur appeared, and the three people got into the limousine.

"Girl! I know my grandson seems a bit frivolous and arrogant, but he's not a bad person," the old man commented with affectionate eyes, taking her hands.

"I understand, Mr. Pratt," she looked at him sweetly.

"You're a polite and shy girl. We'll be family, so call me Grandpa Hugo."

"Just call me Sussan, no Mrs. or mother-in-law, just Sussan. As for my son, just be patient with him. He's an only child, and since he left the family home, he's been living with his nanny Emilia, who spoils him like another mother," Sussan assured, smiling.

Lindsey nodded nervously. Her life was about to change, and she didn't know what awaited her in her new home with the ice-cold man. She remained silent for the rest of the journey, observing mansions passing by the car window. The car stopped at a large gate, which opened wide. It continued on a path lined with rows of trees, and she admired, wide-eyed, the enormous mansion in the center.

She got out of the car slowly, facing the facade of her new home. It was a huge white house with two massive stone-carved columns at the front. The lower part of the facade was covered in limestone.

The main door was painted black, opened, and a middle-aged woman, not very tall but robust, with a pleasant smile, appeared.

"Welcome, sirs! It's a pleasure to see you again."

"My dear Emilia, this is my granddaughter Lindsey, Kyle's wife," the old man clarified.

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am! I'm Emilia, and I help my boy keep the mansion in harmony."

"Please don't call me ma'am, just call me Lin."

Emilia immediately liked her boy's wife at first sight, even though there was sadness in her eyes. She seemed timid and angelic. However, Emilia couldn't understand why a girl her age dressed like that.

Sussan, holding Lindsey's hands, said her goodbyes.

"We're leaving. You're in good hands. If you need anything, feel free to ask Emilia, or ask for my phone number and call me whenever you want," she offered a supportive smile, placed her hands on the girl's shoulders, and hugged her.

Lindsey was stunned by the affection shown by her new family, only able to nod in response.

The driver approached with her suitcase, handed it over, and she received it gladly, thanking him with a smile.

"Dear granddaughter! I'll come to visit you soon," assured the old man, turned his back, and walked toward the limousine, followed by his daughter.

Upon entering, Lindsey was amazed by the elegance and luxury emanating from the mansion, although she felt it cold with the white, gray, and black colors that peeked into every corner of the house.

"Come, my girl, I'll take you to your room, you must be tired."

When she heard the word "room," Lindsey startled, blinked several times, her body shuddered at the thought of sleeping with Kyle.

Emilia, seeing her reaction, smiled affectionately, placed a hand on her back, and started pushing her forward.

"Come, my girl, let's go upstairs, your room is in front of my boy, he told me you'll be sleeping in separate rooms."

Lindsey sighed in relief, followed Emilia's steps until they reached the second-floor corridor. Emilia pointed out Kyle's room and then opened the one in front, encouraging her to enter.

Upon entering, she felt the door close behind her, observed a huge bed in the center covered with white sheets and two pillows. She walked toward a door, opened it, and was astonished to see a massive closet with spaces on the sides, drawers above, and a complete wall with divisions for shoes. She grabbed her suitcase and quickly arranged her clothes, feeling tiny in that enormous space.

Then she closed the closet, threw herself back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering, ‘God, what more tests do you have for me? Why did you place an ogre in my path? Although I won't deny that I like him a lot, he's very attractive and desirable. He must have women who cater to his every whim. As he eyed me, I know I'm not to his liking,’ she brought her hands to her face, shaking her head. ‘Forget it; you won't have a chance with that ogre. He's not for you.’

She felt like crying, but the tears wouldn't come. Now, she truly felt alone in that cold and spacious room.