The Alpha's Forced Mate

Shadows of the Past

The drive back to the private penthouse was completely silent. The heavy rain had returned, tapping aggressively against the tinted windows of the luxury car. Aria looked out at the city lights, her mind completely exhausted from hours of pretending to be a blissful, deeply in love bride. Beside her, Ethan was staring straight ahead, his jaw tightly clenched, his cold demeanor completely back in place.

Once they entered the penthouse, Aria immediately began unclasping the heavy diamond necklace from her neck. "Here," she said, holding out the priceless jewelry toward him. "You should put this back in your safe. I don't want to be responsible for something so expensive."

Ethan took the necklace, his fingers briefly brushing against hers, causing a sudden spark that made them both freeze. He quickly cleared his throat and walked over to his desk. "You handled my grandmother well tonight. I underestimated your acting abilities."

"It wasn't entirely acting," Aria confessed softly, sitting down on the edge of the plush sofa, rubbing her aching feet. "I know what it means to protect the people you care about. I would do anything to save my father, just like you are doing this to secure your family inheritance."

Ethan stopped, his back turned to her. The room felt freezing cold for a moment. When he turned around, his eyes were incredibly dark. "Do not confuse my motives with yours, Aria. This is strictly business for me. I don't do things out of emotional weakness."

"Is protecting your family's legacy a weakness?" Aria challenged, refusing to step down.

Ethan walked over to her, his steps slow and predatory. He stopped right in front of her, leaning down until his face was only inches away from hers. Aria could smell his expensive cologne, mixed with a hint of rich whiskey. "You know nothing about my family, Aria. My grandfather built this empire on blood, sweat, and betrayal. If I don't take control of the company, my corrupt uncle will destroy it and throw thousands of innocent workers onto the streets. I am not doing this for money. I am doing this for survival."

Aria looked into his eyes and saw a deep, hidden pain beneath all that cold arrogance. For the first time, she realized that Ethan Vance was just as trapped in this golden cage as she was.

"I'm sorry," Aria whispered genuinely. "I didn't mean to judge you."

Ethan stared at her lips for a brief, dangerous second before suddenly pulling back, his expression locking down instantly. "Go to sleep, Aria. Tomorrow, we start preparing for the next phase of this arrangement."