Amir's POV

I barely had time to process the exchange before Amir leaned down again, his breath warm against my ear. “Get used to it. There’s a lot of venom behind all those pretty smiles.”

I stiffened under his hand. “ I know. I’m not here to make friends,” I muttered, keeping my own polite smile plastered on as more guests approached.

“Good,” he said simply, his voice low and detached. 

Minutes later, I was pacing the length of a room lavishly decorated with roses in every corner. Their sweet fragrance mixed with the faint scent of vanilla candles that flickered under the dim lighting. 

Hell no!

I stopped mid-stride, staring at the bed as my heart raced. “Was this really going to happen? Are we going to consummate this marriage?”

This was just a deal. He promised!

He couldn't possibly want to mate with me…

The door creaked open, and I spun around, my breath hitching as Amir stepped into the room. His presence seemed to suck the air from the space, and I was suddenly aware of how small the room felt with him in it.  

His jacket was gone, and his tie was loosened, revealing a sliver of his well-built chest. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking as he looked at me with those dark hooded eyes.

“You’re scared,” he said, his voice low and smooth, as if he found my nervous energy amusing.  

I straightened, trying to steady her voice. “I am not—”  

“You are,” he interrupted, stepping further into the room and letting the door click shut behind him.  

My pulse quickened as he moved closer, his eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made me feel like prey. I took a small step back until the back of my legs hit the edge of the bed.  

There was nearly no space between us as his tall frame towered over me. He reached out, pulling a stray curl from my face and sniffing it deeply with a crazed look. “Your fear…. I can smell it.”

He was enjoying this!

“I’m not afraid,” It was such an obvious lie. Heck! My voice was trembling.  

His lips tilted slightly as he leaned in until our faces were only a breath apart. His callused hand lightly brushed against my arm and left a trail of goosebumps.

I forced my eyes close as my heart thumped so loud I was sure he could hear it. 

I prepared myself, my lips parting slightly, waiting for the inevitable…

But instead of the warmth of his lips, I heard the sound of his low, mocking laughter.  

My eyes snapped open to find him leaning back, amusement dancing in his dark eyes.  

“You actually thought I was going to kiss you,” he said, his eyes watching me with curiosity. “How... Cute.”  

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I clenched my fists at my sides, angry with myself for letting my guard down.  

“What the…,” I hissed. My hands were itching to smack off the stupid look on his face. “This is just a game to you huh?”

He chuckled, stepping back and shrugging. “This is a business arrangement, Geraldine. Don’t confuse it for anything else.”  

I glared at him, my embarrassment quickly changing to defiance. “You don’t have to remind me, husband.”  

“Good,” he said, his tone sharp and final. “Get some rest. We have appearances to keep tomorrow.”  

The next morning, I woke up determined. If this was going to be my life for the next two years, I might as well enjoy the perks that came with it. 

Fake or not, I was now the wife of a ridiculously wealthy Alpha, and I will make the most of it.

After a quick shower and an outfit change, the delicious aroma of food guided me to the dining room.

The table was laid out like a feast for a royal banquet. There were stacks of pancakes dripping with syrup, platters of eggs cooked in every style imaginable, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, golden croissants, and steaming coffee. My mouth watered at the sight.

Amir was already seated at the head of the table, casually flipping through a newspaper. 

I didn’t greet him. I wasn’t going to play the demure, obedient wife. 

I took a seat directly across from him, grabbed a plate, and began piling it high with everything in reach.  

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him glance up from his paper, one brow raised in mild curiosity. But he said nothing, his attention quickly returning to the headlines.  

I didn’t care, and I didn't hold back. 

 I ate like someone who hadn’t seen food this good in years, because, honestly, I hadn’t.  

I got annoyed with how he kept glancing at me. Was he judging me? 

“You know,” I said around a mouthful of pancake, “this whole breakfast setup is really over the top. Who eats like this every day?”  

He didn’t look up and just took a sip of his coffee.

I rolled my eyes, taking another bite of bacon. “Must be nice.”  

“It is,” he replied flatly, finally folding the paper and setting it aside. He took another slow sip from his coffee, his gaze briefly meeting mine over the rim.  

I narrowed my eyes at him, irritated by his calmness. “You’re not going to say anything about how I’m eating?”  

“Why would I?” he asked, setting the cup down. “You’re enjoying yourself. Isn’t that what you wanted?”  

His tone was so casual, that it caught me off guard.  

“Well… yeah,” I said, unsure of how to respond.  

He leaned back in his chair, his dark eyes scanning me. “Good. Then keep eating.”  

I blinked, momentarily thrown. Was he… indulging me?  

I decided not to think too much about it. I returned to my eating my food. If he wasn’t going to criticize me, then I had no reason to hold back.  

By the time I finished, I was stuffed, leaning back in my chair with a satisfied sigh, a burp, and…a fart.

Amir had barely touched his plate, but he hadn’t left either, even with all I did. It was a pity the fart didn't stink.

“You’re an odd one,” I muttered, breaking the silence.  

His lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk appearing. “T

It takes one to know one.”  

I rolled my eyes again, pushing my chair back. “Whatever. I’m going to explore the house.”  

“Feel free,” he said, his tone indifferent as he picked up his paper again.  

I took a step toward the door, and a sharp pain pierced through my stomach. I froze mid-step, clutching my abdomen.

“What’s happening…” I muttered as my breathing became shallow.  

My vision blurred for a moment, and I stumbled, gripping the edge of the dining table for support.  

I turned slowly toward Amir, my eyes widening. “What the fuck did you do?”