Bedroom

Chapter 7

I found myself in a room full of well-wishers congratulating me on a wedding that never happened. It took nearly two hours to welcome everyone while they continued to refer to me as the Alpha's bride, a status I had never earned.

Though most of them appeared to be polite, there were a few who gave off an uneasy vibe. Perhaps it was my inexperience that caused me to be too ready to judge, but I was a great believer in trusting one's intuition.

I couldn't help but think about the complicated game fate was playing with my life when I was alone in the room. The grandeur that surrounded me was both captivating and envious. The tiled floors featured elaborate designs in bright colors, Flowers adorned every accessible surface. The enormous chandeliers lighted the space, throwing a soothing glow on the surroundings. I sought refuge at the foot of the king-size bed, its plushness creating a sense of security.

The aroma of fresh air was carried by a gentle breeze, as was the moonlight streaming through the slightly parted drapes. Exhausted, I yanked my feet free from the confines of my high heels, relishing the respite it provided. My weary spirit yearned for the embrace of a soft bed, but the weight of the peculiar circumstances I found myself in prevented me from finding peace in slumber.

A soft rap on the door interrupted my thoughts, signaling the arrival of Xavier and Amara. My fatigued limbs protested as I rose to my feet.

"I thought you might be hungry, and Xavier mentioned your shyness, so I thought you'd be more comfortable here," stated Amara, her voice softly concerned.

"Thank you," I whispered, noting her caring gesture.

She laid a spread of food on the table with care, the tempting fragrances tingling my senses. The simple act of eating provided a little relief from the maelstrom of emotions that had overtaken me.

"Are you pleased with the decorations?" Xavier adjusted the colors and rearranged the Jasmine flowers. "He said you liked them," said Amara graciously.

How did he find out? How did he find out about my love of Jasmine flowers? Was it just a coincidence, or did he have another reason? These thoughts raced through my mind, leaving me bewildered and in search of answers.

I chuckled softly, trying to appear lighthearted, but my mind was still searching for the truth. I'd never met Xavier before, but he'd suddenly become my spouse. The secrets that surrounded him simply grew deeper.

"I hope you both have a lovely, goodnight," she added as she left the room, leaving both of us alone.

As I found myself in his presence, my heart pounded in my chest, anxiously wanting to keep my guard up.

"Did you have a good time at the party?" he inquired, trying to strike up a discussion.

I chose to remain mute since I was suspicious of his intentions. Every fiber of my being prepared to defend itself against whatever harm he might cause. He flung his coat on the bed, loosening his tie and unbuttoning a few of the buttons on his collar and sleeves. His rolled-up sleeves offered a hint of might.

"You'll get to know everyone soon," he continued as he shut the balcony door, blocking off any possible escape path.

My gaze flew across the room, looking for any potential weapon that could help me defend myself. I took a cautious step back, clearing my throat uneasily.

"Do you like our room?" he asked in sultry tones, his voice tinged with purpose.

What on earth was he thinking? How could I defend myself against someone who had dragged me here without my will? Would he punish me the same way again? These questions whirled about in my head, filling me with dread and a fierce desire to protect myself.

My heart was racing in my chest as I stumbled back against the wall. Panic coursed through my veins as he moved closer to me. I needed to shout, to warn someone, anybody, of the peril I was in. My hand automatically reached out, snatching the lamp off the side table, ready to defend myself.

"I won't stand by idly if you have any malicious intentions," I said, my voice shaking with dread and determination.

"What exactly do you think I'm planning?" he asked in husky tones, his gaze riveted on mine.

He stepped closer, his presence overpowering me and fraying my willpower. My legs shook violently, making standing difficult, and my breaths came out in tiny gasps.

"Stay away from me," I said, my voice trembling.

"And what will you do to stop me?" he posed the question.

A flood of panic coursed through my body as he locked eyes with me and smashed his hand on the wall near my neck, causing me to drop the lamp onto the ground. He leaned in, his face just inches away from mine.

"You can't even defend yourself, so stop firing arrows into the air without knowing your target," he taunted, his words cutting my heart.

I clenched my fist, the need to punch him growing within me. But I realized that any rash move on my part would just lead to further problems. That awareness was what held me back, making me feel even more vulnerable. I couldn't help but tremble as he leaned in closer to my ear, his warm breath caressing my skin.

"Scream if you want to. Everyone here is blind," he said gently, sending shivers down my spine.

I was left perplexed, his words lingering in the air and ringing in my head. Why was he being so evasive? Why couldn't he simply give me a plain answer? And why did I feel so foolish in this situation?

Xavier leaned back with a proud look on his lips. "If you don't resist, you'll be safe," he assuredly declared.

He strolled up to the bed and took a seat, turning to face me. His contentment was palpable, adding to my annoyance.

"Why? Why you brought me here?" I demanded, my voice tinged with both interest and irritation.

"Because this is where you belong," he said, his voice full of curiosity.

"When do you intend to reveal the entire truth? Or do you prefer keeping me in the dark and expecting me to beg for answers?" my impatience grew as I questioned.

"Are you willing to beg?" he asked, his stare fixed on me as he pondered my words.

His inquiry threw me off guard, and I reacted hastily, "Are you mocking me? I don't understand you."

"Do you find me intriguing?" he asked, his tone softening abruptly.

"Excuse me?" I stammered, caught aback by his abrupt shift in demeanor.

"You've just admitted that you don't understand me, indicating your interest in me. And, in case you're wondering, it means--" he began.

"Stop right there!" I snapped and cut him off. "You're a tad complicated."

I knew my scream had crossed a limit, yet he remained calm, his smile unaffected. It seemed as if he relished every emotion I felt, reveling in my anguish. I was resolved not to give him the satisfaction of seeing my weakness. I would conceal my genuine feelings and protect myself from his deceptive games, I thought.

"You are beautiful," said Xavier gently, his words floating in the air.

His stare became more intense, permeating my innermost essence. It wasn't simply the physical characteristics he highlighted; there was something deeper, something unnerving, in his eyes. I couldn't understand what he was saying, but I knew there was a storm gathering within him, and I'd become trapped in its path.

His enticing presence made me apprehensive, and not just because of his stunning beauty or the alluring aroma that surrounded him. His demeanor, and the enigmatic air that surrounded him, made me nervous. Even though I was nervous, I couldn't help but be curious about his next move.

"Please, let me go and inform everyone that we are not married," I begged, my voice trembling.

"Which one do you want? Which of the two possibilities do you want?" he mused, his tone tinged with curiosity.

"Please, just let me go," I begged again, clutching onto a glimpse of hope.

A glimmer of possibility sparkled in his eyes, only to be quickly smothered by a persuasive air.

"What shall I tell them about my missing bride?" he asked, a sly grin on his face.

"Then inform them that we are not married and release me," I said, clutching at the last strand of hope.

He chuckled, as if my request had no did not weigh they had never contemplated releasing me.

"I am not one to fabricate falsehoods, but today I lied for you," said Xavier solemnly, his voice full of honesty and mystery.

He approached me again, his steps deliberate, while I remained stuck in place, like a statue kept captive by his presence.

"Why? How come you won't tell the truth?" As I peered into his steadfast gaze, my eyes were filled with rage and frustration.

"No, I will not reveal anything," he said calmly, his voice free of regret.

My rage intensified, which fueled my drive. "Then I will tell them everything," I vowed, my voice defiant.

I took a few steps forward, ready to leave his company, but my progress was halted when I felt his foot push against the fabric of my dress. I froze, my heart racing in my chest, my palms turning moist, and my forehead sweaty. My lips were parched, making it difficult to articulate cohesive sentences.

I collected the strength to proceed, but as I did so, I heard the sound of fabric tearing. Logan and I had painstakingly chosen my gorgeous wedding gown, which was being torn. It was the final glimmer of optimism and joy in this chaotic scenario, and it had now been ruined by the actions of this man, this stranger who kept me captive.

Fear overtook me as I hesitated, unwilling to confront the beast tearing apart my prized gown from behind. I was terrified, unable to muster the courage to confront him.

I begged, my voice wavering, "Please, just stop."

As I took another step forward, I heard the sound of fabric breaking again. That was the breaking point.

"Enough already! Release my dress, or I swear I'll do anything to protect myself," I cried fiercely, my voice echoing across the room.

Turning around, my heart thumping, I discovered that he had been standing still the entire time. My dress had become inadvertently entangled with a nearby chair, which caused me much shame. The tearing sound was caused by my movement, not by his.

A wave of relief and shame washed over me. I wished I hadn't turned back since I had exposed my fragility and insecurity at that moment.

He had accomplished his objective, leaving me bewildered and speechless. His devious grin stayed on his face, a nonverbal taunt more powerful than any words he could have uttered.

"Why should a wedding gown be handled so roughly? Every gown deserves respect," he responded.

He replaced the light on the side table, and the room was once again bathed in a lovely, pleasant glow.

"Remember, if you reveal our marriage to them, you will bear the consequences. We do not accept outsiders. Take your time and think about your actions," he urged, his tone tinted with malice.

He knelt before me, his hands slowly untangling my clothing from the chair. His surprised compassion clashed with the uncertainty I felt inside.

"Change into something more comfortable before you go to sleep. You'll find appropriate dresses in the wardrobe," he said, his voice an odd blend of authority and worry.

He paused on his way to the balcony, his gaze riveted on me. "Do not waste the meal. Goodnight," he said as he waved me off.

He jumped down as if about to dive into the water. With my wide-open eyes, I rushed over to the balcony to watch him from the 2nd floor of the mansion, but he vanished.

As I stood there, the cool night air caressing my skin, a sense of uneasiness settled in. The mansion seemed to be riddled with mysteries, and Xavier seemed to be at the core of it all. I couldn't escape the feeling that I had entered a world full of mysteries and hidden dangers and that I was only scratching the surface.