2

The sun cast a haunting glow over the room, barely illuminating the thin frame of Shadow wrapped in a blanket.

The events of the previous night felt like a twisted dream or perhaps a twisted nightmare, until her hands brushed against the silky sheets that surrounded her.

It wasn't a dream, but a cruel, twisted reality she had awakened to.

As her eyes opened, they searched for the figure that should have been beside her in the bed.

Alpha Kilian hadn't returned.

A small part of her felt a sense of relief, but an uneasiness crept beneath her skin. It felt as though a razor-sharp blade dangled above her head, refusing to disappear.

A part of her yearned to face the consequences, to confront him head-on, but another part of her desired to leave things as they were. She might feel a shred of pity for the scarred man, but she wasn't ready for the entanglement of a relationship.

Descending the stairs, a bodyguard guided her towards the dining hall.

It was an open secret that the Lances family reveled in their opulence. Each corner of their home adorned with glistening chandeliers and antique vases, easily mesmerizing any visitor. Shadow was not one to be swayed by material possessions, but the ostentation was overwhelming.

The dining room sat adjacent to the kitchen. Stepping inside, her eyes fell upon a tall, straight figure emerging from the culinary domain with a tray of breakfast.

It was none other than Alpha Dominic, the man who had attempted to steal a kiss from her the previous night!

Immediately, she turned on her heel, her instinct urging her to flee. But the man's voice boomed, "Sister-in-law, good morning."

His voice was magnetic, a seductive timbre that unsettled her. She took a step back, observing his warm presence. Did the daylight make him shine even brighter?

What in the world was happening? Why was he here?

The nearby bodyguard shook his head, perplexed by the young master's actions. Was he engaging in some sort of roleplay with the young lady?

Deciding not to question further, the bodyguard continued his duties.

Shadow's disgust towards him was evident. Didn't he have a home of his own? She couldn't fathom what he gained by constantly lingering at his cousin's residence.

"G-good morning," she stuttered, adjusting her glasses, then turning her gaze towards the bodyguard behind her. "Is Your Young Master not present?"

The bodyguard cautiously glanced at Alpha Kilian, who betrayed no emotion on his face.

He had no choice but to play along with this charade. "The young master has fallen ill and is currently in the hospital."

Shadow appeared like a foolish girl, but she was not easily deceived. Lisa had always suppressed her, ensuring she remained hidden in the shadows, never stealing the spotlight from her siblings. That's why Shadow played her part, concealing her true strength out of self-preservation.

The feeble lies of the bodyguard failed to fool her.

However, Shadow chose not to press the matter further. Instead, she simply nodded and replied, "Oh, may I visit him?"

"Now is not the opportune time," the bodyguard replied through gritted teeth, clearly concealing the truth.

It seemed Alpha Kilian didn't harbor any affection towards her, not even willing to see her.

Alpha Kilian placed the breakfast on the dining table and casually suggested, "Let's eat breakfast."

Shadow had noticed upon her arrival yesterday that there was no chef within the Castle. She blinked, eyeing the plate of food placed before her. Did he prepare breakfast himself?

Although it looked delectable, she couldn't help but feel cautious. After all, she knew nothing about this man.

"Why? Are you afraid I've poisoned it?" Alpha Kilian leaned closer, his eyes brimming with relentless darkness that sent shivers down her spine.

Involuntarily, Shadow stepped back, repulsed. "Thank you for the breakfast, but I'm not hungry."

She had no desire to engage in any further conversation. The last thing she needed was more interactions with that madman!

As she exited the room, she encountered the bodyguard who had escorted her from Eden Family Castle the previous day. "Um, could you do me a favor?" She hesitated, offering a hesitant smile. "I need to return to Eden's house to retrieve something. Could you please drive me there?"

Upon arriving yesterday, she hadn't brought any belongings, necessitating a trip back to collect clothes and other items. She had observed on her way here that the Castle was nestled on the mountain. Walking would be an option, but it would be a lengthy journey.

The bodyguard was about to respond when his gaze fixated on the figure lurking behind her. Instantly, he clamped his mouth shut.

As she turned around, she noticed "Alpha Dominic" had stepped out of the room as well.

He nonchalantly slipped his hands into the pockets of his suit trousers, making his way towards her without a care. "So my cousin's wife wishes to return home for a visit? It would be illogical to have someone else drive you when I am here to assist you."

His words hung in the air as his arm encircled her shoulder.

Disgusted, Shadow quickly shrugged off his touch. "No, thank you."

She couldn't comprehend his actions. Yesterday, he had called her ugly, yet today he persisted in intruding upon her. Was he deranged?

"Young Madam, why not allow our Young Master to escort you?" the bodyguard interjected swiftly. "I have other obligations to attend to and may not be able to accommodate your request."

Shadow sighed. It seemed she had no other choice. "Fine."

"There you have it," Alpha Kilian spoke with a self-satisfied smile.

She cast a frigid glare his way and began her trek towards the parking lot, refusing to look back.

During the drive, he leaned in, whispering in her ear, "Your body feels exquisite when I touch it."

Fearful of his sinister intent, she had no option but to remain in the car, motionless.

In the silence, Shadow tightened her seatbelt, determinedly staring ahead without a flinch. She refused to spare a glance towards "Alpha Dominic," denying him the satisfaction of witnessing her irritation. After all, she was married to his cousin - wasn't it inappropriate?

Observing her behavior, Alpha Kilian's interest in this woman grew.

Though his new wife may be considered unattractive, she must possess some redeeming qualities.

Initially, he had only intended to playfully tease her. However, her reactions revealed a side of her that intrigued him, urging him to prolong the façade to learn more.

"Let the game begin," he thought with a wicked smirk.