The morning sunlight streamed into the bedroom, warm and golden, yet the room felt hollow. The bed beside me was untouched, Alex hadn't slept in the room. My chest ached with a mix of anger and unease. I hadn't expected an apology or even a word from him, but the cold emptiness of the space made me feel smaller than ever.
A soft knock on the marble floor made me glance up. Martha, the housekeeper, appeared in the doorway, apron neatly pressed, hands folded.
"Good morning, Mrs. Matteo," she said carefully.
I frowned. "Morning. Where's Alex?"
She hesitated. "He… didn't want to see you today. But he asked me to tell you… you're expected at a ball tonight. His mother, Mrs. Rebecca Matteo, is hosting it."
I blinked. "He sent you to tell me? Why couldn't he…?"
Martha's eyes softened. "I'm sorry, ma'am. He… doesn't like mornings. But he insisted you be informed."
I gritted my teeth and nodded. "Fine. Thank you, Martha."
Hours later, Martha helped me with the gown, a midnight-blue dress that shimmered faintly in the evening light. Her hands were careful, gentle, adjusting the fabric over my shoulders.
"You look beautiful, Mrs. Matteo," she said softly. "He won't say it, but he'll notice."
I forced a small smile. Beautiful felt wrong , like I was wearing someone else's life. Alex had never said anything like that to me.
"Keep your head high," Martha whispered. "Tonight, you are his wife. They'll see you as part of this family. Just… be yourself."
I nodded, swallowing hard. Be myself… But I wasn't sure who that was anymore.
........
Evening arrived. Alex returned just as the sky had darkened into a deep indigo. He didn't speak as he passed me, only brushing past to freshen up. I could feel his presence like a storm, silent, intense, untouchable. Together, we left for the ball, the drive filled with tense silence.
The Matteo mansion gleamed under chandeliers and floodlights. Luxury cars lined the driveway, valet attendants bowing as we entered. Inside, the ballroom was a glittering whirl of music, polished floors, and people dressed to impress. Perfume and roses mingled in the air.
Alex's hand rested lightly on my lower back, proper, controlled, public, not intimate. I could feel every eye on us, every whisper following our movements.
"Smile," he murmured near my ear. "We're married. Act like it."
I turned sharply. "Smile? For you?"
He smirked faintly. "No… for everyone else."
The night dragged on, a series of polite nods, forced smiles, and whispered compliments. Then came the moment that would change everything.
Rebecca Matteo stepped onto the stage, all poise and elegance. The room fell silent as she addressed the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice warm, proud, "tonight, it is my honor to introduce the newest member of our family. Please welcome… my daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ava Matteo."
The crowd erupted in applause. My stomach turned into knots. I glanced at Alex. His expression was unreadable, eyes sharp and controlled. He placed a hand lightly on my waist as the cameras flashed, forcing us into the perfect couple pose.
I felt suffocated under the weight of every gaze, every camera lens. Alex leaned close, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You look… tolerable tonight."
I froze, jaw tightening. "Tolerable?" I hissed. "Is that how little I mean to you?"
He smirked, indifferent. "Learn to smile, Mrs. Matteo. It's part of the show."
I couldn't hold back. I excused myself, my heels clicking sharply as I stormed off toward the restroom corridor. I needed air, away from him, away from the crowd, away from the scrutiny.
I hadn't gone far when I felt him, someone behind me, a presence that radiated malice.
"Leaving so soon?" a smooth voice asked.
I spun around. A tall man with cold eyes and a sharp jaw blocked the corridor. I didn't know him, didn't recognize him, but instinct screamed danger.
"Step aside," I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.
He laughed, a low, cruel sound. "You're Alex Matteo's wife, aren't you? I saw you up there. Beautiful… and untouchable. And now… mine to play with."
My blood ran cold. Before I could react, he pressed a knife along my neck. A sharp sting, a line of warm blood forming. Panic clawed at my throat.
"Let go of me!" I screamed.
"You have no idea," he whispered, pressing closer. "He ruined my life — every deal, every opportunity. And now, I'll ruin yours."
A sharp, commanding voice cut through the corridor.
"Let her go."
He froze, then spun. Alex was there, storming toward him, fury radiating from every step. Without a word, Alex lunged, fists flying. Punch after punch, precise and brutal, the unknown man staggered back. The knife clattered to the floor as Alex pinned him, each blow echoing in the corridor.
I felt dizzy, weak, my knees threatening to give way. "Alex…" I whispered, voice trembling.
He glanced at me, his storm of fury pausing. "Stay with me!" he barked.
I swayed, consciousness slipping, the corridor tilting around me.
"I've got you," he growled, dragging me to lean against the wall, pressing his jacket against the cut to slow the bleeding. His jaw was tight, eyes blazing with rage, not at me, but at the man who dared touch me.
Trembling, I looked up at him, the fear and adrenaline mingling with something else — something deeper I didn't understand.
"Why… didn't you…" I whispered.
"I shouldn't have left you alone."
His voice softened slightly, the first crack in his icy demeanor. "You're safe now. I've got you."
I leaned into him, exhausted and terrified, heart hammering. Alex Matteo, the man who had seemed so cold, so untouchable, had just risked everything to keep me alive. And for the first time, I realized… maybe I could survive being his wife.