Chapter 2
The heavy iron gates of the Hardwin Mansion creaked open like the jaws of a giant beast, swallowing us whole. As the SUV pulled up the long, gravel driveway, I looked at the marble statues and perfectly manicured gardens. To anyone else, this was paradise. To me, it was a beautifully decorated graveyard.
Ethan didn't wait for me. He stepped out of the car, his suit as dark as his soul, and started walking toward the massive oak doors.
- Get out, - he commanded without looking back. - We have an audience waiting.
I stepped out, my legs feeling like lead. At the entrance stood a girl who looked like she had stepped off a fashion magazine cover, but her expression was twisted with elitist disgust. This was Chloe, Ethan's younger sister.
- So, this is the 'bride'? - Chloe scoffed, crossing her arms over her designer dress. She circled me like a vulture. - I thought grandma had better taste. She looks like she belongs in a charity ward, not a palace. Did you even bother to wash before coming here, or does poverty just have a permanent scent?
My blood boiled. I wanted to scream, to tell her that my pride was worth more than her entire inheritance. But then I remembered the red dot on my mother's forehead. I swallowed my rage, my nails digging into my palms.
- Chloe, enough, - Ethan said, though his voice lacked any real defense for me. - She is here for grandmother. That's it.
He grabbed my arm—his grip firm and unyielding—and dragged me past her, through the grand hallway. We went up a winding staircase to the farthest corner of the west wing. He threw open a door to a luxurious room, but before I could step in, he turned to me with a dark expression.
- Change of plans, - he growled. - My grandmother watches everything. If she finds out we are sleeping in separate rooms, she'll know it's a sham. Her heart can't take that. You're staying in my room.
I froze.
- You're joking. That wasn't in the contract!
Ethan leaned in, pinning me against the wall. His breath was cold against my skin.
The contract says you keep her alive. This is how we do it, - he pointed to a wide, grey velvet couch in the corner. - But don't get any ideas. You sleep on the couch. Don't even think about touching my bed. To me, you're just a piece of furniture in this room.
- Furniture? - I whispered, tears of rage stinging my eyes. - You really are a monster, Ethan.
- Maybe, - he replied, unbuttoning his shirt. - But you better get used to living with the monster.
Later, we were called to my grandmother's room. The moment we stepped out of our door, Ethan changed. He wrapped his arm around my waist so tightly it hurt, but he wore a fake, charming smile.
Grandmother was propped up in bed, her eyes glowing with joy.
- Olivia... my dear. I knew Ethan wouldn't let a girl like you slip away.
As I kissed her hand, my conscience ached. She believed in this lie with all her heart. Meanwhile, across the room, Chloe sat watching us with venomous eyes.
- I wonder, Grandma, - Chloe interjected, - if Olivia can handle our family's lifestyle. After all, she's used to hospitals and the smell of sickness. Luxury might be too heavy for her.
