THE TYRANT'S CONTRACT WIFE

Chapter 6: The Family Dinner

The Sterling family manor was a sprawling, historic estate on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by towering wrought-iron gates and manicured gardens. As the luxury limousine glided to a halt in front of the grand stone entrance, Elena felt the knots in her stomach tighten.

"Smile, Elena," Killian murmured smoothly, his voice dropping to a low, intimate baritone as the chauffeur stepped out to open the door. "From this moment on, you adore me."

Before she could answer, Killian reached over, his large hand sliding around her waist to pull her firmly against his side. The sudden heat of his body sent a jolt of electricity through her. Elena’s hand instinctively went to his chest to steady herself, her palms pressing against the expensive fabric of his suit jacket. She could feel the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingers.

"Don't stiffen up," he whispered against her ear, his breath tickling her skin. "Look at me."

Elena forced herself to relax, tilting her head back to look at him with a soft, practiced smile. "Like this, darling?" she whispered back, injecting a hint of playful sweetness into her voice despite the absolute terror raging inside her.

A flash of dark amusement crossed Killian’s storm-grey eyes. "Perfect. Keep that up, and we might just survive the night."

He guided her out of the vehicle, his hand remaining firmly anchored to the small of her back. They were led through the massive double doors of the manor by a silent butler, passing through opulent hallways filled with priceless artwork and crystal chandeliers.

Waiting for them in a grand, sunlit dining room was Jasper Sterling. The patriarch of the Sterling empire sat at the head of a long mahogany table. He looked frail, his breathing slightly assisted by a subtle oxygen line, but his eyes—the exact same metallic grey as Killian's—were incredibly sharp and lively.

"Ah, the newlyweds!" Jasper’s raspy voice boomed as he looked up.

"Grandfather," Killian said, his posture softening just enough to show genuine warmth. He led Elena forward. "This is my wife. Elena."

Elena felt a cold sweat break out on her palms. Killian had used her real name, but in a way that made it sound like an intimate nickname.

Jasper leaned forward, his analytical gaze sweeping over Elena like a laser. He didn't say a word for a long, agonizing moment, measuring her stance, her dress, and the way Killian’s hand possessively gripped her hip. Elena held her breath, terrified that the old man would see right through the deception, or worse, notice the tiny life beginning to form inside her.

Slowly, a warm, genuine smile broke across Jasper’s wrinkled face. "She's beautiful, Killian. And she has fierce eyes. Not like those plastic socialites your mother keeps trying to push on you."

Jasper gestured to the seats closest to him. "Sit, sit! Let an old man hear how my grandson finally fell in love."

As the multi-course dinner began, the performance truly intensified. Killian was a master actor. He cut her steak for her, casually brushed a stray lock of chestnut hair behind her ear, and fed her small bites of food, acting the part of the obsessed, doting husband flawlessly. Elena played along, leaning into his touch and laughing softly at his dry humor.

But as a rich, creamy seafood soup was placed in front of her, the heavy scent of the cream and truffle oil hit her nose.

Elena’s smile froze. Her stomach violently revolted, a sudden, overpowering wave of morning sickness crashing over her. She pressed her cloth napkin to her lips, her face draining of all color as she desperately tried to suppress a gag.

Killian’s sharp eyes caught the movement instantly. His arm slid around her shoulders, his fingers squeezing her arm in a tight grip that was hidden from his grandfather's view. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" he asked, his voice dripping with false concern, though his eyes flashed with a warning.

"I... I'm just a bit dizzy," Elena choked out, forcing a weak smile toward Jasper. "The excitement of the wedding has caught up to me."

Jasper chuckled softly, exchanging a knowing, delighted look with Killian. "A sudden dizziness and aversion to rich food, you say? Killian, my boy... don't tell me I'll be expecting a great-grandchild sooner than I thought?"

Elena’s heart stopped dead in her chest.