CHAPTER SIX
982 Words
I followed Kevin up the long staircase, my steps slow, my mind even slower.
We stopped at the first door in a long hallway.
“This is your room,” he said, pointing briefly. Then his hand shifted toward the far end. “Mr. Stark’s room is down there.”
Of course it was.
As far away from me as possible.
I didn’t say anything. I didn’t feel anything either—not excitement, not curiosity. Just… emptiness.
“Here.” He handed me a black key card.
I took it quietly, staring at the door like it might swallow me whole.
“Everything you need is already inside,” Kevin added. “If you need anything else, let me know.”
I shook my head gently. They had already done too much. I wasn’t about to start asking for more.
“Thank you… Kevin. Can I call you Kevin?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I nodded and scanned the card. The door clicked open, but before I stepped in—
“Mrs. Stark.”
I paused.
“I almost forgot.” He held out a phone.
My brows furrowed. It was sleek. Expensive. The latest Stark Designs and Apple Tech collaboration device—I’d seen it online. People literally fought to get their hands on it.
Why was he giving it to me?
“I… I can’t accept this,” I said quickly. “I’ll get one myself.”
“Please,” he said, gently but firmly catching my wrist. “If you don’t take it, I could lose my job.”
I froze.
Then sighed.
“Fine… thank you.”
I took it and stepped inside, closing the door behind me.
For a second, I just leaned against it… breathing.
Then I looked up.
“Wow…”
The room was massive. Clean. Elegant. The kind of place I had only ever seen in magazines. The bed alone looked like it cost more than everything I had ever owned in my life combined.
Slowly, I slipped off my shoes and walked further in, my fingers brushing over the smooth sheets.
Soft.
Too soft.
Like I didn’t belong touching it.
My eyes drifted to two doors at the side. Curious, I opened one—
—and froze.
A walk-in closet.
No. Not a closet. A boutique.
Clothes, shoes, bags—perfectly arranged. Designer pieces. Custom pieces. Everything screamed luxury.
I stepped in slowly, almost like I was trespassing.
“This is insane…” I whispered.
Then I shook my head and stepped out, closing it.
No.
I wasn’t going to get comfortable here. I knew my place. I wasn’t really his wife—I was just… part of an arrangement.
I’d take only what I needed.
Nothing more.
After checking the bathroom—another level of luxury—I went back to the bed and dropped onto it, staring at the ceiling.
Silence.
For the first time in my life… real silence.
No yelling.
No orders.
No Rae.
No Sasha.
Just me.
And somehow… it felt strange.
Better… but strange.
I exhaled slowly.
Then my thoughts shifted back to him.
Nicole Stark.
Why did he hate me so much?
We had never met before. I was sure of it.
So where was all that coldness coming from?
I turned slightly, staring at nothing.
It didn’t matter.
What mattered was my goal.
My mother’s properties.
I clenched my fists slightly.
I needed him.
Not his love… just his cooperation.
Patience.
That’s what this would take.
I’d endure his coldness. His words. His attitude.
And slowly… I’d find a way in.
My thoughts were interrupted when my hand hit the phone beside me.
“Oh…”
I picked it up and powered it on.
The Apple Tech logo flashed across the screen before it opened.
I didn’t even know what to do with it. I had no one to call. No one to text.
Then I noticed an email notification.
Frowning, I tapped it.
My stomach dropped.
Another contract.
Marriage Contract.
I stared at the screen, my chest tightening.
Wasn’t signing earlier enough?
Why did he keep reminding me what I was?
I swallowed and read:
• Never associate yourself with me.
• Keep this marriage a secret.
• Do not interfere in my life.
• Do not expect love.
• Divorce in one year.
My grip tightened around the phone.
So that’s how it was.
I stared at the “Sign” button.
For a long moment…
Then I locked the phone.
“No.”
I wasn’t signing that.
If I did… I’d be shutting every door myself.
How was I supposed to get close to him if I agreed to stay away?
No.
Not happening.
After a quick shower, I changed into the softest pajamas I had ever worn and stepped out of my room.
My heart started racing as I walked down the hallway.
Toward his room.
Just talk to him.
Start small.
Make him comfortable.
I stopped in front of his door.
Suddenly… I wasn’t so sure anymore.
Maybe this was a bad idea.
I turned quickly—
—and the door behind me opened.
I froze.
Slowly… I turned back.
And my breath caught.
Nicole stood there, shirtless.
My face burned instantly as my eyes betrayed me—his chest, his abs… I looked away quickly, staring at the floor.
“I—I was just—goodnight!” I rushed out, turning to escape.
But suddenly—
I was pulled back.
A hand gripping my collar.
My back hit the wall.
My breath hitched.
“Where do you think you’re going, kitten?” his voice came low and dangerous.
My heart pounded wildly as he caged me in.
“I—”
“Shy now?” he smirked, leaning closer. “Or not brave enough to seduce me?”
My fingers curled into fists at my sides.
This man…
- Writer
