CHAPTER 3: A NEW REALITY

The first rays of dawn filtered through the heavy drapes of Lucian's penthouse, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Evelyn stirred, her body tense even in sleep, as if subconsciously aware of the changes her life had undergone in the past few hours. When she finally opened her eyes, it took a moment for her surroundings to register. The luxurious bedding, the sleek modern furniture, the scent of expensive cologne lingering in the air—it was all unfamiliar.

She wasn't in her own apartment. She wasn't even in the same world she had known just a day ago. She was in Lucian Blackwood's domain now, his wife in name, but a stranger in every other sense.

Evelyn sat up, the events of the night before rushing back to her in a dizzying wave. The marriage, the chapel, the papers detailing a life she had never known, and Lucian's ominous warnings about the dangers she faced—it all felt like a bad dream. But the ring on her finger, the cool metal resting against her skin, was all too real.

She glanced around the room, trying to piece together her new reality. The penthouse was a stark contrast to her own cozy apartment—minimalistic and almost clinical, with its sharp lines and neutral colors. There were no personal touches, no signs of warmth or comfort. It was as if Lucian had designed it to keep the world at bay, much like the man himself.

The door to the bedroom opened suddenly, and Evelyn's breath caught in her throat as Lucian entered, his presence commanding even in the early morning light. He was already dressed, his tailored suit emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame. He looked every bit the powerful, enigmatic man she had met last night, but there was a different air about him now—something more measured, more controlled.

"Good morning," he said, his voice as smooth and cold as polished marble. "I trust you slept well."

Evelyn blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "As well as can be expected, given the circumstances."

Lucian's expression remained neutral, though she thought she saw a flicker of something in his eyes—sympathy, perhaps, or maybe just understanding. "I know this isn't easy for you, Evelyn, but you need to adapt quickly. The people we're dealing with won't wait for you to catch up."

Evelyn frowned, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You keep talking about these people, but you still haven't told me who they are. What exactly am I up against?"

Lucian crossed the room in a few long strides, stopping to lean against the edge of the dresser. He crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze fixed on her as if weighing how much to reveal. "The people who want you dead are part of a powerful organization that has been after your family for years. They were responsible for your parents' deaths, and they've been searching for you ever since."

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. "But why? Why me? I've lived my whole life thinking I was just an ordinary person."

Lucian's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. "You're not ordinary, Evelyn. You're a Blackwood, and that name carries a legacy—one that these people see as a threat. Your parents were involved in something that could have brought down their entire operation, and they knew it. That's why they hid you, changed your identity, to protect you. But now that you've been found, they won't stop until you're dead."

Evelyn stared at him, her mind reeling. "And what about you? Why are you involved in this?"

Lucian's gaze didn't waver. "Because I owe your parents a debt I can never repay. They saved my life, and in return, I swore to protect you, no matter the cost."

There was a sincerity in his voice that made Evelyn's chest tighten. For the first time since meeting him, she saw a glimpse of the man beneath the cold exterior—a man bound by honor, by a sense of duty that went beyond anything she could comprehend.

But it didn't make the situation any less terrifying.

"So, what now?" she asked, her voice small. "What am I supposed to do?"

Lucian pushed off the dresser and walked over to the window, his back to her as he looked out at the city below. "For now, you'll stay here, under my protection. I've already put measures in place to ensure your safety, but you'll need to be vigilant. Trust no one except me. And don't leave this building without my permission."

Evelyn bristled at his commanding tone. "You can't just expect me to stay locked up here like some kind of prisoner."

He turned to face her, his expression hardening. "This isn't a negotiation, Evelyn. The moment you step outside without protection, you're as good as dead. I'm trying to keep you alive."

His words were like a slap in the face, stark and unyielding. Evelyn clenched her fists, her mind racing with anger and fear. She wanted to fight back, to push against the walls he was building around her, but deep down, she knew he was right. She was out of her depth, thrust into a world of danger she wasn't prepared for.

But that didn't mean she was going to roll over and accept it without question.

"If you're going to keep me here, then I want answers," she said, her voice firm. "I need to know everything—who these people are, what they want, and how you plan to stop them."

Lucian regarded her for a long moment, and she could see the wheels turning in his mind. Finally, he nodded, as if coming to a decision. "Very well. I'll tell you everything you need to know, but understand this: the more you learn, the more dangerous it becomes. Once you're in, there's no going back."

Evelyn met his gaze, her resolve hardening. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

Lucian's expression softened, just a fraction. "No, you don't. But if you trust me, I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe."

It wasn't the reassurance she wanted, but it was the best she was going to get. Evelyn nodded, swallowing her fear. "Okay. I'm ready."

Lucian gave a small, approving nod. "Good. Get dressed, and meet me in the study. We have a lot to discuss."

As he turned to leave the room, Evelyn's thoughts churned with questions and doubts. She was stepping deeper into a world she didn't understand, with a man who was still very much a mystery to her. But if she was going to survive, she needed to learn to navigate this new reality—and fast.

Evelyn looked down at the ring on her finger, a symbol of the life she had been forced into. She had never imagined her wedding day would be like this, but then again, nothing about her life had ever been what it seemed.

With a deep breath, she pushed herself out of bed and walked over to the closet. Inside, she found a selection of clothes that weren't hers but were her size—another sign that Lucian had been preparing for this moment long before she had.

She quickly dressed, choosing a simple outfit that allowed her to move easily. There was no room for vanity or comfort here, only survival. When she was ready, she took one last look in the mirror, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

This was her life now, and she was determined to take control of it—whatever it took.

With that resolve, Evelyn walked out of the bedroom and down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the penthouse. She found Lucian waiting in the study, a large, ornate room filled with dark wood furniture and shelves lined with books. A map of the city was spread out on the desk, along with several files and documents.

Lucian looked up as she entered, his gaze sharp and focused. "Sit down, Evelyn. It's time to learn the truth."

Evelyn did as he asked, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what she was about to uncover, but she knew one thing for certain: there was no turning back now.

The world she had known was gone, and in its place was a new reality—one that she would have to navigate carefully if she wanted to survive. And the only person who could guide her through it was the man who had become both her protector and her captor.

As Lucian began to explain the intricacies of the dangerous world she was now a part of, Evelyn listened intently, her mind absorbing every detail. She would learn, she would adapt, and she would fight.

Because this was her life now, and she wasn't going to let anyone take it from her.