Venom's Alliance: Loyalty's Fracture

Chapter 11

Kalia's POV

I had officially won the bet. It was Friday, and as much as I hated the idea, I had to go and see Chad. I had no news to give him. The wedding was in almost two weeks, and I was already exhausted by the whole affair if that was even possible. Easton had become more present in the house and had taken over some of the decor decisions since he wanted it to be a surprise for me. He acted as though we were a real couple, and it was increasingly challenging for me to detach myself from all the affection he was showering upon me.

Every morning, he brought me white flowers to wake me up, and he made sure we had our meals together. He even had to do some interviews for a billionaire magazine where he talked about our engagement, and I had to be by his side for that. I managed to stay out of the photos, but he gave me a warning look that reminded me of the contract I had signed.

Not long after that, I heard him discussing some business matters with James, but they always retreated to the office, leaving me out of the loop.

I found myself in a challenging situation. I didn't have any information for Chad, and I wasn't entirely sure where I stood with Easton. I loathed the idea of this contract and forced marriage, but he treated me well and seemed to respect most of my wishes, contract or not.

My heart weighed heavy with the burden of this situation, and a deep sense of unease washed over me. I knew I needed to find a way out of this mess. For now, I had to lie to Chad and figure out how to keep Easton at a distance.

I decided to wear a long light pink backless silk dress with a deep v-neckline, fully aware that Easton disliked it when I showed too much skin. It was a deliberate choice, a way to show my independence and prove that I could do as I pleased with my own body. I knew he would have something to say about it, but there was a certain satisfaction in making him angry and standing up for myself. It was a small victory during this complicated situation.

I had also asked Tony to park my car in the front of the house where Easton's office had a full view. Tony, a middle-aged man with impeccably styled hair slicked back, always dressed in a black suit with a crisp white shirt that accentuated his slender figure, was the main caretaker of the house. Easton tasked him with overseeing all the household matters, both inside and outside. Perhaps that's why the garden always looked immaculate – it was a direct reflection of Tony's character: neat, respectful, and highly organized.

The other staff members gave me side-eye glances, and I was aware of the gossip circulating behind my back. But not Tony. He had been nothing but kind to me, helping with wedding arrangements and preparing delicious meals.

As I exited the door, I unlocked the car and prepared to leave. However, I couldn't help but notice Easton's windows fully open, with the white curtains billowing in the breeze. It was a sign that he was waiting for me.

As I walked towards the car, I spotted a shadow moving behind the voile curtains. I paused for a moment, my heart racing, and then I realized it was Jay, not Easton. I hadn't seen him since the race had taken place. He was sitting with his arms crossed, dressed in a perfectly fitted dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath. He looked at me and gave me a sideways smile as he said something that was hard for me to hear, but it was quite clear he was referring to me.

In the next moment, Easton stormed out onto the balcony and scrutinized me from head to toe. But I didn't give him a chance to speak. Instead, I sent him a playful flying kiss and waved, indicating that I was leaving. He couldn't say anything, and I relished in the power of it. As I drove away leaving Easton and Jay behind, I tried to come up with a plausible lie for Chad.

*

"Heard you're a loving fiancée," Chad's voice dripped with sarcasm, as if he were handling a poisonous serpent. "Easton's been all over the media, getting married to the love of his life." "The rich billionaire finally settling down." He recited media headlines, but I remained silent, focused on my meal. Chad didn't seem to take kindly to my lack of enthusiasm for discussing anything other than the gun deal.