Two weeks later.
The Valtieri mansion rises like a fortress made of stone and secrets. Its tall iron gates open slowly as our car rolls inside. My fingers twist in my lap, the sound of the engine echoing in my chest like a heartbeat I can't control.
Every window glints like an eye watching me.
Beatrice leans toward the window, smiling too brightly. "You see, Rose? You should feel honored. Not everyone gets invited into the Valtieri home."
Beside her, Samantha stares silently, her expression unreadable. But when the mansion comes fully into view, she gasps softly. "It's… beautiful."
Albert straightens his tie. "Behave yourselves. We're guests here."
Guests. That's what I am, I remind myself. A guest about to become property.
When the car stops in front of the mansion's grand entrance, two guards step forward. One of them opens my door without a word. His eyes don't even meet mine.
I step out slowly, clutching the small suitcase Beatrice forced into my hands. My knees feel weak. The air here smells different, clean but heavy, like rain that's about to fall.
Inside, the mansion is quiet. Too quiet. The walls are white marble, the ceilings impossibly high. There's a scent of wood, cigar smoke, and something darker.
A maid leads us into a large sitting room. Everything gleams glass tables, silver frames, crystal chandeliers.
And then I see him.
Liam Valtieri.
He's standing at the foot of the staircase, half in shadow, dressed in black. He's taller than I expected, his posture straight and still like carved stone. His jaw is sharp, his expression unreadable, and his dark eyes cold, unreadable lock briefly on me before shifting away.
It's like the air itself holds its breath.
Matilda appears from the hallway, elegant as ever. "Liam, your guests have arrived."
He doesn't move at first. Then he descends the stairs slowly, each step deliberate. His presence fills the room before he even speaks.
Albert immediately bows his head slightly. "Mr. Valtieri, thank you for receiving us. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Liam cuts him off, voice low and smooth, but with a steel edge. "Mr. Grey said the papers couldn't leave my office. So if we want this done, it happens here."
Even his tone feels like a command.
Albert chuckles nervously. "Of course, of course. Understandable."
Samantha's eyes trail over him, her earlier disgust melting into something else entirely. She whispers, barely audible, "He's… gorgeous."
Beatrice nudges her sharply. "Quiet."
Liam's gaze flicks to them, sharp and brief. Even without speaking, it's enough to make Beatrice freeze. Then, slowly, his eyes moved to me.
He studies me for a long moment, and I feel stripped bare under his stare.
"So," he says finally, his voice low, almost bored. "You're Rose."
I nod, my voice barely a whisper. "Yes, sir."
His jaw tightens slightly. "Don't call me sir."
"Y-Yes sorry," I stammer.
He turns to Mr. Grey, who stands by the long glass table. "Let's get this over with."
Mr. Grey opens his briefcase and lays the documents out carefully. "These are the final terms, Mr. Valtieri. Once both parties sign, the marriage will be legally recognized."
Liam doesn't sit. He stands behind the chair, hands resting on the backrest, every movement controlled.
Albert clears his throat, trying to sound confident. "We're all ready."
Mr. Grey looks at me. "Miss Rose, if you please."
My legs feel like they're made of air as I step forward. The paper looks so thin how can something so fragile hold a fate so heavy?
Liam watches me without blinking. "You understand what you're signing?"
I nod slowly. "Yes."
"Say it," he commands.
My voice trembles. "I understand what I'm signing."
His expression doesn't change. "And you agree to it willingly?"
Beatrice cuts in, forcing a laugh. "Of course she does. She's grateful for this opportunity.."
Liam turns his head slowly toward her, and whatever words she was about to say die instantly. His gaze is cold, sharp, and dangerous. "I wasn't speaking to you."
The silence that follows is suffocating.
He looks back at me. "Answer me."
"I… agree," I whisper.
He nods once. "Then sign."
I pick up the pen, my hand trembling. The sound of the tip scratching the paper feels louder than thunder. I write my name slowly: Rose Carter Valtieri.
Mr. Grey slides the paper toward Liam.
He takes the pen with a smooth motion and signs quickly, his signature bold and effortless. Then he sets the pen down with finality.
"It's done," Mr. Grey says, gathering the papers. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Valtieri."
My breath catches. Mrs. Valtieri.
The words feel foreign. Heavy.
Matilda smiles faintly. "Welcome to the family, dear."
Liam doesn't even glance at me. "Mr. Grey, escort them out."
Albert blinks, surprised. "Oh already? We thought…"
"You've had your meeting," Liam says flatly. "It's over."
Beatrice starts to protest, but his tone drops a degree colder. "I don't repeat myself."
Even Albert knows better than to argue. He forces a smile. "Of course, Mr. Valtieri. We'll take our leave."
As the Carters gather their things, Samantha lingers, her gaze locked on Liam. "If I had known he looked like that…" she mutters under her breath.
Beatrice drags her toward the door. "Don't be foolish."
When they finally leave, the door shuts with a dull click that echoes through the grand hall.
Silence.
I'm still standing where I signed, my heart beating too fast. I don't dare look up.
Liam speaks without turning around. "You'll stay here from now on."
My head snaps up. "What?"
He looks at me then, eyes dark and unreadable. "You're my wife now. My grandmother arranged it, and I don't like repeating her mistakes. You'll live here. You'll follow my rules."
I swallow hard. "Rules?"
He steps closer, his presence suffocating. "Don't go anywhere without permission. Don't touch what isn't yours. Don't ask questions about my business."
I nod quickly. "Yes."
His gaze lingers on me for a second longer before he turns away. "Mr. Grey will handle the rest."
I watch him walk out of the room each step steady, unhurried. Like a man who never needs to raise his voice to be obeyed.
As soon as he disappeared into the hallway, I let out a shaky breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.
Clark the Butler of the house i guess clears his throat softly. "You'll be shown to your room, Mrs. Valtieri."
My heart stumbles at the sound of that name.
"Mrs. Valtieri…" I whisper to myself.
I look around the empty hall, the silence pressing down like a weight.
I've just become the wife of a man who doesn't want me.
deep inside me I know that my life has just begun, being the prey of Liam Valtieri.