Chapter Nine: The Unexpected Guest
549 Words
The week had been unusually quiet. Aisha had settled into the cold rhythm of life in Xavier’s mansion — avoiding him at breakfast, exchanging tense glances at public events, and sleeping in a room that felt more like a cage than a home.
But tonight, something felt different.
Aisha adjusted the silver necklace around her neck as she descended the grand staircase. She wasn’t dressed to impress; it was a simple dinner gown for a charity gala Xavier was hosting at the mansion. She would play the perfect wife, smile when necessary, and retreat back into the shadows when it was over.
She was halfway down when she noticed the woman standing beside Xavier in the grand foyer. Tall, elegant, with perfect auburn curls cascading down her shoulders and a smug smile painted across her flawless face.
Zara.
Aisha’s stomach twisted.
She knew of Zara. The woman had once been Xavier’s most talked-about love interest — a socialite with a scandalous reputation and an unhealthy obsession with the billionaire.
“Darling,” Xavier called out as Aisha reached them, his voice smooth but unreadable. “Come meet an old… acquaintance.”
Aisha forced a tight smile as she approached, her eyes meeting Zara’s sharp, appraising gaze.
“So, this is your wife,” Zara purred, her voice like honey laced with venom. “I must admit, she’s not what I expected.”
Aisha’s pulse pounded, but she kept her expression cool.
“Neither was this marriage, but life is full of surprises.”
Zara chuckled darkly. “Feisty. I can see why you picked her, Xavier. I just wonder… how long will this little arrangement last?”
Aisha’s jaw clenched, but before she could respond, Xavier spoke.
“That’s none of your concern, Zara. Enjoy the evening.”
Zara stepped closer, lowering her voice so only Aisha could hear.
“You may have his ring, sweetheart, but you’ll never have his heart.”
Aisha’s breath caught, but she refused to let the woman see her rattled.
“Maybe,” Aisha whispered back, her lips curving into a cold smile, “but it’s funny how men don’t always stay loyal to the ones who think they own them.”
Zara’s eyes narrowed, but before she could retort, a guest approached, pulling her away.
Aisha turned to Xavier, who was watching her with an unreadable expression.
“What the hell was she doing here?” Aisha demanded in a low voice.
“She was invited by the board,” he replied smoothly. “And before you ask — no, it wasn’t my idea.”
Aisha scoffed. “I don’t believe you.”
“You don’t have to.” Xavier’s voice dropped, his eyes burning into hers. “But remember your place, Aisha. This marriage is a business arrangement. Don’t make the mistake of letting emotions complicate it.”
She stepped closer, glaring up at him. “I’m not the one bringing old flames to dinner parties.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her heart pounding. She didn’t know whether it was from anger, jealousy, or the sharp sting of something she refused to name.
But one thing was clear — Zara’s arrival was no coincidence.
And whatever game was starting tonight… Aisha wasn’t planning to lose.
- Writer
