Married To A Stranger

Chapter 10

Shaina’s Point of View

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I blinked groggily, my mind still foggy from sleep.

Then I realized—Cloud’s arm was still wrapped around me.

I stiffened, my breath hitching.

He was still asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. His face was relaxed, peaceful in a way I had never seen before.

I should move. I should slip out of his hold before he wakes up and realizes how close we are.

But for some reason… I didn’t.

For the first time in a long time, I felt safe.

Carefully, I shifted, trying to inch away without waking him. But as soon as I moved, his grip tightened slightly, pulling me back against him.

"You’re awake," he murmured, his voice low and groggy.

I froze.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, slowly, he pulled back just enough to look at me, his sleepy eyes locking onto mine.

I quickly looked away, my face heating. "I—uh—should get up."

Cloud didn’t stop me as I carefully slipped out of bed, but I could feel his gaze lingering on me as I grabbed a robe and hurried toward the bathroom.

My heart was pounding.

What just happened?

Later That Morning

I made my way downstairs, trying to shake off the strange feeling still lingering in my chest.

But as soon as I stepped into the dining hall, my mood soured.

Sofia was already there, sitting beside our mother, her expression smug as she sipped her tea.

The moment she saw me, she let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, look who finally decided to wake up. Rough night, dear sister?"

I ignored her, walking over to the table and pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"You missed breakfast," my mother said, her tone unreadable. "You should start waking up earlier now that you’re married. A proper wife doesn’t stay in bed all morning."

I clenched my jaw. Of course. Another reminder that I was supposed to be the perfect wife for Cloud.

Sofia smirked, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "She’s probably just exhausted from playing house with Cloud. How adorable."

I shot her a glare. "What do you want, Sofia?"

She placed her cup down, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, nothing. Just enjoying breakfast with Mother. You on the other hand, have a very important decision to make."

I frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Sofia leaned back, crossing her legs elegantly. "Well, since you’re so miserable in this marriage, why not make things easier for everyone and leave?"

I stiffened. "Excuse me?"

My mother sighed, setting down her utensils. "Shaina, be reasonable. This marriage was never about love. It was a business deal. Now that the company is stabilizing, there’s no need to keep pretending."

Pretending?

I swallowed hard, glancing between them. "So you want me to divorce Cloud?"

Sofia smiled sweetly. "Oh, it’s just a suggestion, of course. But let’s be honest—you were never meant for this life. You don’t belong with someone like Cloud."

My hands curled into fists. "And who does?"

Sofia’s smirk widened. "Me."

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

I stared at her, my chest tightening. "You’re joking."

She tilted her head innocently. "Am I? Cloud deserves someone who understands him, someone who can match him. And let’s face it, sister, you’re just not cut out for it."

Anger bubbled inside me, but before I could respond, my mother spoke.

"I think it would be best, Shaina. For you, for the family… for Cloud."

I looked at her, disbelief settling in.

She was serious.

The woman who gave birth to me, who was supposed to love and protect me, was siding with Sofia.

Like she always did.

Like she always would.

I felt the sting of betrayal, but I refused to let them see it.

Instead, I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders.

"You want me to leave Cloud so Sofia can take my place?" My voice was steady, despite the storm raging inside me.

Sofia leaned in, her eyes gleaming. "Exactly."

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. "You really think Cloud would agree to that?"

Sofia’s smirk faltered, just slightly.

I continued, my voice sharper now. "You can manipulate Mother all you want, but Cloud isn’t someone you can control. He’s not stupid, and he’s certainly not yours."

Sofia’s face darkened. "We’ll see about that."

I turned to my mother, forcing myself to meet her gaze. "I won’t divorce him."

She sighed again, as if I was the difficult one. "Shaina—"

"I won’t," I repeated firmly. "If you and Sofia want something from Cloud, you’ll have to find another way. Because I’m not leaving."

Sofia’s expression twisted in frustration before she suddenly stood up, her chair scraping against the floor.

She placed her hands on the table and leaned forward, her eyes burning with determination.

"If you can’t be talked to in a simple way…" Her voice was eerily calm, but there was an underlying threat beneath it.

"I’ll do it my way."

A shiver ran down my spine.

I didn’t know what she meant.

But I knew one thing for sure—Sofia wasn’t going to give up.

And whatever she had planned…

It wouldn’t be good.