The Rules
214 Words
The first night in the De Luca estate felt unreal.
Her room — separate from his — overlooked the city skyline.
Security cameras lined the halls.
Guards rotated shifts every six hours.
At dinner, Lorenzo outlined the rules.
“You will have protection at all times.”
“I don’t need babysitters.”
“You have enemies now.”
“I didn’t choose them.”
“You chose me.”
The words landed heavier than intended.
She studied him.
“Who are we really convincing with this marriage?”
He didn’t answer immediately.
“Other families believe I’m vulnerable without an heir.”
“So marry a woman who can give you one.”
Silence.
Something cold passed through his gaze.
“I do not mix children with war.”
The finality in his voice startled her.
There was history there.
Pain.
But he shut it away before she could ask.
“You’ll attend a gathering tomorrow,” he continued. “Smile. Be graceful. Let them believe you are happy.”
“And if I’m not?”
His eyes softened — barely.
“Then learn to pretend.”
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD