Alexander's POV
Tomorrow she tries on the dress. In three days, she'll walk down the aisle.
I stand in my office, the city lights stretched beneath me like fire. The contract sits on my desk — hers, mine, every clause binding. Everything is exactly how it should be. Everything is in place.
Amara. The name alone makes my jaw tighten. She doesn't know it yet, but she's about to step into my plan — into a cage she didn't choose.
A knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. Ryan leans casually against the doorway, smirking. "Still brooding over that contract, Alex? Or are you planning how to make her life miserable?"
I glare. "It's not about her life. It's about the plan. Don't waste my time."
Ryan chuckles, stepping into the office. "Oh, I know it's about the plan. But you know… you could at least… be nice to the poor girl. Don't be too harsh. You'll break her before the wedding if you keep scowling like that."
I snap my head toward him. "Be nice? Ryan, she's part of my father's enemy's empire. She's the daughter of the man I despise. I have no reason to be nice to her."
Ryan raises his hands mockingly. "I'm just saying… temper the hatred a little. A tiny bit. Don't crush her completely before the wedding. Trust me, it's more entertaining if she struggles a little."
I grit my teeth. "I don't need advice from you. I know exactly what I'm doing."
Ryan smirks. "Oh, I know you do. That's why I'm warning you — she's clever. Don't underestimate her. And remember, the world's watching. Be cruel, sure, but don't make her a total wreck… yet."
I swallow hard, then turn back to the window. "I'll handle her however I see fit. She's a tool, nothing more. She'll learn quickly enough who she's dealing with."
Ryan shakes his head and laughs softly, clapping me on the shoulder as he leaves. "Alright, I tried. Just don't make me laugh too hard at your mercy later… or lack of it."
The door clicks shut, leaving me alone with the city and the contract. Amara lia stone. I stare at the letters, taste the anger that fuels this plan, and let it settle over me like ice.
Tomorrow, she'll try on that dress. In three days, she'll walk down the aisle. And I'll be there, waiting, watching, making sure the game continues exactly as it should.
No mercy. No softness. Only control.