Chapter 3 Chapitre 3

The first tensions.

Ethan's domain stretched for miles, a mix of dense forests, bright clearings, and winding paths that seemed to lead into infinity. Alayna, standing in the doorway of the house, took a deep breath. The air was clear, heavy with the smell of pine and damp earth, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere inside. She had spent the morning avoiding Ethan, feeling him tense, perhaps still irritated from their tense dinner the day before. Today she needed to breathe, to get away from this golden cage.

Without warning anyone, she ventured beyond the perfectly manicured gardens, her steps instinctively guiding her towards the woods. The light dress she wore swayed as she moved, and although she wasn't dressed for a hike, she paid it no mind. Freedom, even temporary, was worth a pair of damaged shoes.

She walked for what seemed like hours, enjoying the quiet, until a sound behind her shattered the illusion of solitude. Alayna froze, her heart suddenly beating faster.

- Who are you ? called out a deep voice.

She turned around to face two men. One was tall, stocky, with a dark beard and piercing eyes. The other, younger, showed a smirk, but his eyes shone with a hint of distrust.

- I...I'm Alayna, she replied, trying to maintain a calm appearance.

- We know who you are, said the youngest, crossing his arms. The boss's new wife. But that doesn't give you the right to wander around here as you please.

Alayna felt a mixture of anger and unease rise within her.

- I didn't know it was forbidden, she replied, her voice firmer.

The tall man took a step forward, his gaze heavy on her.

- It's not a question of prohibition, he said softly, almost warningly. It's a question of security. You have no idea what could be lurking in these woods.

She frowned, suddenly feeling exposed.

- So maybe someone should have warned me.

The young man burst out laughing, a sound that sorely lacked warmth.

- And you think anyone here has time to be a tour guide?

Before she could respond, a low growl sounded behind them. The three turned to see Ethan emerge from the shadows of the trees, his gaze black as a storm.

- What are you doing here? he roared, addressing the two men.

- We just found your wife wandering around, the tall man replied, raising his hands in surrender.

Ethan ignored their explanation and headed straight towards Alayna.

- What were you doing here? he asked, his voice low but full of suppressed anger.

- I was walking around, she replied, lifting her chin in challenge. Is this a crime?

- Without guard, without telling anyone? Do you realize how stupid that was?

The tone shook Alayna, but she refused to back down.

- Stupid ? Maybe if you had explained the rules of your little fortress to me, I wouldn't be here!

Ethan inhaled deeply, as if struggling to contain his temper.

- Go home, he finally said, his tone cutting. NOW.

Alayna felt a wave of rebellion rising within her, but she finally turned and headed back, feeling Ethan's gaze burning into her back.

Once back in the house, Ethan exploded.

- What possessed you to go out like that? he called, slamming the door behind them.

- I needed some air, Ethan, she replied, turning to face him. And honestly, I need it even more now.

He approached her, his gaze burning.

- Don't ever do that again, Alayna. You don't know how dangerous it is there.

- So explain to me, she retorted. Tell me what's so dangerous!

He remained silent, his fists clenched, before turning on his heel and leaving the room, leaving her alone with her frustration.

The rest of the day, Alayna wandered around the house, her thoughts swirling around the incident. Why did Ethan seem so angry? Was it really fear for his safety, or was there something else?

As she passed her office, a sudden impulse made her stop. The door was slightly ajar, and she knew he was busy elsewhere. The hesitation lasted only a moment before she gently pushed the door open and entered.

The room was a mix of dark wood and luxurious objects, every detail exuding authority. On the desk sat a pile of documents, and among them, an envelope marked with a red seal caught his attention.

She took it in her hands, her heart beating faster. Opening it, she discovered a series of letters, each bearing veiled threats and clear demands.

- So that's it, she muttered to herself.

She read each word, feeling a shiver run down her spine. These documents contained clues to the source of the blackmail, but they also raised more questions. Who was really behind this? And why did Ethan seem to keep this burden to himself?

A sound of footsteps in the hallway startled her. She quickly put the letters back in their place and left the room, her mind in turmoil.

There was something bigger at play, and she was determined to find out. But one thing was certain: the tension between her and Ethan would only be greater.