Lysa's mind reeled as Alexei's words sank in. She had signed a contract, all right, but she hadn't read the fine print. She had been too desperate, too trusting.
"Wait," she said, trying to backpedal. "I think there's been a misunderstanding. I didn't agree to...to be your wife."
Alexei chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Ah, but you did, Lysa. You signed it in black and white. You'll be my loving wife, my partner, my everything...for the next 12 months."
Lysa's eyes scanned the room, searching for an escape, but Alexei's men stood guard by the door. She was trapped.
"What do you want from me?" she asked, trying to reason with him.
Alexei's eyes gleamed with amusement. "I want what any man wants from his wife, Lysa. Your loyalty, your obedience...and your body."
Lysa's face flamed with shame and anger. She had made a terrible mistake, and now she was at the mercy of a ruthless mafia billionaire.
Alexei took Lysa's silence as acceptance. He smiled, a satisfied glime in his eye.
"Good," he said. "Now, let's get you ready."
Lysa looked at him in confusion. "Ready for what?"
Alexei's smile grew wider. "For our wedding, of course."
Lysa's eyes widened in shock. "Wedding? But...but I thought this was just a business arrangement!"
Alexei chuckled. "Oh, no, Lysa. I said you'd be my wife in every way that matters. I didn't say it would be just a business arrangement."
The wedding was a blur. Lysa felt like she was in a nightmare, unable to wake up. Alexei's men were everywhere, watching her every move.
The ceremony was intimate, with only a handful of guests. Lysa's eyes met Alexei's as she said her vows. She felt a shiver run down her spine.
As the ring slipped onto her finger, Lysa felt a sense of finality. She was trapped, with no escape.
The honeymoon suite was luxurious, but Lysa felt like she was in a prison. Alexei's eyes gleamed with triumph as he led her to the bedroom.
Lysa's heart was racing.