**Chapter 2: First Encounter**

The grand entrance of the Malfoy Manor loomed before Selene, its stone façade glowing warmly in the fading light of day. She felt a flutter in her chest as she stepped down from the carriage and onto the gravel driveway, the sound of crunching stones beneath her feet echoing through the stillness. Draco stood waiting for her, a courteous smile on his face as he offered his arm. "Welcome to my home," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Selene took his arm, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over her. This was it, the moment she had been dreading and anticipating in equal measure. They had talked about the marriage, about their expectations and the circumstances that had brought them together, but nothing could truly prepare her for the reality of living with Draco Malfoy as his wife. As they walked towards the manor, Selene couldn't help but notice the way the trees seemed to lean in, as if listening to their conversation. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant hint of smoke from the kitchen. She felt a pang of nostalgia wash over her; this was a place she had never been, yet somehow, it felt familiar. Upon entering the manor, Selene was struck by its opulence. The high ceilings, the lavish furnishings, and the intricate artwork all seemed to whisper tales of a rich history. Draco led her to a cozy sitting room, where a fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the space. "Please, make yourself at home," Draco said, gesturing to a plush armchair. Selene sat, trying to take in every detail of her surroundings. The room was a testament to the Malfoy family's wealth and status, but it was also strangely... welcoming. She spotted a few family portraits on the walls, including one of Draco as a young boy, his eyes sparkling with mischief. As they sat down to tea, Selene felt a sense of awkwardness wash over her. They chatted about everything and nothing, their conversation stilted at times, but Draco made an effort to draw her out, to make her feel at ease. She found herself laughing at his wry observations about the manor's eccentricities and the quirks of his family. As the evening drew to a close, Draco walked Selene to her room, a spacious suite with a beautiful view of the gardens. "I hope you're comfortable," he said, his eyes searching hers. Selene nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thank you, Draco. I am." Their eyes met, and for a moment, Selene felt a flicker of connection, a sense of recognition that went beyond mere friendship. It was as if they had crossed a threshold, into a new reality, one where they were no longer just friends, but husband and wife. The silence that followed was not uncomfortable, merely... expectant. Draco's eyes lingered on hers, and Selene felt her heart beat just a little bit faster. "I'll let you rest," he said finally, his voice low and gentle. "We'll talk more in the morning." As he turned to leave, Selene felt a pang of disappointment. She had expected... more, perhaps. But as she watched him go, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one that would be filled with its own set of challenges and discoveries. In the stillness of her room, Selene couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Would they be able to navigate the complexities of their marriage, to build a life together that was more than just a union of convenience? Only time would tell, but for now, she felt a sense of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something beautiful.