Chapter 1 THE ESCAPE.

CHAPTER 1: THE ESCAPE.

The towering skyline of Ravengold City shimmered under the moonlit sky, a beacon of wealth and ambition. The streets below pulsed with energy-luxury cars gliding past, high-end restaurants brimming with the elite, and the distant hum of nightlife filling the air.

Kareem Al-Fayeed stood on the rooftop balcony of the grand Al-Fayeed estate, nursing a glass of whiskey. Below him, in the grand ballroom, a gala was in full swing-an event hosted by his parents to celebrate the legacy of Al-Fayeed Designs. But Kareem knew the real reason behind tonight's gathering.

He was about to be caged.

His father, Samir Al-Fayeed, had made it clear-no marriage, no inheritance. The billion-dollar fashion empire would go to someone else if Kareem didn't find a wife.

Kareem scoffed, swirling his drink. Marriage? He had spent his life avoiding commitment, indulging in casual flings, living life on his own terms. And now, because of his father's outdated traditions, he was expected to settle down.

The worst part? He had no way out.

A familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Kareem, you look like a man planning an escape."

He turned to see Victor, his best friend, smirking as he leaned against the balcony railing.

"I might be," Kareem admitted.

Victor chuckled. "Don't tell me your dad finally backed you into a corner."

Kareem exhaled. "It's worse. He expects me to pick a wife from this damn party."

Victor's grin widened. "And here I thought you had a way with women."

Kareem smirked but said nothing. He had a habit-whenever he passed a beautiful woman, he counted to three under his breath. One... two... three... and by then, he was usually already interested. But lately, even that trick wasn't working.

Victor clapped him on the back. "You're screwed, my friend."

Kareem rolled his eyes. "Not if I find a way out first."

With that, he set his glass down and disappeared into the shadows of the estate, determined to avoid his fate.

---

Meanwhile, Across the City...

On the other side of Ravengold City, in a modest neighborhood far from the glamour of the Al-Fayeeds, Ayshe Yılmaz paced her small bedroom, her heart pounding.

Downstairs, her family was preparing for Sabri's arrival. The man they expected her to marry.

Her mother, Selma, had been adamant-Sabri was a good match. He came from a well-off family, had a stable job, and, most importantly, he was interested in Ayshe.

But Ayshe wasn't interested in him.

"I'm not doing this," she muttered under her breath.

Her older brother, Hamza, had made it clear that she had no say in the matter. After all, her last relationship had ended in humiliation. Kerem, the man she had once loved, had walked away the moment he saw her with another man-never bothering to hear the truth.

Ayshe clenched her fists. She wouldn't let herself be controlled again.

Then, a knock at the door sent a shiver down her spine.

Sabri was here.

Without a second thought, Ayshe grabbed her coat, pushed open her bedroom window, and climbed out into the night.

---

Ayshe ran through the city streets, her breath visible in the cold night air. She didn't stop until she reached the one place where she always felt safe-her office at Al-Fayeed Designs.

The building was mostly empty this late, and as she entered, she let out a shaky breath.

She just needed time. Time to think, time to figure out her next move.

But as she turned a corner, she collided with something solid.

No-someone.

Strong hands caught her, steadying her. She looked up, her heart still racing, and met the sharp hazel eyes of Kareem Al-Fayeed.

For a moment, the world stood still.

Kareem's gaze swept over her, curiosity flickering across his face. "In a hurry?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ayshe swallowed hard. "I... I just needed some air."

He raised an eyebrow. "You look like you're running from something."

She hesitated, then exhaled. "I am."

Kareem chuckled. "Funny. So am I."

Ayshe blinked. She had expected indifference, maybe even annoyance, but not this-this strange sense of understanding between them.

He leaned against the wall, studying her. "Let me guess. Arranged marriage?"

Her eyes widened. "How did you-"

"I've been in your shoes," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "I know the look."

Ayshe crossed her arms. "And what are you doing here, then?"

"Hiding," he admitted. "My father thinks marriage is the key to my future."

Ayshe let out a humorless laugh. "Sounds familiar."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Then, as if struck by an idea, Ayshe looked up at him.

"What if..." she began, choosing her words carefully. "What if we helped each other?"

Kareem narrowed his eyes. "Go on."

"You need a wife to inherit the company. I need to get my family off my back." She met his gaze. "What if we got married?"

Kareem tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "A contract marriage?"

"Exactly."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "You know, this might be the craziest idea I've ever heard."

Ayshe lifted her chin. "So... yes or no?"

A slow smirk curved his lips. "Alright, Ayshe. You've got yourself a deal."

As their hands met in a firm handshake, neither of them realized that this deal would change everything.