unwelcoming walls. Every inch of the luxurious home screamed wealth, power, and dominance, but it also served as a con

always present, even when he wasn't. "You're late," his voice sliced through the morning air like a blade, sending a sharp chill down her spine. She sat up in bed, her heart pounding in her chest, as she turned to face him. He stoo

but defiant, despite the fear that gripped her. She was trying to maintain some semblan

will follow the rules, Elena. There will be no exceptions."With that, he turned on his heel, his footsteps echoing in the em

urriedly scrambled out of bed, trying to get dressed. But her body felt like it was moving in slow motion. She couldn't stop her hands from shaking. This was it. This was her life no

es flicking up to meet hers as she entered. There was no warmth, no tenderness in his gaze only the icy fire of control. She f

she moved forward and took the seat across from him, her movements stiff and mechanical.The silence between them was oppressive. It filled the room like a thick fog, suffocating any semblance of comfort or

ying to eat without showing the disgust rising within her. She didn't dare challenge him. He had made it clear from the moment they had signed the contract that she was beneath him, and any form of resistance would only make her position more precarious."E

everything, including her father's company. It was what the marriage had always been about: control. She had no

re will be consequences. Do not forget that."His words hung in the air, a heavy threat that made her stomach churn. She was living in a world where every step she took

controlled, though it was clear that Killian was really just giving her a few tasks to keep her occupied keeping up appearances. By evening, she was exhausted, mentally drained, and the weight of her existence felt heavier than ever. S

had learned by now that when Killian used that tone, there was no room for refus

here was no sign of warmth, no flicker of compassion."You failed me today," he said quietly, his voice deceptively calm. "You were late to your

t. "I'm sorry," she whispered, though she wasn't sure what she was apologizing fo

ompliant, and yet it wasn't enough. Nothing would ever be enough for him.As Killian loomed over her, his gaze seething with disdain, Elena felt a deep, overwhelming sense of helple

lace," Killian whispered, his voice low and venomous, before tur

the crushing reality that no matter what she did, no matter how much she fought against i