Eleanor's breath was still uneven as she stood in front of the mirror, her fingers grazing over her swollen lips. Alexander had left the room just moments ago, but his presence lingered—on her skin, in the air, in the way her heart pounded against her ribs.
She had always known their connection was dangerous, but tonight, it had been undeniable. A fire that refused to die.
And yet, danger still lurked in the form of Isla.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, already knowing who it would be.
Isla stepped inside, dressed in a silk emerald-green gown that hugged her frame. A cruel smirk played on her lips. "Well, well. It seems you've settled into your role quite nicely."
Eleanor turned, arms crossed. "Cut the act, Isla. What do you want?"
Isla chuckled, her green eyes gleaming with mischief. "Such hostility. And here I thought we could be… sisters."
Eleanor's jaw tightened. "You're not my sister."
Isla took a slow step forward. "No, but we do share something in common." She tilted her head, lips curving in amusement. "A man who can't decide who he wants more."
Eleanor felt her blood boil, but she refused to give Isla the satisfaction of a reaction.
"I don't play mind games, Isla," she said coolly.
Isla leaned in slightly, her voice a whisper. "Oh, but Alexander does. And you? You're just another pawn."
Eleanor didn't flinch. She had dealt with vipers before, and Isla was no different.
"I think you're mistaking me for yourself," she said smoothly. "You're the one who was bought and sold, Isla. You're the one who was sent here to play a game. But the problem is… you've already lost."
Isla's smile didn't falter, but something dark flickered in her eyes. "We'll see about that."
She turned on her heel and walked out, leaving Eleanor with an uneasy feeling curling in her chest.
Isla was dangerous. Not just because of her resemblance, but because she knew exactly which wounds to press.
And the worst part? Some of her words had struck a nerve.
Did Alexander truly see her as just another piece on his chessboard?
Before she could dwell on the thought, the door opened again. This time, it was Alexander.
He didn't say anything at first, just watched her.
Eleanor met his gaze head-on. "She's going to try to destroy us."
Alexander's jaw clenched. "She won't succeed."
Eleanor took a step toward him. "Tell me the truth, Alexander. Why did you buy her?"
A long silence stretched between them before he finally spoke.
"Because I had no choice."
Her heart twisted. "And now?"
His fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch both gentle and possessive. "Now, I don't care about the game, Eleanor. I care about you."
The words sent a shiver down her spine. But before she could respond, Alexander pulled her into him, his lips crashing onto hers with a desperation she had never felt before.
This wasn't about control. This wasn't about winning.
This was real.
And for the first time, Eleanor let herself believe it.
No matter what games Isla played, no matter what storms came their way—Alexander was hers.
And she was his.
Forever.
---
Next Chapter: The First Betrayal
As Eleanor and Alexander's bond deepens, Isla makes her first move—one that could shatter everything. Lies are whispered, alliances are tested, and when the first betrayal strikes, Eleanor is left questioning not just Isla's motives… but Alexander's as well.
Will their love survive the storm, or is this just the beginning of their downfall?