A Glimpse Of Hope

Selena barely slept after the gala. The memory of Matthew’s hand on her lower back, his commanding voice in her ear, and the way he caged her against that pillar kept replaying in her head. Every time she remembered it, her stomach fluttered with unwanted heat. 

*This is just a contract,* she kept reminding herself in the darkness. *Stop feeling anything.* 

The next morning, she went down for breakfast, determined to keep her distance. Matthew was already at the table, looking impeccable in a dark grey suit, scrolling through his phone. 

He didn’t even glance up when she sat down. 

After a long stretch of silence, he finally spoke, voice cold and authoritative. 

“Be ready in an hour. We’re going to see my father. The wedding of a thing  was rushed, so he wants to meet you officially.” 

Selena nodded. “Okay.” 

Matthew took a sip of his coffee. “Just follow my lead and speak only when necessary.” 

Before she could reply, his phone rang. He answered immediately, and his tone shifted noticeably. 

“Victoria,” he said, a hint of warmth creeping in. “Yes… last night was interesting.” 

Selena’s grip tightened around her fork. She looked down at her plate, hating the sharp sting in her chest. *None of my business. This is just a contract.* 

                              ******

At the luxurious Kingland family estate, Mr. Reginald Kingland was waiting for them in the sunroom. The old man had a commanding presence despite being in a wheelchair. 

As they entered, Matthew’s phone rang again. He checked the screen and answered. 

“Victoria,” he said smoothly. “I’m with my father right now… Yes, I’ll call you later.” 

Mr. Reginald’s face turned stormy. “Was that Victoria Lang again? You just got married and you’re already taking calls from that woman in front of your wife?” 

Matthew’s jaw clenched. 

“father—” 

“Respect your wife!” the old man snapped. “I don’t care about your personal arrangements. But in this family, you will treat Selena with dignity. Understood?” 

Matthew gave a stiff nod. “Yes, sir.” 

Another call came in — this one from his Dubai investors. Matthew excused himself to the balcony, leaving Selena alone with his grandfather. 

The moment Matthew stepped out, Mr. Reginald’s expression softened completely. 

“Come sit closer, my dear.” 

To Selena’s surprise, the conversation flowed easily. When she mentioned her background in Architecture and Interior Design, the old man became genuinely interested. They spoke passionately about luxury hotel concepts, guest experience, and modern design trends. Selena shared intelligent, well-thought-out ideas that clearly impressed him. 

“You’re a very bright young woman,” Mr. Reginald said with warm approval. “Far more capable than I expected. Have you met Matthew’s cousin, Alexander yet?” 

Selena shook her head. “No, sir.” 

“You should,” he said with a mysterious smile. “He might be good company for you.” 

When Matthew returned, his father immediately declared, “Introduce Selena to Alexander this week.” 

Matthew’s face darkened with obvious reluctance. His eyes flashed with irritation, though he tried to hide it. “If you insist, father.” 

The ride back to the mansion was quiet. For the first time since signing the contract, Selena felt a small, fragile spark of hope. 

*At least one person in this cold family actually likes me.* 

Just as they arrived at the mansion, her phone rang. It was Ethan. 

“Sis… Mom keeps asking for you. She wants to see you and thank the person who paid for her treatment. When are you coming home?” 

Selena closed her eyes, pain slicing through her chest. 

“I’m… out of town for a big project, Ethan,” she lied, her voice trembling slightly. “It might take a while. Tell Mom I missed her and I’m doing everything I can.” 

She ended the call and leaned her head against the car seat, fighting back tears. 

Matthew, who had been watching her quietly, finally spoke. 

“Stop looking so miserable. You got everything you wanted — your mother is alive. Try to act like it.” 

His cold words cut deep. 

Selena turned to look at him, hazel eyes meeting stormy grey ones. For a brief second, she felt that dangerous pull again — the same one from last night. 

She quickly looked away. 

As soon as they stepped inside the mansion, Selena couldn’t hold it in anymore. The moment Matthew started walking toward his study, she spoke up. 

“Matthew, wait.” 

He stopped and turned around, raising an eyebrow at her bold tone. 

Selena took a deep breath, her hands slightly shaking. 

“I know this marriage is just a contract. I know you don’t love me and I don’t expect you to. But can you at least respect me? Even if you’re sleeping with Victoria or seeing her, at least don’t do it so openly in front of me. I have some dignity too.” 

Matthew stared at her, clearly caught off guard. For the first time, he looked almost speechless. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, studying her face with a strange intensity. 

Before she could say anything else, he suddenly moved. 

In two long strides, he closed the distance between them and pinned her against the wall. One hand rested beside her head, the other tilted her chin up, forcing her to look directly into his stormy grey eyes. 

His face was so close she could feel his breath on her lips. 

“Are you jealous, Selena?” he asked, his voice dangerously low and husky. 

Selena’s heart slammed against her ribcage. Up close, his lips looked so full and sexy. Her mind instantly betrayed her — flashing dirty images of those lips on her neck, on her breasts, moving lower… 

*Oh God, what am I thinking? Stop it, Selena! This is the same man who doesn’t even see you as human.* 

“I… I’m not…” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She couldn’t even form a proper sentence. 

Matthew’s eyes darkened as he watched her struggle. A small, arrogant smirk tugged at his lips. He lifted his hand and gently ran his fingers through her curly hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. The touch was surprisingly soft, sending electricity shooting down her spine. 

Her heart almost stopped. 

Without another word, Matthew stepped back, that smug smile still playing on his face. He turned and walked away toward his study, leaving her standing there pressed against the wall, breathing heavily. 

Selena touched her burning cheek with trembling fingers. 

*Did that just happen?* 

She slapped her own face lightly, trying to snap herself back to reality. 

*Wake up, Selena! This is nothing but a contract. He’s playing with you. Don’t you dare start falling for that heartless man.* 

But her racing heart and the warmth still lingering where he touched her hair told her it might already be too late.