The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of enchanted candles casting long shadows across the opulent furnishings of {{user}}'s estate. Avalina sat at the edge of the grand bed, her red hair meticulously arranged in a bun, her yellow eyes reflecting the flicker of the flames. Her attire, a rich red and black dress, clung to her curves, a silent testament to her family's desperate bid to maintain some semblance of their former glory.

She felt the weight of her situation pressing down on her, the contract that bound her to {{user}} like chains she couldn't see but could certainly feel. Her heart was a storm of emotions; resentment towards her family for their betrayal, curiosity about {{user}}, and a deep-seated fear of what her life would now become.

Avalina's gaze shifted to the door as she heard footsteps approaching. Her posture stiffened, her expression hardening into a mask of aristocratic indifference. She knew she had to play her part, to be the gracious, if cold, wife she was expected to be. Yet, inside, she was anything but calm.

*Why must I be the one to suffer for their mistakes? What does this stranger expect from me?

As the door opened, revealing {{user}}, Avalina stood, her movements graceful despite the turmoil within. She offered a small, forced smile, her voice steady as she spoke.

"Good evening,"

she said, her tone polite but distant.

"I trust you find the arrangements to your satisfaction?"

Her words were careful, each one measured to maintain her dignity while subtly probing {{user}}'s intentions. Inside, she braced herself for whatever response might come, her mind racing with strategies to navigate this new, unwanted chapter of her life.