a Yor

l through me. It was so unlike him to be openly compliant. A chilling suspicion began to form. What was he p

urprised? I thought you were all about fulfilling family obligations." His wo

he garden? The roses are particularly lovely this time of year. Let Dayton handle some pressing business calls." He looked poi

s face. "Of course, Grandfather." He shot me a quick, unreadable gla

g the vibrant blooms. His company was oddly comforting, a stark contrast to Dayton's icy presence. But even amidst the

the study, hoping for a few moments of solitude. I planned to slip away to my assigned gu

gh me. "Kristin, you have to be careful. They're watching. Grandfather is... particularly displeased. Just lie low for a few more weeks. I'll handle everything.

ively. A surge of bitter jealousy, raw and ugly, twisted in my gut. He never spoke to me like that. Neve

ng a calm expression, and walked into the library. Dayton was standing by the la

ice deliberately even.

ment, his gaze sweeping over my face. It was as if he was trying to decipher something, to read

lly said, his voice quiet, almost a taunt. "Or per

erely asking a polite ques

inced by our 'united front' if my phone habits are still under scrutiny." His eyes narrowed, a cold glint appearing. "And speaking of appearances,

was your suggestion, Dayton," I reminded him, my voice dangerous

crutinized. Go change into something more... striking. Something that reminds everyone of the sophisticated Mrs. Cole, not the wilti

ers brushing my arm, a fleeting, almost electric touch that sent shivers down my spine. My breath hit

into the background. Grandfather expects a strong, confident woman by his grandson's side. Not a shadow." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Espe

e unexpected compliment, mixed with his cold, manipulative tone, left me reeling. He wanted me to be

f the lies, tired of this constant emotional battlefield. I just wanted it all to end. I walked to t

nt books. He paused at the doorway, observing me for a moment before speaking. "Still her

k that clung to my figure, assertive and elegant. It was the opposite of "demure." It was the gown I

ather will approve." He walked towards me, his gaze lingering. "You know, for someone so keen on ending this marriage, you do an excellent job o

my eyes filled with an unsettling clarity. "The point, Dayton," I said, my voice steady despite the tremor in my

reaching out, not to touch me, but to grasp the delicate silk of my gown, tracing the fabric with a detached, almost clinical touch. "Don't flatter yourself. Your theatrical display

Left alone, I felt a fresh wave of humiliation wash over me, a stinging heat that tightened my chest. He had seen

isfaction. I took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to calm the f

urning intensity that made my skin prickle. He seemed to be actively avoiding engaging with me, yet his eyes constantly sought

commanded. "And Alyssa, my dear, why don't y

ards the fireplace, I could feel Dayton's eyes on me. I tried to ignore it, focusing

es away from the master suite. I changed into my silk nightgown, a fragile barrier against the chill that had settled de

reak of the old house, every shuffle in the hallway, made my heart lurch. I knew Dayton was in the ro

It wasn't Dayton's knock. It was softer, more hesitant.

you alright? I saw Dayton leave the library earlier, an

tchful, kind presence. "I'm fine, Albin," I said

d his footsteps retreating.

ime, it was louder, more assertive. My bod

door." His voice w

ly disheveled, his eyes dark and intense. He wore a silk robe, loosely tied, revealing a g

yton?" I asked,

their depths. "Grandfather is still awake. He just walked past the master suite. He wants to ensure we're... upholding our e

ed. The humiliation, the forced intimacy. "Dayton,

raid, Alyssa? Afraid of what we both know is still there, between us?" His voice was a soft caress, b

el it? Or was it just another manipulation? I wanted to scream, to push him away, to deny everything. But my body, betray

s tension. "Come on, wife," he murmured, his voice low, his eyes fixed on mine. "Let's

rring between pride, anger, fear, and a treacherous, undeniable spark of longing. I felt a knot of pure desperation

whispered, my voice thick wit

ired again." He took a step closer, his eyes burning into mine. "But I have no interest in playing your games. And certainly no interest in chasing after

g into an abyss. "Fine," I choked out, a raw, des

nto the floor with a thud. "You can sleep there. I'll take the bed. After all," he said, turning to face me, his eyes cold and hard, "I doubt Grandfather wou

icker of something for him. The humiliation was a physical ache, deep and suffocating. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to hold m

ally drifted into an uneasy slee

like a dream, held me captive. The scent of his familiar cologne enveloped me, a comfort and a torment all at once. His breath stirred my hair, and I felt the gentle pressure of his lips against my temple. It was fleeting, barely there, but

ld. I was alone. The blanket lay discarded beside me, the space beside

was. Kristin's latest post. A photo of a sunrise, captioned: "New

gain, with the cold, hard truth of his indiffe