CLAIMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 5: Moving Into His World

Ava's hand remained in Ethan Blackwood's for a brief moment before she gently pulled away.

The contract was signed.

There was no turning back.

A strange mixture of relief and fear settled in her chest.

Ethan picked up the signed documents and placed them neatly inside a leather folder.

"From this moment onward, your financial problems are mine to handle."

Ava looked at him in surprise.

"What?"

"As promised."

He opened another folder and slid a cheque across the desk.

Ava stared at the figure.

Her breathing stopped.

It was enough to clear every debt she had, rent a new apartment for years, and still leave money in the bank.

Her eyes widened.

"I... I can't accept this."

"You already have."

"No, Ethan. This is too much."

"It's the first payment stated in the contract."

"But I haven't done anything."

"You signed."

His calm response left her speechless.

"I don't like owing people," she whispered.

He looked at her for a moment before replying.

"Neither do I."

The room fell silent again.

---

A soft knock came from the door.

A middle-aged woman entered with perfect posture.

She wore a black uniform with white gloves and smiled politely.

"Mr. Blackwood."

"Come in, Mrs. Wilson."

She bowed slightly.

"The room is ready."

Ethan nodded.

"Good."

He turned to Ava.

"Mrs. Wilson is the head housekeeper."

Mrs. Wilson smiled warmly.

"It's lovely to meet you, Miss Carter."

Ava smiled back.

"Please... just call me Ava."

Mrs. Wilson's smile deepened.

"I'll remember that."

Unlike Ethan, Mrs. Wilson had kind eyes that immediately made Ava feel a little more comfortable.

"If you'll follow me, I'll show you your room."

---

The mansion was even larger than Ava had imagined.

Every hallway seemed endless.

Elegant paintings decorated the walls.

Fresh flowers stood in crystal vases.

Large windows overlooked beautiful gardens filled with fountains and colourful roses.

Ava couldn't stop looking around.

"How many people work here?" she asked quietly.

Mrs. Wilson smiled.

"About thirty."

Ava almost tripped.

"Thirty?"

"The mansion is rather large."

"I noticed."

Mrs. Wilson laughed softly.

"It takes a lot of people to keep everything running."

They stopped in front of two enormous wooden doors.

Mrs. Wilson opened them.

"This will be your room."

Ava stepped inside.

Her jaw dropped.

The bedroom was bigger than her entire apartment.

A king-sized bed stood in the centre beneath an elegant chandelier.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the gardens.

There was a sitting area, a fireplace, a walk-in wardrobe, and a private balcony.

"This... this is my room?"

Mrs. Wilson nodded.

"If there's anything you need, please let us know."

Ava slowly walked towards the balcony.

The view was breathtaking.

She whispered to herself,

"I feel like I've stepped into another world."

---

Later that afternoon...

Ava unpacked her small suitcase.

She suddenly felt embarrassed.

Her clothes looked so ordinary hanging inside the enormous wardrobe.

There were only a few dresses.

Two pairs of shoes.

Several old T-shirts.

That was all she owned.

She closed the wardrobe quickly.

Someone knocked.

"Come in."

Liam entered carrying several shopping bags.

"Mr. Blackwood asked me to bring these."

Ava frowned.

"What are they?"

"Clothes."

"I already have clothes."

"They're unsuitable."

She folded her arms.

"Unsuitable?"

"For public events."

He handed her a small envelope.

Inside was a handwritten note.

You'll be attending several business functions as my wife. Dress accordingly.

— Ethan

Ava sighed.

"He's impossible."

Liam smiled.

"You'll get used to him."

"I'm not sure I want to."

---

That evening...

Ethan sat alone in his study reading financial reports.

His grandfather, Richard Blackwood, entered without knocking.

"I hear congratulations are in order."

Ethan didn't look up.

"For what?"

"Your engagement."

"It isn't real."

Richard sat opposite him.

"Does your fiancée know that?"

"She's aware of every detail."

The older man studied his grandson carefully.

"I've watched you build one of the greatest companies in the country."

Ethan remained silent.

"But you've built walls around your heart as well."

"They're necessary."

"Are they?"

"They've protected me."

Richard sighed.

"Sometimes they also keep happiness out."

Ethan closed the file.

"I didn't ask for relationship advice."

"I know."

The old man smiled.

"That's why I'm giving it."

---

Meanwhile...

Ava wandered through the mansion searching for the kitchen.

After taking three wrong turns, she became completely lost.

"This place is like a maze."

She opened another door.

Instead of a hallway...

She found herself inside Ethan's private library.

Thousands of books lined the shelves.

A fire crackled quietly in the fireplace.

Near the window sat Ethan.

He looked up from his book.

"I believe you're lost."

Ava laughed awkwardly.

"A little."

"You've been walking in circles for ten minutes."

"You noticed?"

"I noticed five."

She covered her face.

"This mansion is impossible."

For the first time...

Ethan laughed.

It wasn't loud.

It lasted only a few seconds.

But it completely transformed his face.

He looked younger.

Warmer.

Almost... approachable.

Ava stared without thinking.

"You should laugh more."

His smile disappeared instantly.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Realising what she had said, Ava quickly looked away.

"I'm sorry."

"You apologise too much."

"I know."

Another silence settled between them.

This one felt different.

Less awkward.

Almost comfortable.

Finally Ethan stood.

"I'll show you where the kitchen is."

"You don't have to."

"I know."

He walked towards the door.

"Come."

She followed him.

As they walked side by side through the long hallway, neither of them noticed Mrs. Wilson watching from around the corner.

The older woman smiled knowingly.

"Perhaps," she whispered to herself, "this marriage won't stay fake forever."