The door clicked shut behind her.
Zara stood in the grand bedroom — gold accents, silk sheets, shadows curling in every corner.
And him.
Leonardo leaned against the doorframe, jacket off, shirt sleeves rolled, watching her with that unreadable gaze.
"You'll sleep here," he said, voice low.
"I figured."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"Alone. For now."
Zara swallowed hard. She hadn't expected that.
> System Scan: No Immediate Threat Detected.
Leonardo pushed off the doorframe, stepping toward her — slow, measured.
"I'm not a monster, Zara. You won't be touched… unless you ask me to."
Her heart thudded against her ribs.
"Don't hold your breath."
For a moment, something flickered in his eyes — amusement?
"Then… good night, Mrs. DeLuca."
He turned to leave.
But Zara couldn't stop herself.
"Why marry me?" she asked quietly. "Why drag me into this?"
Leonardo paused, hand on the doorknob.
For a heartbeat, silence.
Then, without turning, he spoke — voice soft, almost too soft.
"Because a man like me… can't afford to fall in love."
The door clicked softly shut behind him.
> System Update: Emotional Conflict Initiated.
Mission Progress: Survive. Discover. Outplay.
Zara sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the ring on her finger.
She wasn't just a pawn in this game.
And tonight…
she realized she wasn't the only one hiding secrets.