SIGNED TO SURRENDER

Behind close doors

Chapter 2:

The mansion loomed like something out of a luxury magazine—cold marble, tall windows, gates that clicked shut like a final decision.

Adele stood in front of the towering front door, suitcase in hand, stomach twisting. She was really doing this. She’d signed the contract. Alexandra Lorenzo now owned the next nine months of her life.

she’ll birth him a child and then leave.

The door opened before she could knock.

A woman in a black uniform looked her over, expression unreadable. “Miss Dante. You’re expected. Come.”

Adele followed the woman .The place smelled like expensive cologne and lemon wax. Everything was silent, look expensive , too perfect—like a museum no one lived in. Most of the things are made of gold .

They passed a grand staircase, a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a castle, and a hallway lined with modern paintings. No photos. No personal touches. Void of emotions , Just wealth.

The woman stopped at a large door.

“This is your room,” she said. “You are not to go upstairs unless instructed. Meals are served at 8 am, 1 pm and 7 pm . Mr. Lorenzo’s staff doctor will monitor your health weekly. Am sure you read the contract thoroughly before signing ,those where just some relevant things you need to adhere to .If you need anything, press the button beside the bed. Understood?”

Adele nodded.

The woman left without another word.

Adele stepped into the room. It was beautiful—soft gray walls, with a little girley stuff ,silky bedding, a view of the garden below. She dropped her suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed.

This was not her world. Not even close,it was far from it . it’s still more like everything is just a dream but the sooner she accepts this reality the better for her.

She should’ve felt grateful. But all she felt was the weight of silence pressing on her chest.she was scared of the things yet to come.She began unpacking.

she opened her suitcase, slowly pulling out a photo of her , her mother and caleb her brother, taken at a beach before her father's funeral, Her chest tightened.

Back then her world was still whole, her family was small but it was hers.

She set the photo on the nightstand, "This is for you mom ", she whispered. "Just hang on".

As she lay on her bed after unpacking, she closes her eyes and the hospital came rushing back.

Her mother’s fragile body hooked to the machines, caleb sitting in the corner pretending to be strong.

"She needs the surgery now" , the doctor had said ,"You have few weeks".

The memory of Alexandra sliding the contract across the table played in her mind.

*Later that evening*

A soft knock startled her.

Before she could answer, the door opened. He walked in.

Alexandra.

He wore a black dress shirt and slacks, his sleeves rolled up, showing strong forearms and a luxury watch that probably cost more than her house.

“How are you settling in?” he asked, voice cool.

“It’s... quiet,” she said.

“You’ll get used to it.”

He walked to the window and stood with his back to her, hands in his pockets. “Let me make a few things clear.”

Adele straightened instinctively.

“I don’t like noise. I don’t like disobedience. You’re here because we made a deal. Nothing more. You’ll follow the rules. You’ll attend every medical check. And you’ll stay out of my way.”

He turned to face her. Cold eyes. No emotion.

“Don’t mistake my generosity for personal interest.”

Adele’s throat tightened. “I never did.”

A long pause.

For a moment, his gaze dropped to her face, lingering—not in a lustful way, but almost like he was trying to read her. Then it was gone.

“Good,” he said. “Dinner is in an hour. Dress appropriately.”

And just like that, he turned and walked out.

Adele sat there for several minutes after the door closed.

This was going to be harder than she thought. Fear started creeping into her again but she felt helpless .

But something about him didn’t match the rumors. There was a crack somewhere.

And one way or another… she’d find it. She murmured