Chapter 2 Dark mahogany furniture

The bedroom was as lavish as it was suffocating. Dark mahogany furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows draped in heavy velvet, and a bed so large it looked almost absurd. But no amount of luxury could mask the truth-this was a prison. A beautiful, gilded prison.

Alana stood in the center of the room, her fingers trembling as she gripped the handle of her suitcase. Adrian had left her here with nothing but a smirk and a few cruel words, his presence lingering in the air like a storm waiting to break.

Her mind screamed at her to run, but where would she go? There was no escape from this. The papers had been signed, the vows exchanged. She belonged to him now, whether she liked it or not.

A sharp knock at the door made her flinch. Before she could respond, it swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze and an air of strict professionalism.

"My name is Evelyn. I'm Mr. Carlisle's housekeeper," she said curtly, stepping into the room. "I'll be handling your needs during your stay here."

During my stay. As if this was some kind of temporary arrangement, rather than a lifetime sentence.

Alana lifted her chin. "I can take care of myself."

Evelyn's lips pressed into a thin line. "That may be true, but I have my orders. Mr. Carlisle has made it clear that you are to be properly accommodated."

Properly accommodated. The words made Alana sick. She knew exactly what that meant-she wasn't here as a wife. She was here as a possession. Something to be fed, clothed, and maintained like an expensive doll.

"I don't need anything from him," she said, her voice tight.

Evelyn's expression didn't change. "I'll have a wardrobe prepared for you regardless. Mr. Carlisle expects you to look presentable."

Alana turned away, bile rising in her throat. She had no doubt that Adrian wanted to parade her around like a trophy, a reminder of his victory over her family.

A sharp wind blew through the open window, and she walked toward it, gripping the edge of the windowsill. The estate stretched out before her-vast, endless, like a kingdom ruled by a single cruel king.

A sudden gust of wind carried the scent of rain, and for a fleeting moment, she imagined what it would be like to throw herself over the ledge. To escape this nightmare in the only way left to her.

But then Evelyn spoke again, her voice softening just slightly. "Dinner is in an hour. Mr. Carlisle expects you to join him."

Alana swallowed hard. "And if I refuse?"

Evelyn hesitated before answering. "I wouldn't test his patience if I were you."

Alana let out a slow breath, her fingers curling against the windowsill. It didn't matter what she wanted. Adrian had already made it clear-her choices had been stripped away the moment she became his.

And so, with a sinking heart, she turned away from the window and prepared to face the devil once more.