Ch. 5 Golden Spoon.
909 Words
Victoria
The carriage rolled to a halt before Alexander’s mansion. My breath caught at the sight, the sprawling white-and-grey estate loomed with such magnificence, it made even the Grand Palace seem dull in comparison.
I had known Graham Dukedom was wealthy, but this… this was beyond anything I’d imagined.
“Victoria?” Alexander’s voice pulled me back. My eyes snapped at him, his hand already extended. “Let’s go.”
I nodded, slipping my fingers into his. As I stepped down, my gaze shifted to the line of servants awaiting us, their heads bowed in perfect unison. A wave of discomfort washed over me. I didn’t belong here.
“Welcome back, Duke Graham,” an older man greeted with a deep bow.
“Victoria, this is Bob, my butler. Bob, meet my fiancée and soon-to-be Duchess of Graham, Lady Victoria,” Alexander announced, his voice carrying through the courtyard so that every servant heard.
I forced a smile, inclining my head. Curious eyes lingered on me, whispers restrained behind tight lips. I can guess why. The infamous cold duke had finally chosen a woman of course, they were shocked.
“Shall we? Lunch is ready,” Alexander said, tugging me gently forward.
I walked beside him, every step heavier under the weight of unfamiliar stares.
“Is something the matter?” he asked quietly.
“Not really,” I murmured, though the truth sat like a knot in my chest. “Just… curious about something.”
His gaze lowered, sharp yet attentive. “And what might that be?”
“This place—it was your inheritance, wasn’t it?” I asked, glancing around at the towering walls and polished stone.
For the briefest moment, Alexander’s features softened. A quiet smile tugged at his lips, almost wistful.
“Yes. But you should know half of these stands because of my own sweat, blood, and tears,” he said with a low chuckle.
I froze, staring at him. The sound was warm, disarming, entirely unlike the cold, ruthless man everyone whispered about.
“I…” My voice faltered. “I didn’t know you could laugh like that.”
His smile faded instantly, replaced by a deep frown.
Without another word, he released my hand and turned away, his back as rigid and unreadable as ever.
***
We settled into the garden for lunch, taking advantage of the sunny weather. One more minute in that cramped room inside would have suffocated me.
“I hear you’re the jewel of your family,” Alexander said quietly. “And shy in high society.”
I scoffed.
He wasn’t wrong. I was the only daughter of the duke, the future inheritor of his wealth—a true “golden spoon.”
Alexander’s gaze hardened.
“I never had that. My parents… were murdered when I was a child. Misery shaped me, not privilege.”
I flinched at the memory of the city’s rumors about his parents’ deaths.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
“Everything will belong to you as Duchess Graham,” he said, casually, and my hands clenched around my utensils. Money wasn’t what I wanted—I needed his power to exact my revenge.
Clearing my throat, I set my fork down.
“There’s something we need to discuss. Our contract. I assume lunch isn’t just about eating?”
He gave a small, approving smile. “Quite perceptive.”
I took a sip of wine, collecting my thoughts.
“One year. That’s all I want. After that, I will go my way.”
Alexander’s expression darkened, just slightly.
“And if we… fall in love?”
I frowned.
“We won’t. There’s no ‘if.’ I’m here for one thing: your power.”
He rose abruptly. “Is that all?”
“Yes,” I said firmly.
Moments later, he returned with a document.
“Read this. If anything doesn’t agree with you, speak now.”
I scanned it. Everything matched our discussion, including my one-year stipulation.
“One year,” he murmured, leaning back.
“Clear from the start,” I said. “We each have goals. I need your help, nothing more.”
He gritted his jaw but signed the contract, and I did the same.
“Done,” he said, lowering the pen.
I rose to leave, but he blocked me.
“Not yet. Follow me.”
Curious, I silently trailed him through the mansion. We climbed the stairs and walked for ten minutes before Alexander opened a set of double white doors. The scent of mint hit me instantly, making me sneeze.
Inside was a bedroom—an overwhelming display of gold and opulence.
“This is your room,” he said.
I recoiled.
“No. This is too much. I don’t need all this luxury.”
Alexander frowned, stepping closer.
“Stay here. It’s the safest place in the mansion.”
“Safe?” I asked, confused.
He leaned closer, his presence pressing in.
“I have enemies, Victoria. As my wife, they’ll target you. I need you protected.”
I chuckled, turning in his arms.
“You think I can’t protect myself?” I patted his chest. “I know how to defend myself.”
Though I wasn’t lying, a thrill of excitement ran through me. My past life had left me vulnerable, but now I had the knowledge, and the skills, to defend myself.
This time, no one would touch me. Not without consequences.
- Writer
