Chapter-1
They had just gotten married.
No flowers. No vows. No kiss and definitely no guests. It was just a court marriage with Aiden’s friend Levi (CEO of the King empire) as a witness.
Only ink on paper, exchanged signatures, and a cold nod of acknowledgment.
Now, they sat in silence with Aiden at the wheel of his sleek black Mercedes, Alesandra staring out the tinted window beside him. The city lights blurred past, casting silver streaks across her pale dress. Her hands were folded tightly in her lap, knuckles white, but her face gave nothing away.
Aiden’s voice broke the silence, low and clipped.
Aiden
You know how this marriage is going to work, right?
Alesandra glances at him. Then out the window.
Alesandra
Couple in public. Strangers in private.
She swallows. The question is on her tongue before she has the sense to stop it.
Alesandra
Does that mean we can date whoever we want?
His hands pause slightly on the wheel. Not enough to show anger. Just enough to show he wasn’t expecting it.
He turns his head slowly and gives her a look. Not angry. Not surprised. Just… cold.
Alesandra frowns, slightly. But her tone stays even.
He exhales slowly, like explaining something obvious to a stubborn client.
Aiden
Because I don’t want people finding out about this arrangement.
Aiden
And that kind of mess risks it.
Alesandra
So we’re supposed to fake smiles in public and lock our lives in private?
She looks at him. Really looks.
Alesandra
Right, the deal.
She turns back to the window, blinking hard once. Her voice lowers, like she’s asking more to herself now.
Alesandra
And what about what I want?
He doesn’t respond. Just keeps driving. Her question floats, unanswered.
Alesandra chuckles quietly,humorless.
Aiden
You know it’s not that kind of wedding.
Alesandra
You know… I never planned on marrying anyone. I had a life. A lab. A project that mattered.
Aiden
You still do.
This doesn’t change that.
Alesandra
It changes everything.
Still, he doesn’t look at her. He doesn’t argue. He just keeps driving.
Aiden
You’ll have your space.
I won’t interfere.
Alesandra
You already are.
His jaw tightens, but his eyes stay on the road.
Aiden
Don’t make this harder than it is.
Alesandra
I’m not.
You already did.
The car turns slowly down a private road, lined with trees and lanterns. At the end of the path stands the house. Massive. Beautiful. Empty.
Alesandra watches it approach. She grips the handle of her purse a little tighter. A life traded for a contract. A name. A stranger beside her.
Author
Do share your thoughts in comment.
Author
And tell me If I shouldn’t continue this story
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