Chapter 2

• Elena’s heart pounded in her chest as she was pulled from the warmth of her father’s office, out into the cold, sterile halls of the mansion. The walls seemed to close in around her, the marble floors cold beneath her feet. Alexander’s grip was like steel, unrelenting and firm as he guided her forward, his every movement commanding.
• She tried to pull away, but it was useless. His hand never wavered, never loosened. She was trapped, a prisoner in a golden cage.
• “Elena,” Alexander’s voice was low, controlled. He didn’t even glance down at her as they walked, his attention fully focused ahead. “I’m not here to hurt you.”
• “Don’t lie to me,” she spat, anger bubbling inside her. “You don’t care about me.”
• The corner of his mouth curled into a small, amused smile, but there was no warmth in it. “I don’t need to care about you. I just need you to understand your place here. That’s all.”
• Her stomach churned with disgust. He was so confident, so certain of himself. The way he spoke made it clear he believed she had no choice, no say in the matter. And in some twisted way, he was right. What choice did she have?
• As they passed a grand staircase, Alexander gave a slight nod to a man who was standing at the base, watching them with a quiet, respectful gaze.
• “Take her to her room,” Alexander ordered, his voice as cold as ever.
• The man nodded and stepped forward, his expression unreadable. Elena didn’t resist as he reached for her arm, but every step felt heavier than the last. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Her life had just been torn apart in the span of a few hours, and now, she was being handed over to a stranger—someone who saw her as nothing more than property.
• They reached a large, elegant door at the end of a long corridor. The man opened it, and Elena was ushered inside.
• Her breath caught as she looked around. The room was stunning—luxurious furniture, rich colors, and large windows that overlooked the city. It was everything a person could want… but it felt suffocating. She was in a prison, and the golden bars were invisible.
• “This is your room,” the man said, his voice impassive. “If you need anything, just ring the bell by your bed. I’ll be outside if you need me.”
• Without waiting for her to respond, he left, the door clicking shut behind him.
• Elena was left alone. Her thoughts swirled as she took in the space around her. She walked slowly toward the window, staring out at the city below. It was still bright outside, but the world felt so far away. She wanted to scream, to throw herself on the ground and beg for a way out. But she couldn’t.
• She was stuck.
• The sound of the door opening behind her made her jump. She turned quickly, her heart racing, and saw Alexander standing in the doorway. He hadn’t knocked, hadn’t even bothered to announce his presence.
• “You’re here,” he said simply, as if he hadn’t just taken away her entire life.
• Elena clenched her fists at her sides. “You don’t own me, Alexander,” she said, her voice filled with defiance. “I’m not some toy you can play with.”
• He raised an eyebrow, his gaze unblinking. “You’ll learn soon enough that you are exactly that. A toy I can play with, whenever I choose.”
• Her blood boiled at the way he spoke, so casual, so sure of himself. “I won’t stay here,” she said through gritted teeth. “I’ll leave, one way or another.”
• “You can try,” he replied coolly, stepping further into the room. His presence seemed to fill the entire space, suffocating her. “But you won’t get far. This house is a fortress. You’re not going anywhere.”
• “I’ll find a way,” she whispered, her voice shaking with frustration.
• “I wouldn’t bet on it,” Alexander said, his tone colder than before. “You’re mine now, Elena. And you will learn to accept it.”
• “Never,” she snapped, her voice growing stronger with each word. “I will never accept this. I’ll never accept being treated like—”
• “Elena.” His voice was firm, cutting her off. He took a step forward, and she instinctively stepped back, but he was faster. He reached out, grabbing her wrist with surprising gentleness for someone so strong.
• “I told you before,” he said quietly. “You’re mine now. Whether you like it or not.”
• She yanked her wrist away from his grip, her pulse racing, but Alexander didn’t move. He just stood there, watching her with those cold blue eyes that seemed to see right through her.
• “You think you can scare me?” Elena said, forcing herself to stand tall, despite the fear gnawing at her insides. “You’re wrong.”
• “I don’t need to scare you,” he said, his voice soft yet dangerous. “I just need you to understand.”
• “I’ll never understand you,” she spat, her eyes flashing with anger. “You’re a monster. A cold, heartless monster.”
• Alexander’s expression didn’t change. He didn’t flinch at her words, didn’t show any sign of being affected. He simply stepped closer, his hand reaching out as though he were offering her a deal, a chance to come to terms with her new reality.
• “I’m not a monster, Elena,” he said softly. “I’m just a man who gets what he wants. And right now, I want you.”
• Her stomach twisted at his words, but she refused to let him see her weakness. “You won’t get me,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute.
• Alexander’s lips curled into a smile, though there was no humor in it. “We’ll see about that.”
• With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Elena standing there, her heart still racing, her mind spinning.