Chapter Three: The Rules Were Never Meant for Her
472 Words
The Valtieri estate sat on the edge of the city like a goddamn fortress—tall iron gates, watchful guards, and walls built to keep both people and truth out.
Or in.
Alina’s heels echoed through the grand hallway as the butler led her to her new room. Marble floors, dark chandeliers, and cold gold trim surrounded her like a cage made of elegance.
No warmth. No family photos. No heart. Just power.
“This is your wing,” the butler said quietly, stopping at a large black door.
“His?” she asked.
“East side.” He looked uneasy. “He doesn’t like being disturbed.”
Of course he doesn’t.
The door swung open to reveal a bedroom worthy of royalty—velvet sheets, crystal lights, and a balcony view of the night. But still… no life.
Alina dropped her bag and looked around.
“Tell your boss,” she muttered, “he married a woman, not a ghost.”
---
Hours passed. She explored the house.
No sign of Xander.
Until midnight.
The sound of a door unlocking echoed like a gunshot.
She turned the corner—and froze.
There he was. Shirtless. Sweaty. Chest rising. He’d clearly just returned from the gym or something worse.
She stared. Not because he was gorgeous. But because something in his eyes was off.
Like he’d just returned from a war only he knew about.
“What are you doing up?” he asked, voice low.
“Waiting for my ghost husband to say something about us living in the same damn house,” she replied sharply.
He walked past her, cold and controlled. “We don’t have to talk. You just have to play your part.”
“Oh, really? So you’ll ignore me unless we’re in public?”
He stopped. Turned. Locked eyes with her.
“You want more from me, Alina?”
His tone was dark. Not seductive—warning.
But she didn’t flinch. She stepped closer, fire in her voice.
“I want truth. I want answers. And I want to know who I married—because you’re not just a CEO.”
He stepped forward too, invading her space.
“I warned you,” he said, breath grazing her lips. “Don’t try to get into my head.”
“And if I already am?” she whispered.
For one heartbeat, his eyes burned.
Then he leaned down and whispered in her ear.
“Then I’ll burn you out.”
---
Alina didn’t sleep that night. Not because she was scared.
But because, for the first time since signing that contract...
She wanted to know the man who just threatened to destroy her.
And behind closed doors, Xander watched her room through the security feed, jaw clenched, fists tight.
She was getting too close.
Just like before.
- Writer
