Under His Control

Chapter 18- Under His Control

Gabriella’s fingers tightened around the phone as a cold wave of unease washed over her.

“I…I’m out,” she stammered.

“I know.”

She forced herself to respond with a steady voice.

“Is something wrong?”

There was a brief pause on the other end.

“Come home.” 

The line went dead. It was final. There was no room for argument or explanation.

She lowered the phone slowly, her mind spinning.

Dennis hadn’t looked away. His eyes remained fixed on her, a faint smile resting on his lips.

“That sounded serious,” he said casually, taking a sip of his coffee.

Gabriella swallowed. “It’s nothing,” she said quickly.

But even to her own ears, it sounded like a lie.

Dennis tilted his head slightly.

“I’m guessing my brother isn't too happy that you came to meet with me.”

She forced a smile, “I didn't exactly let him know when I left the house.”

“Really?” he raised a brow. “ Well, you'd better get going then, you don't want to keep your fiancée waiting.”

Something about the way he said it made her pulse quicken.

Reaching for her bag, Gabriella stood but hesitated for a second.

“Thank you for today,” she said softly.

Dennis’ eyes softened. “Anytime, Gabby.”

She gave a small nod before turning and walking away, her steps quick. She could feel Dennis eyes following her till she was outside the cafe.

The cool evening air hit her face, and she exhaled sharply. She didn't realize it had gotten so late while talking with Dennis.

The car ride back felt longer. Gabriella stared out the window, her thoughts tangled.

‘I know’

So he did eventually come to check on her. Why though? After all, she was just a pawn in his stupid game. She shook her head, not wanting to overthink it. 

By the time she arrived at the house, the sky had already darkened. Gabriella felt her heartbeat quicken as she stepped inside tentatively.

The moment she pushed the door open, she already knew he was waiting for her. She could sense his presence in the living room.

Alexander stood with his back turned to her. One hand resting in the pocket of his black joggers, and the other holding a glass of whiskey.

He didn't turn to face her.

“You're back,” he said calmly.

“Yes,” she replied.

He finally turned around and met her gaze with piercing eyes that seemed to be staring into her soul.

“Where were you?” he asked.

The question was simple, but it didn't feel like it.

“Just out with a friend,” she shrugged. It was the truth. Kind of.

Alexander didn't respond immediately. His gaze slowly swept over her, then he took a small sip from his glass.

“Is that so?”

Her palms began to sweat instantly.

“Yes,” she said, trying to sound bold.

Silence stretched between them.

“You know I went to your room this afternoon, imagine my surprise when you weren't in it, or anywhere in this house, in fact.”

“I’m an adult. I don’t need your permission to go anywhere,” she replied.

Alexander set his glass down. The soft clink echoed louder than it should have. He took a step closer to her.

“Interesting.”

Her chest tightened.

“Why do you care anyway?” she dared to ask.

“Because you don't get to disappear without me knowing.”

“Of course.” Gabriella had expected nothing less.

“I also wanted to bring you something to eat,” he continued, “ since you decided to avoid me all day.”

Gabriella’s throat suddenly went dry.

“So you were checking on me?” she asked.

“I guess I was.”

The room fell into an awkward silence.

“Thank you for checking on me,” she finally said. “ But you don't have to bother.”

Alexander watched her carefully, his eyes trying to read her.

“Correct me if I'm wrong, Gabriella, but I'm sensing a bit of passive aggressiveness. Is this about last night?” 

Gabriella forced herself to remain calm. She could feel anger bubbling inside her. How could he act so nonchalantly?

“I no longer care about last night. You made yourself very clear, and I completely understand.”

His eyes narrowed as he watched her.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m going to my room.”

She turned around and started walking towards the steps.

“I’m Sorry.” 

Gabriella stopped in her tracks. She thought her ears were deceiving her.

“What did you say?” she asked in disbelief.

Alexander shifted awkwardly, running his hands through his hair.

“I said I’m sorry, okay. You didn't deserve those things my father said to you, and I definitely don't see you as that.”

Gabriella studied him carefully. He avoided her gaze and switched his weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other. She could tell apologizing was hard for him. 

“Thank you,” she said finally.

The silence between them lingered, but it no longer felt suffocating. Gabriella shifted slightly, unsure of what to do next. Alexander didn't move. His gaze remained on her, unyielding.

“You didn't eat today, did you? He asked.

The question caught her off guard.

“I’m not…”

“You didn't,” he cut her off.

Before she could argue, he walked past her.

“Come.”

She hesitated. The way he said it wasn't a request. He left no room for argument. A part of her wanted to refuse, but her feet moved anyway, and she followed quietly behind him into the kitchen.

“Sit,” he said.

She pulled out one of the stools near the kitchen Island and sat down, watching him curiously,

He set a plate in front of her and a glass that he had filled with apple juice.

“Eat.”

Gabriella looked at the food and eyed him suspiciously.

“You don't have to order me around, you know.”

“I’m not,” he said calmly. “I’m just telling you what you need.”

Somehow, that answer irritated her more. She picked up her fork slowly, taking a few reluctant bites under his watchful gaze.

The silence stretched again.

“You shouldn't leave this house without telling me.”

There it was.

Gabriella froze and slowly lowered her fork.  The fleeting moment of sincerity they had shared in the living room was long gone, and now the arrogant, controlling Alexander was back.

“And why not?” she asked, her voice steady.

“Because I need to know where you are,” he said, leaning forward.

She let out a small disbelieving laugh.

“I’m not a child.”

“And I’m not asking,” he replied.

Gabriella clenched her jaw. The shift in the atmosphere was instant.

“So what exactly do you think you’re doing?” she challenged.

Alexander stepped closer.

“Setting boundaries.”

Her brows furrowed. The way he said it made her pulse spike.

“You don't get to control me just because I signed a contract,” she snapped.

“Maybe not,” he continued, “but I will not allow you to jeopardize everything.”

“Youre living here, representing me. Representing my name, and soon enough, everyone will know you as my fiancée. That comes with scrutiny, Gabriella.”

“So that’s what this is about? You don't want to risk me soiling your precious name.”

“There are just rules that you must follow.”

Gabriella stared at him, stunned. “And if i dont?” she asked.

Alexander walked around the kitchen Island, stopping just inches away from her. Close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him.

“Then I start making decisions for you,” he said, his voice dangerously low.

The room fell silent again. His words sent a chill down her spine. Gabriella stood up quietly, her appetite now gone.

“I’m going to my room,” she said flatly.

He didn't say anything. He watched as she turned and walked away, but as she reached the door, his voice stopped her.

“Next time you walk out of this house without telling me, you won't like how I handle it.”

She froze.

Her fingers dug into her palms as the weight of his words sank in. 

Rules, warnings, and consequences.

Gabriella didn't turn around; she couldn't. The way he said it was absolute, made it clear he meant every word. She left him in the kitchen and continued up to her room. Her steps were slower now, but not because she was tired, but because in that moment, she realized this wasn't just an agreement, it wasn't just a contract. She was under his control.