3

(Lander  POV)

We arrived at Aria's house, and my parents went in immediately. My father, Rafael, greeted Wilson Montefalco. "Good evening, Wilson. This is my wife Sandra, and my son, Lander—who will temporarily take the place of Laurence as Aria's husband."

 

Wilson looked relieved but curious. "Oh, temporary? So have you spoken to Laurence about this?"

 

"Yes," my father replied. "He agreed the moment he heard Aria would be the bride. However, he is stuck in London until next year. For the meantime, Lander will stand in for him."

 

(Aria  POV)

I was in my room, my heart racing. My mother kept knocking. "Aria, come out now! Don’t keep the Storms waiting."

 

"But Mom," I said, looking at the revealing dress. "This is too much. You’re making me look way too feminine."

 

"Nonsense," she replied. "This is to impress the parents. Now, let’s go."

 

When I walked downstairs, the room fell silent. Lander was staring at me, completely speechless, his dark eyes locked on mine.

 

"Your daughter is stunning, Wilson," Rafael said. "She looks like a high-fashion model."

 

I turned to Rafael and stammered, "T-thank you... Uncle."

 

"Call me Dad from now on," he replied warmly.

 

(Later at the Dinner Table)

I felt Lander’s gaze burning into me while he ate. He looked like he wanted to devour me alive. I decided I wasn't going to play the victim, so I decided to strike back.

 

"So, Dad," I said, looking at Wilson. "Since this is just a temporary contract until Laurence returns... I’ve been reading up on him. Laurence seems so charming and successful. I’m actually really looking forward to the day he comes back so I can finally meet my 'real' husband."

 

The sound of Lander’s fork slamming against his plate echoed through the room. His face went pale, then flushed with pure, dark rage. My father cleared his throat, sensing the tension. "Yes, well... tomorrow they sign the marriage contract. Since it's temporary—"

 

"No." Lander interrupted, his voice vibrating with fury. "Mom, Dad... I want a church wedding. A real one. I won't settle for a signature on a paper."

 

The room went silent. Sandra looked confused. "But son, this contract is just temporary."

 

"I don't care," Lander insisted, his eyes pinning me to my seat. "I want a church wedding. And she’s moving into my house tomorrow. We go to the same university; I need to keep her where I can see her."

 

My mother turned to me. "Aria, are you okay with this? Are you okay with moving in with him?"

 

Lander glared at me—a sharp, threatening look. I knew I had to say yes for now to keep the peace, but a fire started burning in my chest.

 

"Y-yes... Mom. It’s okay with me," I managed to say.

 

I looked at my father, and he was smiling, relieved that everything was going smoothly. But as I sat there, I felt a pit in my stomach. I was being pulled away from my family, moving into Lander’s world. This wasn't just a contract; I was stepping right into the Storm’s path.

 

I looked at Lander, and for a split second, I didn't see fear in my own eyes—I saw a challenge. He thinks he can lock me in his house and control me? He thinks he can win this game? He has no idea who he's dealing with.

 

Enjoy your little victory for now, Lander Storm. You want me under your roof? Fine. But I’m going to make your life a living hell. You wanted a storm? Well, you're about to get one..