Married To A Stranger

Chapter 16

Shaina’s Point of View

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I stirred slightly, feeling a weight around my waist. It took me a moment to realize that Cloud’s arm was still wrapped around me, holding me close.

Heat rushed to my cheeks as the memories of last night flooded my mind.

I carefully turned my head, my breath hitching when I saw his peaceful face just inches from mine. His dark hair was tousled, his features relaxed, making him look less intimidating than usual.

I bit my lip. How could someone like him—powerful, mysterious—be lying here beside me?

I barely had time to process my thoughts when Cloud shifted, his grip tightening.

“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice deep and husky from sleep.

I froze. “Uh… g-good morning.”

His eyes opened slowly, a lazy smirk forming on his lips. “Why do you look so nervous?”

“I—I'm not,” I stammered, attempting to move away. But he pulled me back, his warmth enveloping me.

“Stay,” he whispered, his lips brushing my forehead.

I stiffened at the unexpected affection, my heart pounding. This was new—this warmth, this gentleness.

Could I really allow myself to fall for him?

Before I could say anything, a knock on the door interrupted the moment.

Cloud sighed, reluctantly letting me go. “Come in.”

One of the house staff entered, bowing slightly. “Sir, Miss Sofia is at the gate. She says it’s urgent.”

My stomach dropped.

Cloud’s expression darkened instantly. “Send her away.”

The maid hesitated. “She’s refusing to leave. She says she needs to talk to Shaina.”

Cloud turned to me. “Do you want to hear whatever nonsense she has to say?”

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to ignore her, but another part knew that if I didn’t face her now, she’d just keep trying to interfere.

“I’ll talk to her,” I finally said.

Cloud’s jaw tensed. “Fine. But I’m coming with you.”

At the Mansion Entrance

Sofia stood at the gates, looking just as perfect as always. Dressed in an expensive white dress, her flawless face twisted into a look of frustration as she saw me approaching.

“Oh, you finally decided to show up,” she sneered. “Took you long enough.”

Cloud stood protectively beside me, his presence alone making it clear that he wasn’t going to tolerate any of her games.

“What do you want, Sofia?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.

Sofia crossed her arms. “It’s about our father.”

I frowned. “What about him?”

She let out a dramatic sigh. “He’s furious, Shaina. He told me that if you don’t divorce Cloud, he’ll cut all ties with you. You’ll never be part of our family again.”

I stared at her, my chest tightening.

She said it like it was some kind of punishment, like losing them would be the worst thing that could happen to me.

But the truth was, I had already lost them a long time ago.

I glanced at Cloud, who was watching me carefully, his hand lightly resting on my lower back in silent support.

Sofia noticed and scoffed. “So, what? You’re choosing him over your own family?”

I took a deep breath. “Sofia, when have I ever been part of this family?”

She opened her mouth but quickly closed it, clearly not expecting that response.

I shook my head. “If our father wants to cut ties, let him. I won’t be controlled by him anymore.”

Sofia’s expression darkened. “You think you’re so untouchable just because Cloud is protecting you? Do you think this will last forever?”

Cloud finally spoke, his voice cold and unwavering. “She doesn’t need to worry about that. But you should start worrying about yourself, Sofia.”

She flinched at his tone.

“You and your father have done enough damage,” Cloud continued. “I gave you chances, but you crossed the line too many times. From now on, you’re no longer welcome here.”

Sofia’s eyes widened. “Cloud—”

“Leave,” he cut her off, his voice like steel.

For the first time, Sofia looked genuinely shaken. She had always played her games, always manipulated people into doing what she wanted. But this time, she was losing.

She turned back to me, her expression twisting into something unreadable.

“This isn’t over,” she said quietly.

Then, with one last glare, she spun on her heels and stormed off.

Back Inside

Cloud and I walked back into the mansion, the tension still lingering.

“She’ll try again,” I murmured. “She always does.”

Cloud turned to me, his gaze softening. “And I’ll always be here to stop her.”

Something inside me warmed at his words.

We reached the living room, and I sat down on the couch, still trying to absorb everything that had just happened. Cloud sat beside me, his hand brushing against mine.

“She wants to replace me,” I muttered. “She wants everything I have.”

Cloud frowned. “She’ll never have what’s mine.”

I looked up at him, startled by his words. “What do you mean?”

He reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers. “You, Shaina. You are mine. And I won’t let anyone take you away from me.”

A shiver ran down my spine—not from fear, but from the intensity in his voice.

Cloud had always been protective, but this was different. This was personal.

“Even if I asked for a divorce?” I challenged softly, unsure of why I was testing him.

His grip tightened slightly. “Are you asking?”

I hesitated. “No… but I need to know.”

Cloud sighed and cupped my face gently, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “Shaina, I won’t force you to stay. But I won’t let you walk away just because of fear or manipulation. I want you to stay because you want to.”

I swallowed hard, feeling emotions rise in my chest.

He was giving me a choice—something I had never had before.

And for the first time in a long time, I felt safe.

Cloud leaned forward, pressing a lingering kiss on my forehead. “Let them try whatever they want. They won’t win.”

I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch.

Maybe, just maybe…

I had finally found my home.