The Tycoon’s Surprise Bride

Chapter 10

~Aria's POV~

I frowned, deciding it was wiser not to upset him further, and stepped into the jet's luxurious interior. Kaden Sterling, if that was his real name, didn't move or glance at me as I took a seat opposite him, the door closing with a soft hiss as the pilot prepared for departure.

The black Rolls-Royce began to move, smoothly taxiing and then zooming onto the runway before lifting off into the highway.

As we leveled out and the 'fasten seatbelt' sign turned off, I couldn't help but steal glances at Kaden Sterling several times.

He sat ramrod straight, his ice-blue eyes fixed on some point ahead, his expression unyielding. I wondered who this man was, and why he looked so... uncomfortable.

Kaden must have sensed my gaze, because he turned to me abruptly, his eyes narrowing. "What is it?" he asked, his voice clipped and cold. I met his gaze, trying to appear casual.

"It feels like I've seen you before, somewhere. But my memory is in a blur." Kaden's expression turned guarded. He composed himself, clearing his throat before speaking.

"No way. We've never met." His tone was dismissive. I persisted, my curiosity piqued. "Are you sure? Maybe in a motel or —" Kaden choked off my words, his face twisting in distaste.

"I don't do that," he said sharply, his voice low and warning. "Besides, I am Kaden Sterling. Don't speculate about my personal life." He locked eyes with me, his cold smile sending a shiver down my spine.

"The rumors are true, Aria. I am impotent... to mediocrity. I don't like women. Enough with the questions." I felt a jolt of surprise at his brutal honesty, and a hint of confusion.

"So... you're gay?" I asked, examining him with renewed curiosity. Kaden's expression stuttered for a moment — he seemed taken aback by my directness — and he stuttered a "No" that sounded more like a reflex than a denial.

I examined him, my mind racing with thoughts. Could my husband be gay? He was chillingly handsome, with an intense, controlled energy, but his words and demeanor screamed of repression.

I wondered if what he said was true — was he really impotent, or was it a shield? Did he really not like women, or was he pushing me away?

His ice-blue eyes met mine again and I saw a flicker of... was it warning, or vulnerability? He didn't want me to probe further. I leaned back into my seat, my thoughts swirling.

"I understand," I said finally, my voice neutral, but my curiosity was far from satisfied. Kaden Sterling turned his head away, gazing out of the window at the tress, his face a mask of indifference.

The silence between us grew thick and heavy, and I sensed he wouldn't answer any more questions.

The car stopped smoothly on a private parking space nestled among rolling hills of meticulously manicured lawns, surrounded by tall, ancient trees and bordered by a high, walled perimeter.

The location was secluded, in a wealthy enclave on the outskirts of the city, far from prying eyes, in a place of absolute privacy and control.

The car — a sleek, black Rolls-Royce — we were in rode through the open iron gates and up the curving driveway, flanked by tall lamp posts and shadowy gardens.

As we approached the mansion, I saw staff members lined up outside the grand entrance, their heads bent in unison, awaiting our arrival.

The car stopped, and a uniformed chauffeur stepped out to open the door on Kaden's side. Kaden emerged first, his movements economical and controlled, his ice-blue eyes scanning the staff lineup before he turned to offer me his hand.

I hesitated for a moment, then took it, stepping out of the car. His grip was cool and firm, but he released my hand the moment I was on my feet.

As I straightened, the staff chorused a greeting in unison, their heads still bent, "Welcome home, Mr. Sterling. Welcome, Mrs. Sterling."

I felt a jolt at being called Mrs. Sterling — it was surreal, and I wasn't sure I fit the role. Kaden responded with a curt nod, his expression unyielding.

"Thank you. See to your duties." The staff murmured acknowledgments and began to disperse, their movements quiet and efficient.

Kaden gestured towards the mansion's entrance, a wide, imposing doorway with intricate carvings and heavy wooden doors now held open by two staff members.

"Inside. We'll have lunch, and I need to speak with you." I followed him into the mansion, impressed despite myself by the opulent interior.

The foyer was massive, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and polished marble floors. A grand staircase curved upwards to the left, and the air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers arranged in a monumental vase.

A staff member, the house manager, I guessed, approached with a discreet bow. "Mr. Sterling, lunch is prepared in the dining room. Your instructions for Mrs. Sterling's accommodations,"

Kaden cut him off. "Later. First, lunch. Ensure we are not disturbed."

The house manager nodded and stepped back. Kaden led me to a formal dining room with a long, polished table and a single place setting at the head. He pulled out the chair at the head for himself and indicated the place to his right.

"Sit." I took the seat, feeling a mix of unease and curiosity.

The staff brought in simple but elegant dishes, poached salmon, steamed vegetables, and a light quinoa salad and served us in silence before withdrawing. Kaden began eating methodically, his focus on his food. I picked at mine, waiting for him to speak.

Finally, he set his cutlery down and turned to me, his eyes like chips of ice. "Lunch is not a social occasion, Aria. It's a necessity. Let's get to the point of our arrangement." His voice was businesslike, cold.

"You need to understand the reality of our marriage it's contractual. Your sole job is to protect my name and maintain appearances. That means attending functions with me when required, behaving as a dutiful wife in public, and ensuring no scandal touches my reputation. Do you understand?"

I met his gaze, my expression neutral though I felt a sting of humiliation. "I understand. I signed the contract already."

Kaden's eyes narrowed slightly. "Good. Emphasize this: our marriage is for show. It is not real. You will live in this house, but we will have separate quarters. I expect discretion and cooperation. You are here to support my image, nothing more." He paused, his voice taking on an extra layer of iciness. "And I need to make one thing clear, Aria: you must never fall for me. I am not a man who inspires or deserves affection. I am using you for a purpose, and you are using me for your family's benefit. Do not confuse this arrangement with anything personal. I will never love you."