I had never imagined that my Sleeping Prince would be this devastatingly handsome.
His looks were enough to rival any celebrity.
For years, I had been completely indifferent to men. Romance, attraction, relationships — none of it ever interested me. But now?
I was beginning to understand why people said women were visual creatures.
Standing beside the bed, Antonella Valente gently held her son's hand, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. When she looked at me, her elegant features softened with sorrow.
"Seraphina, this is my son, Adriano Valente."
Her voice was calm, but grief lingered beneath every word.
"His father was killed when he was still young. I prayed every day that he would grow up healthy and strong, that he would have a better life than the one he was born into. But fate had other plans. An attempt on his life took everything from him..."
Her voice faltered.
She lowered her gaze to Adriano's motionless figure, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. One hand instinctively brushed the strand of black pearls around her neck before falling back to her side.
A strange ache settled in my chest.
I had come here for selfish reasons. Money was the only thing that had brought me through those gates.
Yet looking at this mother and son, I couldn't help feeling sympathy.
"Maybe a miracle will happen," I said softly. "Maybe Adriano will wake up one day."
Antonella shook her head.
"He's been receiving treatment for years. The doctors have already confirmed that he's permanently vegetative."
Her voice cracked on the last few words.
Fresh tears gathered in her eyes.
Not knowing what else to say, I fell silent.
After a while, she managed to compose herself and led me downstairs.
"Seraphina, if you're willing, you can move in immediately. Stay here for six months. If you still feel the same way afterward, then we'll discuss the marriage."
I blinked in surprise.
"Move in now?"
"Yes."
She smiled reassuringly.
"Family business has kept me away from the territory for too long, and I need to leave again soon. The staff will help you settle in. Think of this estate as your own home."
I glanced around at the sprawling mansion surrounding us.
Moving into a place like this?
It sounded less like a responsibility and more like winning the lottery.
"All right."
I nodded without hesitation.
Her trust was unexpected, but I certainly wasn't about to refuse.
Antonella's smile widened.
"Good. Since you've openly admitted that you're here for the money, I'll have my people conduct a full background check. You're comfortable with that, right?"
What a refreshingly direct woman.
"Of course."
I wasn't bothered in the slightest.
She extended her hand.
"You're honest, Seraphina. I like that."
Her gaze lingered on me thoughtfully.
"In the last two years, I've met countless women who wanted to marry Adriano. None of them felt right. You're the first one who feels genuine."
I nearly laughed.
Genuine?
That was probably the first time anyone had ever described me that way.
Still, I smiled politely.
"I'll leave everything in your hands. Keep Adriano company. Talk to him. Let the staff handle everything else."
Then she added:
"And don't worry. Your monthly allowance will arrive on time."
This time, I couldn't stop myself from nodding enthusiastically.
That very afternoon, Antonella left for the city.
And just like that, I officially moved into the estate with my few suitcases.
The household staff were indeed plentiful, but there was surprisingly little for them to do. The mansion was already maintained with near-perfect efficiency.
Most of the time, everyone simply went about their routines quietly, leaving me with an abundance of free time.
Only the armed guards stationed at the main gate served as a reminder that this wasn't an ordinary home.
I chose the bedroom next to Adriano's.
It was bright and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens below.
A perfect place to relax.
A perfect place to work.
And, if I was being honest, a perfect place to get paid for doing almost nothing.
After unpacking my belongings, I decided to visit Adriano again.
When I entered his room, he looked exactly as he had before.
Peaceful.
Silent.
Beautiful.
In the soft afternoon sunlight, his features somehow appeared even more striking.
"What a waste," I murmured.
"A prince like you shouldn't be trapped like this."
Pulling a chair beside the bed, I sat down and smiled.
"Hello, Mr. Valente."
I gave a little wave.
"I'm Seraphina Cataldi. Your future wife."
Then I grinned.
"Starting today, I'll be taking care of you."
As expected, there was no response.
Not even the slightest movement.
Later, I returned to my room and opened my laptop.
Curiosity got the better of me.
I spent the next hour researching vegetative states.
According to the medical articles, there were generally three categories.
The first involved minimal consciousness.
The second allowed patients to open their eyes and display subconscious reactions while remaining unaware of their surroundings.
The third was the most severe.
Permanent vegetative state.
No awareness.
No consciousness.
No meaningful response.
Unfortunately, Adriano belonged to the third category.
I continued researching recovery cases.
There were stories of miraculous awakenings, but they were extraordinarily rare.
Some articles recommended sensory stimulation, conversation, and physical therapy.
Others suggested regular massage and emotional engagement.
But statistically?
The odds were practically nonexistent.
One in a million.
Maybe even worse.
With a sigh, I closed the laptop.
A one-in-a-million chance wasn't much different from no chance at all.
Just then, a faint cough drifted through the silence.
I froze.
My heart skipped a beat.
"Adriano?"
I immediately jumped to my feet and rushed next door.
But when I entered the room, disappointment quickly followed.
He was exactly where I had left him.
Still.
Silent.
Motionless.
As beautiful as a sleeping sculpture.
I scratched my head awkwardly.
Guess I had imagined it.
There was no way Adriano had coughed.
"Well..."
I glanced at him and shrugged.
"I might as well do my job properly."
"Collect the allowance, be the perfect future daughter-in-law, and enjoy the good life."
Speaking of allowances—
My phone suddenly chimed.
A transfer notification appeared on the screen.
$100,000.
Transferred successfully.
For a moment, I stared at the number.
Then my eyes lit up.
A hundred thousand dollars.
Just for moving in.
Just for existing.
At that instant, every trace of doubt vanished.
Living in this estate suddenly felt like paradise.
I could eat what I wanted.
Buy what I wanted.
Sleep whenever I wanted.
And never worry about money again.
For the first time in a very long while, genuine contentment settled over me.
Maybe this arrangement wasn't such a bad idea after all.
