CHAPTER 3- The Husband

YULIA'S POV

I was back in that room again.

At least, that's what I thought when I slowly opened my eyes.

I turned onto my side, still half-asleep, expecting to find myself alone. Instead, my eyes landed on a bare-chested man sitting a few feet away from the bed. My heart stopped. I immediately pulled the sheets over my body. The room was dimly lit, making it difficult to see his face. I slowly pushed myself upright, squinting as I leaned forward.

"You're awake early."

The familiar, hoarse voice made my stomach drop.

Armani.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped.

He stood and stepped closer, moving into the faint light. My eyes instinctively travelled over him. His body looked almost sculpted, broad shoulders, defined muscles, and several scars scattered across his chest and abdomen.

I quickly looked away.

"You were crying in your sleep."

I frowned.

"What?"

"This place is quieter at night." He paused. "I could hear you from across the hall."

My fingers tightened around the sheets.

"I wasn't crying."

He gave me a look that made it obvious he didn't believe me. I turned my face away.

"Whatever. You can leave now."

A heavy sigh left his lips. Instead of leaving, he walked closer and stopped beside the bed.

"I don't like your tone."

I scooted backward slightly.

"And I don't like being kidnapped, drugged, forced into a wedding, and locked in a strange house."

His jaw tightened. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then he leaned forward, placing his hands on the edge of the mattress. My eyes dropped briefly to his arms. The veins beneath his skin stood out prominently. When I looked back at his face, his expression had hardened.

"I am your husband now," he said quietly. "You will respect me."

I stared at him.

"And what if I don't want to?"

His eyes narrowed. He leaned closer.

"You really don't know when to stop, do you?"

I swallowed hard but refused to look away.

"Maybe I would stop if someone actually told me what the hell was going on."

His jaw clenched.

For a second, I thought he was going to grab me again. Instead, he straightened slowly, forcing himself to take a step back. His restraint somehow frightened me more.

"We have somewhere to be this morning."

I frowned.

"Where?"

"I need to properly introduce you to my family."

My stomach twisted.

"Your family?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

His gaze lingered on me.

"Because once you meet them, you'll understand exactly why you're here."

I stared at him.

"Then tell me now."

"Not here."

"Why?"

"Because some things are better explained in person."

I scoffed.

"Convenient."

His expression remained unreadable.

"I am not going anywhere with you."

His jaw tightened again.

"Don't make this difficult."

"I'm already in a situation I never asked for. I think I've earned the right to make it difficult."

His eyes darkened.

"Do not tempt me, Serena."

"I am not Serena!"

The words came out louder than I intended.

"I've told you that over and over again. My name is Yulia. I am not a Blackwood. I don't know your family, I don't know you, and I certainly don't know why you've decided to marry me."

He said nothing. He simply stared at me. His expression was impossible to read. I crossed my arms and looked away.

"Please," I said, my voice quieter this time. "Just let me go."

Silence.

"I am not the woman you're looking for."

His eyes remained fixed on me. I swallowed.

"I am not a Blackwood."

For several seconds, he didn't respond. Then he exhaled slowly and rubbed his temple as though he were trying to contain his frustration.

"Be ready by ten."

He walked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him. I stared at the door, my heart sinking.

There was no way I was going anywhere with him willingly.

But somehow, I had a feeling I wouldn't be given a choice.