Chapter 2 Chapitre 2

The clash of personalities.

The silence in the Valmy household was almost deafening, broken only by the steady clicking of Alayna's heels on the marble floor. She walked down the stairs, straight and dignified, although a whirlwind of thoughts fought in her mind. This marriage, this man... Nothing was like what she had imagined for her life. However, she would not let herself be crushed. Not by him, and even less by the palpable coldness of this home.

She found him in the living room, a space both impressive and oppressive. The walls covered in old books and the leather armchairs testified to Ethan's taste for control and perfection. He stood by the fireplace, a glass in his hand, his gaze fixed on the flames.

- So, is this how it's going to happen? she called out in a clear voice, breaking the silence with a boldness she didn't know she had.

Ethan didn't turn around immediately. He raised the glass to his lips, enjoying a sip of whiskey, before speaking.

- What exactly is going to happen? he asked, his voice low but icy, each word carefully measured.

Alayna took a few steps forward, her arms crossed over her chest.

- You, there, ignoring me, acting as if I didn't exist. If you want to erase me from your life, do it right away. But don't play this game.

He finally turned around, his dark eyes fixing on her with an intensity that could have made anyone tremble.

- Listen carefully, Alayna, he said as he approached, his voice dropping to an almost threatening whisper. I never asked you to come here. I never wanted you as a wife.

She held his gaze, refusing to give in.

- And you think that was my dream? To marry a man who can't say a kind word? A man who thinks it's all about alliances and strategies?

He clenched his jaw, his face hard and impassive.

- Once this threat is removed, he continued coldly, I will do everything to annul this union. I don't want you in my life any longer than necessary.

Every word was a slap in the face. Alayna felt a mixture of anger and pain rising within her, but she masked it behind a wry smile.

- And you think that scares me? she replied, her eyes glinting with challenge. Perfect. Do what you want, Ethan. But know one thing: I am not just another piece on my father's chessboard.

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by her response.

- Oh yes ? And what are you going to do?

- You'll see, she whispered before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

Dinner that evening took place in an even more tense atmosphere than expected. The long mahogany table, adorned with a massive chandelier and carefully prepared dishes, seemed like a battlefield. Alayna, dressed in a blue satin dress, sat silently, watching Ethan from across the table.

- "You don't seem to be enjoying the meal," she finally said, breaking the silence.

He looked up from his plate, his features impassive.

- I have nothing to complain about the meal.

- So it's me that you find indigestible?

His sarcastic tone brought a slight smile from Ethan, but he quickly hid it.

- You are insightful, he replied, putting down his fork.

Alayna pursed her lips.

- Why are you like this? she asked suddenly. Why the constant coldness?

Ethan rested his elbows on the table, folding his hands in front of him.

- Because I don't have the luxury of being otherwise. Weakness has no place in my world.

- Weakness or humanity? she replied.

Their eyes met, and for the first time, she saw a glimmer of emotion pass through his eyes. But he quickly turned his head away, as if refusing to let anything show.

- What about you, Alayna? he continued, suddenly changing the subject. Why did you stay? Why didn't you run away at the first opportunity?

She shrugged, playing with the cloth napkin in her lap.

- Maybe because I'm stronger than you think.

He laughed softly, but without joy.

- We'll see how long you last.

The rest of the dinner passed in tense silence, punctuated only by the clatter of cutlery on china.

Later that evening, Alayna stood in front of her bedroom's huge window, watching the moon shine above the estate's gardens. Ethan's words played over and over in his head. Every time she tried to understand this man, he seemed to put up a new wall between them. But she wouldn't back down.

A slight noise behind her startled her. She turned around to find Ethan in the doorway, an unreadable expression on his face.

- You're still awake, he noticed.

- And you too, she replied, crossing her arms.

He entered the room, stopping at a respectable distance.

- I just... wanted to check that everything was okay, he said after a moment of hesitation.

She frowned, surprised by his almost...concerned tone?

- Everything is fine, thank you.

He nodded, but didn't move.

- Listen, Alayna, he said finally, his voice softer than before. I know I'm not the husband you hoped for. And I know this marriage is just a farce. But...

He paused, searching for words.

- But what? she asked, her curiosity piqued.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

- But maybe we can... find a way to coexist, at least for a while.

She remained silent, looking at him as if trying to break through his defenses.

- I'm not here to make your life complicated, Ethan, she said finally. But I'm not here to be erased either.

He nodded slowly, as if he finally understood what she was trying to say.

- Good night, Alayna, he whispered before leaving the room.

She stood for a moment, looking at the door he had just left through. Maybe, she thought, beneath that icy facade was a man she could one day understand. But for now, he was just a mystery she wasn't yet ready to solve.