honeymoon in chains

Serena and Damian had become masters at ignoring each other. They moved through the villa like ghosts, never speaking more than necessary, keeping their distance as if proximity itself would burn them. Sirena, always one for mischief, found a certain satisfaction in frustrating Damian with her mere presence, while he, ever composed, pretended she didn't exist.

But their silent war came to a sudden halt when an unexpected visitor arrived.

The moment Damian's father stepped into the villa, the air shifted. He was a man of timeless elegance—his resemblance to Damian was undeniable, save for his slightly shorter stature and the weight of centuries behind his piercing gaze. His expression was calm, almost unreadable, but the authority in his presence was suffocating.

Damian's jaw tightened. "Father. What brings you here?"

His father didn't waste time. "Your honeymoon."

The words cut through the room like a blade. Serena arched a brow, while Damian's expression darkened instantly.

"Honeymoon?" Damian repeated, his tone dripping with disbelief. "That won't be happening."

His father merely tilted his head, the ghost of a smile on his lips. "It will. And it is not up for discussion."

Serena, sensing Damian's rising anger, smirked. This was getting interesting.

"I see," she said, voice smooth as silk. "And where will our romantic getaway be?"

His father's gaze flickered toward her, a silent warning in his expression, but he answered, "A destination where your marriage will be observed closely. You must convince everyone that this is a union of love, not obligation."

Damian scoffed. "There's no reason for this charade."

His father's eyes turned cold. "There is every reason. The world is watching, and if they sense a rift between you, it will invite chaos." His gaze sharpened. "You will go, and you will act as a loving husband."

The command was final. Damian, for all his defiance, knew when he had lost a battle. He clenched his fists but said nothing.

Serena, meanwhile, was thoroughly enjoying the show. "Oh, don't look so miserable, darling," she teased. "It'll be fun."

Damian shot her a glare, but she only laughed.

"And of course," his father added, "you'll share a room. No separate quarters. That would only raise suspicion."

Serena's smile widened. "How cozy."

Damian muttered something under his breath, his frustration barely contained. Serena could practically feel the tension radiating off him, and she was going to enjoy every second of it.

A honeymoon meant playing the perfect couple. Touches, whispers, lingering gazes—all under the scrutiny of watchful eyes. Serena was already thinking of ways to make Damian's life a nightmare.

But as much as she enjoyed the game, she couldn't shake the feeling that this honeymoon was more than just about appearances. Damian's father had an agenda. And Sirena was determined to find out what it was.

The question was—would this forced proximity push them together? Or would they destroy each other before the act was over?

______________________________________

Later That Night

Packing for the trip was uneventful—until Serena found Damian standing near her doorway, arms crossed, gaze dark with restrained frustration.

"If you try anything on this trip, I will make your life hell," he warned.

Sirena leaned in just enough to let the scent of her skin tease his heightened senses. "Oh, Damian," she murmured, voice laced with mischief. "You're already in hell."

For a moment, neither moved. The space between them felt suffocating, electric. Damian's sharp gaze dropped to her lips—just for a flicker of a second before he forced himself back.

Sirena grinned, knowing she had won this round.

A honeymoon meant proximity. It meant touching. It meant pretending—pretending so well that, for a moment, they might forget what was real and what wasn't.

Damian may have been furious, but Sirena? She was having the time of her life.

And something told her—this was only the beginning.