Married To A Stranger

Chapter 11

Shaina’s Point of View

Sofia’s words echoed in my mind long after I left the dining room.

"If you can’t be talked to in a simple way… I’ll do it my way."

I didn’t know exactly what she meant, but I knew Sofia. She wasn’t the type to let things go. If she wanted something, she would do anything to get it. And right now, she wanted Cloud.

A deep sense of unease settled in my chest as I made my way back to my room.

Was I really ready to fight for this marriage?

I didn’t know.

But I did know that I wasn’t going to let Sofia walk all over me anymore.

Later That Day

I decided to take a walk in the mansion’s garden, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind. The flowers were in full bloom, their colors vibrant against the afternoon sun.

I sighed, letting my fingers brush against the petals.

Then, I heard it.

A faint rustling behind me.

I turned quickly, scanning my surroundings.

Nothing.

But something didn’t feel right.

A prickling sensation crawled up my spine, and I started walking back toward the mansion, my steps a little quicker than before.

Then—

I gasped as I suddenly felt a hard shove against my back.

I stumbled forward, barely managing to catch myself before falling into the marble fountain.

Heart pounding, I spun around.

And there she was.

Sofia stood a few feet away, her arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips.

"You should really be more careful, dear sister," she said mockingly. "Accidents happen all the time."

I clenched my fists, my pulse racing. "You—"

Sofia tilted her head, feigning innocence. "What? I was just walking. It’s not my fault if you’re too weak to stand properly."

Anger bubbled inside me. "Stay away from me, Sofia."

She let out a small laugh. "Or what? You’ll tell Cloud?" She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you really think he’ll care? Do you think he’ll choose you over me?"

I swallowed hard, refusing to let her see how much her words affected me.

Sofia smirked, satisfied with my silence. "You should just make things easier for yourself and leave. Because if you don’t…" She leaned in, her voice turning cold. "I will make you regret it."

I stood frozen as she turned on her heel and walked away, her laughter ringing in my ears.

She wasn’t playing around anymore.

And something told me that the next time… she wouldn’t stop at just a push.

That Evening

I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in my chest.

I had locked my bedroom door, but I still felt restless, my mind replaying what happened in the garden.

I needed to talk to someone.

Without thinking, I left my room and made my way down the hall to Cloud’s study. I hesitated for a moment before knocking softly.

"Come in," came his voice from the other side.

I stepped inside, and Cloud looked up from his desk, his eyes instantly scanning my face.

"You look pale," he noted. "What happened?"

I hesitated, but then the words spilled out before I could stop them. "Sofia tried to push me into the fountain today."

Cloud’s expression darkened instantly.

I swallowed, watching his jaw clench. "She’s serious about making me leave. I don’t know what she’ll do next, but I know she won’t stop."

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then, slowly, he stood up and walked toward me.

"Come here."

Before I could react, Cloud reached for my wrist and gently pulled me closer.

His touch was warm, steady.

"You’re staying in my room from now on," he said firmly. "I’m not letting her corner you again."

I blinked up at him, caught off guard. "What?"

"It’s not safe for you to be alone," he said simply. "If Sofia wants to play games, then I’ll make sure she knows she’s already lost."

There was something in his tone—possessive, protective.

I felt my chest tighten.

Cloud wasn’t just saying this because of the marriage arrangement.

He meant it.

For the first time since all of this started, I felt like I wasn’t fighting alone.

Maybe, just maybe… I wasn’t as unwanted as I had always believed.

Cloud’s Point of View

Shaina had fallen asleep in my room. I sat at the edge of the bed, watching her steady breathing, my thoughts swirling.

I had expected trouble from her family, but I never thought it would escalate to this.

Sofia wasn’t just manipulative—she was dangerous.

And I wasn’t about to let her harm Shaina again.

I stood up quietly and walked toward my desk, pulling out my phone.

After a few rings, a voice answered. "Mr. Whitley?"

"I need you to look into something," I said, my voice cold. "Sofia Delgado. I want every detail—her connections, her weaknesses, everything."

There was a brief pause. "Understood. Do you need surveillance?"

"Yes," I replied without hesitation. "She’s already made a move once. I need to know if she plans to do it again."

"Consider it done, sir."

I ended the call and exhaled slowly, gripping the phone tightly.

Sofia thought she could control everything, that she could manipulate and threaten her way to what she wanted.

She was wrong.

If she dared to touch Shaina again, I would make sure she regretted it.

This wasn’t just a business deal anymore.

Shaina was mine to protect.