The soft chime of the mansion's main entrance alerted Selena that someone had arrived. Before she could wonder who it was, a familiar voice echoed from the hall.
"Good morning, Mr. Ariston," said a cheerful young woman—Jace's assistant. She was already checking her clipboard, her efficiency radiating professionalism.
Selena's heart skipped a beat. Monday. The start of a new week. And apparently, Jace had responsibilities beyond the mansion.
Jace emerged from his room, impeccably dressed as always, his presence commanding even the quiet room. "Morning," he said curtly, glancing at Selena for the briefest moment.
Selena swallowed. His cold, piercing gaze made her feel exposed, yet strangely alive.
"I'll be leaving," Jace continued. "I expect punctuality today. Follow the schedule if you're going to be around."
Selena blinked. "Follow the schedule?"
He didn't answer her directly. Instead, he pull out a sleek envelope and handed it to her, his fingers brushing hers briefly—a contact that sent a subtle shiver down her spine.
Inside was a task assignment from his company, complete with instructions for her to start reporting there. Selena raised an eyebrow, confused but intrigued.
"You'll be working at my company," he said finally, voice low and firm. "It's… necessary."
Selena's heart raced. "Working there? But… why?"
Jace's expression didn't change. "It's easier to monitor you. That's all you need to know."
Selena's mind swirled. The words were simple, yet they carried an underlying possessiveness, a control she couldn't ignore.
By the time Jace left with his assistant, Selena was already reviewing the documents in the envelope. Her fingers trembled slightly as she read through the details—tasks, protocols, expectations—all while under the subtle watch of the CEO who dominated her every thought.
Nina, coincidentally, appeared in the mansion's foyer, observing the departure with a faint, knowing smile. She tilted her head at Selena. "Looks like the new arrangement is already in place. Interesting choice, don't you think?"
Selena clenched her jaw. "Interesting… yes," she said tightly, though her mind screamed that every day here was about to get more complicated.
As Selena prepared for her first day at Jace's company, she couldn't shake the image of him leaving the mansion in that sharp suit, sunglasses hiding his eyes, yet somehow still commanding attention. Her pulse quickened—not just from nerves, but from something more… an undeniable pull between them that neither was ready to admit.
The envelope on the table reminded her of the hidden rules and invisible control he maintained, yet also of the unexpected intimacy she felt when their fingers brushed.
Selena exhaled slowly. This wasn't just about surviving a contract marriage anymore. It was about navigating a world of power, romance, and unspoken tension, and she would have to be clever, bold, and cautious all at once.