Chapter 1

I was attending the evening galas in China of best business awards.

I was going to receive one for best businesswoman of the year. I was greeted by everyone I saw. I took a seat along with ChoCho. She has been with me through thick and thin, and I appreciate that she was able to support me.

Soon, the event began and awards were being given. After I received my award, I gave my heartfelt speech and received applause from the audience. I got down with the help of ChoCho and before I reached my seat-

*Bang*

An explosion broke out. The fire covered the entire area, and I covered my mouth so as not to pass out. ChoCho and I lost each other in the crowd, and I searched for an exit door sign. I pushed myself away from the crowd and headed for the empty emergency door that no one was using. I sprinted, and although I heard shouts from behind telling me not to continue, I ran anyway.

Before I could touch the door, I felt my hand being touched firmly by a young man – he was the same age as me but more built and taller but nevertheless, was dressed smartly. Before we knew it, we ran out and could now see the city lights. I turned around to see the National Event Center in flames. I then turned to look at the mysterious man.

Me: Who are you? And why are you holding my hand?

Boruto: Sarada Uchiha.

I stared at him, surprised.

Me: Boruto...?

Boruto: Yes. Do you know me?

Me: No, but I am still wondering why you are holding my hand.

Boruto: I will get to the point.

He held my hand tighter as he explained his agenda – an agenda I never expected.

"Marry me."

We both stared at each other, looking into his black pupils. Although he was my high school enemy – my worst nightmare, his demeanor made me feel safe and calm, as if I had known him before.

Me: Excuse me, but what? I don't even know you!

Boruto: You don't need to know me.

"But you marrying me can provide benefits."

Confused, yet composed, I simply stared at him. Before I could respond, he spoke again.

Boruto: And we need to run to safety before this building blows up on us, in exactly... (looking at his watch) 30 seconds.

We ran as fast as we could to the roads were closed by the traffic cops. We crossed over and the cars that were parked due to the fire looked at us. I could hear people talking as we ran past and holding a stranger's hand. Awkward.

"Sarada Uchiha?"

"Who is she running with?"

"Is that...?"

"Oh no," I muttered under my breath.

With that, Boruto pressed a button under my watch and a car from another road suddenly appeared.

Boruto: Hop in.

Me: Do I even have a choice?

Our drive to my estate was rather silent. Did I have a problem? No. Was I scared? No. Was I confused? Yes.

Me: Where are we exactly going?

Boruto: We are going to court.

Me: I never agreed to the whole marriage thing.

Boruto: But you will if you consider the benefits. Free housing, travel, and pay 5 times more than your actual salary on a single episode.

With a serious expression, he made eye contact with me.

Me: First, don't insult my salary. Second, no amount of money can make me change my mind – better try harder. Third, I have my own mansion that contains everything I need and beyond – I don't need a man to fulfill anything.

Boruto simply laughed, then looked out the window.

Boruto: I have 15 minutes left before I lose my spot in the company.

Me: Okay? And how am I involved?

Boruto: I need to be married in the next hour or else I am losing my shares.

Me: Again, how does it involve me?!

Silence.

I folded my arms as we passed by the many tall buildings. How did my life change in the blink of an eye? I was saved by a mysterious man who also wants my hand in marriage... I wondered what ChoCho would think of all these...

Boruto: Think of this marriage arrangement as a marriage of convenience. You help me keep my spot in the company, and I help you get rid of the pressure to marry.

That struck a cord. I looked at him, wide-eyed. I didn't want to give him the idea that he won but-

"Congratulations! You are officially husband and wife!"

I guess he did. Because I agreed.

We walked out of the court and got into the car again. Our journey was silent and I didn't mind it.

Boruto: No need to be too silent princess, we are going on honeymoon.

Me: (shocked) Honeymoon? Tonight?

Boruto: (smirks) Why not?

"You are now under my care."

For some reason, his words sent a bolt through my spine and I felt goosebumps all over my arms. Perhaps I really had no idea of what love – true love feels like – because I was seeing another side of Boruto that got me into a red tomato mess.

We got into his private jet and off we flew to Spain. I was so deadbeat that as soon as I got comfortable I immediately fell asleep.

Boruto's POV

I watched as Sarada slept. Her breathing was even, and her facial expressions showed calmness and peacefulness. Soon she will find out the truth about my real identity and-

Save that for when the time comes.

Sarada Uchiha is sharp-tongued but still a better candidate than I hoped for. I pushed my hair back as I grabbed the marriage certificate took a photo of it, and emailed it to my Dad. I sighed as I sunk into my seat and now and then, glanced back at Sarada. I had to keep business, business. As soon as my Dad believes the story, I will divorce her and life goes back to normal.

*Buzz*

I then received a phone call from Mitsuki. I pressed to answer.

Mitsuki: Boruto? How did everything go?

Me: Great. I am officially married.

Mistuki: Really? In an hour? To who?

Me: (glancing at Sarada) Actress, Sarada Uchiha.

Mistuki fell silent for a while.

Mitsuki: How did you convince her? She's quite the tough nut.

Me: I have my ways and I used a bit of emotional blackmail.

Mistuki: Well, whatever works for you Boruto. Did you send the details to

Me: Done and dusted, waiting for confirmation.

Mistuki: You do know how strict your father is, right?

Me: I know. He might bring a 'let's-meet-your-wife-today' and that sort of thing.

Mitsuki: As long you know what you are putting yourself – and Sarada up against. You know she needs to be aware, right?

***

Sarada's POV

I woke up in a comfy bed and warm blankets. I quickly rose and looked around.

Boruto: Relax. I simply carried you here.

I turned to Boruto, who was seated casually on the couch in the bedroom, locking eyes with me. I felt butterflies when he locked eyes with me and this was going to be my first night as... Sarada Uzumaki.

Me: (skeptical) Thanks. Sorry for the trouble. You could have simply woken me up-

Boruto: You are my wife, Sarada.

I widened my eyes at the term and he walked up to the other side of the bed, taking a sit casually like he's used to it.

Wife.

Boruto: Even though it's a marriage of convenience, we still need to make it convincing, don't you think?

Me: So, this is all just a contract to you?

Boruto: Yes. Is there anything behind that I should know of?

Me: ...

Boruto: Or rather – have you fallen for me already, Mrs. Uzumaki?

Me: (flushed) In your dreams Boruto, and stop saying that – it's giving me goosebumps.

Boruto: Don't make it harder than it already is.

Me: And don't push my buttons than they already have.

Stepping out of bed, I removed my cardigan and placed it on the chair close to my side of the bed.

Boruto: Your nightgowns are in the dressing room.

I looked at Boruto. His sharp sense of reading the room was impressive, no job – unless a detective or something similar – can teach you such skills. I don't even get that close even in acting.

Me: Thanks.

I walked into the dressing room and locked the door behind me. I removed my dress and changed into my nightgown. Since I left everything behind, Boruto bought me some. Silk, lace... just the way I liked my nightgowns. I would have said that he stalked me beforehand but he did his findings – not that I was willing to admit. I took the nightgowns and went out in a gown. Boruto looked at me, making me feel embarrassed.

Me: Can you please stop staring?

Boruto simply nodded and went back to his tablet.

Some man he is.

I decided to take a shower to clear my thoughts as I recounted the events that played out today and Boruto's words.

"Marry me."

"You marrying me can provide benefits."

"We are going to court."

"You are now under my care."

"You are my wife."

I let the water splash my face as I tried to forget Boruto's words.

They were meaningless.

It's just an act.

They mean NOTHING.

Though to me, they meant something.

Something I wasn't willing to admit.

After taking a long shower, I changed into my nightgown stepped out of the bathroom, and approached the bed. The room was now empty – Boruto left.

Curiosity killed the cat as I quietly stepped out of the bedroom, hoping to find Boruto in the living room.

"Yes. I get it."

And he was on a call with someone – not that I cared who it was. He was in the hallway that led to other doors in the room, such as the office, guest room, and another extra room which caught my attention but pushed the thoughts aside. It would have been nice for a gallery or art room. I leaned closer to the wall to hear what Boruto was saying on the call.

Boruto: And what did he say?

??: Your father is impressed at your quick finding of a mate, though he's a bit skeptical.

Boruto: How skeptical?

??: Skeptical enough to let it go – I don't know how you do it, but he isn't complaining.

Boruto: Of course, if I have to be next in line for Mafia Don of Uzumaki Empire-

I gasped as I heard his words.

Boruto: Hello? (to the phone) Give me a sec, I just want to check on something.

??: Okay.

I then ran back into the bedroom and quickly jumped into bed, closing my eyes shut. He mustn't know I eavesdropped into his conversation and that I know who he truly is.

A mafia Don; a mobster.

Just as I thought I was free from it – I was dragged right into it.

How did I not see the signs?

THE NEXT MORNING

I woke up in the morning to an empty bedroom. In the empire, surely he doesn't have time for sleeping leisure. Finding out last night wasn't fun, but I still wanted answers.

I got out of bed and opened the door to see Boruto focused on his laptop screen, situated on the couch with such etiquette that got me annoyed – this was only day 1.

He looked up at me for a split second before returning to his laptop screen.

Boruto: Good morning Sarada.

But I didn't greet back. I walked up to him, standing in front of his face, causing him to look up at me. I promised myself to never get into the dark mafia world, but here I was – married to a dangerous man full of dangerous secrets.

"Is it true, that you are the Mafia Don of Uzumaki Empire, Boruto?"

Without wavering, nor looking away, he replied,

"Yes. Yes, I am."

Me: I hate you.

Boruto: ...

Me: You make me marry you, then... only on the night of 'our' honeymoon, did I find out you are in the mafia?!

Boruto: It's called life, Sarada-

Me: No, it's called deceit!

I shook my head as I tried to process the information. I thought I promised myself to never get tangled up in this dark world for me to blindly fall into it. How ironic.

Boruto: Ironic, is it not?

Me: (annoyed) What do you know about irony?

Boruto: That it can make a person feel like they have betrayed their values; broken their promises.

Me: ...

Boruto: You vowed to never get tangled up in this dark world, right?

Me: ...

Boruto: Yet... you found your way back in.

Me: Boruto - don't push it.

Just then, Boruto received a call and the sirens started ringing loudly.

Boruto: Dress up quick - we're leaving.

Me: Leaving for where, and for what?

Boruto looked at me and gave me a smirk that if hypnotized, I would forget why I was angry with him.

"This the start of us hiding in the shadows."