Entering the Lion's Den.

Annabella stepped out of the car,her legs shaky as she stared up at Andrew's villa.The gates behind her closed with a soft but final clink , as if sealing her fate.

 She swallowed hard, feeling something in her stomach. 'This isn't real'.

 Andrew walked ahead of her, unbothered.it was as if he didn't even notice how intimidating his world was.

 The large double doors swung open as they approached, revealing a set of maids standing in a neat uniform, their head bowed slightly in respect. Anna could feel their eyes on her, taking in her presence with quiet curiosity. They thought she was one of those cheap sex toys, but didn't know she was their future madam.

 She immediately felt nervous, with her messy hair, rumpled clothes and dirty shoes didn't match the elegance of the house.

 "Welcome, Miss Annabella" one of the maid said, stepping forward with a polite smile. Her voice was calm, but she could feel the sense of mockery. They were used to receiving guests who knew how to carry themselves with grace but she was absolutely different. 

 "Uh... thank you, Anna muttered, unsure of what to say. She tried to stay calm, hiding the nervous flutter in her chest."

 Andrew barely looked at the maids as he went straight to annabella, " They will show you to your to your room, he said. " I have some calls to make. Settle in and we will talk later".

 Without waiting for her response, he disappeared into thin airs. The hall was filled with silence.

 The maid who had spoken earlier stepped out again. "This way, Miss Annabella " she said , her voice gentle but formal. She led Anna through the corridor, her footstep silent when walking on the marble floor.

 Anna eyes staring around, trying to take in the neat and cozy place. Everything seems to shine , Crystal chandeliers hung high in the ceiling , their light reflecting on the marble floor . Expensive art pieces placed on the wall, each one has value more than the other, while designed vessels filled with beautiful and fresh flowers stood on a gold table.

 But no matter how beautiful the house was, Anna couldn't shake off the doubt that she might lose her virginity to that cruel CEO. It felt cold,impersonal,more like a museum than a home. 

 "How could anyone live like this? She wondered. It's so.....empty. 

 They stopped in front of a large oak door. The maid opened it , stepping aside to allow Anna to enter.

 "This is your room, Miss Anna", the maid said. "If you need anything ,don't hesitate to call. The house staff are available at all time."

 Anna nodded, unable to speak. She stepped into the room, her breath lost as she was so amazed.

 The room was massive not to be compared to her apartment . A four poster bed, decorated in silk and velvet, placed in center of the room. It's frame is made of dark brown polished wood. Large windows framed with  heavy curtains. There was a sitting area arranged with chairs like it belongs to royalties.

 Anna ran her fingers through the bedspread, feeling the quality of the luxurious fabric. It was beutiful , perfect but it terrified her.

 The door clicked shut behind her, and the silence again. She sat at the edge of the bed , staring at the design carved into a wooden sculpture.

 Her mind raced, "what have I gotten myself into" the decision she took, made her uncomfortable . She had agreed to live here, marry him for a whole year. But now sitting in this cold, perfect room felt too real.

 "How could I ever belong here" she thought. " I don't even love him, am just doing this for my mum. I have to do my best so my mum could live.

 Anna stood up and walked to the large window , pulling the curtains aside. The flowers were put in the right place. Controlled, perfect. She was the only thing that was out of place.

 Annabella's POV

 Her chest hurt with the feeling of being trapped. She couldn't go back~not now. Her mother needed money , and Andrew was the only one that could provide, not even her sister. But at what cost? She looked around, this isn't her life-this is a life for someone else, someone who belonged to Andrew's world(isabella) her twin sister, but if she had this she wouldn't even remember her mum.

 'Am I making the right choice?'

 The door opened quietly , and one of the maid came in with a small tray. ' Mr. Brown requested that you have some tea', she said. Placing the on the table beside the window. 'Dinner will be served by 8:00 P.M. please call if you need anything.

 Anna nodded, as the maid left quietly as she came. The tray held a delicate porcelain teacup alongside with some arranged cookies. Everything was so neat, perfect.

 She sat down at the table , staring at the cup in front of her. How was she supposed to drink tea and pretend as if everything was okay.

 She thought back to Andrew Brown -- his cold, commanding demeanor , the way he controlled everything . He had the power to save her mother's life, but yet, she felt like she was selling her soul, future for it. This wasn't a marriage but a transaction that only Andrew had the pin for it.

 'A contract marriage , with strict conditions , but yet, deep down in her she knew Andrew was not that kind of man to be satisfied with rules_ especially not when it came to someone like her. He will surely push boundaries. 

 Anna stood up without touching her tea on the table. She had made her decision. And now she had to live with it.

 'One year, she told herself. I just have to survive here for one here' 

 'But in her heart, she knew it wouldn't be that simple.