Chapter 4

Lauren's POV

I smoothed my trembling hands over the dress I had been given, wishing for anything to distract me. This wasn’t how my life was supposed to go. The maid had made it clear that he wasn't someone I could deal with.

But if aligning myself with a devil like Kelvin Aldoracco gave me a way out, a way to fight back, I’d walk straight into hell and keep my head high.

The door opened behind me, breaking my train of thought. I didn't need to turn around to know he had arrived.

Kelvin Aldoracco.

For a heartbeat, I froze in shock at what my eyes beheld. He was far too handsome, the kind of beautiful that was overwhelming, almost impossible to understand. His features were sharp and sculpted, perfectly placed in a way that felt unfair. There was a scar grazing his jaw that only heightened the vibes of danger wafting off of him.

He was the villain in every story. The monster hiding in plain sight.

And today, I was marrying him.

He walked toward me with a confident stride, his presence almost suffocating as he stopped just close enough for me to feel the heat of his gaze on my skin.

“You’re not running,” he said, his deep voice tinged with curiosity.

I lifted my chin, looking him directly in the eye. “No. I have nothing to fear.”

A flicker of something passed through his expression, but it was gone before I could place it.

"You’re brave," he said softly, his lips curving into a mocking smile. "Or stupid."

"I prefer determined," I shot back, gritting my teeth in a whisper.

His smirk deepened, and he stepped even closer, the air thick between us. "Let’s see how long that lasts.”

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant declared with a clap of his hands, motioning toward us. “You may now kiss the bride.”

The room went still. The small gathering of people, mainly Kelvin’s immediate family, watched expectantly. My pulse quickened. Wasn't this supposed to be fake?

I turned toward Kelvin, forcing myself to look into his cold green eyes, and waited. Kiss him. Let’s just get it over with. This is all part of the act.

Before I could even process my own hesitation, his lips curved in a humorless smirk. “No,” he said plainly.

My stomach dropped, relief and something else mixing.

He waved a dismissive hand at one of his men, who immediately moved to usher me toward the exit. The air between us felt like a taut wire, ready to snap at any moment.

The moment we got home, I was however shocked when he slammed me against the wall and breathed down my ear.

“Stay away from me Lauren. For your own good. Don't forget the rules.”

“I don’t care what you do to me, Kelvin,” I looked up at him, responding firmly. “Kill me if you want. Lock me in this mansion. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that every choice I’ve made, every risk I’ve taken, has been to protect my mother. You think you’re keeping me here against my will? Fine. But don’t think you’re controlling me or you can. I’m here because it works for me.”

He looked at me without a change in his expression. He looked like he was studying me.

“What matters is that you helped me get rid of him,” I continued, my voice losing its edge but gaining clarity. “My father... the man who was supposed to protect us, betrayed us. All of these years, he used us to get ahead, sacrificed us to further his own power.”

My words hung between us, thick with an ache I couldn’t swallow. "But you did what I couldn't. You freed us from him.”

For the first time, something shifted in his expression. It wasn’t fear or anger, more like amusement, though it was short-lived.

“Good,” he said, his lips curling into a faint, humorless smirk. “You’ll need that attitude.”

Without another word, he turned and strode off, leaving me standing in the cavernous hall with my heart pounding and my blood roaring in my ears.

I needed a moment to collect myself, to breathe.

I stepped into the adjoining room—my new bedroom. The space was lavish and every piece of furniture was new, as if no one had ever dared to live here.

I began to strip off my dress. The fabric pooled at my feet, leaving me bare in the dim light of the room. I let out a shaky breath of relief, standing naked in front of the mirror. I finally had some time alone to myself.

But as I moved around the room, the feeling of being watched crept over me. It was absurd. There was no one here.

I shook my head, brushing the thought aside, and reached for a robe hanging near the bed. Just as I slipped it on, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Startled, I froze, clutching the robe to my chest.

“Come in,” I called out hesitantly.

The door opened, and one of Kelvin’s guards stepped in, holding a cell phone in his hand. His gaze remained respectfully averted as he walked toward me, placing the phone on the nightstand. Without a word, he exited, leaving the door slightly ajar.

The phone buzzed, and I stared at it for a moment before picking it up. Kelvin’s name flashed on the screen. I answered, pressing the device to my ear.

“I see you’ve settled in,” his voice drawled, smooth and mocking.

“What do you want?” I snapped, the tension from earlier still fresh in my voice.

There was a low chuckle on the other end of the line. “You have a sexy body, Lauren. Walking around naked in my house? Bold move.”

My breath hitched, and I gaped at the phone, my cheeks burning. “You—” I stammered, unsure whether to feel mortified or furious. “Are you spying on me?”

“You’re in my domain, sweetheart,” he said casually, his tone laced with amusement. “I see everything.”

I clenched my teeth, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and anger. “You’re disgusting.”

“Am I?” he retorted, his voice dropping an octave, sending a shiver down my spine. “I suggest you get used to it. Now, stop sulking. You’ve got work to do.”

“Work?” I repeated, confused.

“There’s a ball tomorrow night,” he said, his tone shifting to one of cold authority. “You’ll be accompanying me. Dress appropriately. You represent me now, and I expect perfection.”

Before I could respond, the line went dead. I stared at the phone, my heart racing.