Chapter 2 COLD ALLIANCES (Demilia’s POV)

The morning sun had barely opened its eyes for the day, when Ethan’s voice was heard thundering all over the penthouse like the king of the jungle.

“Demilia,” he screamed, standing by the floor to ceiling window, his arms folded, eyes cold as usual. “It’s time we properly discuss the terms and rules of the contract concerning the house.”

I turned from the bathroom mirror, I just finished cleaning up, and wrapping a towel around me, I screamed to his hearing. “To my best of knowledge, we already signed the contract. What more is left to be discussed now?”

He didn’t flinch, not even moving an inch. “You completely misunderstood. I don’t have the softnesss to discuss feelings. I discuss only business.”

I stepped out from the bathroom, water was still all over my body, still dripping wet. I was already pissed off by his commanding tone. So tired he couldn't keep his ordering aroused me.

I walked out of the bathroom, moved closer to him, tired of his indifferent tone, always ordering me around in less than 24 hours of my arrival. “You think I give a damn about your fitty business? I am only concerned and wants to know the reason I’m trapped in here for.”

“I will pardon you for acting out of character just now. But you may not get that lucky ever again. No one dares challenge me. I talk, you do. And as I stated when you arrived here yesterday, this marriage is strictly transactional,” he said bluntly. “There will be no affection, no illusions. You stay in line, obey every of my commands and I protect your family’s debts. End of story.”

I didn't know when I let out a bittered, hollow laugher. “Did you just say protect? Or control?”

I wasn't able to see

His lips twitched, his fist clenched. “Same difference.”

“Don't you ever get tired of bossing everyone around, and being so cold?” I asked in-between gritted teeth, my voice low but sharp. “Or do I take it that this is really in your nature?”

He didn’t reply me, he made no attempt. Instead, he turned and strolled toward the kitchen, and opened the fridge like nobody was talking to him.

“You should be thankful for getting so lucky for your useless brother to choose me,” he said without looking at me. “I’m not in the category of men that does charity.”

I bit my lip, trying to hold back my anger. “Lucky for whom exactly?”

His voice remained low, but still carried its dangerous aura. “Lucky for you, but somehow, lucky for me also. You’re a complete liability. But maybe, can also be a useful one.”

I swallowed hard, I never expected to be humiliated in my life like this. A liability, then somehow useful, and also his property.

I wanted to scream at him for hurting me so badly with his words. To curse him, then run.

But I did none of that. I kept my silence.

Suddenly, as I was still standing and facing my new realiy, the doorbell rang.

Ethan’s eyes darkened on landing on the person that appeared at the door. “Vanessa.”

My heart sank for no reason.

The name alone, without any prior encounter tasted like poison in the air.

“Vanessa Cole,” he said again, this time, his voice hardening. “My horrible past. And your top of the list future problem.”

Before I could adjust to the new presence around, she stormed gracefully into the room. It was more like a vision of icy glamour, her face plastered with a smile that obviously didn’t reach her eyes. But the truth still remains, she was actually breathtaking in the most unsettling way.

“Demilia,” she purred, but I could smell false sweetness. “Welcome officially to the Blackwell household.”

I forced myself to finally meet her intimidating gaze. “Thanks so much for the welcome.”

Vanessa’s smile suddenly faded. Of course, they were fake, so it wasn't hard to get rid of it. Then, turning to the direction of Ethan, she continued with her masked sweetness. “Ethan, darling, we need to talk but in private.”

Just one cold glance at my direction already sent the message, but instead of me leaving, both of them walked away. “Wait here, and don't move.”

They disappeared together into the study, and I was left alone with my many alarming thoughts and rising anxiety.

I paced restlessly, the walls closing in on me as I tried to figure some things out.

Who was this woman that commands such authority? What plan did she come with her? What history does she share with Ethan to the point he lost composure the moment she entered?

A few minutes later, Ethan walked, his expression unreadable as usual.

“I’m so sorry you had to witness that, especially meeting her,” he said coolly. That was the first. Ethan has never, and would never apologize to anyone, not even his mother. Overwhelmed by the moment, I decided to make use of the opportunity as it may never come again.

“Why exactly is she here for? What does she want from us?” I demanded like I was the one in charge.

He clenched his jaw, almost snapping out. “All you need to know at this point is; she’s a complication I didn’t ask for, not even for a day. Stay completely out of her way.”

I stared at him not knowing what to say again, feeling useless, and more like a pawn than ever.

The days that followed were more like hell for me. A battlefield where cold silences dwell, and cruel orders dished. It was more than suffocating.

Vanessa’s presence was more than unbearable, always on my skin, ready to devour me like I was holding something that belongs to her. She was literally everywhere I turned, completely driving me crazy.

One evening, tired to being pushed around and my needs neglected, I finally confronted Ethan.

“Why won’t you man up and tell me the real content of the contract? Why choose to reveal parts, and hide some?” I asked, my voice fierce but breaking.

He glanced at me like I've suddenly grown wings, eyes flashing. “Because some things, especially things of this nature are better left unknown, left hidden in the dark. Solely for your own good.”

“Or so you would continue to be in control,” I shot back.

He stepped closer, and with a dangerous grin, he continued. “Be careful, Demilia. This isn’t just any game you’ll jump in and win.”

“I’m not even in to playing your dirty game,” I said with all boldness, meeting his stare with stubborn fire. I watched him as his face showed a little crack of vulnerability, a part if him he seems to be hiding. Then, it was all gone, and I waited for the worst. Because I believe so we'll that Ethan, the cold and ruthless billionaire can't change overnight. There must be something yet to be revealed.