The Alpha's Forced Mate

Bound Together

They spent the entire night sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by old photo albums and files. Ethan told Aria about his childhood, the intense pressure from his grandfather, and the lonely life he had led since his mother passed away. In return, Aria shared stories about her simple, happy upbringing, her love for art, and the sacrifices her father had made for her.

For the first time, they weren't talking as employer and employee, or as fake partners. They were two souls opening up to each other, finding comfort in the shared darkness of their lives.

As the clock struck four in the morning, Aria’s eyes grew incredibly heavy. Her head slowly nodded off, eventually dropping onto Ethan’s broad shoulder.

Ethan froze, his muscles tensing automatically. He looked down at her peaceful, sleeping face. Her long eyelashes rested softly against her skin, and a faint smile touched her lips. She trusted him enough to fall asleep right next to him, despite knowing how ruthless he could be.

Gently, trying his best not to wake her, Ethan wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer against his side. He rested his chin on top of her soft hair, letting out a long, quiet sigh.

This marriage was supposed to be a strict business deal—a simple contract with a clear expiration date. But looking at the girl sleeping soundly in his arms, Ethan realized he was completely losing control of his own rules. The contract was fake, the marriage was a lie, but the sudden, intense desire to protect Aria with his life was becoming the most real thing he had ever felt. They were bound together now, not just by ink on paper, but by an unwritten bond that neither of them could ever break.