The afterglow of the party had finally started to settle slower rhythm guests leaving. The Voss family had gathered near the terrace, the air filled with subtle piano music and ocean breeze.
Dominic stood beside Liana, his hand lightly resting on the small of her back. Not affection control.
She hated how her body tensed at his touch, how the simple weight of his palm felt like chains.
Then came his grandfather's voice, warm and commanding as ever.
"You two will stay the night, won't you?" Grandpa Voss asked, swirling his wine. "We haven't had a proper family breakfast in months. The house is big enough — no excuses."
I blinked.
Stay here? With him?
I opened my mouth, almost instinctively, and replied politely:
"Yes… that would be lovely."
The moment the words slipped out, i felt it his stare.
Slow and sharp, like a blade pressed against my skin.
I turned slightly to glance at Dominic.
His jaw was tight. His eyes were locked on me like a predator reevaluating its prey. Not with anger — with something colder.
You answered without permission.
He didn't say a word. Just gave a single, unreadable nod.
And that silence… was louder than any outburst.
His mother clapped happily. "Wonderful! It'll be just like old times.
I smiled faintly, thanking her, but the warmth in my chest was fake. Inside, i was trembling.
Dominic leaned down, his breath brushing my ear as the others turned away.
"Next time, wait."
His voice was low and deliberate.
I didn't answer. Couldn't.
Because in that moment, surrounded by luxury, fine wine, and glittering chandeliers — i realized something.
I might be dressed like his fiancée, but i was still his prisoner.
And now… i'd be spending the night in his world.
I was led by him to into the room i will shared with him, my heels clicking softly on the marble floor. I barely made it past the doorway before i heard it:
"You spoke to him."
I froze.
His voice was calm. Controlled. Too controlled.
I turned slowly.
Dominic stood by the window, still in his tux, shadows draping across his face like a mask.
"Micah," he added, as if she might pretend ignorance. "Do you think I wouldn't find out?"
My 's heart raced. mouth opened — then closed.
"I didn't mean to— I didn't know he will be at the party"
"You think I wouldn't notice how his eyes always find you ? Or that you leaned just a little too close when you whispered something?"
"Please," i said, stepping forward, my eyes wide with desperation. "Don't hurt him. Whatever you think Micah hasn't done anything. It's my fault. Please, just leave him alone."
Dominic's jaw clenched. He stared at me like he was studying a fragile object he didn't know whether to break or protect.
"You crossed a line," he said slowly. "And lines have consequences."
"Then take it out on me," i said, my voice cracking. "Not him."
A long, sharp silence.
He walked toward her, each step deliberate, eyes locked on hers.
He stopped just inches away, r.
For a brief second, something flickered in his eyes.
Then he turned away.
"Get some rest," he said coldly. "You'll need it."
He walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.
Leaving me standing there in silence shaken, terrified…