Chapter 4

Lillian stirred on the bed as the morning sun rays rested on her face. She exhaled loudly and turned to the other side of the bed as she blinked her eyes open.

It's been a week since Lilian and Alex sealed their union, and it's also been a week since Lillian set her eyes on Alex, even though she now lives in his mansion.

Lillian had been feeling relieved these past few days since she didn't get to set her eyes on Alex. Even though she wasn't happy with the way things turned out, her family is safe.

Her mother is finally able to receive proper treatment. Her brother and best friend are safe.

Lillian had her morning bath and dressed in a short red dress with her hair packed into a messy bun.

She didn't come to the house with any clothes. She just manages the little she was given by Mrs Steele, the housekeeper.

Lillian descended downstairs for breakfast. Her short dress clung to her curves, and her hips swayed from side to side. She was used to the quiet morning, dressing for herself and not having to see Alex.

But as she reached the ground floor, her breath ceased. The dining table was set for two, and the second plate was positioned at the head, Alex’s position.

Her heart pounded quickly. “Oh my God, He’s around.”

“Set the study for Mr Alexander’s meeting this morning,” one of the bodyguards spoke from upstairs.

“He’ss around,” she whispered. Her eyes widened, and she quickly turned to flee to the safety of her room when she stumbled on a hard figure.

Lillian’s foot got caught on the edge of the staircase, and she lost her balance and stumbled. A strong arm gripped her before she hit the floor.

Lillian's eyes widened as she looked up. It was Alex. His arms wrapped her waist, and his grey eyes pierced into hers.

Her eyes slowly moved down to his bare chest and muscles, causing her to swallow hard. His presence had a strong force on her, which caused her to be instantly nervous.

“Be careful, Lillian,” he murmured; his voice was low and deep.

Alex couldn't take his eyes off Lillian. He slowly brushed away some strands of hair from her face, causing a tickling sensation on her skin.

His gaze dropped, tracing the neckline of her dress where the fabric hugged her chest, and he swallowed hard.

Lillian was lost in Alex's gaze. She could perceive his strong cologne mixed with cigarettes, and her breath ceased. She felt chills down her spine.

His face was a few inches away from her, and she felt his warm breath. The way his broad chest seemed to block the world caused her lips to part.

This is a man she is supposed to hate forever and vowed to resist, but she was drowning in him. She felt vulnerable in his arms. She had never seen such a broad chest in her life, and his soothing touch made her feel betrayed.

Her hands pressed against his chest, feeling the heat but he quickly took out her hand from his chest.

Alex leaned closer to Lilian, and his lips slowly brushed hers. But Lillian wasn't that woman. She quickly jerked back.

“Don’t,” she snapped. Balancing her position and smoothing her dress, but the effort to compose herself felt useless. “You don't get to just… appear and do this.”

Alex smirked, Do what exactly?” He asked, licking his lips. His tone was mocking. He stepped closer, closing the distance Lilian had created. “You almost fell hard on the floor,” he whispered.

Lilian swallowed hard, “I wouldn't have if you were not behind me.”

Alex tilted his head, studying her. “Where were you trying to run away from me?” he asked, slowly cupping her chin.

Lillian couldn't respond. Her words were caught in her throat. Alex standing close to her made her feel utterly weak and nervous.

‘Why do I feel this weak? I am supposed to be stronger than this to face him,’ she thought to herself.

Alex whispered, “Am I supposed to beg you to answer me?”

“N…no,” Lilian quickly responded.

Alex moved a few steps away from Lilian. “Good, now let’s go eat breakfast,” he said and walked downstairs.

Lillian shook her head, “I’m not hungry.”

Alex stopped on his steps, and his expression hardened. “It's an order!”

Lillian flinched, her hands clenched into fists. “Well, I didn't ask for this,” she said. She wanted to fire back. To match his strength.

Alex tightened his fist and his jaw clenched. He didn't like to be challenged. “But you’re in it, and you need to start acting like it.” He paused, his eyes locking with Lillan as she bit her lips which seemed to entice him.

He moved closer to Lillian and leaned in towards her ear.

“You are mine now. Act like it. Don’t make me ever repeat myself,” he said and walked away.

Lilian stood frozen with her heart racing. Taking a deep breath, she followed Alex from behind. Alex sat at the head, his posture relaxed yet commanding.

Lilian took her seat next to Alex. Her stomach was filled with fear as she reached for the coffee.

Alex’s eyes narrowed as he watched her, “nervous?” he asked.

“No,” she quickly lied. “I’m just not feeling too hungry,”

“You will need fire to survive this world,” Alex replied.

“What do you mean?” Lillian asked.

Suddenly, a body guard approached and whispered something in Alex’s ear. Alex quickly stood up, tossing the napkin onto the table.

“Stay here,” he ordered, “we’re not done,”

He walked out leaving Lillian alone. She cleached her fist and but her lips.

‘I would find my fire to match Alex’s because of he thought he could just have his way with me, then he should get ready to learn how I could firefly burn’