Chapter 4:The First Night

Isla barely had time to process what she had done before her world shifted entirely.

Less than twenty-four hours after signing the contract, she was being ushered into the backseat of Alessandro's sleek black Maserati, her suitcase tossed into the trunk by one of his staff.

His chauffeur pulled onto the main road, weaving through the streets of Cambridge as the city blurred outside her window.

"This is moving too fast," she muttered, gripping the leather seat.

Alessandro sat beside her, exuding calm control. "You agreed to the terms, Isla. We marry in two weeks. It makes sense for you to move into my house now."

She shot him a glare. "Your house? I assumed I'd get my own place."

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. "What part of 'convincing marriage' don't you understand? A wife doesn't live separately, cara mia."

His Italian accent slipped through on the last words, and Isla hated how her stomach fluttered in response.

She crossed her arms. "You do realize normal relationships don't work like this, right?"

His dark eyes glinted with amusement. "Good thing we're not normal."

Her jaw clenched. She was already regretting this.

Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to Romano Manor—a sprawling estate on the outskirts of the city. It was an architectural masterpiece, with grand columns, massive windows, and perfectly manicured gardens.

Isla swallowed hard as Alessandro stepped out first, holding the door open for her.

"You live here alone?" she asked as she stepped out, craning her neck to take in the size of it.

"For now." He shot her a knowing smirk. "That changes tonight."

Her stomach twisted.

Inside, the house was just as intimidating—high ceilings, dark marble floors, and modern luxury at every turn. It was a house built for power, not warmth.

"I had a room prepared for you," Alessandro said, leading her up the grand staircase.

Relief flooded her. "So we won't be sharing a bed?"

He stopped at a set of double doors and turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Not unless you want to."

The air between them thickened. Isla refused to look away first.

"Goodnight, Alessandro," she said firmly.

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Goodnight, wife."

The word sent a shiver down her spine.

As she stepped into the lavish bedroom and shut the door behind her, one thought consumed her.

This was only the beginning.

And she had no idea if she'd make it out unscathed.