had a commanding presence, perched on a hill like a fortress, its stone walls sharp and imposing. The trees around it stood motionless, like sentinels keeping watch over a

e. The lush greenery and perfectly manicured lawns were stunning, almost surreal. It was a world far removed from the simplicity

was a cage. It was a place where every inch, every moment, was governed by Alexander Blackwood's invisible

that existed between them. Alexander sat at the head of the table, his back straight, his posture commanding, as always. His eyes never left her a

re what to expect from this dinner, this meeting. All she knew was that Alexander had made it clear that

rich aroma of roasted meat, exotic spices, and fresh bread filled the air, but it was all too much. The luxury of it felt suffocating. Eve

been staring at her plate for far too long. She hadn't touched a single bite. Instead, her gaze was fixed on the

impatience, perhaps-that made her feel like a child caught doing something wrong. He was waiting. Waiting for he

r shiver. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving her face. "We both know why we're here. Th

but the very act of doing so felt like a betrayal to herself. She had come here to be free. She had agreed to this arrangement under dur

chains, tightening around her. T

exander repeated, his voice

ead it through once before, but it was only now, as she sat at the table with him, that the reality of what she

nough to walk away and that she could find a way to stand up to him. But deep dow

moment, something inside her snapped. The last of her resistance faded, replaced by a strange c

he felt a strange sense of detachment as her fingers closed around the sleek, cold instrument. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she hovered over th

st the paper was deafening. It felt like a final, irreversible act, one that could no

ble. When she finished, he took the contract from her

t there was a note of approval in

ith the implications of what she had just done. It was too late now. She had sig

nly the beginning. Alexander Blackwood had promised her nothing but control, but she couldn't help b

hifted. She had crossed the line. She was no longer the per

though the very air was holding its breath. Finally, A

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