re had been no congratulations, no acknowledgment of the life-altering decision she had just made. The moment she sign

her new chambers, Alessandra wondered if this was what it felt like to walk to

n. High ceilings with intricate molding, velvet drapes framing arched windows that overlooked the vast estate gardens, and a fireplace large

er tone devoid of warmth. "The master's quarters are

ned to her. "A

rown off by the question. "Then

. She had spent most of her life being an afterthought, a spare piece to be used w

ou," she

herself, leaving Alessandra standing i

retched endlessly, neatly trimmed hedges and marble fountains gleaming under the moonlight

ons, their endless hunger for power and status. Marrying Lucian had n

did not want a wife. A woman placed in a ro

the edge of the bed. She let out a slow breath and cl

, a

s snapp

but when the doors creaked open,

was

n Arq

d his jacket, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up, revealing the taut lines of his forearms. He looked... at ease. And yet, the

liking," he said, his voice as

d herself to mee

ing. "Good. There are a few things you s

wed. "I'm

h deliberate slowness. The click of the lock echoed louder t

will have access to anything you need-resources, staff, money. In pub

hitched as he took

he continued. "Not in th

inst the silk sheets.

th in it. "A performance. One that wil

hold his gaze. "And if that

eyes-something dark, someth

nt becomes meaningle

oldness of his words. Meaningless. Was that all she was to him?

his carefully crafted mask seemed to slip, just enough for her to see s

id, his voice lower now, almost quiet. "But I am not a kind

anglements meant no risk of heartbreak. No chance of being shat

ye

it settled deep

turned toward the door. "Get some rest. The e

ike that,

staring at the empty sp

ons. No love

not a m

as sur