The Alpha's Forced Mate

Meeting the Ruthless King

Ethan Vance turned around slowly, his steps silent against the expensive dark marble floor. He looked at Aria with an intense, analytical gaze, as if evaluating a new business asset rather than a human being. The sheer power radiating from him made the room feel instantly smaller.

"You're late," Ethan said, his deep baritone voice carrying a sharp edge. He checked the diamond watch on his left wrist. "My time is extremely valuable, Aria. I expect punctuality from everyone who works for me. And make no mistake, this marriage is your job."

Aria swallowed the lump in her throat, refusing to let him see how much he intimidated her. "The storm caused traffic, Mr. Vance. I came as fast as I could."

Ethan walked over to a wet bar, pouring himself a glass of dark amber liquid. He didn't offer her any. "From now on, you will call me Ethan. Especially when we are in public or around my family. My grandmother is highly suspicious. If she catches even a hint that this arrangement is artificial, the contract is void, and I will personally ensure your father's medical funds are withdrawn."

The cruelty in his words stung, but it reminded Aria exactly why she was here. She wasn't here for romance or luxury. She was here to save her father’s life.

"I understand," Aria replied, lifting her chin to look him straight in the eyes. "I will play my part perfectly. I gave you my word, and I signed the paper. But I expect you to keep your side of the bargain as well."

A faint, amused smirk appeared on Ethan’s handsome but cold face. "A girl with a backbone. Good. You'll need it to survive in my world. Your belongings have already been placed in the secondary master bedroom down the hall. Tomorrow morning at exactly eight o'clock, a stylist will arrive to overhaul your wardrobe. We have a charity gala tomorrow night, and you need to look like you belong by my side."

He took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes never leaving her face. "Go get some rest. And remember the golden rule of this house: do not enter my private study, and do not cross into my wing of the penthouse without my permission. Our boundaries are absolute."

Aria didn't say another word. She nodded slightly, picked up her small handbag, and walked down the long, dimly lit hallway toward the room he had pointed out. When she closed the bedroom door behind her, she finally let out the breath she had been holding.

The room was beautiful, filled with soft silk sheets and a stunning view of the city, but to Aria, it felt like a beautifully decorated prison cell. She sat on the edge of the large bed, buried her face in her hands, and silently prayed that she would have the strength to survive the next twelve months under the same roof as Ethan Vance. She turned on her phone to check her father's hospital app. A notification popped up: Payment Received. Surgery Scheduled. Aria let out a small sob of relief. It was worth it. Every single second of this nightmare was worth it.