“Bound by Vows, Torn by Secrets”

Chapter 2: The Cold Union

Clara’s POV

A scent of pricey perfume and roses filled the air. As I got out of the car wearing a dress that seemed more like a cage than a gown, cameras flashed in all directions. I mustered a grin for the sea of people, but my heart was racing.

My father said softly next to me, "You look like a deer in headlights."

I took a deep breath. "Because I have the feeling of one."

Jordan's expression remained chill as he stood at the end of the aisle. He was attractive in his fitted suit, but when his eyes met mine, they were cold.

I couldn't help but notice the looks and whispers as I approached him. Instead of praising me, they were evaluating me to see if I was suitable for Jordan Flynn.

The ceremony went by quickly. As the vows from my lips, I hardly noticed them. Jordan's touch was cold and impersonal when he put the ring on my finger.

"Well done," the officiant exclaimed. The term sounded like a taunt.

A woman with well-groomed hair and stunning features stepped forward as we turned to face the throng. Veronica. She was Jordan's ex-fiancé, and I recognized her from the newspapers.

She purred and completely ignored me, saying, "Jordan, you didn't tell me you were getting married so soon."

"It didn't matter," Jordan said icily.

Her keen, evaluating eyes darted to me. You must be Clara, too. How... surprising.

With a shaky voice, I said, "Nice to meet you."

Her smile was caustic but lovely. "Take advantage of your honeymoon period while it lasts."

Jordan gripped my arm tightly and steered me away from her as his jaw tensed but he remained silent.

With its tall walls and infinite windows, the estate loomed before me like a fortress, chilly and unwelcoming.

Jordan spared me the trouble of showing me around. The second door on the left leads to your room, which is upstairs. He added curtly, "Don't go anywhere else without permission."

"Allowance?" I frowned as I repeated.

"Yes, Clara," he answered impatiently. "This is not a fairy tale; it's a business agreement. We won't have any issues if you stay in your role.

Too tired to fight, I bit back a rejoinder. With a four-poster bed and furnishings that most likely cost more than my family's home, my room was enormous. But like the rest of the home, it felt empty.

The weight of the day finally hit me as I unloaded my little suitcase. I had a spouse. In a home where I felt like an outsider, to a man who didn't love me.

I went downstairs later that night in the hopes of finding some food. I was searching through the refrigerator when Jordan entered the kitchen, which was just as frightening as the rest of the house.

To my surprise, he said, "You're not a guest here." You should ask the personnel if you're hungry.

I whispered, "I didn't want to disturb anyone."

With a sigh, he squeezed the bridge of his nose. "You'll get used to it soon enough. Just keep the guidelines in mind.

Regulations. To him, I was just a business pawn and a rule-follower.

I decided I had had enough of his arrogance the following morning. Without hesitation, I strode inside the library and found Jordan absorbed in his laptop.

"We must have a conversation," I stated forcefully.

He didn't even raise his head. "I'm occupied."

I shot back, "I don't care." "You can't expect me to remain silent while controlling every part of my life."

His eyes were as keen as steel when they finally met mine. Clara, this cannot be discussed. You accepted the conditions.

"Terms?" I gave a sour laugh. "Are you able to hear yourself? I feel like I'm a prisoner in my own house because of you.

His face grew serious. "Don't go too far, Clara."

"Or what?" I raised my voice in challenge. "You're going to expel me? Jordan, go ahead. However, let me remind you that you are toying with my life.

He stared at me for a time without saying anything. His expression had an unintelligible quality that caused my heart to rush in a way I couldn't comprehend.

Finally, in a tone that seemed almost delighted, he replied, "You're braver than I thought." "But courage doesn't alter the facts."

I answered steadily, "Maybe not, but it means I won't let you walk all over me."

His phone chimed and he was pulled away, ending our stalemate. I felt both happy and shaken when I walked out of the library.

I was just getting into bed that night when I was startled by a gentle knock on the door. I opened it to find a little package on the floor and no one was inside.

I snatched it up and unfurled the note inside, frowning.

Keep your distance from Jordan Flynn. This is the only caution you have.

As I repeated the sentences, my hands began to shake. This was sent by whom? Veronica? Another person from Jordan's history?

With my thoughts racing, I hastily concealed the message in the drawer next to my bed. Was I at risk because of this?

Curiosity won out the following morning. I sneaked into Jordan's office while he was away in the hopes of learning who could wish to threaten me.

Every book and file was in its proper place, and the room was spotless. A shiver went down my spine as I rummaged through files on his desk.

"Why in the world are you in here?"

Jordan was standing in the doorway as I turned around, his face displaying a mixture of mistrust and rage.

"I was just"

He stepped closer and snapped, "Spare me the excuses." "You had no right to pry into my personal space."

His eyes narrowed as he saw the note in my palm. "And what is t

hat?"

Unsure of what to say, I froze.

His voice was cold and sharp. “Start talking, Clara. Now.”