Chapter Five

Raze’s pov

The gates of Carrington estate opens after the guard checks my name against whatever list he was holding.

The driveway curves like a deliberate show of wealth, lined with ancient oaks and imported stone lanterns that probably cost more than my first apartment.

The mansion sits at the end of it like royalty.

White limestone walls, Floor to ceiling windows, Black wrought iron balconies. A fountain in front that never stops running.

Old money doesn’t shout.

I step out of the car, sunglasses on and an overnight bag slung casually over my shoulder.

Thirty days……Thirty days inside this house.

I smirk.

Let the games begin.

The front doors open before I reach them and Adam, the butler, stands there, perfectly composed in his dark suit, silver hair immaculate, hands folded in front of him like he has been waiting.

“Good morning, Mr. Raze,” he says in that smooth, steady tone that has survived three generations of Carrington arrogance.

“Adam,” I reply, genuinely pleased. “Still working for this circus I see.”

His lips twitch ever so slightly and his eyes move to the bag on my shoulder. “It appears you’re staying, sir?”

“Yep,” I say lightly. “Looks like I’m moving in.”

He steps aside and I walk in. The marble floors shine like mirrors and the air smells faintly of expensive polish and fresh flowers. Every piece of furniture looks curated rather than lived in.

The grand staircase curves upward in a sweeping arc, carved mahogany railing polished to a dark gleam. Above it runs the rail corridor, a balcony that wraps around the second floor, overlooking the foyer below. From up there, you can watch everyone who enters.

I remember standing on that balcony once, years ago, when I was still just Everette’s secret.

I remember thinking I would never belong here.

I was right.

The sound of hurried footsteps breaks my thoughts and I watch as Everette steps out onto the rail corridor, his hands gripping the railing as he looks down at me.

“What are you doing here?” he calls down, frowning.

I remove my sunglasses slowly. “Haven’t you heard?” I say, projecting just enough. “We’re getting married in thirty days.”

Silence.

Then, “What?”

I gesture vaguely. “It seems like someone anonymously left a tip for the news this morning. I was called in for an interview and had to collaborate with the story. I assumed your people did that.”

“They didn’t. I didn’t tell anyone to release anything about a marriage date.”

“Well,” I shrug, “someone did.”

He disappears from the corridor and reappears seconds later at the base of the stairs, striding toward me.

“You weren’t supposed to give an interview without telling me first,” he says sharply.

“I was trying to help you,” I reply smoothly.

“This will never work,” he snaps. “First an engagement, now we are getting married in thirty days?”

“We just need act like it’s going to happen,” I counter. “For the meantime, I will be staying here because I might or might not have mentioned that we are very in love, so we do have to appear very in love.”

His shoulders tense. He looks like he wants to either strangle me or maybe kiss me again.

“Why are you so bent out of shape?” I ask, stepping closer, my eyes going to his lips. “You came to me for help, remember?”

Before he can respond, another voice cuts in from behind him. “You’re getting married?”

We both look to the left to see a tall, gym bro type of guy watching us. Was he the boyfriend?

Everette moves away from me quickly. “Babe, no, it’s just—”

“And he is moving in here?” Jacques continues, his eyes landing on my bag. “You said this was a publicity stunt. That it’s just to appear in front of cameras and that’s it.”

“Let me explain,” Everette says, reaching for him.

Jacques steps back. “Explain what? That you’re not only engaged to your ex but also planning a wedding?”

“It’s strategic,” Everette insists.

Jacques laughs bitterly. “Strategic? That’s what you call kissing him like that?”

Oh…….So he watched.

Jacques shakes his head and turns.

“Jacques,” Everette calls, moving after him.

He doesn’t even glance at me as he rushes toward the exit. I fold my arms, watching them. If he is jealous already, then my plan was already working. But just to be safe I need him completely out of the picture.

Footsteps echo behind me. “Look what the cat dragged in,” a deep, smug voice says.

I turn slowly. Theodore Carrington stands at the bottom of the stairs, an arm wrapped around a young lady. She can’t be more than twenty six. Blonde, polished and decorated like an accessory.

His smile is razor thin. “I see your ratio of scandal to ambition is still intact,” he says. “Trying to sling yourself into places you don’t belong.”

I grin lazily. “And I see you’re still dating children, Theodore. Always a pleasure.”

His eyes flash. “Pleasure is all yours,” he replies coldly.

The lady clings tighter to his arm, blushing as she looks down. I smiled at her. “Going somewhere?”

“A small gathering with some Important people. I would invite you, but they might mistake you for a waiter.” He turns to Adam. “Make sure our valuables are tucked securely, would you, Adam? I wouldn’t want anything to mysteriously happen to them.”

His gaze shifts to me deliberately and my fists curl at my sides until my knuckles pale.

I could knock him flat. One clean punch, Just once. Instead, I smile wider.

“Enjoy your party,” I say sweetly.

He walks away.

Thirty days in this house with these people. It better come fast.

A servant appeared beside me. “Shall I take your bag to a guest suite, sir?”

I look up toward the second floor, handing the bag over to her. “Put my bag in the room beside Everette.”

She hesitates. “Sir, the room beside him belongs to—”

“I know who it belongs to,” I cut in smoothly. “Put my bag there.”

“Yes, sir.”

If I’m staying here, I’m not hiding in a corner. My phone vibrates and I pull it out as I headed upstairs towards the bedroom.

“Hey.”

“Hello, husband.” A familiar voice slides through the speaker, low and amused.

I smile slowly into the phone.

Game on.