Surrogate Wife

with glinting chandeliers, gold-trimmed mirrors, and walls that seemed to watch her every move. She clutched the delicate fabric of her dress, feeling out of p

n forced to marry. His figure was imposing, tall and severe, with an aura that felt more like a threat than a presence. He wore a tailored black suit that accentuated his athletic fra

er voice almost swallowed

nt scowl twisted his features, barely concealed under his polished exterior. He too

ne edged with that famili

n," she replied, keeping her voice steady, th

is eyes narrowing. "When I ask f

she'd grown used to-the feeling of being diminished, of b

" she said, her voi

, his gaze drifting back to the view outside, where the sprawling estate stretched in a

"My grandfather is expecting us for dinner

bruptness of his words. "I... o

sing her in his mind. But just as she was ab

ment between us-it's nothing more than a contractual obligation. You're here to

ad known this marriage was only a transaction, but hearing him say it so plainly

oice steady this time, "I have n

s, amused by her attempt at defiance.

in a way that made her skin prickle. She felt exposed, like he could se

aged, desperate to brea

oid of any warmth. "Just wonderin

sted deeper. She wanted to snap back, to make him feel the sting of his cruelty, but she knew it would be

he asked, trying to k

lick of his hand, his attention alre

a moment, closing her eyes. She needed to steady herself, to force back the emotions he'd so effortlessly dredged up. She knew what he thought of her, and she had promis

you running a

ly against the wall. Vanessa's dark, glossy hair framed a face that was both beau

aid, attempting to

predatory. "Poor Emilia. I

ting to give Vanessa the satisfaction of se

r lips curving into a mocking smile. "Because, from wher

how much her words hit home. "Alex and I have an u

"I understand perfectly. Alex may be tied to you on paper, but he belongs to

show. She met Vanessa's gaze with a calm she didn'

rprise, maybe even anger. But it was gone as quickly a

," Vanessa said, her voice dripping with venom. "

e, the weight of her words pressing down on her. Emilia took a shaky breath, trying to g

day would be a battle-a test of how much she could endure without losing herself entirely. And in the dark, twis