Chapter 2: The Gilded Cage
The ride to Adyan's mansion was silent and suffocating. Mayra stared at the wedding ring on her finger—a symbol of a deal, not love. Adyan sat beside her, his eyes fixed on his tablet, completely ignoring her presence.
When the car pulled up to the massive gates, Mayra's breath caught in her throat. The mansion was a masterpiece of glass and stone, surrounded by lush gardens. "From today, this is where you live," Adyan said without looking up. "But don't mistake this house for a home. You have your territory, and I have mine."
As they entered, the staff stood in a line, bowing their heads. "Welcome home, Ma'am," they said in unison. Mayra felt like a fraud. She wanted to scream that she was only there because of a debt, but she remained silent.
Adyan led her to a large, luxurious bedroom. "This is your room. My suite is at the end of the corridor. Do not enter it without permission," he commanded.
Mayra looked at the gold-trimmed furniture and the silk curtains. It was a gilded cage. "Why me, Adyan?" she finally asked, her voice trembling. "Out of all the women, why did you choose me for this contract?"
Adyan stopped at the door. He turned slightly, his blue eyes cold and piercing. "Because you were desperate," he said coldly. "And desperate people are easy to control."
With that, he walked out, leaving Mayra alone in the silence of her expensive new prison.