𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃| ✎

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

As I drove home after my meeting with Nikolai, I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in my stomach. Everything he had said had only served to confirm my fears about this arranged marriage. It was clear that he saw me as nothing more than a pawn in his game of power and status, and expected me to play my part without any thought for my own happiness or future.

And yet... there was something about him that had piqued my curiosity. Despite his cold, calculated demeanor, there was a sense of mystery and danger that was strangely alluring.

Alluring.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. It was foolish to be drawn to a man who saw me as little more than a trophy wife to be displayed and paraded around like a prop. I needed to keep my head on straight and focus on the fact that this was all just a business arrangement, nothing more.

As I pulled up in front of my parents home, I saw that there were a few cars parked in front that I didn't recognize. I frowned, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. I turned off the engine and got out of the car, making my way up to the front door.

As I entered the house, I could hear voices coming from the living room. The sound of my Mum and a strange male voice.

As I walked into the living room, I saw my mother sitting on the couch talking to a man I didn't recognize. He was tall and muscular, with short cropped hair and a sharp, cunning look in his eyes. He turned to look at me as I entered the room, his gaze flickering over me for a moment before he turned back to my mother.

"Ah, here she is," my mother said, looking up at me with a tight smile. "Melanie, come over here, dear."

My mother stood up from the couch, her smile still pasted on her face as she gestured for me to come closer. "Come, sit down, we need to talk," she said, her tone of voice making it clear that it wasn't a request.

I cautiously made my way towards the couch and sat down next to her, my stomach twisting with unease. "What is it?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

My mother took a deep breath before speaking, her expression serious. "You know that the wedding is coming up soon," she said. "And there are some... logistical issues that need to be dealt with."

I nodded, even though her words only served to increase my anxiety. "What kind of logistical issues?" I asked cautiously.

My mother's smile faltered for a moment as she looked at me, her eyes cold and hard. "Well, you see, your belongings need to be moved to your new home. The house that will be your new residence with your husband to be."

I stared at her in shock, feeling a sinking sensation in my stomach. "What do you mean, my belongings need to be moved?" I asked, my voice rising in panic.

no. please no.

My mother looked at me for a moment, her expression one of disbelief. "What do you think I mean?" she snapped. "Your things need to be packed up and transported to your new house. Your clothes, your furniture, your personal items. All of it."