The room felt suffocatingly cold, a chill that seeped into her bones as she climbed the grand staircase to her quarters. Evelyn could still hear the faint echoes of the men’s heavy boots on the marble floors as they escorted the mysterious Vedrick upstairs. She didn’t dare ask who he was or why he was being brought into this vast, lonely mansion.The grand chandelier above her cast dancing shadows on the walls, but instead of comfort, it added to her unease. She gripped the banister tighter, her mind racing. The events of the day replayed like a broken record—Michael’s sudden reappearance, his whiskey-brown eyes piercing through her, his silence cutting deeper than words ever could.By the time she reached her room, her legs felt like they’d carry her no further. She opened the door, shut it behind her, and pressed her back against it, trying to steady her breathing. Her room, though lavish with its silk curtains and ornate furnishings, felt like a gilded cage.Evelyn paced the room,
Evelyn stared at the folder resting on her lap, her fingers trembling as they traced the leather edges. The weight of the contract felt heavier than the paper it was written on. She had been prepared for rules, of course—her life had always been governed by someone else’s terms—but seeing them spelled out so coldly made the situation all the more real.Her eyes hovered over the first page again: Contract of Matrimonial Agreement.The title itself made her stomach churn. She gritted her teeth and turned to the rules, her heartbeat quickening as she read.Rule 1: ConfidentialityThe words were sharp and unyielding. No one was to know the truth of their arrangement. Not her family, not the staff, not even strangers. Evelyn let out a bitter laugh.“What family would I even tell?” she muttered, her voice tinged with sarcasm. Her father had handed her over like a pawn, and her sister had run off without a care. She had no one.Still, the rule felt isolating. It was as though the contract wa
Then she signed the contract and slept off, the weight of the decision pressing on her mind as she drifted into a restless sleep. The next morning, she was gently awakened by Artemis, her guard. His voice, calm and steady, cut through the haze of sleep.“Good morning, Miss Evelyn,” he said. “You have a long day ahead.”Evelyn groggily nodded, blinking against the softness of the bed as she tried to adjust to the reality of her new life. She felt like a stranger in her own body, still trying to make sense of everything that had happened. Without much choice, she let Artemis guide her through the motions of the morning.The servants had prepared her bath—warm water filled with the faint scent of lavender and rose. She sank into it, the heat soothing her body but doing little to calm her racing thoughts. Afterward, the maids laid out her clothes for the day.For the first time, Evelyn wore an expensive gown. It was tight, the fabric hugging her curves in a way that felt both uncomfortabl
As Evelyn made her way back to her room, her mind buzzed with confusion and anticipation. Michael had said they would be leaving in an hour, but what did that actually mean? She had no idea where they were going, or why. Everything about him felt like a mystery she wasn’t sure she was ready to solve.The unfamiliar tightness of the gown she wore made her feel out of place, as though she didn’t belong in such opulence. But it was more than that. The air between them, the silence that hung in the dining room, had been thick with something unspoken—something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Michael was so... controlled. His every movement, his every word, calculated with precision. It was as if he were playing a game, and she was still trying to figure out the rules.She glanced at Artemis, who stood nearby, her red hair swept back into a neat ponytail. The guard's eyes never left her, always watching, always alert. Evelyn couldn’t help but feel like a piece of merchandise under her
The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the chandelier above them and the subtle clink of silverware as the waitstaff, who had appeared seemingly from nowhere, began to serve their meal. Evelyn sat across from Michael, the tension between them palpable despite the luxurious surroundings. She wasn’t sure what to expect from this evening, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was a performance—a game she hadn’t yet learned to play.Michael’s gaze was still locked on her, unreadable. There was something dangerous in the way he observed her, like a predator sizing up its prey. Evelyn fidgeted with the edge of her napkin, trying to keep her hands steady, but every time she tried to look away, her eyes were drawn back to him. He was impossible to ignore. His presence filled the room, commanding it with an ease that both fascinated and terrified her.When the waiter placed the first dish in front of them—a delicate plate of lobster bisque—Evelyn found herself staring at it
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bed. Evelyn stirred, still disoriented from the previous night’s events. Her mind was a jumble of confusion, anger, and something else—something she couldn’t quite name. She hadn’t expected to wake up like this, in this grand bed, with Michael’s presence looming over her.And there he was. Sitting on the edge of a stool, freshly emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair still falling loosely around his face. He was naked, his body sculpted and defined, a living, breathing testament to perfection. His eyes met hers, dark and intense, and for a moment, Evelyn felt a strange flutter in her chest. He didn’t speak immediately, just gazed at her with that enigmatic, seductive look that left her breathless. The air between them was thick, oppressive, and she could almost taste the tension.He reached down, slowly wiping the stool in a deliberate motion, as if to remind her of his control, of his presence in h
Evelyn’s heart raced as Michael drove them toward the Morgan Mansion, her thoughts spiraling into chaos. The weight of what Michael had said hung heavily in the air, suffocating her with each passing minute. Diane’s return meant a return to her old life, the life she had desperately tried to escape. The mansion, her father, the expectations—it all felt like a prison. She had thought that after signing the contract, she would have some semblance of control over her life. But now it was clear that she was just another pawn in a game she didn’t understand. Her father, who had once promised her that she would be free, was now ready to replace her with Diane. It felt like all the walls she had built around herself were crumbling, and she was powerless to stop it. As the car pulled up to the mansion, Evelyn’s stomach twisted with anxiety. The grand estate loomed in front of her, its cold, imposing structure a constant reminder of everything she had tried to leave behind. She didn’t want
"Evelyn go upstairs," Mr. Morgan's voice broke through the silence, his tone commanding. "I need to speak with Diane and Mr. Volkov alone."Evelyn’s stomach churned at the mention of Volkov—another man of power, another link in the chain that she could never escape. She looked at Michael, her gaze desperate, pleading for some sign that everything would be okay.Michael met her eyes, his expression softening for the briefest moment. With a subtle nod, he leaned in slightly, his voice low but reassuring. “Don’t worry. I’m here. Just go upstairs. I’ll be right behind you.”She didn’t trust her voice as she stood up. The last thing she wanted was to leave Michael’s side, to walk away from the only person who had given her some semblance of comfort. But she had no choice. Her father had spoken, and her place was no longer at the table with them.As Evelyn made her way toward the stairs, the heavy silence of the room pressing in on her, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something
Morning Light and ChoicesEvelyn stirred as the soft warmth of sunlight kissed her face, filtering through the open window. The golden rays danced across the room, casting delicate patterns onto the walls and the polished floor. She blinked slowly, her mind a haze of half-remembered dreams and lingering tension from the previous night. The weight of her new reality pressed against her chest, but for a moment, she let herself bask in the light.Sitting up, Evelyn stretched, the silky sheets sliding from her shoulders. Her gaze fell on the exquisite gown draped carefully over a nearby chair. It was breathtaking—a deep crimson dress with delicate gold embroidery tracing patterns along the hem and bodice. The fabric shimmered faintly in the morning light, exuding elegance and power.Before she could rise to examine it, the door opened, and the maids entered, their presence as quiet as a whisper. Behind them, Artemis followed, her fiery red hair swept into a sleek bun. She wore a black but
Evelyn stirred awake, her eyelids fluttering as she adjusted to the dim lighting of the room. A dull, persistent throbbing radiated from the side of her head, a reminder of the chaos that had led her here. The memory of the accident and the kidnapping that followed was still vivid in her mind—the cold hands that had gripped her, the muffled cries for help. Everything had spiraled so fast. She hadn’t had time to process it all until now.With a soft groan, she pushed herself upright, her hands gripping the silky sheets beneath her. The bed was absurdly large and far more luxurious than anything she had ever imagined for herself. Her gaze flitted around the room, taking in the sheer opulence of her surroundings. High ceilings with ornate molding, plush furniture adorned with gold accents, and a chandelier that cast soft, warm light across the space—it was the kind of life she had only seen in magazines.She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her bare feet brushing against the cool
The air was heavy with tension as Michael’s sleek black car pulled up to the imposing gates of the Morgan mansion. He had to be careful as he seemed to be exposing himself more often, bringing more danger to him. The guard stationed at the entrance barely had time to react before Michael’s men subdued him, opening the gates with swift precision. Michael stepped out of the car, his expression cold and unreadable, his sharp suit catching the moonlight. He adjusted his cuffs calmly as if the night’s events were nothing out of the ordinary. “Stay here,” he instructed adams and the others. “I’ll handle this myself.” “But, sir—” Adams began, concern evident in his tone. Michael’s piercing glare silenced him. “I said, stay.” With that, he strode up the marble steps of the mansion, his footsteps echoing ominously. Inside, the house was eerily quiet, the grandeur of the lavish interior doing nothing to soften the storm brewing in Michael’s chest Mr. Morgan was in his study, sipping on
The chaotic aftermath of Evelyn's rescue was palpable as Michael’s team worked quickly to secure the area. Evelyn was unconscious, her wrists bruised from the tight ropes that had bound her. Michael knelt beside her, his jaw clenched as he gently lifted her into his arms. "She’s breathing,” Adams said, his voice calm despite the tension in the air. “But she needs medical attention immediately.” Michael’s nod was curt. “We’re taking her home. Get the medic on standby.” The team moved with precision, clearing the scene and ensuring no trace of their involvement remained. Michael carried Evelyn to the waiting SUV, his grip protective as though shielding her from the world. The car ride back was tense, the silence broken only by the hum of the engine. Evelyn stirred slightly in his arms, her eyes fluttering open for a brief moment. “Michael…” she whispered, her voice faint. “I’m here,” he said softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “You’re safe now.” Her lips move
Before Michael sat at the table, his fingers lightly tapping against the polished oak surface. Diane’s voice dripped with an odd mix of apology and desperation as she spoke, though Michael barely acknowledged her. His focus, sharp as ever, was split between her words and the unsettling sensation that something wasn’t right. Evelyn’s absence weighed on him, and the tension in his gut refused to ease. “Michael,” Diane began, her tone soft and coaxing. “I didn’t know. I swear, I didn’t. When I left, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to marry you. It was because I thought…” She hesitated, wringing her hands nervously. “People were saying you were… crippled. That you couldn’t even leave your estate. Everyone was gossiping.” Michael’s gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. “And you believed them?” he asked, his voice calm but laced with quiet disdain. Diane flinched under the weight of his words. “I didn’t mean to. I was young, Michael. I panicked. I didn’t know what to do.” S
Evelyn’s head throbbed as she regained consciousness, her vision blurry. The cold leather seat beneath her and the hum of the car engine told her she was being transported somewhere. Panic surged through her veins as she tried to move, but her hands were tightly bound behind her back. The faint, metallic taste of blood lingered in her mouth, a cruel reminder of the hand that had grabbed and silenced her earlier.“Stay still,” a gruff voice ordered from the front seat, his tone menacing. “You don’t want to make this worse for yourself.”Evelyn clenched her fists, trying to suppress the rising fear. Her mind raced as she pieced together what had just happened. She had been dragged out of the Morgan mansion, shoved into this car, and now she was at the mercy of strangers with bad intentions. But why? What did they want from her?The car sped through the streets, its tires screeching as it turned sharply. Evelyn glanced out the window, but the tinted glass obscured her view. She could fee
"Evelyn go upstairs," Mr. Morgan's voice broke through the silence, his tone commanding. "I need to speak with Diane and Mr. Volkov alone."Evelyn’s stomach churned at the mention of Volkov—another man of power, another link in the chain that she could never escape. She looked at Michael, her gaze desperate, pleading for some sign that everything would be okay.Michael met her eyes, his expression softening for the briefest moment. With a subtle nod, he leaned in slightly, his voice low but reassuring. “Don’t worry. I’m here. Just go upstairs. I’ll be right behind you.”She didn’t trust her voice as she stood up. The last thing she wanted was to leave Michael’s side, to walk away from the only person who had given her some semblance of comfort. But she had no choice. Her father had spoken, and her place was no longer at the table with them.As Evelyn made her way toward the stairs, the heavy silence of the room pressing in on her, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something
Evelyn’s heart raced as Michael drove them toward the Morgan Mansion, her thoughts spiraling into chaos. The weight of what Michael had said hung heavily in the air, suffocating her with each passing minute. Diane’s return meant a return to her old life, the life she had desperately tried to escape. The mansion, her father, the expectations—it all felt like a prison. She had thought that after signing the contract, she would have some semblance of control over her life. But now it was clear that she was just another pawn in a game she didn’t understand. Her father, who had once promised her that she would be free, was now ready to replace her with Diane. It felt like all the walls she had built around herself were crumbling, and she was powerless to stop it. As the car pulled up to the mansion, Evelyn’s stomach twisted with anxiety. The grand estate loomed in front of her, its cold, imposing structure a constant reminder of everything she had tried to leave behind. She didn’t want
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bed. Evelyn stirred, still disoriented from the previous night’s events. Her mind was a jumble of confusion, anger, and something else—something she couldn’t quite name. She hadn’t expected to wake up like this, in this grand bed, with Michael’s presence looming over her.And there he was. Sitting on the edge of a stool, freshly emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair still falling loosely around his face. He was naked, his body sculpted and defined, a living, breathing testament to perfection. His eyes met hers, dark and intense, and for a moment, Evelyn felt a strange flutter in her chest. He didn’t speak immediately, just gazed at her with that enigmatic, seductive look that left her breathless. The air between them was thick, oppressive, and she could almost taste the tension.He reached down, slowly wiping the stool in a deliberate motion, as if to remind her of his control, of his presence in h